We Found a Local Gem in Flagler County Meet the Owner!
Flagler County is full of small businesses built on big passion — and every now and then, Denise Fernandes stumbles across one that absolutely deserves a spotlight. Zia Maria's Caffè in Bunnell is exactly that kind of place. Easy to miss from the road, impossible to forget once you've been inside, this family-owned Italian café on East Moody Boulevard has quietly become one of the most beloved hidden gems in the entire county. Denise sat down with the owner to find out how it all started — and what makes this spot so special.
The Story Behind Zia Maria's
Zia Maria's Caffè was born from a deeply personal dream. Owner Maria Terranova Royer — who moved from New Jersey to Flagler County in 2011 — built this café as a tribute to her parents, who were born, raised, and passed away in Italy. She wanted to bring a genuine taste of her heritage to the Flagler County community: authentic Italian espresso, handmade pastries, real food made from scratch, all served with the warmth of a family kitchen. 'Zia' means aunt in Italian, and that's exactly the spirit Maria set out to create — a place where everyone feels like part of the family.
The café opened in late 2024, taking over a small space on SR-100 across from Wendy's that had previously housed a cupcake business. Maria runs the café alongside her daughters Marissa and Rebecca, making this a true family operation from the first espresso of the morning to the last pastry out of the case. It opened to immediate word-of-mouth enthusiasm from locals who were delighted to find something so authentic, so personal, and so well-made in a county that had nothing quite like it.
What to Expect When You Walk In
The interior of Zia Maria's is spotless, cozy, and unmistakably Italian — decorated with care and filled with the kind of charm that reflects genuine pride of ownership. The coffee program is built around proper Italian espresso technique: Denise highlights the Sweet Italian Latte as a signature must-try, and the Tiramisu Latte has developed its own devoted following among regulars. The affogato — a shot of espresso poured over gelato — is a simple, perfect combination that speaks directly to the café's Italian roots.
The food menu is equally thoughtful. Everything is made from scratch: veggie quiche, chicken salad croissants, fresh bagels sourced from New York, paninis, and an impressive lineup of Italian pastries that rotates with the season. For St. Joseph's Day, the café prepares traditional zeppole filled with custard or cannoli cream. At Christmas, the display case fills with pignoli, anginetti, panettone, struffoli, and festive cookie trays. The limoncello cake and Napoleon pastry draw consistent praise from reviewers, and the gelato is a natural finish to any visit. This is not a café serving generic baked goods — every item here has a story and a purpose.
Why Places Like This Matter in Flagler County
In a county that is growing rapidly and welcoming new residents from across the country, small locally owned businesses like Zia Maria's are what give Flagler County its authentic character. They are the places that residents recommend to newcomers, that tourists remember long after they leave, and that quietly shape the identity of a community. Zia Maria's Caffè represents exactly the kind of business that makes Flagler County more than just a place to live — it makes it a place with soul.
Denise Fernandes makes a point of seeking out these local gems and sharing them because she believes that knowing a community's businesses, its people, and its stories is just as important as knowing its real estate market. Whether you are a long-time Flagler County resident who has somehow not yet discovered Zia Maria's, or someone new to the area who is just beginning to explore what this county has to offer — put this one on your list. It is worth the drive to Bunnell.
Visit Zia Maria's Caffè
Zia Maria's Caffè is located at 2710 East Moody Boulevard, Unit B, in Bunnell — on SR-100 across from Wendy's in a small strip of shops. Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Sundays. It is a small space with big heart, and it is exactly the kind of place Flagler County is lucky to have.
Address: 2710 E Moody Blvd, Unit B, Bunnell, FL 32110
Website: ziamariascaffe.com
Instagram: @ziamariascaffe
