Beaufort loses two Italian restaurants in one week

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After 11 years on St. Helena Island, Bella Luna Cafe has abruptly closed its doors.

There’s been some sad news in the local restaurant scene recently as Beaufort has lost two Italian restaurants in the short span of just 5 days.

Just last week, on August 16th, the new Briciole Bistro & Bakery closed its doors to the restaurant on Ribaut Road after being open just over 2 months.

And just yesterday, Bella Luna Cafe on St. Helena Island announced on its Facebook page that it would no longer be open anymore after dinner on Wednesday, after an 11 year run in Frogmore.

Briciole Bistro & Bakery closed just last week after only being open for two months.

Both spots served some seriously good Italian fare. Bella Luna, a family-owned restaurant,  was very creative in its menu, infusing locally sourced ingredients into its Italian theme. And, they were the only spot you could enjoy breakfast on St. Helena Island.

Bella Luna’s Facebook page announced the closure.

“It is with great sadness, due to circumstances beyond our control, tonight is the last night Bella Luna will be open,” the post said. “Penn Center is forcing us out. Your loyalty and support during the the last 11 years has been amazing.” (See full post below)


The owner of Bella Luna was not available for comment last night. Briciole’s owner stated financial challenges as the reason they closed suddenly, on August 16th.

And, Penn Center seems to disagree with things. Here is a post on their Facebook page from August 22nd that seems to be a response to the post from Bella Luna…..

Well…..whatever happened, we’re very sad to see both of these local spots, with very good food, disappear.