Bruna Djonbalaj wakes at 3:30 a.m. each day to bake the green apple tartlets and mini lemon meringues for Dolce Fantasia. She handles the sweet side of the tiny West Brighton restaurant while husband John tackles the savory -- house-made strand pastas and hearty dishes like roasted lamb shanks. 

The couple established the restaurant in late November 2018 at 1210 Forest Ave., a dream come true for the restaurant business veterans. Bruna comes to the States from Milan, where her family owns a bakery. She started working there at 10, and the recipes at Dolce Fantasia reflect her upbringing in the pastry business.