Bella Italia exhibits cuisine diversity

By STEPHANIE GARCIA

The newly furnished and renovated establishment of Bella Italia ignites a modern vibe that can serve as a weekend spot with friends or a celebration venue for the family.
With European décor highlighting the walls and comfortable booths providing a sense of relaxation, Bella Italia is a prime location for kicking back and feeling at home.
The privately-owned pizzeria offers an array of Italian cuisine and presents customers with a place of refuge. Upon entering, one is greeted by servers that are both conversational and courteous. One benefit of this small restaurant is its staff that provides a family oriented service.
The affordable venue is another pleasing factor. Appetizers do not exceed $9, and dinner dishes start at $8.95. The Combo Appetizer ($7.95) includes a platter of fried mozzarella sticks, spicy jalapeno peppers and chicken tenders. Customers can also purchase appetizers of a more specific nature, like the Fried Calamari ($8.50) and Tomato Brushetta ($5.25).
Bella Italia also hosts lunch specials from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., where guests can select from a variety of salads and rolls for $4.95. A recommended lunch combination is the 10 Wings and Fries, which contain a crunchy exotic flavor and can be prepated in numerous ways (mild, hot, suicide, garlic, bbq or honey mustard). All lunch combinations are under $7.95.

With over 15 toppings to choose from, customers can decorate their slices with everything from green peppers to black olives. Pizza pies are offered in various sizes from 14”-18” ($10.95-15.95). Pies are prepared with fresh dough made daily, authentic New York style thin crust and mozzarella cheese. The Hawaiian Pizza is a favorite; the 16” specialty pizza comes with honey ham, creamy mozzarella and fresh pineapples. Pizzas are served in large portions and will be pleasing to customers who favor extra cheese and additional tomato sauce.
From Stuffed Shells ($8.95) to Shrimp Parmesan ($12.95), Specialty Dinners offer customers a diverse assortment of dishes. Signature plates unique to the establishment are the Seafood Platter ($15.95) and Bella Italia Combination ($12.95). The platter includes a collection of mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp; the latter provides a compilation of manicotti, stuffed shells and lasagna.

For an additional $3, guests can add chicken to any dinner meal or purchase a dinner salad for an additional $1.50. Another unique component to Bella Italia is the venue’s diverse cuisine. For those not craving generic Italian dishes like Baked Ziti ($9.95), Bella Italia provides a collection of subs ($5.95-$8.75) and vegetarian dinners ($6.95-$13.50).

For subs, customers can purchase a Cheese Steak ($8.75) or a Gryo ($5.95). The Cheese Steak offers a choice of two toppings: mushrooms, onions or green peppers. The Gyro is served on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, a strained yogurt mixed with cucumbers.
Vegetarian meals are served with crunchy garlic bread and one’s choice of mouth watering pasta (spaghetti, ziti, fettuccine or bowties). The Spinach Lasagna ($10.50) is a hearty dish assembled with fresh spinach and plenty of ricotta layered on red sauce and noodles.
As a concluding attempt to entice guests, Bella Italia offers a selection of desserts. One can receive a taste of the Big Apple when ordering Zeppoli ($2.99-$3.99), which are fried ricotta doughnuts dusted with confectioners’ sugar.
At Bella Italia, one feels at ease in a warm environment that goes above and beyond for its customers. This hospitable establishment is worthy of a four-star rating; while the high par service and diverse menu are superior, the restaurant’s hidden location in Mariner’s Village Plaza can be difficult for eager guests to uncover.

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