Bambinas Opens on Bedford Avenue

Editor's note: Bambinas Brick Oven Pizza opened in the former Pasquale Pizza and Pasta, which was cited for critical health violations by the Nassau County Department of Health, Bambinas has no violations. 

Melissa Montalvo, has two baby girls, Alyssa and Isabella, who she said are a handful, so it was no surprise that she named her new pizzeria Bambinas after her two little ones. 

"Bambina means "baby girl" and we have double trouble," she laughed.

Bambinas Brick Oven Pizza opened at 505 Bedford Ave. in December. 

Montalvo, 32, of Freeport started the business with her husband, Steven.

"Steven works at a restaurant-bar and we always wanted to open something that we can pass on to our daughters," she said. 

The eatery serves pizza as well as pasta dishes, hero sandwiches, wine and beer. 

Montalvo said that her favorite dish is the shrimp oreganata. 

"It is stuffed shrimp with garlic and oil," she said. 

A few new businesses have opened and are set to open on Bedford Avenue.

Morning Rose Cafe opened late last year in the former My Candi property at 317 Bedford Ave. Ralph Italian Ices and Ice Cream  will relocate to in the property next to Bambinas in March. 

Montalvo said that the Bellmore community has been very welcoming.
 
"It's been really nice being here, she said. "In Freeport everyone is very close and Bellmore is the same."