Fine dining Italian food. The staff dress to impress and cater to your needs. Beautiful scenery for all types of occasions!
Nahomie E.
The family and I were looking for a place to hold my grandfather's 100 birthday party. We searched around and finally found Bella Italia. Honestly, this is the best place ever. The management team (Sal) was amazing. He responded to our every need and provided much needed support during the process. The day before the event, we were surprised by being provided with the largest room which assisted tremendously with the amount of guests expected. The placed was simply beautiful. The staff were polite, responsive and accommodating. Let's not forget the price. Super affordable with amazing food. I cannot thank the crew enough for their assistance. I will definitely return to Bella Italia for our next party. Thank you again for everything.
Wendy P.
This place was so accommodating and delicious. Staff was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Food delicious and drinks great. Our waitress was Anita and she was wonderful! Thank you!
Denise C.
One major sticking point with me is that I HATE to waste money! That's what my dining experience at Bella Italia sums up to. We were warmly greeted and promptly seated. As we perused the cocktail menu, I remarked to my sister that they have a really great drink menu and we need to come back for drinks. The major letdown started with the service. We were a party of seven celebrating two birthdays. Norberto was our waiter. I only knew that because I had to ASK his name. We were all seated and given menus. Let's say 10-15 min later Norberto comes in and says to the two people closest to him, "Are you ready to order?" No, Hello, my name is... Tonight, we have such & such specials, drink recommendations, does anyone have questions about the menu?... Nothing. Norberto never offered to fill our water glasses, either initially or after, we asked for a refilled pitcher. As norberto starts to take drink and appetizer orders is when I asked his name. The appetizers and drinks come out fairly fast. About 20 minutes later, norberto comes back and asks are we ready to order, as he goes around the table he gets to one of the birthday honorees, my moms best friend, an elderly woman and shouts at her.."LADY ARE YOU READY TO ORDER?! REPEATEDLY as she's still looking over the menu.She responds no and he goes to my sister the other birthday guest and asks the same. My sister had questions about the menu and was assisting my elderly dad with his order. Norberto goes back and forth with my sister, hurriedly answering yes &,no, clearly not listening, causing confusion to which my sister responds annoyed "can you give us 5 minutes we're not ready"! As he walks away, my sister responds that she's not ordering a meal because she feels rushed by Norberto. I was already disgusted after he shouted at my moms friend and decided I wasn't paying for anymore of this horrible service. The only reason we stayed is because my mother extended far more grace than I! So, my sister and I only had appetizers and a cocktail. In terms of food, none of us were impressed. I ordered the portobello taormina that states on the menu that's its a portobello STUFFED w/crabmeat, a top 1 shrimp in a garlic reduction sauce. I received the mushroom covered in spinach with red bell peppers, a crabcake and 1 shrimp in garlic reduction w/pink sauce on the side. Ok? As I take a bite of the crabcake, the bottom is burnt BLACK *I wish i had taken a pic, as i only have a pic of the corrected order. My neice and her friend ordered lasagna that they dumped the entire contents of the parmesean shaker for any semblance of flavor. Everyone who ordered a meal responded with a meh. I can honestly say the only item I enjoyed was my drink. THE ONLY reason Norberto received a tip was because it was COMPULSORY! Our experience definitely reflected an attitude of guaranteed tip, HORRIBLE SERVICE!
Suzie Eloy
We had my grandfather's 100th birthday ? this past weekend there. Everything was great, except they had no valet parking. I'd recommend valet parking for events with sitting guests in the future.Parking: There was plenty of parking. However, they had no valet, and I prefer valet parking.Kid-friendliness: Yes, they were kids friendly. The waitresses were very professional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Salad, Calzone Chicken and Mushroom
Steven Rizzo
Food and atmosphereWe're great.Service was good and the staff was cheerful and friendly.
My Aunt celebrated her wedding reception here and the venue was excellent. Sal was great with the meetings and communication. The service was exceptional and the atmosphere was perfect for the event. They also have private parking and let's not forget to mention the FOOD was amazing. Definitely recommend others to book this place for a venue and visit the restaurant for regular service as well.Parking: Plenty of parking unless it's two large events at the same time but street parking is also available.Wheelchair accessibility: The entrance is on the ground floor. No stairs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew K.
Maybe a hidden gem. One of those places that are tucked away in a neighborhood. The sauce probably makes everything. It is great. Got the side dish of meatballs for an appetizer. Best I have had in a while reminds me of my mother in laws home made. You have to dip bread in the sauce. Could be dinner all by itself. Got the ravioli for dinner. Was so good I was half done before I remembered to take a pic. Wife got cavatappi and broccoli and loved it. Was so big could not finish it. You have to end with a cannoli. Very good. Wife said was the best shell she's ever had. Offstreet parking too.
Marty C.
We stumbled in Bella Italia today on a random trip to NJ from NYC. This place was totally great! The food was delicious. We had the Chicken Nodino and the Chicken Francese. The portion sizes were generous, but most importantly, the meals were fresh and cooked with care. The pasta with olive oil and garlic was cooked exactly the way we always wish it would be when we've ordered it at other places. Belle Italia is a gem! Great ambiance and Jasmine, the waitperson, was attentive and friendly. All of the staff made sure we were comfortable and felt welcome. We are a lesbian couple, and there were many people of color there, and many ages. Everyone was very friendly. I mention this because a meal is always that much nicer when you know everyone is being treated well, right? Bella Italia showed a LOT of hospitality to everyone. We tried the Lemoncello Mascarpone Cake. Highly recommend it. Great way to end your meal! Definitely go to Bella Italia!
Nice family place we had our friends 100 years birthday party there the cake was
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Chicken Parmigiana
Andrea Johnson
My grandmother's 100th birthday celebration wad awesome! The roast pork loin was easily the best of all our selections. The service was impeccable. Drinks at the bar were a little pricey, but all and all great experience just like her 90th.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab Meat
William Hendricks
Small elegant dinning and banquets. Good service and food.
Meryliana Caballero
Best Italian Place in Essex County!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dario Lambkin
Love this family owned establishment. The service is always impeccable warm and inviting. Thanks Sal & Sal JrKid-friendliness: Always accepting and accommodating of children.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Left over Chicken Francese, Salad
Fine dining Italian food. The staff dress to impress and cater to your needs. Beautiful scenery for all types of occasions!
The family and I were looking for a place to hold my grandfather's 100 birthday party. We searched around and finally found Bella Italia. Honestly, this is the best place ever. The management team (Sal) was amazing. He responded to our every need and provided much needed support during the process. The day before the event, we were surprised by being provided with the largest room which assisted tremendously with the amount of guests expected. The placed was simply beautiful. The staff were polite, responsive and accommodating. Let's not forget the price. Super affordable with amazing food. I cannot thank the crew enough for their assistance. I will definitely return to Bella Italia for our next party. Thank you again for everything.
This place was so accommodating and delicious. Staff was so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Food delicious and drinks great. Our waitress was Anita and she was wonderful! Thank you!
One major sticking point with me is that I HATE to waste money! That's what my dining experience at Bella Italia sums up to. We were warmly greeted and promptly seated. As we perused the cocktail menu, I remarked to my sister that they have a really great drink menu and we need to come back for drinks. The major letdown started with the service. We were a party of seven celebrating two birthdays. Norberto was our waiter. I only knew that because I had to ASK his name. We were all seated and given menus. Let's say 10-15 min later Norberto comes in and says to the two people closest to him, "Are you ready to order?" No, Hello, my name is... Tonight, we have such & such specials, drink recommendations, does anyone have questions about the menu?... Nothing. Norberto never offered to fill our water glasses, either initially or after, we asked for a refilled pitcher. As norberto starts to take drink and appetizer orders is when I asked his name. The appetizers and drinks come out fairly fast. About 20 minutes later, norberto comes back and asks are we ready to order, as he goes around the table he gets to one of the birthday honorees, my moms best friend, an elderly woman and shouts at her.."LADY ARE YOU READY TO ORDER?! REPEATEDLY as she's still looking over the menu.She responds no and he goes to my sister the other birthday guest and asks the same. My sister had questions about the menu and was assisting my elderly dad with his order. Norberto goes back and forth with my sister, hurriedly answering yes &,no, clearly not listening, causing confusion to which my sister responds annoyed "can you give us 5 minutes we're not ready"! As he walks away, my sister responds that she's not ordering a meal because she feels rushed by Norberto. I was already disgusted after he shouted at my moms friend and decided I wasn't paying for anymore of this horrible service. The only reason we stayed is because my mother extended far more grace than I! So, my sister and I only had appetizers and a cocktail. In terms of food, none of us were impressed. I ordered the portobello taormina that states on the menu that's its a portobello STUFFED w/crabmeat, a top 1 shrimp in a garlic reduction sauce. I received the mushroom covered in spinach with red bell peppers, a crabcake and 1 shrimp in garlic reduction w/pink sauce on the side. Ok? As I take a bite of the crabcake, the bottom is burnt BLACK *I wish i had taken a pic, as i only have a pic of the corrected order. My neice and her friend ordered lasagna that they dumped the entire contents of the parmesean shaker for any semblance of flavor. Everyone who ordered a meal responded with a meh. I can honestly say the only item I enjoyed was my drink. THE ONLY reason Norberto received a tip was because it was COMPULSORY! Our experience definitely reflected an attitude of guaranteed tip, HORRIBLE SERVICE!
We had my grandfather's 100th birthday ? this past weekend there. Everything was great, except they had no valet parking. I'd recommend valet parking for events with sitting guests in the future.Parking: There was plenty of parking. However, they had no valet, and I prefer valet parking.Kid-friendliness: Yes, they were kids friendly. The waitresses were very professional.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Salad, Calzone Chicken and Mushroom
Food and atmosphereWe're great.Service was good and the staff was cheerful and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Artichoke Hearts, Chicken Parmigiana, Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab Meat, Salad
The hospitality is great as well as the food.
My Aunt celebrated her wedding reception here and the venue was excellent. Sal was great with the meetings and communication. The service was exceptional and the atmosphere was perfect for the event. They also have private parking and let's not forget to mention the FOOD was amazing. Definitely recommend others to book this place for a venue and visit the restaurant for regular service as well.Parking: Plenty of parking unless it's two large events at the same time but street parking is also available.Wheelchair accessibility: The entrance is on the ground floor. No stairs.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maybe a hidden gem. One of those places that are tucked away in a neighborhood. The sauce probably makes everything. It is great. Got the side dish of meatballs for an appetizer. Best I have had in a while reminds me of my mother in laws home made. You have to dip bread in the sauce. Could be dinner all by itself. Got the ravioli for dinner. Was so good I was half done before I remembered to take a pic. Wife got cavatappi and broccoli and loved it. Was so big could not finish it. You have to end with a cannoli. Very good. Wife said was the best shell she's ever had. Offstreet parking too.
We stumbled in Bella Italia today on a random trip to NJ from NYC. This place was totally great! The food was delicious. We had the Chicken Nodino and the Chicken Francese. The portion sizes were generous, but most importantly, the meals were fresh and cooked with care. The pasta with olive oil and garlic was cooked exactly the way we always wish it would be when we've ordered it at other places. Belle Italia is a gem! Great ambiance and Jasmine, the waitperson, was attentive and friendly. All of the staff made sure we were comfortable and felt welcome. We are a lesbian couple, and there were many people of color there, and many ages. Everyone was very friendly. I mention this because a meal is always that much nicer when you know everyone is being treated well, right? Bella Italia showed a LOT of hospitality to everyone. We tried the Lemoncello Mascarpone Cake. Highly recommend it. Great way to end your meal! Definitely go to Bella Italia!
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice family place we had our friends 100 years birthday party there the cake was
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Chicken Parmigiana
My grandmother's 100th birthday celebration wad awesome! The roast pork loin was easily the best of all our selections. The service was impeccable. Drinks at the bar were a little pricey, but all and all great experience just like her 90th.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab Meat
Small elegant dinning and banquets. Good service and food.
Best Italian Place in Essex County!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this family owned establishment. The service is always impeccable warm and inviting. Thanks Sal & Sal JrKid-friendliness: Always accepting and accommodating of children.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari, Left over Chicken Francese, Salad