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: 4.8

4.8

1067 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 28, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Delivery

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 1,067 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York / Tri-State Area
Neighborhood Gem
Manhattan
Kid Friendly
Manhattan
Neighborhood Gem

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BL
BigL55555
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply the best pizza, by far, in the UES. Pasta, Fish, Meat ... all the rest amazing as well.
M
Margo
Denver
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a pleasure to dine here
NN
NativeNewYorker
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Always delicious. The service is great. Very loud and hard to hear - but a great spot.
n
nina
New York Area
277 reviews
vip
5.0
277 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Busy busy Thursday evening! Great weather. Love the care in the outside area - white tablecloths, very comfortable. Sharp waiter and staff. Delicious pasta/tuna and veal milanaise, enough for 2, was outstanding! Love their pizzas also. Great for special lunch/groups.
c
christinea
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every app and main course was Excellent!! Will be back to enjoy another meal here soon!
g
greggs
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service at the bar and the table. Wine recommendations were excellent. We will definitely be back
GJ
GloryJ
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2020
overall1food4service4ambience1
I visited Bella Bleu last Saturday at a time when the 50% occupancy rule was in effect as a result of the coronavirus . The restaurant was packed to 90% capacity. I spoke to the manager and asked why they were not complying with the 50% rule and he told me “it was an economic decision” not to comply. Shocking that they risked the health and well-being of their patrons and staff to satisfy their greed. Will never return.
SW
SusanW
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
A true neighborhood gem that consistently makes you feel like family and never disappoints with everything on the menu from the sautéed artichokes, the home made pasta to the tiramiso and all in between!
m
mikeyclimb
New York Area
156 reviews
vip
3.0
156 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall3food4service3ambience3
a strictly neighborhood gem. decent pizza and pastas, good wine list but overpriced as one would expect for the neighborhood. meatball so so. can't compare with Carbone pizza ok but not great, pasta was quite good (fettuccini with a duck ragu) this was our second visit. -in an upscale neighborhood full of moderately priced (for the area!) Italians this is in the middle
L
Loulegal
Salt Lake City
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal can’t beat the hospitality and atmosphere. The veal p,pasta and fish all were great. The wine was perfectly matched and our large group had an excellent experience will be back soon!
TG
TerryG
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
No need to go to Italy.Italy comes to the UES. It is lively and a choice for any taste.
E
Eileenandsteve
New York Area
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious pasta perfectly cooked with mushrooms branzino. The appetizers with artichoke are spectacular. Warm lovely atmosphere. Service is wobderful
MJ
MichaelJ
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have only been to Bella Blu for lunch meetings. Excellent food and service, great environment.
BF
BFues
Fort Lauderdale
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great value and excellent service and food!!
l
lucky
New York Area
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful for lunch and dinner
L
Lloydn
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time. Marcelo was an excellent waiter. Will come back just to have him wait on us
AL
ALHL
Los Angeles
155 reviews
vip
4.0
155 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
It’s our go-to restaurant on our arrival to New York!!
GA
GreenAlligators
New York Area
138 reviews
vip
5.0
138 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal. Huge menu full of so many great choices. We had the frisée and Gorgonzola salad, artichoke ravioli and veal ravioli.
AK
AndKar
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it! Food incredible staff excellent service!
c
candyl7
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service is great. Menu is amazing. Food is fab. Love this place. Tables are very tight though so be prepared to be tempted by dining neighbors food when it comes out before yours!
r
rere
New York Area
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food greAt service greAt atmosphere! Will definitely go again!
DM
DorianM
New York Area
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I was looking for a place to meet a friend for lunch that was midway between our work locations. We are both walking distance to Bella Blu and decided to give it a try after hearing rave reviews from many other friends. Fabulous food, stellar service...so glad we tried it. We both had the beet salad and a Quattro Stagioni pizza...both were superb. Can wait to back and try other menu selections. Great place, eat there!
P
Pacer
New York Area
65 reviews
vip
3.0
65 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall3food5service4ambience2
Bella blu has been a favorite for many years. Still a most popular restaurant at all hours. I guess that’s why they’ve added so many two tops in the aisle. Difficult to get around and increased noise levels. Not their fault, but because tables are so close, rude customers are even more annoying. We couldn’t get away from woman who kept lifting her long hair over our table. Food remains delicious, interesting and plentiful. Food also came as requested. Definite difference between rare and medium rare salmon. I do miss the chopped salad of yore. We had a 5:45 reservation and place was packed. When we left at 7:30, crowds were out the door. Speaks well of this old stand by.
M
Margot
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2020
overall3food4service4ambience3
Too cramped. Too noisy. Too expensive. (e.g., we asked for some garlic bread and received 4 thin, tiny ovals of bread dusted with garlic, for which we were charged $10)
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great! Would recommend
L
Ladydi
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
Just ok. Food was undercooked
JO
JOSE
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
Wonderful!!!! Life is Chula!!!! #lifeischula
SJ
SJKMc
New York Area
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
Title of review... DON'T GO TO BELLA BLU ON A HOLIDAY. My husband and I went for lunch to Bella Blu on Valentine's Day, one of our favorite restaurants when we go to the museums nearby. We were looking forward to their pizzas, which are always delicious and we were told that they were not making them that day. We overheard a conversation at a nearby table between a waiter and a customer (who was also looking forward to the pizza and was disappointed when told there would be none) where the waiter pretty much indicated that on holidays they don't offer the pizza. Lunch cost us $187 (including a bottle of wine), so I gather this is the reason behind the "no pizza on holiday" rule.. customers will spend more money if the pizza is unavailable. I am going to think twice about lunch at Bella Blu again. Too expensive!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Manitoba
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service, amazing food, great wine section!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband’s birthday.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
I love Bela Blue. It’s a spot that never disappoints - there is good energy and the food is authentic. Love the murals
MS
MarkS
New York Area
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience4
$25 a glass of wine. I assume they made a mistake on the bill. Fish was terrible- should have been sent back. Otherwise fine meal
TI
TIMK
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall2food3service3ambience3
Bella Blu was more like Bella Blaaah. While the staff were very accommodating, the digs are fun and the food is passable, it would be a fair value if it were half the price. For a price point $130 for 2 people: 2 simple salad appetizers, a mushroom fettuccine, a single size pizza and 2 beers, I expect a whole lot more. The ingredients were standard fare, the execution nothing special. They need to kick up the food significantly if they're expecting people to shell out $33 for a mushroom pasta. We have a pick of Italian restaurants with far better food for half the price. That said, the service is notch higher than places for half the price, but after all we didn't go to eat the service! This one's a pretender rather than the real deal.
JE
JillE
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience3
While Bella Blu is usually a dependable and delicious choice in my neighborhood, I found the service and noise level quite unpleasant this time. Not up to par unfortunately
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2020
overall3food1service3ambience3
The chicken Paul lard was rubbery
DS
DianaS
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
A reunion with a high school friend was made so pleasurable—the pasta was perfect and service attentive and kind. A great luncheon!
LM
LoriM
New York Area
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall2food3service1ambience2
The waiter kept coming over to have us pay the bill and we felt we were being rushed out
j
jewele
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
2.0
30 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall2food3service2ambience2
They are so rude. Always make you feel unwelcome always make you wait after they’ve made you guarantee with a credit card. Better values in the neighborhood
CR
CamR
New York Area
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous meal, excellent service, great location

FAQs

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

Bella Blu is rated 4.8 stars by 1067 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 28, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Delivery

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

Delivery

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

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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

Delivery

Additional information