Cocozza American Italian has a new dessert on the menu. 

The Harbor Town restaurant now serves a gluten-free dessert — amaretto flan — in addition to their cheesecake, tiramisu and cannoli.

Owners Deni and Patrick Reilly plan to open their second Cocozza location in late May or early June 2025 in East Memphis.

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“I don’t know what his secret sauce is, but (my husband’s) ability to make caramel desserts is ... second to none,” said Deni Reilly, who also owns the Majestic Grille.

She’s the guest on this week’s episode of “Sound Bites.” Reilly was kind enough to bring a few flans for Natalie Van Gundy and me to taste-test during the recording. 

Custards are as much about texture as they are about flavor. Often one of these components is lacking. But Cocozza’s amaretto flan hits the mark with a bold flavor of toasted almond and soft, thick spoonfuls of custard. It’s sweet enough to share or to satisfy a post-meal sugar craving. 

In the interview, Reilly revealed the special ingredient that gives this new dessert its richness and explains why they have added it to the menu.

“Cocozza has gained quite a reputation as a great restaurant for those looking for gluten-free options,” Reilly said, adding there’s a separate water bath for imported gluten-free pasta and sauce alternatives.

Reilly talked about the specials for the Majestic Grille’s Easter brunch and the Downtown restaurant’s long history and dining traditions. We get into details about the East Memphis restaurant at 919 S. Yates Road, the feedback she’s received already from the neighborhood and the long road to opening a new restaurant.

Cocozza East will have the same hours at the original location: open daily 4-9 p.m. for dinner with an aperitivo hour on weekdays 4-6 p.m.

This “Sound Bites” episode is another extended edition, full of stories from a local business owner. Give it a listen below.