In Italian, the word “sapore” means “flavor”. And that’s exactly what the dishes at Sapore Italiano in West Cape May are loaded with. Based primarily on Italian-American specialties, it may surprise diners to know that Chef/Owner Perparim Bici — or Rimi, as he prefers to be called — is from neither America nor Italy. He hails from Albania.

But, if you are familiar at all with the Italian restaurant dining scene at the shore, you already know that many of the most successful Italian eateries here are, in fact, run by Albanians, such as Buona Vita in Somers Point and the La Fontana empire that includes La Fontana del Mare in Strathmere, La Fontana Coast in Sea Isle City and La Vecchia Fontana in Avalon.