I had the most perfect pizza, pasta and best flat white of my life here. It was a couple of years ago now though, but the experience motivated me to write this review in retrospect.
BEST Italian restaurant in Wellington!!
Went here for dinner Valentine's eve. Even though they were fully booked they made space for me. Service was great and I was run through the specials and given honest recommendations. The warehouse is set up just like how places are in Italy. You can tell by the hospitality of the gentleman who owns the place and the staff how serious Italians are about their food. I had the truffle ravioli and tiramisu. Needless to say it was absolutely delicious. Will be returning when I am in Welly again.
Hands down the best place in Petone for dinner! The restaurant has an Italian marketplace feel to it and has produce for sale as well. We had the pumpkin ravioli and seafood risotto, with olives and bruschetta to start. Everything was flawless and absolutely delicious!! Authentic Italian flavours, took me back to being in an Italian summer.. The customer service was also on point! They had a delicious range of desserts I’ll be back to try! Don’t miss this one
This place is an Italian gem, I loved it here. We were welcomed by the owner who is so passionate about his food. I told him I have been dying to try his pizzas.
Sooooooo worth it, OMG authentic beautiful pizzas. I loved every bite, delicious and moreish. If I lived in Wellington this would be my go to place for pizza. Then to top off an amazing meal we ended on their famous tiramisu mmmmm so good!
This is the best Italian restaurant in the Wellington region. The food is so authentic, just like what I had in Italy. The pizzas are amazing. I love how this restaurant is also a shop.
Great food, great beverages and out of this world desserts along with great service! Don’t miss if you are in and around Petone. Truffles are a must try!!
My son organised a 50th Wedding Anniversary for us. The restaurant was full. There were about 43 of us and I thought how are they going to manage this. They certainly did the waiting staff were calm and professional under pressure,nothing was a problem and they also catered for our dietary requirements. The food was great, hot and the quality was there. My congrats to the chef's for doing such a fantastic job. THANKYOU FOR A MOST ENJOYABLE EVENING.
This place has been ranked among top 70 Italian restaurants with a Pizzeria in the world by a Michelin chef, can't argue with that, food was fantastic! I would rate this a solid 4.5. Service was excellent. Drinks were also good. Atmosphere authentic. So why not 5? Well, I personally like the contemporary approach. This place is authentic and traditional in its approach to Italian food. Just my personal taste. But overall definitely excellent, will be back.
I've only had the pizza here because it's so delicious, I can't bring myself to order anything else. The crust is fantastic and transports me back to Puglia!
I have ordered several dishes here. They are all delicious. In particular, I recommend the pumpkin ravioli, the lamb ragu on fettucine, and the tiramisu. However, some of the portions are a little small.
The atmosphere is excellent. The restaurant is clean, spacious, and well-lit.
My first time here today with friends. A nice, convivial atmosphere with lovely food & decor. I want to go back and try several other things on the menu. today was a first time meeting of a group of like-minded individuals so we talked about rabbits the whole time. Which was the point ... more than the food. But what I saw & had was really good - a soy hot chocolate and the baked eggs (as pictured). A little heavy on the tomato sauce but that is part and parcel for Italian food. I want to go back to try the salmon and the antipasto platter.
We happened across this bustling restaurant on our way through town.
We had special dietary requirements and the service was fantastic. The chef went out of his way to accommodate us and checked to make sure we had what we wanted.
We were not disappointed!
We ordered the Mediterranea platter. A whole baked fish with clams, mussels, cherry tomatoes, capers and potatoes. It arrived with personal service from a trolley plated in front of us. Very grand, and very tasty.
Followed by Cassata like you have never had before. Candied nuts, zest and gorgeous Berry coulis.
Highly recommended.
They're expensive, but for good reason! Italian food doesn't get any better than this! Great choice of Italian drinks too and the place is decorated really well.
It was a busy Friday night. Although the place is a huge open space the owners have managed to keep it intimate and warm. Staff were really friendly - in typical Italian style. Food were great too. Only issue was that my pasta arrived about 10 mins later than other's. But we all had a great evening.
Yum! Great food, atmosphere and friendly staff! Loved our visit here! Definitely recommend it. Great for families, functions or a romantic night out!
Ordered entree's, mains, and dessert. Food was wonderful and came out quick. Service was great especially for a busy Saturday night! Atmosphere of the place was neat as well. Will be back!
I must say it was the best pizza I've ever had！Each bite is full of salmon and smooth cream cheese, nice invention! I didn't like the spaghetti, seems too hard to me. Over all, it's still a awesome restaurant!
This place has great energy. I've met the owner a number of times when our family have dined here for lunch. It was an absolutely positive experience and I have quite a few fond memories of visiting here.
Wonderful place to enjoy Italian dishes as well as their hospitality. Coffee is good and dishes I tried were very good. My only complain would be no free wifi connection! Don't be cheap and offer free wifi then your place will be even more popular!
Have eaten here many times and never disappointed. All the pasta dishes are excellent and the cheesecake from the cabinet is amazing.
Lovely friendly staff, great ambience and my 'go to' place to eat whenever I am in Wellington.
We have heard a lot of good stuff about La Bella Italia, and were excited to try ourselves. We are just average types that enjoy a good meal out in a "non-foodie break the bank" kinda way. This is a lovely restaurant with a very good atmosphere. The waiting staff are charming and friendly and the owner seems to know all the guests!
The food was good. I had a Pizza, and my wife had a Seafood dish. They were well priced and didn't take long to arrive to the table.
Our expectations of the food were perhaps a little higher than what we got, but it was still fine, and it is a nice friendly place.
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We'd been to the cinema at Queensgate. We'd looked up where to go in Petone for dinner afterwards. La Bella Italia looked good and reviews sold it.
Big warehouse space but it wasn't cold. Nice 'authentic' feel. Very Italian decor. There is lots of produce and food related items to buy in the 'store' section of the space. It was nice to wonder around after we'd ordered.
Friendly but busy staff.
We ordered the calamari and bruschetta for start. The arrived in 5 minutes and both were very good. Big portions too.
We ordered two glasses of the Italian montepulciano. $12 a glass. A good choice.
The calamari was soft and lightly crumbed. The aioli was perfect. Aioli isn't my favourite but this was quite lemony and complimented the dish well. My partner isn't a seafood fan but enjoyed this.
The bruschetta was a simple but satisfying dish. The topping of garlic and cannelloni beans with a little parsley drizzled with olive oil was fantastic.
Ten minute gap between courses, which suited us fine. The mains were Lamb ragu with pasta and pumpkin ravioli with sage butter.
Again, big portions. The lamb ragu had a generous amount of lamb. Identifiable elements such as chunks of tomato in a rich flavoursome ragu sauce. Generous helping of parmesan cheese, which was needed as my only criticism was that the ragu lacked a bit of seasoning... nothing a bit of salt wouldn't fix. But this was a great dish.
The pumpkin ravioli was also very tasty but it was swimming in sage butter which overpowered the dish and made it too rich.
We took a tiramisu home for desert. It was good. Not the best I've had but good.
Apart from a couple of minor things, this was a fantastic meal. We were very impressed and my partner in particular is very keen to go back. As am I.
Amazing! Food was top notch and the service was outstanding! Beautiful wine, lasagna was great, my pop had the risotto, nan had the lamb and you couldn't fault anything! Dessert too was delicious! Affogato & whittakers pudding to die for. Highly recommended!
Came with with a bunch of friends. we ordered the garlic and herbs bread, anti pesto and pizzas to share and it was great. I have the seafood chowder and it was prepared well, wish they have more seafood. Finished with the cheese cake and a scope of ice cream and it was a fantastic night.
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If I could give this place a 10/5 I really would. I don't think I've had better Italian food! We booked in advance as it was a Saturday, and lucky that we did because it was very busy! The place is so great with lots of things to look at while you wait for your meal. It's a restaurant, deli and Italian supermarket all in one!
The food itself was absolutely divine. Everything was very fresh and beautiful cooked with awesome well balanced flavours. I had the lamb ragu parpaddle and I can't think of any other time I would've had something that tasty! The flavours were amazing and the lamb broke away and even in all that tomato goodness, you can still taste the marinade the lamb had been sitting in. The main lamb course was also really fresh and very generous.
The dessert I really can't flaw either. The tiramisu was well balanced, the flan was worth the 15 min wait as it was so gooey and rich, and the orange almond cake was SO good we bought 2 more slices to bring back up to Auckland!
If anyone asked me where to go in Wellington, this would be my first recommendation! Can't wait to come back here in the future.
The service is superb, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The decor reminds me to a traditional food Market really homey and perfect for families and friends. We had a 3 course meal...I know..what were we thinking?! We finished it though. The entrées were delicious we got a couple of the Antipasto platters, it was a dance of flavors in our mouths, the cheeses were delightful, perfectly balanced combinations. Mains were ok, to my taste the crepe with ricotta and spinach was a bit dry and needed extra flavor. The fish of the day on the other hand was quite good very flavorful yet needed an extra kick. And since I am a chocolate lover, I had to have the whittaker's chocolate souffle which was a bit dry and overcooked and I didn't enjoyed it as much as I expected . I would totally come back for the selection of meat in the deli and try other dishes. The atmosphere is the highlight and I believe it is worthy trying other dishes
Amazing as always. Great Italian cuisine and great service. Best hot chocolate in Wellington (order the Italian one) so good :-) wood fired pizza, a wide array of pasta and antipasto. Daily specials too.
Antonio and his team really have brought an authentic Italian experience to Petone!
This is the one stop shop for all your needs when it comes to artisan cooking. I could easily spend a day here!
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25/7/15. It's basically a warehouse with a front office. However over the years huge photos and bric a brac have pretty well covered the concrete walls to give bella Italia an almost (almost!) cosy feel. The huge space encompasses a long series of glass cabinets on the left for italian breads, cheeses and meats, an ice cream and a pizza making area. To the right, all things italian in bottles and packets and in the middle of this cavern - you and me on seats and tables that echo on the concrete floor. Someone at BI understands the importance of heating in winter and the gas heaters are more than welcome.
Service is italian - pleasant and so are the accents. Can verge on the slightly disorganised.
I've struggled over the food in the past - I've always found it on the edge of disappointingly careless and unconsidered, but flicking through zomato breakfasts at Petone - bella Italia comes up number one. I felt obligated to give it another go.
Two trim caps first - they were good - not remarkable - but good. I ordered the potatoes, chorizo, spinach and poached eggs with hollandaise on sourdough. My partner had the muesli, berries and Greek yoghurt.
The eggs were perfectly cooked, the sauce nicely sharp and the combination delicious. Over salted slightly but I'd have it again.
The muesli was good but I couldn't help wondering whether they made it themselves or it came out of a packet. Does it matter and could I tell the difference? Probably not but its a matter of philosophy - BI has a homely image that suggests it should be home made.
I think bella Italia is growing on me - and yes I'll keep going back - I think it's run by good people with the right attitude toward food and eating.
Groups - yes definitely
Kid friendly - yes
Family friendly - yes
Dog friendly - outside
Value for money - ok
Love to dine here. Very friendly staff, beautiful Italian cuisine and very nice to browse the shelves and deli. Food is very well presented and flavours are nice. Anti-pasti platter is nice, tried a lot of the main courses and have never been disappointed. Very relaxing and cruisy environment, very enjoyable to be in. Looking forward to our next visit.
I always love coming to La Bella Italia. It is so authentic from the waiting staff, the atmosphere and the delightful food. Amazing wine list and very attentive staff. I was there with my family today and we will definitely be back soon!!
Where to begin! La Bella Italia would have to be one of, if not the best Italian Restaurant. Having dined in many restaurants throughout Melbourne the Gold Coast Sydney and indeed Italy itself, this is Italian at its BEST!. Its not just the great food that makes it a stand out. You are warmly greeted, regularly spoken to by staff and upon leaving acknowledged and some general small talk.
La Bella Italia is recommended for anyone in search for a complete experience. Can't wait to come to Wellington again and experience the La Bella Italia experience again!
First time visiting La Bella Italia on Saturday and trust me I will definitely be back. So delicious. A great menu to choose from. There was something for everyone. I didn't have a desert but they looked beautiful. Also the grocery bit was well stocked with some of my favourite products.
Very similar to the Mediterranean Food Warehouse in Lower Hutt - but with better food. Great place to go for average Italian meal at a reasonable price. I go just to shop there. Nice staff and airy atmosphere.
Marvelous lunch, fresh fish Mediterranean stew, antipasti, pizza, all delicious
Very friendly service and great retail products on offer. I could spend a fortune here
Helen | Grab Your Fork
+4.5
We head to La Bella Italia, a cafe and grocery store founded by Antonio Cacace. There's a lovely sense of space inside this converted warehouse, with grocery shelves to one side and the cafe tucked down the back.
If you are looking for some decent Italian food without breaking the bank? Somewhere where you can take the little ones, in a casual laid back environment and perhaps a spot of Italian imported grocery shopping? Then this place ticks all the boxes.
Pasta's and pizza's are all made fresh in house and nothing beats having good fresh pasta with just the right portion sizes.
You can always get a seat regardless how busy they are.
This place is one of my favourite go to Italian restaurants and deli.
Please check out my website for an indepth review
What a fast, efficient and lovely place to have a sociable meal in. My only complaint would be that the portion could have been bigger as all my pasta vanished far too quickly.Walking into here it is hard to believe that you are not going to walk out and actually be in Italy. It is rather disappointing to be in an industrial part of Petone but you can see the sea.This place is a definite on the using the Entertainment Book voucher.
Eaten dinner here a couple of times. Pizza good with thin crispy bases, good pasta options and a great variety of desserts.
Unfortunately when we have eaten here the place has always been pumping and service has been slow and a bit haphazard.
Parking is easy, clean toilets and love that you can explore the many other food items up for sale.
I did pop in here earlier in the week for a coffee to go and some biscotti. The coffee was good but the biscotti a bit too soft for my liking.
I had no idea this gem was hidden away from the main drag in Petone but really glad I finally found out. We were part of a large table for a farewell and really enjoyed the rustic atmosphere, cool waitstaff and of course the delicious food. We received a steak which was not cooked to our request but the staff were gracious, replaced it and even gave my hubby a beer to apologise. The ravioli was incredible and I have to mention the great tiramisu gelato!
After the 2:30pm show of La Traviata we decided to indulge in an Italian dinner and we hit the nail on the head. It was awesome, from the mixed antipasto to the decadent dessert we really had a taste of Italy that reminded us of our last year trip. My friends had never been here before and they were really unthusiastic. A fabulous afternoon of art and delicious food for real gourmands.
Strongly recommended by friends who have been on Tour with the owner, the place is amazing. We have been there for lunch on Sunday, the children were so happy with their pizzas, they said they have never had something so delicious and honestly, not even in Auckland we have found a similar place. The pasta dishes were to die for and Kevin tasted lemoncello at the end...hm very lemony and tasty, definitely coming here was worth the journey from Auckland.
A Sunday lunch with 4 friends. The staff, though busy, boned a beautiful gurnard in front of us, setting fish and sides on our plates skillfully. One of my friends is celiac and could choose among various dishes and desserts. Risotto del mare is to die for and the atmosphere is cozy and very pleasant. So delicious food plus attentive staff is what made this a delightful Italian experience. Worth the trip from Palmerston North
An excellent and very enjoyable experience, authentic Italian. The atmosphere is cozy and the staff very efficient though pretty busy for Easter Monday. We all loved the food so full of flavors and I really appreciated the special menu for kids, healthy and yummy. This is our second time here and we will be probably back to taste the new menu and to celebrate my mom's birthday.
Me and a few friends had lunch here today. Wednesday 19th Feb. I had Antipasti, Il classico, which was a selection of cheeses and meats and a few olives and pickles and bread. It was very tasty, and just enough for a lunch. And at $21 not too expensive.
I loved the atmosphere and the staff were very good.
I definitely will be back.
La Bella is one of my regular haunts. Coffee is always good; the food is wonderful and their tiramisu is fantastic. And you get to shop for all of those necessary ingredients for cooking Italian cuisine at home.
I bought a deal voucher for 2 pizza takeaway for $25. I've been La Bella with friends before, but that time the pizza my friend ordered didn't impress me at all. Maybe because it was busy lunch time. This time after lunchtime, I ordered a margarita pizza with salami and a parma ham with rocket leaves. Just as some reviews described, not much topping (that's Italian style), but they were really yummy. The pizza base is the best I've tasted. The texture were perfect and the taste were very good balance. It's a good place to taste Italian pizza not the Coarse-made.
Great setting - loved having the shop/desert bar/deli around the cafe to buy from! Very cool idea. Food was delicious. What topped it off was the amazing staff! Very friendly and helpful, was unsure what a particular meal was so he got me one to show me!!! Never had that before but it was great! English isn't the best but that's what gives it its cool authentic vibe - loved hearing them speak Italian around the restaurant! Definitely would recommend!
Very nice degustion meal on Sat night with husband. Well timed service of each course, and beautiful flavours. Husband ate many things he would never have tried normaaly - and lapped it all up. Left feeling very full. Great night.
I went to La Bella Italia on a busy lunchtime, and absolutely loved the experience. I would definitely recommend the restaurant. I ordered ravioli and I loved it! The pasta was cooked perfectly and the filling was delicious. Our waiter was funny, engaging and made sure we were served. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. La Bella Italia is the best place for a family. I also tried one of their many pizzas, and was amazed! The sauce was beautiful, just the right amount of spice and tomato flavor. The many gelato flavors were very appealing, and the gelato I had was great. Once again, I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant, and I would like to point out that the waiter we had was outstanding. Definitely go to this restaurant!!
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The beautiful authentic Italian food here at La Bella was just great. Also enjoyed the chatty Italian-style banter with the excellent Italian waiter and also the owner/manager (?), who helped take dessert orders when things got a bit hectic.
I liked that our waiter acknowledged that they were unfortunately short-staffed towards the very end of our meal, when the service slowed down (we had several kids starting to jump around impatiently!). He went and sorted out the gelato for us promptly after I asked where desserts were.
I like the high-ceilinged warehouse style space, which somehow has great low-acoustics so we didn't have any trouble hearing each other talk in spite of the huge space. The venue is extremely light and airy, even on the dull-weather day that it was.
I have to re-iterate how tremendous the food was. I had a delish salad and a margarita pizza, and heavenly strawberry gelato for dessert. Re the pizza: the dough was perfect, light, and flavoursome. Tomato sauce topping was tangy and beautiful with the basil. Loved the whole eating experience.
Highly recommend. They just need to make sure they've got enough staff on... but it was a public holiday - so that's a fairly good excuse.
Absolutely Amazing!! Went for dinner on Friday night with hubby and our 3 year old daughter. I ordered the gnocchi with lemon and zucchini. I can't describe how awesome it was! Very tasty. Hubby ordered Eggplant parmigiana and another culinary triumph! Bubs got the margherita pizza and we picked at it. Also fabulous. We paired our meals with the rocket and Parmesan salad and bread basket. Fabulous! Food so fresh and cooked to perfection! It may look like small portions but that was all we had and were rolling out the door. The service was second to none, which extremely friendly staff who were very attentive to our little one. Thank you Paolo for being such a great waiter! Will be back again. Probably tomorrow!!!
I've dined her twice now. Second time was way better than the first as it seemed the food was cooked better. Didn't like my first dining experience as we were squashed in on a busy Friday night. Food is ok, portions not that big but the variety of cheese you can purchase is amazing.
I ordered Amalfi, I was disappointed there was just a bit of basil and rocket on top. they were really just 'a bit'... I sat by the pizza cooking booth and I noticed almost all pizza they make were they looked not much food on it, kind of 'trying-to-less'.
I like La Bella Italia. I guess it's the only place in Wellington area to eat well pizza however maybe, it's become not? other Italian food looks great though.
Great service Roberto! Went for lunch, came out choc full wanting to go for a siesta. Must say the Italian hot chocolates are devine - could even stand your spoon up in it! Very attentive service from all the staff, personality to boot and Antonio, the owner, always makes you feel so welcome!
We love it, friendly, fun and truly Italian, a good plate of pasta and glass of chianti for lunch and I am happy, Tiramisu excellent.
We came to this restaurant on reputation, and were not disappointed. We came for family dinner with our 2 young children, who were well catered for with "real" food. I forgot to order gluten free so had to ask for a last minute change, the staff were more than happy to accommodate. I can't decide what was better, the service, or the food! It felt like, just for a little moment, we were really in Italy. Going to do one of Antonio's tours one day...
We went to La Bella Italia on Friday night and what a lovely surprise it was to find there was live piano music on! It really added a nice vibe to the already vibrant atmosphere, a real unexpected treat for everybody. I had not been there for quite some time and I decided to try their pizza. I am glad I did because it was the best I had in New Zealand without doubt. My husband had the Steak with chips and I could see the joy on his face while he was eating. The whole experience was joyful actually, because of the music and the personality of the wait staff, who was competent but also able, even on a very busy Friday night, to add some extra warmth to the service that really made the difference to our dining experience.
The desserts were outstanding: I had the Meringa and my husband the Tiramisu’, both memorable. We won’t wait too long to go back for sure!
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I must admit walking into the place it looked nice as there was so much going on and to take in. And I loved the little side seats for 2 between the shelves very different. I went last week for dinner with 3 other Friends a good girlie night out. We all decided on La Bella Italia, as it had some good reviews I was looking forward to going. We got an Antipasto platter to share and some breads and dips and these were amazing totally loved every bite that there was to offer. With the mains I had the Lemon Chicken & potatoes, It was nice but nothing to flash I did expect a lot more taste from an Italian place and did have to more lots off salt on. . The Prawn Pasta one off the girls had looked to be something that we could have made at home and to me the prawns were more like shrimp. Another had the meatballs which did look very yummy, but to me was not 100% tasty since we all had a try at all the meals. But their Gelato Ice Cream was to die for totally loved it and was a good taste to end with.
We did all how ever like the look of the rest off the food on the menu and will be back to try more off the dishes. And would differently be back to for the platter and the Gelato.
Would recommend trying this place.
Good Luck.. & Thanks
What an amazing evening we had last night at La Bella Italia. We went there last night with my wife and a group of friends.
some of them had never been there and we wanted to give them a taste of something different and it could not go better!!!
We tried as many dishes as possible of the new menu and all of them were outstanding, well cooked, simple but also original.
My favourite dishes were the Gnocchi, the Risotto and the Salmon. The Chicken was superb…
Thanks Bella Italia for giving us always a touch of Italy.
The desserts were just divine and the service friendly and attentive as always.
We will be back soon and enjoy the rest of the dishes we have left
I was recommended La Bella Italia from a friend several times. I was curious to try and got the chance to do so last Friday when I went to Wellington for the WOW festival. I had a great experience, the food was superb and the atmosphere was fantastic. Best lamb fillet I’ve ever had. We also tried a new wine we had never had before, Cannonau, and became big fans!
I received two tickets for an Opera concert and dinner and decided to go with a friend. I did not find out the dinner was prepared by La Bella Italia until I got there. The menu was superb, can’t complain at all. I especially liked the roast pork, it was cooked to perfection. Before the dinner, the music performed was celestial and very nice – I am not a big Opera fan but really enjoyed the soprano’s voice and rendition of the songs. I was happy to see La Bella Italia does music events in addition to being the best restaurant in Wellington!
Great food, great coffee, great service. (Does have a distinct lack of parking though.) The atmosphere is generally bubbling with chatter - it feels very authentic with the open space and visible kitchen. Have been tempted to try one of their cooking nights - but that is slightly beyond our budget.
Roger and I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking class we attended on Wednesday 23rd of June 2011. Our daughter Joanne was booked for the class, but air travel from the Gold Coast disrupted because of the ash cloud meant she couldn’t come.
However, Roger filled her spot in the class and I know really enjoyed it and made some great Ravioli, which we have taste tested already! The nibbles and bubbly to start, and the ‘goodies’ bag for us at the end of the class was much appreciated.
Gabriele while we know is a great chef, is also an excellent teacher and his personality and interaction with our ‘hands on’ attempt was great.
To end ‘our’ evening before heading home, we enjoyed a great pizza in the Restaurant.
So thanks to everyone, and we’re hoping that when Joanne has her next break from work and able to get back to New Zealand that the classes will still be on…..I know she will want to attend.
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It was my first time at La Bella Italia last Sunday – will definitely be back for more. I was visiting Wellington to spend Easter weekend together with my partner and parents in law, we made a booking at La Bella Italia to spend the Sunday in a different way (we didn’t have to cook – now that’s a holiday!) and were overwhelmed by the quality of food, of service and by the vibrant atmosphere.
We went to the restaurant around 1pm and we were kindly taken to our table, which was nicely set up and in a quiet area of the restaurant. We were advised there was a new menu – and enjoyed going through it trying to read the Italian as well… I wonder how good we did!!! After a delicious antipasto (bruschetta of the day – with green olive tapenade) we ordered four mains and decided to try the recommended wines matched to the dishes. I had a risotto with Borlotti beans and fennel sausages, I was mesmerized by the subtle flavours and by the delicate texture. The in-laws had a lamb steak each and my partner had the mushrooms with gorgonzola cheese – I had to try some of that! My Valpolicella wine was great, but also had a taste of the Pinot Grigio – one of my favourite types of wine.
Although we were already satisfied with our food (generous portions-yay!) we couldn’t help but notice how nice and mouth-watering the dessert cabinet looked, so we tried a couple of them, to finish off our meal. We tried the Pastiera (apparently a typical Easter cake in Naples) and the poached pears with chocolate and amaretti and were so happy about our choice!
I don’t live in Wellington, so I’m not sure when I’ll have the chance to go back. But I definitely will, I need to try more from their new menu. Highly recommended.
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Awesome food! I have been to Italy several times and this is the best Italian restaurant I’ve tried in New Zealand. You can definitely tell it’s all fresh – and service is really good, despite being a busy place. I have to say the space between tables is minimal and doesn’t give you much privacy, but in a way it adds to the real Italian experience. Anyway, this is about the food! As a lover of authentic cuisine from all over the world, I so much appreciated the food here is done the way it is done in Italy and not the “Kiwi” way. I had the Linguine with Clams as a main, the serving was very generous and the flavours!!! Bellissimo. Just like in Italy. I believe the food here is different to what we normally have in New Zealand and the tastes are delicate compared to what we generally have. I truly appreciate this, it is great to be able to taste the tomato and the clams and the pasta itself. I am not interested in having a dish full of garlic and peppercorns, those are dressings, not food! For dessert, I had a slice of almond and chocolate cake accompanied by the liqueur suggested in the menu, very good as well. I found the liqueur selection very interesting and will be back to try some new ones. Overall a great experience, with great food and service, love the lively ambience.
I went to La Bella with a couple of friends because we heard so much about it – great food and atmosphere. One of the staff welcomed us and asked us what we were after, then sat us at a table. He gave us the menu and there was so much to choose from… I thought I was going to have some pasta or pizza but there was so much choice, I had to change my mind. It was five of us so we started our dinner with a shared antipasto of Parma ham and Buffalo Mozzarella, we also got some white wine to match with it. Then we got our mains – pasta with tomato and bacon sauce, scotch fillet, pizza, ravioli, and linguini with clams. I have to say the food was really tasty and fresh, my expectations were met! We were about to go but then noticed the dessert cabinet. I had never seen some of the desserts so we tried some – I had a slice of cake that was just amazing. Overall, I can say this place is really great and deserves its reputation, will definitely go again
We went to La Bella last week for dinner and it was amazing. We were warmly greeted at the entrance and given a nice table at the back. It was Saturday night so the options also included traditional Italian pizza. We had some bruschetta as a starter and then ordered pizza – I had a pizza with Italian sausage, my partner had the one with seafood. We were so happy with our choice – the pizza was so good and the beer we had with it was just a perfect combination…. We decided to have a look around the shop before leaving, we found so many different types of pasta and products I’ve never seen before in Wellington. We will be back again, highly recommended!
We had my 80th Birthday Lunch with family and friends and we were all delighted by both the food and the attention of the staff. Will do it again soon.
We Booked for our 40th Wedding Anniversary on the 28th March 09.Thank you Antonio and your staff the food was wonderful we had 18 guests it all went like clock work the wine and food platters were just wonderful. Staff were attentive we weren't rushed it was better than our orginal wedding. Thanks so much we really enjoyed it. Happy Customer Kind Regards Del and Alan Jupp. (Cascades Motor Lodge Taupo)
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Hard to argue that this is probably one of the most genuine Italian places in Wellington and unbeknown to most, because of my mostly Pacific Island heritage and skin colour, very few would pick me as being part Italian as well - so surely that should make me something of an Italian connoisseur right?
Situated in a warehouse also filled with Italian grocery items, its hard to go past the scent of all that Italian fare, Parmesan being one of the more recognisable scents. The place can be busy and the tables and chairs are pushed so close together, that an intimate conversation would easily be muddled with those sitting beside you. Squeezing inbetween tables is not advisable for pregnant women or those horizontally endowed - particularly in the buttocks region. You may get a salt shaker somewhere you dont want it in the process.
The food itself is very nice - and most things appeared to be covered in Parmesan. If you're incredibly hungry, be warned that serving sizes are a bit on the small side - considering the price, this can come as a shock. Most of what I saw being served looked absolutely delicious and my own food, lasagne (I know, a bit cliche) was very nice - very tomatoe-y (and appeared to be a popular dish as at least 3 other people next to me also had it).
The menu isnt overly expansive, but there is a good selection of desserts (including gelato) and coffee on hand. Failing that, my advice would be to make sure you have an entree as well.
Overall, this is a good place to try some genuine Italian food and pick up a few items for your own pantry. It doesnt get a 5th star, solely because of the cramped nature of the seating - but if you love food, it is well worth a visit.
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29 Oct 2014
Have returned from a very pleasant lunch at La Bella
My wife thoroughly enjoyed her cannelloni and I much enjoyed my tarakihi fillet accompanied by mussels and clams.
Service was good and we purchased some deli items as well
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Just a brief note today on one of our haunts. We went across to Petone, but with the exception of On Trays none of the places we wanted were open, therefore we decided brunch at La Bella Italia was in order.
On entry we were greeted warmly by the owner and seated at a pleasant table, despite no booking.
Our order was promptly taken and delivered with the exception of our coffees which we had to remind them about.
My wife's panini was OK, but cheese could have been melted more and the bread less crusty. My porcini and sauce were tasty and well worth the cost.
Overall pleasant meal. Perhaps not as good as last time. Service OK, but not quite as good. However still worth a visit and a good rating.
----- 12 Nov, 2013 -----
Having only just written how we would like to visit La Bella again so it was that we did so, perhaps the thought was father to the wish. More prosaically the place we started out to visit was closed so we came to La Bella. We were not disappointed. It was at brunch time and we were able to secure a table before the impending rush, given the large number of reserved tables.
My wife and I just had a couple of tasty, simple dishes. Mine was a tasty dish of porcini with toasted Italian bread and a delicious sauce. My wife had pancetta with a thick tomato sauce and egg. She enjoyed it.
We both had a couple of cups of coffee each, an unusual event for my wife, but she found her flat white most enjoyable that day.
I took the opportunity to pick up a couple of deli items as well from the excellent range.
Service was pleasant, efficient and unobtrusive.
All in all a good time and we will be back. The cost was OK especially as I had my loyalty card in my wallet. Recommended.
----- 08 Nov, 2013 -----
Unfortunately have not eaten here recently, but past experiences have been very pleasant. Based on the past would rate as 4. We hope to visit again soon.
Second time to visit after so many years but never fail to satisfy my palate. Generous serving and food is really tasty.
Brought a friend who has visited the place for the first time. We ordered pizza and tomato soup and was amazed at how good the food were. The known pizza brands paled in comparison to La Bella's pizza.
Amazing bunch of service crew and always a wonderful service. Won't hesitate to go back again and again to this place.
As usual, La Bella never fails to impress. 20 of us gathered for a Saturday birthday lunch. Delicious food, great service in an authentic Italian restaurant..a feast for the senses.
White Lotus Hair Studio
+5
Best Italian in the Hutt 🇮🇹 I can taste love in the food, good service & atmosphere. Second time I have eaten here and absolutely loved it. I can see why it is so popular. Highly recommend this place! Make sure you book ahead!
Absolutely superb. The staff were great and the food was bellisimo!
The place is great very busy I would recommend reserving a table beforehand.
Nice Italian food for whomever enjoys it.
Bit pricey compared to the portion and simplicity of the ingredients.
They serve Halal food as well all chicken,lamb, beef so that's a plus for them
The dishes in picture shown cost us $172.00
Had the naked special pizza with prosciutto and burrata cheese which was delicious and fresh. Great coffee too. Popular place, with a good selection of food, kitchenware and wine for sale.
Fabulous experience from start to finish. Waitress let us know they were short staffed, but the service wasn’t compromised at all, with plenty of check ins by staff. Meals arrived quickly, absolutely mouth-wateringly good. Appreciated an outside table upon request, which the staff offered to help move when the January drizzle hit. Hope to dine here again next time we’re in town.
Tasty food, warm place, good service and nice atmosphere! Booked our table a week ago, mentioned in the note it is for mum's birthday, got a reply on the following day with options of cakes from their menu due to their no BYO nor cake policy. We were there prepared on the day. Services was outstanding, really made us welcomed Amd happy to be there. 10/10👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Is there a better Italian restaurant in New Zealand? Probably not. We have been here several times in recent years even though it's a trip of 90 km each way. This time was for my birthday and it made my day.This is a place you will really appreciate because they appreciate their guests. Very nice to have the owner doing the rounds of the tables genuinely interested in the opinions and enjoyment of his diners, thanks Antonio. Your attitude is reflected in your staff too.
My partner brought me here when we were in town. She was raving about how great it was the other times she'd been here. She wasn't wrong. The food was incredible! From the pasta, to the pizza to the gelato we had for desert. We will definitely be coming back here next time we are in town. We also loved how there was a demonstration on how to make pasta while we were there. That's something we want to do as well. Would recommend over and over!
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