Our Story
In 2006, embracing their Italian culture, Mary Kay and Jim Berarducci founded VA BENE — fresh Italian food prepared with quality ingredients, to be enjoyed in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Now in its 14th year, the restaurant is family owned and operated by two long-time managers. We remain committed to our mission of excellence.
All of our sauces, dressings, breads, gnocchi and our fabulous desserts are made on site from scratch. Everything is prepared to order.
With Va Bene, we have created a one of a kind experience — a restaurant devoted to Italian dishes served with hospitality at an accessible price. Looking through the street-side glass windows, one discovers a lively, inviting backdrop, hinting at the fresh, smart cuisine within. Creative indoor and outdoor dining areas offer beautiful ambiance and unbeatable views.
VA BENE is pronounced vah-ben-neh and means “it goes well.” It is an Italian sentiment that we take to heart every day as we strive to provide exceptional service to every guest.
Thank you for choosing Va Bene – where it always goes well!
Belle Immagini
Use #vabeneduluth on Instagram to share your experience and have your photo featured on our website!
![@vabenecaffe Nothing says, afternoon pick me up like an Affogato. Not tiramisu Traditionally, vanilla gelato with an espresso shot poured over. Today, I used Mackinac island fudge. #delizioso #backtowork #kitchen #baking #affogato #italian #danesi #caffe Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Nothing says, afternoon pick me up like an Affogato. Not tiramisu Traditionally, vanilla gelato with an espresso shot poured over. Today, I used Mackinac island fudge. #delizioso #backtowork #kitchen #baking #affogato #italian #danesi #caffe](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18443222_1870889029851690_5780715750633242624_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Staff soaking up wine knowledge like sponges. New wine menu coming soon! We've had our wine purveyors in all week for inservice. #workworkwork #newwine #italianwine #italy #winepairing Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Staff soaking up wine knowledge like sponges. New wine menu coming soon! We've had our wine purveyors in all week for inservice. #workworkwork #newwine #italianwine #italy #winepairing](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18381964_253983008409654_1810331829115289600_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Honey lavender gelato. The taste of summer Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Honey lavender gelato. The taste of summer](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18299499_1862050417453790_5833214613361000448_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe As the sun was setting over the hill, it lit up the ship out there. It was glowing. And also, the clouds are amazing #lakesuperior #lakewalk #shippingseason #naturalbeauty Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe As the sun was setting over the hill, it lit up the ship out there. It was glowing. And also, the clouds are amazing #lakesuperior #lakewalk #shippingseason #naturalbeauty](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18300271_1907184936226996_8078172557028622336_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Here's our new paper bags and paper containers for take away and leftovers #reducereuserecycle #paper #brownpaperbag Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Here's our new paper bags and paper containers for take away and leftovers #reducereuserecycle #paper #brownpaperbag](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18252715_1668673500106486_5043925557092286464_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Torta Dacquoise is in the house - Save room for dessert Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Torta Dacquoise is in the house - Save room for dessert](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18161754_124776528072383_9171556378869760000_n.jpg)
![@duluthloveslocal Mahi mahi pasta @vabenecaffe #duluth #eatlocal #vabeneduluth #italian #pasta #mahimahi #capturemn #exploremn #onlyinmn #shoplocal #duluthloveslocal Va Bene Instagram Photo: @duluthloveslocal Mahi mahi pasta @vabenecaffe #duluth #eatlocal #vabeneduluth #italian #pasta #mahimahi #capturemn #exploremn #onlyinmn #shoplocal #duluthloveslocal](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17493598_1687433074882353_1806408148857126912_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Testa di Limone. All yellow, all lemon everything....The colors are that of my 1970's polka dot comforter and daisy wallpaper. Oh, memories...#lemonheads #yellow #dessert #housemade #sunshine Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Testa di Limone. All yellow, all lemon everything....The colors are that of my 1970's polka dot comforter and daisy wallpaper. Oh, memories...#lemonheads #yellow #dessert #housemade #sunshine](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18160669_1659699280724425_733452565865299968_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Sorry. There's cake now #ifiknewyouwerecomingidhavebakedacake #sorryreallysorry #comeback #housemade #dessert #madamemarrone Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Sorry. There's cake now #ifiknewyouwerecomingidhavebakedacake #sorryreallysorry #comeback #housemade #dessert #madamemarrone](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18013746_1505356956170608_3070306239683493888_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe One of the incredible joys of owning a restaurant and working in the kitchen, is having all these delicious choices to get creative with for my lunch #daverogotzke #salmon #frenchrose #ilovetocreate Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe One of the incredible joys of owning a restaurant and working in the kitchen, is having all these delicious choices to get creative with for my lunch #daverogotzke #salmon #frenchrose #ilovetocreate](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18095692_472196493112280_6962809626597261312_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Lemon blackberry pudding cakes. Sunshine in a ramekin #happymonday #duluthmn #dessert #treatyourself #lemon Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Lemon blackberry pudding cakes. Sunshine in a ramekin #happymonday #duluthmn #dessert #treatyourself #lemon](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18011386_1256769561103090_7086906994308677632_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Happy Earth Day! We are pleased to announce we have eliminated Styrofoam containers and are now using paper boxes. We have also quit using paper on top of the tablecloths, as well as the tablecloths. Less excess. Less garbage, less water waste. #lessexcessissuccess #earthday #lakesuperior #lakewalk #duluthloveslocal #duluthmn #happyearthday Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Happy Earth Day! We are pleased to announce we have eliminated Styrofoam containers and are now using paper boxes. We have also quit using paper on top of the tablecloths, as well as the tablecloths. Less excess. Less garbage, less water waste. #lessexcessissuccess #earthday #lakesuperior #lakewalk #duluthloveslocal #duluthmn #happyearthday](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/18013136_1700324630262027_396255967651561472_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Mojitos, old fashionds, and tea oh my! Beautiful day for a happy hour or two outside Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Mojitos, old fashionds, and tea oh my! Beautiful day for a happy hour or two outside](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17663055_433256523695735_4503435748598349824_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Buona Pasqua! French coconut custard pie...just one of our desserts today. Join us we are serving from 10-4. Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Buona Pasqua! French coconut custard pie...just one of our desserts today. Join us we are serving from 10-4.](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17934659_410355649326903_6633403201410301952_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Making pies for Easter and with the leftover crust, I made pop tarts. These have raspberry cream filling. I will definitely make them again and try some different flavors. These ones may have my children's names on them Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Making pies for Easter and with the leftover crust, I made pop tarts. These have raspberry cream filling. I will definitely make them again and try some different flavors. These ones may have my children's names on them](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17882297_1606639919365517_5368000364496814080_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Nearly every time I go to the grocery store, I look for Ben and Jerry's, Late Night Snack. Nevermind, it's been discontinued since like 2014. I'm always optimistic. Anyway, it's not coming back, so I made a cake version. It has that salty, carmely, chocolate flavor that I love. Hope you do too Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Nearly every time I go to the grocery store, I look for Ben and Jerry's, Late Night Snack. Nevermind, it's been discontinued since like 2014. I'm always optimistic. Anyway, it's not coming back, so I made a cake version. It has that salty, carmely, chocolate flavor that I love. Hope you do too](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17662900_181552185693338_3993245916470444032_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe It just keeps getting better. #thankgoditsfriday #itsabeautifulday Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe It just keeps getting better. #thankgoditsfriday #itsabeautifulday](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17662624_502495393473646_3163410204263972864_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe This lovely couple wandered in and requested to be on the deck. While we aren't quite deck ready, these hearty souls took their drinks out to stand and admire the view? #firstdeckguests Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe This lovely couple wandered in and requested to be on the deck. While we aren't quite deck ready, these hearty souls took their drinks out to stand and admire the view? #firstdeckguests](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17439024_1411201228940933_9023799672707219456_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe It's possible I was a little heavy handed with the colors today, but doggone it, it was pretty gray out my window. #greenismyfavoritecolor #grayday #whereisthesun #buttercream #cake Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe It's possible I was a little heavy handed with the colors today, but doggone it, it was pretty gray out my window. #greenismyfavoritecolor #grayday #whereisthesun #buttercream #cake](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17494484_442639332743478_5345902676154515456_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe The first day of spring calls for a bright, sunny cake. Chocolate cake, orange buttercream, Parfait Amour buttercream filled, topped off with candied orange peel. Roasted pistachio. #delizioso #thatsitalian #pistachio #candiedorangepeel #parfaitamour #orangechocolate #buttercream Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe The first day of spring calls for a bright, sunny cake. Chocolate cake, orange buttercream, Parfait Amour buttercream filled, topped off with candied orange peel. Roasted pistachio. #delizioso #thatsitalian #pistachio #candiedorangepeel #parfaitamour #orangechocolate #buttercream](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17333456_775254935974400_539958851751903232_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Devil May Care Dog Chocolate cake with attitude. #takethatmonday #allthefeels #allthegoals #littledebbie Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Devil May Care Dog Chocolate cake with attitude. #takethatmonday #allthefeels #allthegoals #littledebbie](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17265998_788212091328104_1242844590638104576_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Oh boy....this may be my favorite Sponge layers, orange syrup, Bailey's buttercream filled, Parfait Amour buttercream and ganache all over everything. #mariebrizard #parfaitamour #orangechocolate Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Oh boy....this may be my favorite Sponge layers, orange syrup, Bailey's buttercream filled, Parfait Amour buttercream and ganache all over everything. #mariebrizard #parfaitamour #orangechocolate](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17265669_271840533254512_1562275593502851072_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Happy St. Patrick's Day! Chocolate cake, Bailey's buttercream and mint buttercream. #weareallirishtoday #greenismyfavoritecolor #itisnteasybeinggreen Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Happy St. Patrick's Day! Chocolate cake, Bailey's buttercream and mint buttercream. #weareallirishtoday #greenismyfavoritecolor #itisnteasybeinggreen](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17267939_1195887813874151_2769295088830906368_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Wine tasting with @bravawine, turned into lunch. Could have hung out all day. Looking forward to some new wines on our list #wine #winetasting #bravawine #italianwine #duluth #duluthloveslocal #lakesuperior Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Wine tasting with @bravawine, turned into lunch. Could have hung out all day. Looking forward to some new wines on our list #wine #winetasting #bravawine #italianwine #duluth #duluthloveslocal #lakesuperior](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17332857_1265109453524201_7776718371709517824_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Just a sweet, little cake - raspberry, lemon curd filled, Chambord buttercream. #youaremysunshine #Chambord #buttercream Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Just a sweet, little cake - raspberry, lemon curd filled, Chambord buttercream. #youaremysunshine #Chambord #buttercream](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17333734_276948212726319_4394748341292892160_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Make tonight a night at the Opera. Espresso soaked layers of sponge cake and espresso buttercream and chocolate ganache. #formalattirenotrequired Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Make tonight a night at the Opera. Espresso soaked layers of sponge cake and espresso buttercream and chocolate ganache. #formalattirenotrequired](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/17126034_1739832626326947_906781168005808128_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe There's nothing so beautiful as a freshly made profiterole. #profiterole #bella Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe There's nothing so beautiful as a freshly made profiterole. #profiterole #bella](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16906539_836053669866987_6871870389958475776_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe I'm obsessed with these sweet silver starlets Fresh raspberry cupcakes, white chocolate inside and out. #ilovestars #shinythings #freshraspberries Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe I'm obsessed with these sweet silver starlets Fresh raspberry cupcakes, white chocolate inside and out. #ilovestars #shinythings #freshraspberries](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16789956_315273432204031_5900935626164797440_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Princepessa Torte. Rich, dense almond cake with almond glaze. Yum #almondy #anticocaffegreco #roma #caffegreco #tryitout Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Princepessa Torte. Rich, dense almond cake with almond glaze. Yum #almondy #anticocaffegreco #roma #caffegreco #tryitout](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16789219_1639405083035620_509186433278279680_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Also, love days where it's so calm the lift bridge reflects perfectly in the water. #lakesuperior #lakewalk #duluth #duluthloveslocal #liftbridge Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Also, love days where it's so calm the lift bridge reflects perfectly in the water. #lakesuperior #lakewalk #duluth #duluthloveslocal #liftbridge](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16585096_412337055766766_1673617758748672000_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe This dessert has my <3 currently. So when I eat one, I put it on a beautiful china plate and eat it with a silver spoon #butterscotchbudino #saltedcarmel #foodporn Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe This dessert has my <3 currently. So when I eat one, I put it on a beautiful china plate and eat it with a silver spoon #butterscotchbudino #saltedcarmel #foodporn](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16788850_1268701939886312_7415676961176944640_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe I love days where you can't tell where the water ends and the sky starts. #lakesuperior #lakewalk #duluth #duluthloveslocal Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe I love days where you can't tell where the water ends and the sky starts. #lakesuperior #lakewalk #duluth #duluthloveslocal](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16906382_698336433677992_5844217267306364928_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Our annual Valentine's day picture. These two guys Luke and Ross are the best! Busy week and still smiling <3 #sweethearts #happyvalentinesday #loveourstaff Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Our annual Valentine's day picture. These two guys Luke and Ross are the best! Busy week and still smiling <3 #sweethearts #happyvalentinesday #loveourstaff](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQlCUceB2lu.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Did anyone see the sky in the late afternoon yesterday over the lake? I forgot to take a picture it but it looks like this cake. I tossed some stars on top. The stars came out later Sponge cake, lemon curd, raspberry jam, chambord everywhere. Italian roast coffee a must with this one. Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Did anyone see the sky in the late afternoon yesterday over the lake? I forgot to take a picture it but it looks like this cake. I tossed some stars on top. The stars came out later Sponge cake, lemon curd, raspberry jam, chambord everywhere. Italian roast coffee a must with this one.](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQjN6h-B8_r.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Dolce in Soffitta. Hand made truffles , raspberry chambord, tiramisu, rye whiskey salted carmel. And almond raspberry macaron. #sharewithyoursweetie #happyvalentinesday Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Dolce in Soffitta. Hand made truffles , raspberry chambord, tiramisu, rye whiskey salted carmel. And almond raspberry macaron. #sharewithyoursweetie #happyvalentinesday](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQgs-QwhaTt.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Getting ready to roast the cashews and almonds for tonight's dinner in Soffitta. Fresh rosemary looking beautiful <3 #addicting #canteatjustone Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Getting ready to roast the cashews and almonds for tonight's dinner in Soffitta. Fresh rosemary looking beautiful <3 #addicting #canteatjustone](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQghX3XBPc4.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe I <3 Butterscotch Budino with homemade salted carmel. Perfect size to share after dinner Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe I <3 Butterscotch Budino with homemade salted carmel. Perfect size to share after dinner](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQgaOYiBiod.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Coffee break outside today. Just like my mama always told me. Even in Duluth in February, you can enjoy your coffee outside. #lookonthebrightside #sunnysideoflife #sunnysideofthestreet Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Coffee break outside today. Just like my mama always told me. Even in Duluth in February, you can enjoy your coffee outside. #lookonthebrightside #sunnysideoflife #sunnysideofthestreet](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQdmT0ohWun.jpg)
![@foodandforkmn Always <3 Va Bene! #VaBene #VaBeneDuluth #visitduluth #pasta #noodles #mnfoodie #foodandforkmn #northshoreeats #northshore #lakesuperior #lakeside #downtownduluth #bread #foccacia #oliveoil #balsalmic #sanpelligrino Va Bene Instagram Photo: @foodandforkmn Always <3 Va Bene! #VaBene #VaBeneDuluth #visitduluth #pasta #noodles #mnfoodie #foodandforkmn #northshoreeats #northshore #lakesuperior #lakeside #downtownduluth #bread #foccacia #oliveoil #balsalmic #sanpelligrino](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/16584848_197623114049440_5407494753447051264_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Love is in the air....full restaurant at 4:55pm. #happyvalentinesday Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Love is in the air....full restaurant at 4:55pm. #happyvalentinesday](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQY6jtyhcPO.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Gearing up for Valentine's Day with all manners of chocolate Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Gearing up for Valentine's Day with all manners of chocolate](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQW0cMbh0Y4.jpg)
![@haley.jean01 He drive me all the way to Duluth so we could go to my favorite restaurant. Such a sweet surprise. #21stbirthday #yum #vabenecaffe #duluth #duluthminnesota #duluthmn #gfpasta #fettuccinealfredo Va Bene Instagram Photo: @haley.jean01 He drive me all the way to Duluth so we could go to my favorite restaurant. Such a sweet surprise. #21stbirthday #yum #vabenecaffe #duluth #duluthminnesota #duluthmn #gfpasta #fettuccinealfredo](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/15275598_158613481280818_1245604137190555648_n.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Experimented with macarons yesterday. Not bad for a first attempt. And they were delish. Even better this morning with a cappuccino. These will definitely make the Valentine's menu #valentinesday #duluthloveslocal #duluth Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Experimented with macarons yesterday. Not bad for a first attempt. And they were delish. Even better this morning with a cappuccino. These will definitely make the Valentine's menu #valentinesday #duluthloveslocal #duluth](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQDtHrshTmb.jpg)
![@vabenecaffe Chocolate cake brushed with coconut syrup, vanilla malted buttercream and covered in big coconut flakes. #hostesscupcakes #snowball #winterdessert #snowyday Va Bene Instagram Photo: @vabenecaffe Chocolate cake brushed with coconut syrup, vanilla malted buttercream and covered in big coconut flakes. #hostesscupcakes #snowball #winterdessert #snowyday](https://vabenecaffe.com/wp-content/themes/vabenecaffe/img/instagrams/BQB6O-GB31R.jpg)