Bella Blu

Name: Bella Blu
Address: 967 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, United States, 10021
Telephone: (212) 988-4624
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1138 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

The memorable Northern Italian Cuisine makes this Upper East Side restaurant special. The Spaghetti Lobster is the classic signature dish of this Mediterranean treasure. The Wine Spectator awarded extensive and serious wine menu is carefully selected by owner Enrico Proietti. Very often a private wine tasting is happening at the corner table
making the wine list more notable every season. The one of a kind brick oven offers a variety of dishes, exceptional pizza and foccacina rabbiola that is hard to find in this city. For something sweeter-the deserts are impressive! The atmosphere is charming in this power playing neighborhood.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
Phone number
(212) 988-4624
Website
http://www.bellabluny.com/bellablu/media/websitebellablu.html
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Private party facilities
For Special Events please contact: Events@ProiettiGroup.com
Private party contact
Event Director : (212) 802-5587

Location
967 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Cross street
Between 70th and 71st Streets
Parking details
Street parking is available on both sides of Lexington Avenue in front of the restaurant. Also, there is a public parking lot on 70th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues.
Public transit
The 6 Subway stops 2 blocks away on 68th Street.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Misticanza con Scaglie di Parmigiano$12.00
Organic Mixed Baby Greens, Shaved Parmesan, Sherry Vinaigrette
Riccia con Noci Caramellate, Gorgonzola Dolce$13.00
Frisee, Caramelized Walnuts, Gorgonzola, Sherry Vinaigrette
Rughetta con Finocchio, Arance, Olive Nere di Gaeta$12.00
Arugula, Fennel, Black Olives, Orange, Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon Oil
Tropicale con Cuori di Palma, Avocado, Peperoni arrosto e Mais$13.00
Hearts of Palm, Avocado, Roasted Peppers, Radish, Corn
Insalata di Spinaci con Uvetta, Noci e Caprino$13.00
Baby Spinach, Raisins, Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Honey Balsamic Dressing
Tritato di Carciofini, Sedano, Arugola, Funghi e Parmigiano$14.00
Chopped Baby Artichokes, Celery, Mushrooms, Arugula, Parmesan
Verdurine Bella Blu al forno a legna$14.00
Brick Oven Chopped Roasted Vegetables, Red Wine Vinaigrette
Rape Rosse con Scalogno Riccia e Caprino$12.00
Roasted Red Beets, Frisee, Shallots, Endive, Goat Cheese, Red Wine vinaigrette
Insalata di Cesare$12.00
Traditional Caesar Salad, Croutons, Parmesan

Antipasti

Tortino Di Melanzane alla Parmigiana$15.00
Eggplant Parmigiana, Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce
Carciofini Scottati con Pistacchio e Valeriana$16.00
Sautéed Baby Artichokes, Pistacchio, Mache, Parmesan
Bocconcini di Bufala con Peperoni arrosto, Pomodoro e Basilico$17.00
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Tomatoes, Basil
Portobello alla Griglia con Zucchini e Scamorza$18.00
Grilled Portobello, Zucchini, Smoked Mozzarella
Brodetto di Cozze e Vongole$16.00
New Zealand Mussels, Manila Clams, White Wine, Mild Spicy Tomato Sauce
Carpaccio di Tonno alle Erbe con Arance, Indivia e Pepe Rosa$16.00
Herbed Crusted Tuna Carpaccio, Orange, Endive, Pink Peppercorn
Tortino di Calamari e Carciofini con Valeriana$17.00
Squid & Baby Artichokes Cake, Mache, Lemon Dressing
Calamaretti al Forno con Piselli e Crostino all'Aglio$17.00
Brick Oven Baked Calamari, Peas, Tomato, Garlic Crostino
Vitello Tonnato$18.00
Cold Thinly Sliced Roasted Veal, Tuna Sauce, Capers
Carpaccio di Manzo con Rughetta, Cremini e Pecorino Romano$18.00
Raw Filet Mignon Carpaccio, Arugula, Cremini Mushrooms, Pecorino Cheese

Primi

Inquire about our gluten free pastas

Spaghetti alla Chitarra, Pomodoro Fresco e Basilico$20.00
Spaghetti Chitarra, Fresh Tomato and Basil
Gnocchi con Pesto e Fagiolini$21.00
Gnocchi, Pesto, String Beans
Pappardelle Integrali con vegetali organici$20.00
Organic Whole Wheat Ribbon Shaped Pasta, Organic Baby Vegetables
Orecchiette con Salsiccia, Rapini e Peperoncino$22.00
Orecchiette, Sweet Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Red Pepper flakes
Casoncelli alla Bergamasca con Guanciale, Burro e Salvia$21.00
Veal and Raisin Ravioli, Guanciale, Sage and Butter Sauce
Bucatini all`Amatriciana$21.00
Bucatini, Guanciale, Onions, Tomato, Pecorino Romano
Mezzelune di Ricotta e Spinaci alla crema di Tartufo$22.00
Ricotta & Spinach ravioli, Black Truffle Cream Sauce
Ravioli di Carciofi con Pistacchi, Burro e Parmigiano$22.00
Artichoke Ravioli, Pistacchios, Butter and Parmesan
Paccheri con Ragú di vitello al profumo di Limone e Rosmarino$22.00
Paccheri, Veal Ragú, Lemon Rosemary Scent
Penne al Tonno con Capperi, Origano, Olive di Gaeta e Pomodoro$21.00
Penne with Fresh Tuna, Capers, Oregano, Gaeta Olives, Tomato Sauce
Linguine alle Vongole$22.00
Manila Clams, White Wine Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes

Secondi

Battuta di Pollo con Misticanza, Mais, Fagiolini e Caprino$24.00
Pan Seared Chicken Paillard, Baby Greens, Corn, String Beans, Goat Cheese
Petto di Pollo alla Milanese$25.00
Pounded & Breaded Organic Chicken Breast, Hearts of Palm, Mixed Greens
Saltimbocca alla Romana$26.00
Pounded Veal Loin, Prosciutto, Sage Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes
Galletto al Forno in Salsa di Senape con Patate arrosto e Rapini$27.00
Pan Seared Free-Range Baby Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Broccoli Rabe, Mustard Sauce
Bistecca di Manzo alla Griglia con Rughetta e Cipolla caramellata$32.00
Grilled Prime Black Angus Steak over toasted Garlic bread, Caramelized Onions
Salmone alla Griglia con Verdure saltate in salsa di agrumi$27.00
Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Sautéed Baby Vegetables, Citrus Sauce
Gamberoni con Insalata di Rucola e Mango$29.00
Pan Fried Hawaiian King Prawns, Arugula, Mango
Tonno ai semi di papavero con Carciofi, Fagiolini in salsa di Soya e Zenzero$29.00
Poppy Seed Tuna, Artichokes, String Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Soy Ginger Dressing
Filetto di Ippoglosso al Forno con Ragú di Funghi$32.00
Pan-seared Halibut, Butternut Squash Sauce, Wild Mushroom

What 1,138 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

MF
MarciaF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Ffood excellent service great Unfortunately placed near a table with an extraordinarly loud patron
b
babybunny62
New York Area
73 reviews
vip
3.0
73 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
Bella Blu has always been one of my favorite places on the UES. The food is delicious, the design of the restaurant, the lively atmosphere...the lighting fixtures, the pizza oven, all make for a wonderful experience. Last night wasn't the the case. Either they were busier than expected, short staffed, or both. Our waiter was very busy rushing back and forth throughout the evening. We had difficulty getting his attention discretely with eye contact, and it took several attempts to wave him down for basics: more drinks, water, bread, and grated cheese. It also seemed a very long time between placing our entree order and having it served. I will give it another try.
AO
AnneO
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect for graduation celebration! Our family (7) enjoyed the cosy festive restaurant. Our waiter was helpful. Favorite dishes: penne with tuna; duck papardelle; ribeye steak and French fries. Desserts were yummy—tiramisu and Mille feuille. Italian wine was refreshing.
ED
ElaineD
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
We ate outdoors expecting to be able to have a conversation with our friends. Unacceptably loud for outdoor dining. Food pleasant.
H
Hate2cook
New York Area
129 reviews
vip
4.0
129 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Always good and dependable. My only complaint is that they insist on playing music too loud that is unnecessary. I ask that it be lowered, and they comply, only to increase the volume within minutes. Service otherwise is warm and very efficient. Food always very good.
b
bernice
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall4food4service2ambience2
service was extremely poor. I couldn't not tip the waiters the expected 20% but Bella Blu shouldn't be allowed to get away with this. Pick either more waiters or fewer bookings
CB
CarolB
New York Area
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and food. One of the best restaurants in NYC
S
Squarehead
New York Area
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food is excellent and the service is gracious and skilled. This restaurant is a classic.
AB
AlexB
New York Area
291 reviews
vip
5.0
291 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Best veal chop I've ever had and consistent. Great pizza as well. Go at lunch if you can. It's quieter.
NN
NativeNewYorker
New York Area
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A longtime neighborhood fave- the food is reliably good and the staff is lovely. The antipasti, pizzas and pastas are always delicious.
SD
SheilaD
Charleston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful food and great service! My 3 friends and I enjoyed an amazing meal. Our waiter was always there when needed, made great suggestions and not intrusive. Will eat there again next time I am in NYC.
c
cdknewyork19
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was as usual outstanding. We had burrata and prosciutto and kale salads to start, then lobster pasta, bucatini and pizza, followed by tiramisu and the fruit dessert. It was all so delicious. The atmosphere is lively and the service excellent. It never fails, such a great reliable neighborhood place.
H
Hate2cook
New York Area
129 reviews
vip
5.0
129 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Always good, always reliable. Has become my go-to neighborhood restaurant. Service is outstanding, friendly and polite.
ZB
ZondraB
New York Area
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this wonderful restaurant with a warm staff and delicious food but the prices are getting too high for us. Will continue to come but maybe not as much.
YK
YasmineK
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
the staff treat you like family and the food is always so delicious
NM
NeilM
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another neighborhood gem!
NY
NYCguest
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
The food was good, but the attitude of the staff was not very good. Even after my family was seated at a table, several times they asked if we really had a table booked. Either they could not believe their luck that we had arrived, or, on the contrary, they were not happy about it at all. Service is average. One toilet for the whole restaurant and there is always a queue. I won't go there for the second time.
D
Dbf22
New York Area
178 reviews
vip
5.0
178 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best neighborhood restaurant by far!!!!!
UE
UESPNWS
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Excellent. Great service. So accommodating. Just needs a wine list with a few more wallet-friendly options.
D
Dbf22
New York Area
178 reviews
vip
5.0
178 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal and incredible service had a really wonderful evening!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorites on the upper East Side.
K
Kirsten48
New York Area
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service is excellent! The dishes are all delicious and authentic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian food on the Upper East Side
L
Lincoln
New York Area
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding!!! Love this restaurant!!! Excellent service; food delicious- perfect! The staff is warm and friendly!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent creative Italian food.
NN
NativeNYC
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious dinner of vitello tonnato (in January: yay!), whole lobster on spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce, veal chop milanese. Buonissimo!
JD
JoeD
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Waiter was ok But didn’t pay attention do details when food came out It was a table of 9 entrees didn’t come out together But overall we had a nice time
JN
JonNYC
New York Area
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dining experience!!! Entony did a fabulous job!! JS
PB
PaulB
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything is amazing! Love the homemade gnocchi. The Veal Mileanese is also excellent. The desserts were each amazing. One of our favorite NYC spots.
N
Novatwinmom
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant was fantastic. Warm staff and delicious food!
S
Susanlee235
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lively bar and table scene. Food very good and a fun place to dine.
Z
Zigzag
New York Area
87 reviews
vip
5.0
87 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always like this place. Food is consistently good and service has no attitude. One of my favorites!
J
Jess
San Francisco
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Noise level has become unbearable. We are locals and go fairly regularly, but I practically had to sit on my friends lap to hear what she was saying. Food is consistently delicious, but they need to bring in a sound engineer.
FR
FRUSTRATED
New York Area
73 reviews
vip
4.0
73 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience5
Birthday brunch with beautiful atmosphere but very limited menu. Egg whites were not an opt in on and no substitutions. Prefer eating dinner here which has never been a disappointment.
MA
MikeAp
Philadelphia
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, service and everything in between Thank you
H
Hallway
New York Area
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Impeccable service! Perfection every time.
D
Dbf22
New York Area
178 reviews
vip
5.0
178 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always the very best food and outstanding service it’s our favorite neighborhood spot
j
jody
New York Area
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience1
We have been going to Bella Blu for years. This was the first time we ate outdoors and it was, frankly, awful. The ambiance was horrendous -- noisy, not very good service. The food was good, not as hot as it should have been but tasty. We will continue to go back, but never to outside.
e
esob89
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a winner.
YK
YasmineK
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter was so professional and all of the servers were great. The food was delicious!

FAQs

Bella Blu does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates.

Bella Blu is rated 4.7 stars by 1138 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Options

967 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Additional information

Cross street
Between 70th and 71st Streets
Neighborhood
Upper East Side
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street parking is available on both sides of Lexington Avenue in front of the restaurant. Also, there is a public parking lot on 70th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues.
Public transit
The 6 Subway stops 2 blocks away on 68th Street.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bellabluny.com/bellablu/media/websitebellablu.html
Phone number
(212) 988-4624
Private party facilities
For Special Events please contact: Events@ProiettiGroup.com
Private party contact
Event Director : (212) 802-5587

Bella Blu

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Insalate

Misticanza con Scaglie di Parmigiano$12.00

Riccia con Noci Caramellate, Gorgonzola Dolce$13.00

Rughetta con Finocchio, Arance, Olive Nere di Gaeta$12.00

Tropicale con Cuori di Palma, Avocado, Peperoni arrosto e Mais$13.00

Insalata di Spinaci con Uvetta, Noci e Caprino$13.00

Tritato di Carciofini, Sedano, Arugola, Funghi e Parmigiano$14.00

Verdurine Bella Blu al forno a legna$14.00

Rape Rosse con Scalogno Riccia e Caprino$12.00

Insalata di Cesare$12.00

Antipasti

Tortino Di Melanzane alla Parmigiana$15.00

Carciofini Scottati con Pistacchio e Valeriana$16.00

Bocconcini di Bufala con Peperoni arrosto, Pomodoro e Basilico$17.00

Portobello alla Griglia con Zucchini e Scamorza$18.00

Brodetto di Cozze e Vongole$16.00

Carpaccio di Tonno alle Erbe con Arance, Indivia e Pepe Rosa$16.00

Tortino di Calamari e Carciofini con Valeriana$17.00

Calamaretti al Forno con Piselli e Crostino all'Aglio$17.00

Vitello Tonnato$18.00

Carpaccio di Manzo con Rughetta, Cremini e Pecorino Romano$18.00

Featured Items

Spinaci Saltati$9.00

Asparagi al Forno$9.00

Patate Arrosto$8.00

Rapini$9.00

Fagiolini$9.00

Bietole Saltate$9.00

Primi

Spaghetti alla Chitarra, Pomodoro Fresco e Basilico$20.00

Gnocchi con Pesto e Fagiolini$21.00

Pappardelle Integrali con vegetali organici$20.00

Orecchiette con Salsiccia, Rapini e Peperoncino$22.00

Casoncelli alla Bergamasca con Guanciale, Burro e Salvia$21.00

Bucatini all`Amatriciana$21.00

Mezzelune di Ricotta e Spinaci alla crema di Tartufo$22.00

Ravioli di Carciofi con Pistacchi, Burro e Parmigiano$22.00

Paccheri con Ragú di vitello al profumo di Limone e Rosmarino$22.00

Penne al Tonno con Capperi, Origano, Olive di Gaeta e Pomodoro$21.00

Linguine alle Vongole$22.00

Secondi

Battuta di Pollo con Misticanza, Mais, Fagiolini e Caprino$24.00

Petto di Pollo alla Milanese$25.00

Saltimbocca alla Romana$26.00

Galletto al Forno in Salsa di Senape con Patate arrosto e Rapini$27.00

Bistecca di Manzo alla Griglia con Rughetta e Cipolla caramellata$32.00

Salmone alla Griglia con Verdure saltate in salsa di agrumi$27.00

Gamberoni con Insalata di Rucola e Mango$29.00

Tonno ai semi di papavero con Carciofi, Fagiolini in salsa di Soya e Zenzero$29.00

Filetto di Ippoglosso al Forno con Ragú di Funghi$32.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

Does Bella Blu offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bella Blu restaurant rated?

Is Bella Blu currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information