About Us

A staple of the Westfield NJ community, has maintained a standard of excellence in culinary artistry for over 60 years. Bovella’s, long considered one of the premiere bakeries in the Tri-State area, has flourished behind an outstanding crew of chefs, bakers, and personnel.

Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe

Ralph Bencivenga, one of the owners, was a Westfield High School student when he began his tenure at the bakery for founder Michael Bove. Recognizing Ralph’s passion and interest, in respect to the baking and management aspects of the business, Mr. Bove felt that he’d found someone special, someone he could mentor. Michael eventually sent Ralph to a highly regarded baking academy, and upon his return, he worked tirelessly to elevate Bovella’s already stellar reputation.

For 20 years Mike and Ralph worked in tandem, as the business grew into what Bovella’s is considered today, synonymous with perfection! Upon Mike’s passing in 2008, Ralph was determined to allow the business to grow, while never forgetting the core principles his mentor had taught him. Bovella’s mission was to introduce a European-style café to its existing selection of cookies, pastries, and cakes. Bovella’s is no longer simply a bakery. It is now a destination, a place to sit and enjoy a coffee, espresso, or gelato after an evening at one of Westfield’s 100+ eateries. All of this from the mind of a young Westfield teen who began his time at Bovella’s washing dishes over 25 years ago. Somewhere above, Michael Bove is smiling proudly.