OUR STORY
If you create something the world has never seen before, there’s probably a pretty interesting story behind it.
This is ours.
We are Nando & Rose, a married couple & the founders of Castanea Sicilian Cafe. Both of us have Sicilian roots & we were lucky to have spent every summer on this beautiful Island.
A typical Sicilian lightheartedness, delicious traditional food & the Italian coffee culture is what we grew up with & what we both cherish a lot.
Castanea, meaning chestnut in Latin, is inspired by „Il Castagno dei Cento Cavalli,“ the world’s oldest chestnut tree on Mount Etna in Sicily. Legend has it the tree sheltered a princess and her 100 horsemen during a sudden storm, symbolizing protection and timeless Sicilian heritage.
From Sicily to Stuttgart (Germany) to Venice Beach—our journey through family, food, and coffee. Nando with his family, who were already embracing and celebrating il dolce far niente back then (1998).
The idea of a cafe emerged from the desire to preserve our precious heritage by sharing it. We want to make it accessible to all those who need a little break from everyday life & want to immerse themselves in the world of Sicilian enjoyment & the ideal of il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing.
With a lot of love & dedication we blended our affinity for coffee, food & Sicilian culture into an ambiance of warmth & hospitality. Today, we proudly present our unique cafe to Venice Beach!
Now our dream has become reaity & we are catering to fulfill yours!
Our Journey -
A Family Dream Realized.
Our dream café, where the Sicilian spirit meets the vibrant energy of Venice Beach. Meet us at Castanea Sicilian Cafe
The Inspiration Behind Castanea’s
Authentic Italian Design
At Castanea Sicilian Cafe, our name and design are inspired by Sicily’s legendary chestnut tree on Mount Etna. The four chestnuts in our logo symbolize our heritage, strength, and resilience. Our colors reflect the Italian flag, celebrating our Sicilian roots and the rich culture of Italy. Every detail in our café is a tribute to who we are and where we come from.
Our store design brings a piece of Sicily to life, with walls adorned in patterns inspired by traditional Majolica tiles—an iconic symbol of Italian craftsmanship. Each detail creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, making you feel at home while you enjoy our offerings. Step inside and experience the heart and soul of Castanea Sicilian Cafe!
