Bettola

Name: Bettola
Address: 2930 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, United States, 35233
Telephone: (205) 731-6499 ext. 2
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

770 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Bettola is a casual upscale restaurant located in Birmingham's Lakeview district. Founded by award-winning chef James Lewis, Bettola offers a wonderful array of foods from the Campania region of Italy in a warm and modern setting.

Here, we honor the farm-to-table tradition by using locally sourced meats and produce to bring fresh flavors to each dish. Customer favorites include our gnocchi, pollo pomodoro, and our charcuterie selections. Our signature Neapolitan pizzas start with dough made from scratch using caputo flour flown in from Italy, which is hand-tossed and wood-fired in our authentic brick oven from Naples. We also feature a variety of house-made pastas, roasts, and sautés, and we offer craft cocktails and wines to pair beautifully with each dish.

We’re always pushing the envelope with our creative dishes and drinks at Bettola, and we hope to welcome you in our space soon.

We will try to accommodate reservations made outdoors as best as possible! Times may vary!

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Pizzeria
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Sat 2:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(205) 731-6499 ext. 2
Website
https://www.bettolabhm.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef James Lewis

Location
2930 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Neighborhood
Birmingham
Cross street
29th St. S
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Salumi e Formaggi
Prosciutto, Coppa, Speck, Mozzarella, Stone Hollow Goat Cheese and Condiments
Pizzete
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Oregano, Sea Salt
Calamari Arostiti
Sugo di Pomodoro, Hot Chilies, White Wine, Oregano, Olive Oil, Crostini
Fresh Marinated Olives
Cerignola + Geata Olives, Olive Oil, Dried Chilies, Herbs

Pasta

Quattro Formaggi
Garganelli Pasta with Balsamella Cream, Gorgonzola, Fior di Latte Mozzarella Pecorino, Alta Badia, Basil
Sugo di Pomodoro
Strozzapreti Pasta, Cherry Tomatoes Roasted with Garlic & Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pecorino, Basil, Fior di Latte Mozzarella
Gnocchi di Pancetta
Gnocchi, Pancetta, Tomato Sauce, Parmigiano
Kids Pasta
Garganelli Pasta with your choice of Butter and Pecorino or Marinara

Pagniotelle

Sandwich with Choice of Soup or House Salad

Prosciutto Rucola
Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Arugula, 2-yr. Aged Prosciutto, Local Tomatoes
Cotto e Formaggi
Cotto Ham, Fontina, Pecorino, Local Tomatoes
Robiola e Peperoni
Stone Hollow Goat Cheese, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Arugula
Pollo Pomodoro
Roasted Chicken, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato, Basil
Mozzarella Pomodoro
Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Roasted Tomato, Basil
Vegetali
Local Roasted Eggplant, Peppers, Mushrooms, Red Onion, Mozzarella, Olive Oil
Agnello
Roasted Lamb, Stone Hollow Goat Cheese, Arugula, Tomato, Fresh Oregano
Bistecca
Hanger Steak, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Tomatoes, Gorgonzola
Salsiccia
House Sausage, Roasted Pepper, Caramelized Onion, San Marzano Tomato, Alta Badia

Insalata (Salads)

Roasted Vegetables, Chicken, Hanger Steak, Lamb

Insalata Toscana
Local Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, Carrots, Red Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil, Parmigiano, Red Onion
Herb Insalata
Basil, Spearmint, Arugula, Parsley, Romaine, Red Onion, Lemon Emulsion, Shaved Parmigiano
Kale Caesar
Pecorino, Toasted Bread Crumbs, Shaved Walnuts, Sultanas, Caesar Dressing
Insalata Mista
Local Mixed Greens, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pizze (Pizza)

Margherita D.O.C
San Marzano Tomato, Bufala Mozzarella, Basil
Filetto
Cherry Tomatoes, Bufala Mozzarella, Olive Oil, Garlic, Basil, Sea Salt
Maialona
Salame, Cotto Ham, Sausage, Pancetta, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Gaeta Olives
Quattro Stagioni
Cotto Ham, Artichokes, Mushrooms, Gaeta Olives
Salsiccia e Peperoni
Italian Sausage, Roasted Peppers, Fior di Latte Mozzarella
Funghi di Bosco
Crimini e Portobello Mushrooms, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil
Pancetta e Cipolla
Caramelized Onion, Pancetta, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Hot Peppers
Melanzane e Peperoni
Eggplant and Roasted Peppers
Quattro Formaggi
Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Alta Badia, Gorgonzola, Pecorino, Olive Oil
Mascarpone e Prosciutto
Mascarpone, Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Arugula
Kids Pizza
Mozzarella

Bevande (Beverages)

Sodas
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger ale
Iced Tea
San Pellegrino
Rieme Limonade
Orangina
French Press

What 770 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

769 Reviews

CW
CullenW
Mississippi
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Burrata is a must order, and they have awesome wine specials
Is this helpful?
KC
KarenC
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was amazing! I got the scallops and buccatini and it was droolworthy!!
Is this helpful?
GT
GiuseppeT
Charleston
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really good food and nice restaurant Really good pizza
Is this helpful?
AH
AnneH
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, great prices, and great atmosphere!!
Is this helpful?
CI
CheI
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Love the fresh, homemade pasta at Bettola. Such a gem in Birmingham!
Is this helpful?
M
Madison
Alabama
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We had a great time at Bettola for our Valentine's dinner. The food was incredible. I highly recommend the burrata for a starter. The only reason I decided against five stars was because we had originally booked for outside due to Covid. It was explained that this might be cancelled if weather ended up being an issue. It was a cold night, but I didn't receive any cancellation notifications, so we ended up going. I assumed they might have heat lamps. When we got there, we saw that they were not offering outdoor seating. We were told inside was fully booked, but we were welcome to sit at the bar. We did end up going with this option. It was more crowded than I would have liked. I totally understand that this is a pandemic and it's hard to predict weather circumstances of course, but I think I would have appreciated some sort of a heads up before we actually arrived at the restaurant. It would have given us more of a chance to order takeout, go somewhere else, etc. However, the food was excellent, service otherwise was great, so we will definitely be back.
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B
Bhamfoodie
E. Tennessee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2021
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was over priced with very little flavor. Steak had citrus like flavor and a few potatoes underneath. Which did NOT taste like the type of seasoning that should be on a steak (maybe for fish). The rigatoni bolognese tasted more like Hamburger helper beef stroganoff, and was the color of dumplings with beef on top. No real sauce or seasoning. Did not try the pizza but after our dishes arrived I looked around and that seemed to be everyone else's go to. I ordered ravioli in place of the inedible rigatoni and it was odd and ok. Small raviolis (maybe 5) in a soup like consistency rather than sauce. Would not go back to eat the food. Wine was excellent George's pinot noir was worth every penny. Would go back to drink wine and visit with friends. The staff was great, you could tell they wanted to make your experience good. Fast service, cool atmosphere. They just need to get a new menu.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Second time at Betolla! We took some friends who were visiting and they loved it! The food was awesome and the service was so prompt and friendly!
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J
Josh
Alabama
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing as always. Love the food. Over the top great service. Great cocktails.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time visiting Bettina. Food was fantastic! I can’t wait to go back and try something new. We were reluctant because we read the noise levels were high and the music was strange. We did not experience that at all. Great atmosphere!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for a friend’s birthday! Great service and yummy food
Is this helpful?
MC
MarieClaire
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We made a reservation the weekend of Valentines Day! When we got there our table was waiting! Our server came right out with a big friendly smile! He suggested a nice bubbly for us that we loved! We had the marinated olives and bread for an appetizer! Very tasty! I ordered Lobster Pasta and it was so delicious and creamy! My husband had snapper topped with herbs and pistachios! Our friend had steak and ravioli that looked amazing!! Our server was top notch and name was Elvis!! Beautiful place and very calm but at same time exciting vibe😍
Is this helpful?
C
Collin
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bettola is an amazing dining experience. Everyone from the hostess to the servers were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. My fiancé and I both had pasta dishes and they were phenomenal. Would highly recommend dining here.
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J
Jlgonzo
Atlanta Metro
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was fantastic as it always is. I love everything about this place.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Alabama
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have eaten out very few times in the past year, due to the pandemic. But an out-of-town friend was here this evening and we wanted a good meal with outdoor service. Bettola was perfect - the food has always been terrific, and we felt very safe eating outdoors with our masked server. Great job, Bettola!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food was outstanding! Like, crazy delicious. Our server wasn’t overly friendly, but she brought us our food in a timely manner. Maybe she was having a bad night.
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b
bhamfoodlove
Alabama
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very good meal and our server, Elvis, was fantastic!
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MR
MattR
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2021
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place, we enjoyed it and would go back. Funky menu, salads had a bit too much dressing on them but all in all the food was good and service was exceptional.
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Z
Zeke
Coastal Georgia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, great service, love the ambiance.
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MC
MelissaC
Memphis/West TN
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was amazing! The service was great, too. We had two kids under the age of 10 in our party and offered kid friendly options.
Is this helpful?
NM
NormaM
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 30, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time here. And we will def come again. Great atmosphere. The food was great. And the staff is very friendly
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AM
AmyM
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal. Great service. Great atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
WM
WesleyM
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We really enjoyed our time at Bettola this past Saturday. Great food and the service was excellent.
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j
johnh
Alabama
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Consistently one of the best restaurants in Birmingham
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LJ
LandJ
Alabama
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
not our first time to eat here. have always enjoyed Bettola. our food was fresh and prepared well - if you want a great pasta dish, try the quattro formagi. our server Danielle took great care of us; all staff we met were friendly and helpful. we'll be back.
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JH
JamesH
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Daughter leaving foe school.
Is this helpful?
GT
GiuseppeT
Charleston
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best pizza in Birmingham!!
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CN
CaseyN
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic service and food. I will definitely be back
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MG
MarshaG
Mobile
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 3, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious here and the ambience/vibe of the restaurant was perfect for us. So glad we found this little gem
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R
Rusty
Atlanta Metro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2021
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and food!
Is this helpful?
AS
AndyS
Alabama
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bettola has the best Italian food in the city. We have lived in several large cities and travel frequently, and it's one of the best restaurants anywhere. It is Italian food as it should be. The recipes are well-imagined and well-executed: drinks, appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. We dine there frequently, and never tire of it--possibly because almost everything is put in the wood-fired oven, including some of the pasta dishes like the sugo pomodoro. Recently, our servers--Elvis and Danielle--have been excellent, but if we ever had a complaint in our many visits, it's about new servers. If that happens, just mention it to someone in charge, and they'll make it right. Stuff happens, everywhere. By the way, if you've only been there at lunch, the experience at dinner is very different, with a much fuller drink and food menu. Bettola is not terribly expensive--about 50% - 60% of the price of more expensive and better-known restaurants in town, depending upon what you order and how much you drink. The food is as good, if not better, than almost of those restaurants, and no place in its price range even comes close--that includes many chains, where you could spend more and get only inedible mediocrity. All five members of our family are happy that Bettola has survived the pandemic, and we look forward to many more visits.
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EV
ErikaV
Atlanta Metro
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
I was very happy till I saw one of chefs behind bar talking to a customer with kids with his mark pulled down. He deliberately pulled it down while working on food in the pizza area and was engaging with a family. I was quite surprised.
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SM
SusanM
Alabama
35 reviews
vip
2.0
35 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2020
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We waited almost thirty minutes for someone to serve our table. Then another 20 for a cocktail to arrive. Made our reservation over a month out and we sat by the hall door to the bathroom even though an identical table was open next to ours. Frustrating to say the least!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2020
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
menu was “out” of a a lot of items for an early 5:45 reservation. cauliflower app was “out” which is one of my favorites. grouper was substituted for red snapper but portion was much smaller with grouper . Not their best tonight for food . Service was good.
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MB
MorganB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent. Have never had a bad meal or experience at Bettola.
Is this helpful?
PP
PatrickP
Alabama
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and drink in relaxed atmosphere. My group enjoyed the carbonara, pomodoro pasta, gnocchi and rigatoni
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A
Aloyisios
Alabama
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, especially snapper. Very friendly and knowledgeable server.
Is this helpful?
CW
CalW
Alabama
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
One of the best Italian restaurants in Birmingham
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K
Krisarm3
Alabama
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had the Lasagna and antipasta for an app, wine and dessert. It was delish
Is this helpful?
AH
AnneH
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2020
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, easy atmosphere, very personal staff!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Bettola offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (205) 731-6499 ext. 2.

Bettola is rated 4.6 stars by 770 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

2930 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

Additional information

Cross street
29th St. S
Neighborhood
Birmingham
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Sat 2:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Pizzeria
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef James Lewis
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.bettolabhm.com/
Phone number
(205) 731-6499 ext. 2

Bettola

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

The Best Bars for Foodies in Birmingham

The Best Pizza in Birmingham

Piccolo Piati (Small Plates)

Salumi e Formaggi

Pizzete

Calamari Arostiti

Fresh Marinated Olives

Pasta

Quattro Formaggi

Sugo di Pomodoro

Gnocchi di Pancetta

Kids Pasta

Pagniotelle

Prosciutto Rucola

Cotto e Formaggi

Robiola e Peperoni

Pollo Pomodoro

Mozzarella Pomodoro

Vegetali

Agnello

Bistecca

Salsiccia

Insalata (Salads)

Insalata Toscana

Herb Insalata

Kale Caesar

Insalata Mista

Pizze (Pizza)

Margherita D.O.C

Filetto

Maialona

Quattro Stagioni

Salsiccia e Peperoni

Funghi di Bosco

Pancetta e Cipolla

Melanzane e Peperoni

Quattro Formaggi

Mascarpone e Prosciutto

Kids Pizza

Bevande (Beverages)

Sodas

Iced Tea

San Pellegrino

Rieme Limonade

Orangina

French Press

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Bettola offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bettola restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Bars for Foodies in Birmingham

The Best Pizza in Birmingham