Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets

Name: Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Address: 1899 Second St, Highland Park, IL, United States, 60035
Telephone: (847) 681-8300
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

980 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Bella Via Ristorante & Banquets is an authentic Italian Restaurant located in downtown Highland Park. A family owned and operated restaurant that has become the neighborhood spot for 20 years. We feature northern and southern Italian fare with an impressive selection of Italian wines. The menu consists of a variety of appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish, tender veal, chicken and many other Italian favorites.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 681-8300
Website
http://www.bellaviahighlandpark.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Maurizio Lo Bosco
Catering
Private party facilities
Delicious Italian food and exceptional service, combined with beautiful rustic private rooms. Our private party room(s) accommodate 10 to 200 people for a small intimate event to a formal function. Attached to the private party room(s) is a large 2200 square foot garden patio. We are dedicated to providing only the highest quality food and individualized attention from our experienced staff. We will tailor specific menus to meet your needs whether its for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding or special occasion.
Private party contact
Amir Bloom: (847) 681-8300

Location
1899 Second St, Highland Park, IL 60035
Neighborhood
Highland Park
Cross street
Second St. & Elm St.
Parking details
Large underground Parking Facility located right across the street
Entertainment
Live music on our outdoor patio
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Bruschetta al Pomodoro$10.00
grilled bread, diced tomato, basil, garlic, olive oil
Burrata$14.00
fresh mozzarella, marinated artichoke, roasted red bell pepper, balsamic vinegar
Antipasto della Casa$13.00
prosciutto di Parma, sopressata, parmigiano reggiano, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives
Caprese$12.00
fresh mozzarella, vine ripened tomato, roasted red pepper, basil, olive oil

Brodo

Minestrone$6.00

Insalata

Protein Salad Add Ons: add chicken $5.95, add grilled shrimp $7.95, add grilled salmon $8.95

Insalata Mista$14.00
mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, green olive, roasted red bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, carrots, fresh mozzarella
Insalata Cesare$13.00
romaine, parmiggiano, croutons, cesare dressing
Insalata Bella Via$15.00
mixed greens, romaine, tomato, prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, artichoke, roasted red bell pepper, cucumber, shaved carrots

Hot Antipasto

Carciofini al Forno$12.00
artichoke hearts, garlic, olive oil, white wine, parmigiano, fresh mozzarella
Calamari Fritti$14.00
lightly breaded, served with marinara
Sausage, Peppers & Potato$13.00
plum tomato sauce, sausage, green peppers, potato
Calamari alla Griglia$15.00
grilled calamari, olive oil, lemon, grilled vegetables
Mama's Mini Meatballs$12.00
veal, beef, bread crumbs, parmigiano

Pizza

Pizza Margherita$13.00

Specialita di Pasta

$4 upcharge on any side pasta substitutions. Whole wheat & gluten free pasta available $2.95 more

Capellini Marinara$18.00
marinara sauce
Spaghetti Carbonara$21.00
pancetta, egg, onion, pecorino cheese, basil
Penne Arrabbiata$20.00
san marzano tomatoes, hot dried peppers, garlic, olive oil
Linguini Puttanesca$21.00
kalamata olives, capers, onions, anchovies, plum tomato sauce
Fettuccini Diavolo$24.00
shrimp, calamari, spicy tomato sauce
Farfalle Rossini$21.00
vodka tomato cream
Rigatoni Pomodoro & Basilico$20.00
plum tomato, basil, garlic, olive oil
Spaghetti Bolognese$20.00
house made meat sauce
Fettuccini alla Panna$20.00
alfredo sauce
Linguini con Vongole$22.00
little neck clams, red or white sauce
Capellini Gamberi Bella Via$23.00
shrimp, broccoli, white wine, garlic, olive oil
Lasagna di Carne O Vegetali$21.00
meat lasagna or vegetable lasagna
Gnocchi$23.00
potato dumpling, asiago & ricotta cheese, select one of our signature sauces
Tortellini al Formaggio O Agli Spinaci$21.00
spinach noodle or plain noodle, ricotta cheese
Ravioli Pomodoro$20.00
spinach or plain ravioli noodle, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce

Vitello

Vitello Marsala$27.00
veal medallions, mushrooms, marsala wine sauce
Vitello Picatta$26.00
veal medallions, capers, lemon butter sauce
Vitello Parmigana$26.00
veal tenderloin, bread crumbs, tomato sauce, parmesan, mozzarella
Vitello Saltimbocca$27.00
veal medallions, spinach, prosciutto, mozzarella, lemon butter, white wine

Pollo

Pollo Marsala$24.00
marsala wine, mushrooms
Pollo Vesuvio$23.00
fresh garlic, olive oil, potatoes
Pollo Parmigiana$23.00
marinara sauce, parmesan, mozzarella
Pollo Cacciatore$24.00
mushroom, onion, green pepper, kalamata olives, plum tomato sauce
Pollo Toscana$25.00
portabella mushroom, artichoke, red bell pepper, white wine

Melanzana

Parmigiana di Melanzana$21.00
breaded eggplant, marinara, parmesan, mozzarella
Involtini di Melanzana$22.00
stuffed eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce

Pesce

Tilapia Mediterraneo$26.00
plum tomato sauce, kalamata olives, capers, onions
Salmon alla Griglia$27.00
olive oil, lemon, grilled vegetables
Halibut Piccata$30.00
chopped tomato, capers, white wine, lemon butter
Cioppino di Pesci$30.00
calamari, shrimp, mussels, clams, salmon, light tomato sauce
Misto di Pesci$35.00
grilled tilapia, salmon, shrimp, calamari, olive oil, lemon, grilled vegetables

Risotto

Risotto al Vegetali$24.00
zucchini, eggplant, tomato, mushrooms, spinach, onion
Risotto Mare Monti$26.00
shrimp, chopped clams, mushrooms, spinach, onion
Risotto Pescatore$27.00
shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, salmon

Side Dish

Grilled Vegetables$7.00
broccoli, zucchini, red bell pepper, carrots, olive oil, balsamic
Sautéed Spinach$6.00
baby spinach, garlic, white wine, olive oil
Broccoli$6.00
lemon butter, white wine sauce
Sausage or Meatballs$8.00

What 980 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North Suburbs
Neighborhood gem
North Suburbs
Italian

980 Reviews

e
eater
Chicago
32 reviews
vip
2.0
32 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall2food2service1ambience4
Very disappointed again with food and service issues: fish not cooked through despite being asked how it should be served. It took a long time to serve the dinner after the initial order and then a long delay after it was undercooked and no apology or check in with me. And...it costs more for each serving.
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CV
CoachVicki
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, an outstanding experience and we were very touched that they gave us desert for our anniversary. It’s one of our favorite places. Many thanks to the Bella Via Team!
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MA
MARIED
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service are great. There are so many great choices.
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JD
JenniferD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lovely dinner. I loved my portobello ravioli that was a special and my husband enjoyed his lasagne.
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M
Minchire
Chicago
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent service, food, and we loved having the doors open to the outside. Our guests were first-timers and said Bella Via is a home run! We agree.
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ML
MichaelL
Chicago
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This continues to be one of our favorites. The food is very good, although not unique, the service is professional and timely, and we really like that unlike a lot of restaurants, it is quiet. Also, easy to park closeby on the street.
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e
eater
Chicago
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
good meal but a lot more expensive. like being in your outdoor patio
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CK
ChristyK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely outdoor patio made for a perfect leisurely dinner - great date night atmosphere!
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D
Dianas
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Chicken parmesano was delicious & capellini. Service was very good & friendly staff. There’s a back area patio as well.
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AG
AGC50
Chicago
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
Generous portions, friendly service and enjoy expanded outdoor seating.
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F
Fressmeister
Chicago
29 reviews
vip
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience2
Bella Via has sadly lost some of its Mojo. The kitchen continues to turn out delicious Italian food but service levels have fallen off with mostly younger, less experienced servers. Our entrée arrived lukewarm and it was difficult to get our server's attention because she was covering remote tables. We are hopeful that this once considered institution will return to being our favorite local Italian restaurant.
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JO
JudyO
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful setting, delicious food, wonderful service., nice wine list. What could be better!
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JH
JamesH
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was very good. My favorite was not on the menu but our waiter said it was available
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DH
DocHungry
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a beautiful night to sit on the patio. Food and drinks were delicious as I recall.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely outside patio, delicious food and marvelous cocktails and wine. We love the grilled squid and vegetables. So fresh and clean. We love the fish and eggplant rolls. Thank you
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PW
PeggyW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our waiter apologized when we ordered for any delays as he was so busy. He couldn’t have been nicer. Food was good though the Caesar salad wasn’t very authentic. Look forward to going back soon.
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NW
NancyW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the food, service, and back patio! Everything was perfect!
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T
Tates
Chicago
29 reviews
vip
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience4
This is a fav spot of ours. Food never disappoints and service is always top notch. This visit was different. The seating placement was odd. Not busy but they insisted on placing people right next to each other while the entire middle remained open. Staggering would be better. The windows were open which was lovely but the fly situation was brutal. People were moving all around to get away from the flies. I would have liked to see them close the windows as we felt like we spent more time swatting than enjoying the meal.
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DR
DRJC
Chicago
45 reviews
vip
4.0
45 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was excellently prepared and tasty as usual. We try to eat here regularly and have always had an excellent meal no matter what we choose. The ambiance is wonderful and besides having an outdoor option, the doors to the street are open giving diners in the main room an outdoor experience. The menu is extensive and there are good choices for anyone's diet.
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CD
CatherineD
Chicago
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Everyone in our group loved their meal except for me. I found the puttanesca was bland. Our server was wonderful. Our table ideal. And we found the prices a little high.
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e
eforgan
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Stellar service. Best trained staff. Service is impeccable. A+ to the trainer! I could eat the Chilean Sea Bass special every night. It was so well prepared. Reshmed is our personal choice of servers every time we go in. Very professional, friendly and always wonderful suggestions for food and wine pairings.
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j
janicep
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
My entire party was very pleased with the food, service and really enjoyed the outdoor patio.
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IJ
IleneJ
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our meals were delicious and service was outstanding. It wasn't at all noisy and the open doors with the breeze were wonderful
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RS
RobertS
Chicago
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The outdoor dining experience was terrific. Eaten here many times and never had an issue with the service or the food.
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B
Bill
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were seated promptly and had bread and water brought quickly. It seemed that they lost track of us, on a very busy night. Once they realized this, they were attentive and the service was excellent. We have eaten here several times and the service is always a 5/5. I’ll be back again and again. This place is one of those chef owned and operated places and is top notch in my opinion.
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LC
LocalChowHound
Chicago
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great friend from CA was in town and wanted really good northern Italian cuisine, which it certainly was! (Our friend) Chef Sonia’s fried calamari and tiramisu were excellent! Server Rashad was very attentive and aimed to please. Overall, wonderful experience- though thought was a bit pricey (prices seem to have gone up). Will definitely return!
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BB
BillB
Chicago
155 reviews
vip
3.0
155 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Bella Via serves good, better than average Italian food. the service is satisfactory. Entrees include a choice of soup or salad, which justifies a higher price point.
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S
Shelly
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We are a long time happy customer. We would like to have several new dish's added to your menu every month. The current menu has not changed in a long time, and there are many wonderful items that we and many of your customers would enjoy. Thank you for asking. Sheldon & Linda Schak
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AL
AndieL
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, great service! Loved the open air atmosphere with the windows open.
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SC
SandraC
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bella Via is a favorite of ours. We are never disappointed in the food. Very friendly staff and very attentive staff. Since Covid some restaurants have suffered because they can not get enough staff. That is NOT the issue at Bella Via. Service was remarkable. Definitely says something positive about the management!
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KB
KBinBartlett
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience was 5 star right from the start. Our server, Omar, was attentive and quick. Food was excellent and we celebrated a wonderful birthday.
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JO
JohnnyO
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Hadn't been here in a while and so glad to be back!
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RL
RichardL
Chicago
129 reviews
vip
4.0
129 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
We had a nice dinner at Bella Via on this visit. Our friends, who had not been to the restaurant in a long time, enjoyed their experience. The food was very good, with each member of our group enjoying his/her meal. One slight slip-up was the server getting one of our orders wrong. The dish had to be sent back and my corrected dinner arrived almost after my dining-mates had finished their meals. Oops! Otherwise, we enjoy Bella Via and will be back.
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MR
MaryR
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was very tasty, good presentation and not so much that you felt stuffed when you finished it.
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t
thediner
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Nice place, friendly service, solid italian food. I really think they need to change their soup bowls, when you order minestrone it comes half empty, I think its because they feel it might spill as its walked to the table. Overall food is good if your in the mood for classic old school italian food. Must have the artichokes.
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DR
DRJC
Chicago
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The meal was wonderful as usual. Service was impeccable. We have been to Bella Via several times and enjoy it each time. The restaurant has quality food and a large menu selection. They have a good wine list and cocktails are prepared correctly.
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LS
LindaS
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, service, ambiance is terrific! One of our favorite places!
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b
billp
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great expecially the service. We shared a dish and they split it.
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AB
ArleneB
Phoenix
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A neighborhood gem. Great personalized service. Delicious food. Easy to hear each other. Can’t wait to go back!
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JD
JakeD
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
Service was outstanding, everything else was average for this type of restaurant.
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FAQs

Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets is rated 4.6 stars by 980 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

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 10 times today

Google Map for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets

1899 Second St, Highland Park, IL 60035

Additional information

Cross street
Second St. & Elm St.
Neighborhood
Highland Park
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Large underground Parking Facility located right across the street
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Maurizio Lo Bosco
Entertainment
Live music on our outdoor patio
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bellaviahighlandpark.com/
Phone number
(847) 681-8300
Catering
Private party facilities
Delicious Italian food and exceptional service, combined with beautiful rustic private rooms. Our private party room(s) accommodate 10 to 200 people for a small intimate event to a formal function. Attached to the private party room(s) is a large 2200 square foot garden patio. We are dedicated to providing only the highest quality food and individualized attention from our experienced staff. We will tailor specific menus to meet your needs whether its for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding or special occasion.
Private party contact
Amir Bloom: (847) 681-8300

Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets

Make a reservation

Additional information

Calamari Fritti

Caprese Salad

Spaghetti Bolognese

Cold Antipasto

Bruschetta al Pomodoro$10.00

Burrata$14.00

Antipasto della Casa$13.00

Caprese$12.00

Brodo

Minestrone$6.00

Insalata

Insalata Mista$14.00

Insalata Cesare$13.00

Insalata Bella Via$15.00

Hot Antipasto

Carciofini al Forno$12.00

Calamari Fritti$14.00

Sausage, Peppers & Potato$13.00

Calamari alla Griglia$15.00

Mama's Mini Meatballs$12.00

Pizza

Pizza Margherita$13.00

Specialita di Pasta

Capellini Marinara$18.00

Spaghetti Carbonara$21.00

Penne Arrabbiata$20.00

Linguini Puttanesca$21.00

Fettuccini Diavolo$24.00

Farfalle Rossini$21.00

Rigatoni Pomodoro & Basilico$20.00

Spaghetti Bolognese$20.00

Fettuccini alla Panna$20.00

Linguini con Vongole$22.00

Capellini Gamberi Bella Via$23.00

Lasagna di Carne O Vegetali$21.00

Gnocchi$23.00

Tortellini al Formaggio O Agli Spinaci$21.00

Ravioli Pomodoro$20.00

Vitello

Vitello Marsala$27.00

Vitello Picatta$26.00

Vitello Parmigana$26.00

Vitello Saltimbocca$27.00

Pollo

Pollo Marsala$24.00

Pollo Vesuvio$23.00

Pollo Parmigiana$23.00

Pollo Cacciatore$24.00

Pollo Toscana$25.00

Melanzana

Parmigiana di Melanzana$21.00

Involtini di Melanzana$22.00

Pesce

Tilapia Mediterraneo$26.00

Salmon alla Griglia$27.00

Halibut Piccata$30.00

Cioppino di Pesci$30.00

Misto di Pesci$35.00

Risotto

Risotto al Vegetali$24.00

Risotto Mare Monti$26.00

Risotto Pescatore$27.00

Side Dish

Grilled Vegetables$7.00

Sautéed Spinach$6.00

Broccoli$6.00

Sausage or Meatballs$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets restaurant rated?

Is Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information