Pictured: The Turkey Sammie with toasted ciabatta bread, goat cheese and hot pepper jelly at Via la Casa. Photo by Laura Paquette.

Via la Casa, a new cafe and shop, has brought a jolt of caffeine and culture to the growing community of Lakewood Ranch. Silvia Teixeira Costa and her daughter Gabriella Moss partnered together to open the business, which they had first envisioned as an art gallery. “I wanted to incorporate a coffee shop in addition to having art on the walls,” Moss says.

Combining a cafe with an art gallery creates a living museum atmosphere, where guests meander through the shop sipping on a latte while taking in the intricate paintings by Teixeira Costa, an artist and businesswoman. Long wooden tables invite thoughtful conversations, often in a variety of languages, among patrons, but the open space offers quiet retreats for remote workers, readers or those looking for a moment of peace and solitude in a cozy yet sophisticated environment.

Throughout the shop, the scent of fresh baked goods drifts through the air. The menu features a variety of muffins, pastries and other goodies as well as delicious coffee. “We try to use the best quality ingredients, and our syrups are housemade, like in the Lavender Honey Latte,” adds Moss. As an homage to their Brazilian roots, Teixeira Costa and Moss offer small Brazilian bites like warm and gooey Pao de Queijo cheesy bread and crispy Brazilian Croquettes with fillings such as chicken, beef or ham and cheese. They also sell Italian desserts, including Tiramisu and Ricotta Pistachio Pie and tasty sandwiches for a light meal. Guests looking for a different experience can enjoy wine and charcuterie boards and look forward to monthly wine-tasting nights starting in October. Many gluten-free options are available, ensuring that all patrons can enjoy a meal or snack.

After filling up and getting caffeinated, patrons can browse the store for unique products from Italy, Spain, Germany and Thailand. The shop specializes in home decor and delightful gifts, so shoppers can pick up something for a friend, or bring home a piece of Via la Casa for themselves, whether it's one of Teixeira Costa’s stunning paintings or a colorful mug. “We’re pleased with the response we’ve gotten from the community,” says Teixeira Costa, reflecting on the business, which opened in May of this year. With season around the corner, Via la Casa is poised to become an even more popular hub for neighborhood food and fun.

Via la Casa, San Marco Plaza, 8209 Natures Way Ste. #121, Lakewood Ranch, vialacasa.art.

Pictured: The Turkey Sammie with toasted ciabatta bread, goat cheese and hot pepper jelly at Via la Casa. Photo by Laura Paquette.

Via la Casa