Bella Napoli

My wonderful wife and I visited this place for our 8th anniversary based on a coworker’s recommendation. From the moment we arrived, the service stood out—the waiter was attentive, and all the staff were genuinely friendly. Learning that it’s a family-owned restaurant made the experience even more special. The Italian food was fantastic. I ordered the lasagna, which was absolutely delicious, and my wife had a seafood-filled dumpling dish that she really enjoyed. While I can't recall all the exact names of the dishes, everything we tried was flavorful and well-prepared. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with several families dining around us, which speaks to how welcoming the place is. Prices were also reasonable, making it a great spot for a family meal. Next time, I’m definitely trying the pizza—we saw several tables enjoying theirs. Just a heads-up if you're planning to go on a Friday night: parking can be a bit tricky, so plan ahead.

Started with a refreshing limoncello spritz and bruschetta. Service was a bit slow to start, but food arrived quickly. Ravioli was solid, lasagna was tasty, carbonara was incredible—but the tortellini stole the show. Finished with a delicious homemade tiramisu.

We have been wanting to try Bella Napoli since we heard it from another foodie. I was so excited to try it because of all the good reviews and also because we are preparing to go to Italy. Here’s my honest review about it. The atmosphere was cool. We went on a nice Saturday evening. The restaurant was bustling. It’s a cute little restaurant. On one side of it they had a section where they sell Italian goods. The front part was their deli section. The staff was very nice. We really enjoyed our server, Katie. She was very welcoming and gave us recommendations for it being our first time there. It started off great. We ordered the limoncello spirits and Negroni to drink. We then ordered the arancini which was awesome. Cooked perfectly and was very delicious with the sauce and the side salad. I ordered the carbonara and my husband ordered the short rib pasta. I agree with one of the reviewers. My carbonara was SUPER salty that I couldn’t eat it and had to send it back. They asked me if I just wanted less pecorino but I asked for the Amatriciania instead. The amatriciana was definitely so much better than the carbonara although I did ask for less pecorino and they didn’t add very much guancale to the dish probably because of my review of their carbonara being very salty. My husband was also pretty disappointed with his short rib dish. He also thought his was salty but not as salty as mine, it didn’t seem to have very much short rib and he just thought the sauce was overpowering. I thought his dish tasted fine but do agree that there wasn’t a whole lot of short rib. We decided to skip dessert. The free limoncello shot at end was a nice touch. Would we try it again? Possibly.

Service was fast and friendly. Food was hot and fresh. Menu options were great, with a variety of options to choose from. Definitely give them a try!

The pizza here is definitely not Napoli style. It has a much thicker crust and lacks flavor. I also had the Ravioli. This was better and had decent flavor. The meatballs are well done and recommended. The service was fantastic. Nice out door patio seating available. They also have an Italian deli and store inside.

If you have crowd anxiety, take a Xanax and cowboy up because this place is WORTH IT. Tight quarters make for a lively, intimate setting. Can't be bashful here folks! For starters, we both got an espresso martini and the arancini. Arancini is like this fried meatball full of risotto, beef, mozzarella and peas. Red sauce was swiped across the plate with some arugula for added flavor...... Each bite was tasty! Fiona suggested a sweet red, that absolutely hit the spot. Hit the spot if the month. At first sip, you catch the bubbly nips of carbonation. Then it travels further back and you get the sweet part of it. Continuing, you then catch the tail end of the dryness it slyly presents. All in one sip! We got 2 bottles to go. Onward! The old fashioned is made with J Reiger whisky. It doesn't lie to you one single bit about how you'll end up if you continue that path, and it's a slippery slope of savory. I struggled with whether I would get the calzone or the other appetizer as a meal. Talked to Fiona, who guided me toward exploring the crostino. Warm prosciutto, mozzarella, basil and toasted bread, which was all fresh and easy to bite into and lament the days of childhood while starting the process of digestion with this delicious bite. Worth it. She said the calzones are huge and fair warning you're gunna need a Togo box. The staff here are non-intrusive. Punctual, not demanding, and very willing to give guidance if you give them two options you can't pick between. 5/5 recommend this experience, and can't wait to come back!!!!

We had been meaning to try this place for a while, but unfortunately it just didn’t live up to the hype when we visited. Service was friendly, efficient, and accommodating, but everything else was a bust. The moment we entered, we were hit by an overwhelming stench of ammonia/“old house smell” to the point that we couldn’t stay and dine in. My husband wondered if there was a sewage leak nearby. We were pretty baffled that the restaurant was bustling; definitely not a healthy environment for anyone with that smell. However, I really wanted to try the food given prior rave reviews, so we ordered to go instead, and our host was very kind and assisted us immediately. We couldn’t eat outside because it was storming. Unfortunately, my pasta was salty to the point that it was inedible (the to-go portion was also painfully small). I ordered a vegetable side that was very well-portioned, but so undercooked that it was crunchy and hurt my jaw to chew—I had to cook it down at home in order to eat it. The only good part of my meal was the aranicini, which was delectable and cooked to perfection. I really want to give this place another chance. I grew up on a variety of incredible home-style Italian establishments on the east coast, and was really excited to hear that Bella Napoli opened. I’ll have to try again at another time, because maybe it was just an off day.

The space is very cramped- fitting in as many tables and seats as possible. Don't expect a quiet eating experience. Service was quick and efficient- the staff were well-knowledgeable about the menu and checked in frequently. The food was mostly good. The bruschetta was lacking, tasting like diced hot house tomatoes on bread without any seasoning or depth of flavor, but the pizza and pasta were very good and were filling. We didn't get wine or liquor, but they appeared to have a well-stocked bar. The grocery shelves only a few feet away from the tables made it seem like one space was intruding on the other, but we would definitely return again... just maybe on a slower night or time.

This place has great food, respectfully priced, outdoor dining, delicious tiramisu, and the people here treat you like family. My girlfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here, even before then this place held a special place in our hearts. You really cannot find another Italian Restaurant like this one, that feels quite like home, its hard to explain. If you are going on the weekends in the evening be prepared to wait in line to be seated, but trust me this place is worth it.

This is such a great neighborhood spot! The restaurant has a cozy vibe inside. The patio looks great but it was too hot for us in July. We came here because of the Monday $10 pizza deal. This is truly unbeatable! The pizza was great to split with a few salads. We had a reservation, but the service was still fast but not rushed. This is a great weeknight spot!

Located in the wonderful neighborhood of Brookside. Great service. Outdoor dining. Tasty food. Yes!

In times past we just order pizzas to go and boy are their pizzas great, but tonight we decided to try something new. We had never been in and sat down at the restaurant so we thought let's mix things up. The Ragu di Manzo is amazing. I devoured it so quickly and the only sad part was I wanted more and my plate was empty. The pork was delicious and the sauce devine. The lasagna is a lot of food. It is amazing and definitely a must try with the bolognese. The lasagna is very cheesy which makes it even better. The two different spritz drinks were dangerously delicious.

Hit 3 strikes before I could even get a drink and couldn't even get the drink I wanted much less get to order I ended up throwing a 5 on the table for the tea I didn't drink and walked out never to return, what a wasted trip I came clear across town to try this place , my recommendation is don't bother.

Absolutely the best Italian food around. The Pizza's are delicious along the best sandwiches. We just had lunch there today..Everything is fresh and very tasty

Tonight was our first time at Bella Napoli. We walked in to a packed restaurant at about 6:45pm without reservations. We waited about 20 minutes as originally estimated. The food was excellent and our server, Nikhil, was personable, professional and knowledgeable of the menu. While we are out-of-town visitors, we will definitely dine here again as the opportunity presents itself.

The food was good, and staff friendly, but the wait for food to come out on a Saturday night was insane. Seats were completely filled. Recommend getting a reservation, and going at off-hours if there are any. The broccoli rabe & sausage pasta was good. Don't get the minestrone soup. It's basically made from canned tomatoes and canned/frozen veggies. Lemon torte was also good And you can taste lemon peels in it. I was given a discount on my food because the wait was so long- so that was nice

Grabbed dinner with a friend at Bella Napoli. We had a reservation, which I would recommend on a Saturday night, as it was busy. Our service was quick and friendly. Our food was good - I got the server's recommendation - the pasta allá giacomo. It was good, but I love a red sauce and should have gone with that because my friend got the ragú di manzo and it was delish! Definitely a fun stop in brookside. I didn't realize they have a deli sandwich menu... I want to try that!

I've been to Bella Napoli multiple times and the service, ambiance and food are all SPOT ON! Kliti has been our server multiple times and is a delight. This most recent time we had Katie who was just as lovely. The service really lends well to the ambiance of the restaurant. What I really love about Bella Napoli is that is a neighborhood experience. It's very homey inside and the fact that Kliti welcomes us back every time and asks about my family, is just so great. It feels like you're in a neighborhood spot in the middle of Italy. The food is also so delicious. I've never had a bad meal. Everything is fresh, tasty and unique. There are always yummy specials as well!

What a delightful place, It's small, but cozy. It's authentic. It's a slice of Italy in the midwest. Gluten friendly. Family friendly. Reasonably priced.

This is a nice Italian restaurant in the city. I wasn't impressed by the carbonara at all. But we had pizza and another pasta dish, I'm forgetting the name. The lemon drops are very good. Highly recommend those. Service was good. Very attentive waiter despite the place being busy.

A fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant with such a homey feel. It was our first time there but we heard several of the servers greeting guests by name adding to the atmosphere. We had caprese with burrata to start. It was made with fresh heirloom tomatoes and so good! Next the minestrone soup which had a wonderful seasoning and spice to it. After that we had the ragu and tagliatelle. The pasta was perfectly cooked with aromatic and flavorful sauces. Really made us feel like we were back in Italy. We also loved seeing wine from Avignonese. We finished with a pistachio cheesecake with a perfect balance of a mild pistachio flavor in a creamy cheesecake. Definitely will be back!

I have been a long time fan of the food at Bella Napoli. The service was adequate. The ambience is deplorable. There are too many tables crammed into a tiny space and the noise level is deafening. At one point, I shouted, "I can't hear you" at the top of my lungs and not a soul turned to look. My ears are still ringing from the decibel level. I won't return.

Great atmosphere and really good food and good menu. The folks are very nice and customer oriented. A great little Italian deli restaurant

Service staff was very attentive. The food was hot, and oh so yummy . We will be back. In fact, I have already told three of my friends about your restaurant. Will be back real soon

Alright gang. This place is a gem, one of the best Italian spots in KC. It stacks up there with the best Italian restaurants in Northern NJ. Extremely good service, nice ambiance outside seating, and delicious food. Highly recommend it, especially on a nice day to sit outside

Great local gem with an authentic menu and experience. Worth getting a reservation any night of the week, and Tuesday is 1/2 off bottles of wine. Make it a point to dine here if you enjoy fresh food and a local atmosphere.

TL;DR: Still on the hunt for a great Italian restaurant in KC. I was excited to hear Bella Napoli values handmade pastas and the quality of its ingredients, but the flavors in the sauces were lacking. Italian restaurants I would rather recommend (some with caveats, check their Yelp pages) are: - North Italia in Leawood, similar price - Farina downtown, higher price - Plate in Leawood and Brookside, slightly higher price My group ordered the Ragu di Manzo, the Tagliatelle Bolognese, and the Carbonara (fueled by carbs over here) and we really enjoyed the Ragu di Manzo. It was the star of the show with tender braised short rib, a strong red sauce, and al dente pappardelle. We were surprised by how different the other pastas were in comparison. Bolognese is supposed to be a hearty meat sauce that's savory and fully flavored, but this one came out underseasoned and tasting more like red wine than anything else. It was a big disappointment, and since we had two orders of the same dish, I don't think it was an one-off occurrence. The Carbonara was better, but not better than a Carbonara that could be made at home. The tiramisu at the end was a good size--large enough to share among a group-and the right flavors were there, but it was fairly nontraditional. The classic tiramisu should be made with ladyfinger sponge cakes soaked in espresso, but the espresso didn't come through very strong from the sponge and the cake seemed more like a single layer than ladyfingers.

Food was very good, although it was limited because of my gluten issue. I had a side salad and sausage covered in Marinara sauce. Quite good. Very small place with good service.

The seafood pasta was amazing as well as the whole atmosphere of the restaurant. They have a nice grocery selection with some pretty neat finds. Service was also very nice and quick.

Lovely neighborhood Italian restaurant. I really enjoy the vibe of the area and this restaurant has a nice outdoor seating area as well. I would say it's cozy with very friendly service. My wife and I are always excited when arancini is on the menu so we had to order it. I had the Quattro Formaggi pizza. I enjoyed both items but wasn't blown away. However, I did enjoy our overall experience and I feel like if we lived nearby we would dine here more frequently.

Went to Bella Napoli for dinner and truly enjoyed the atmosphere. The tables outside and the deli inside make you feel as though you were transported to a traditional Italian deli/market. I had the Arancini for the appetizer and the carbonara for my entree. They were both decent but I enjoyed the house wine the most! Nothing like a crisp glass of white to pair with your pasta. Our server was nice and attentive and I enjoyed the experience.

Best atmosphere, Superb food, and very attentive and quick servers. Free bread is always great as well!

Reserved a party of 16 for a wedding rehearsal lunch Saturdsy, April 5th. 2 tables in the bar, off the menu. Fantastic! Chloe was an awesome server and all of the food was first rate! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a cozy place with great food! They were also very accommodating to the vegetarians and vegans in our group. We will be back!

We carried out dinner on Aug 31st. Outstanding!! The entrees were delicious. We have eaten in on a number of occasions. Great food and service each time

We were looking for a good sandwich & salad place. We ordered for carry out. We got the IL Saro Sandwich - Spicy & a Caprino salad. Everything was delicious & fresh and ready when we arrived. I would definitely recommend. The food was very good!

When I visited there it was quite busy and loud, which added to the lively atmosphere. Despite the noise, the food was absolutely delicious. I ordered a special from the menu, and it did not disappoint. The bread was soft and fresh, and the overall taste reminded me of authentic NYC Italian cuisine. If you're looking for a place with great food and a bustling environment, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit! We sat inside and were seated in a corner by a door way and the chairs are super close so if you don't mind people coming and going by you, then I'd say try the food here.

Dropped in for lunch on Thursday at 11:30 am and got seated pretty quickly in the main dining area of the three available including outside seating. They have a great selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks too. We ordered the Tortellini and the Pomodoro. If you have a gluten allergy, the pasta can be ordered gluten free, but not the pizza or bread. Both lunches were delicious. There is also a small market inside the restaurant with pastas, spices, biscottis, and other Italian made specialties. Nice place for socializing and enjoying tasty Italian made dishes!

What a wonderful neighborhood restaurant! Staff is always so kinda and attentive. The sandwiches are so yummy and affordable for how big they are. The bread is fluffy on the inside but crunchy on the outside. Me and my boyfriend love coming here for lunch!! We love that it is a market and a restaurant, such a cozy family vibe. Can't recommend enough!!

Monday pizza night has always been a favorite. The servers and staff are very friendly and do a great job.

Super cute place in the heart of Brookside! My husband and I came here for date night and Bella Napoli did NOT disappoint. They have so many different wine selections to choose from! We are started with the mussels as an appetizer. The brother had so much flavor that you just wanted to drink it after! We each had their Italian salad which was also good. For our entrees, I ordered the Ragu and my husband ordered the special which was spiral pasta with cauliflower, pancetta, and olive oil. Both of are dishes were delicious!! We cant wait to come back and try the other things on the menu. The pizzas that we saw people ordering also looked so tasty! I will add, service was 10/10!

The ragu is out of this WORLD! Always busy and always a pleasant time! Loved the service

Holy Cannoli! Is this place a hidden gem of the Kansas City area if you are in search of a full Italian masterpiece of menu, including some really scrumptious sandwiches. Bella Napoli has always been around Brookside since I can remember, family ran and operated with a little old world charm but, fresh menu offerings and often a bustling patio if the Midwest weather is cooperating. Last month, I met my dad for a late lunch and the name of the game was sandwiches, when our "normal" Italian deli in Waldo was unexpectedly closed we opted for the nearby Bella Napoli and it didn't at all disappoint. I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten a succulent sandwich here? Always eying the plates of perfectly portioned (and cooked) pasta and the craveable pizza pies and choosing one of those heavier options, but it also must be noted I usually dine for dinner. But, luckily my dad steered me in the direction of the unassuming sandwich counter and we ordered from the limited however, incredibly curated menu amass with enticing Italian cheeses, meats, and vegetables. I instantly feasted my appetite with a complex sandwich with luxurious prosciutto, soft eggplant, roasted red bell pepper, and a pillow of fresh mozzarella all nestled between crusty bread with just enough bite. I will return to eat this sandwich again just to document it because I am kicking myself for not interrupting my lunch with my dad and snapping a picture. My dad obviously knew a half sandwich was the way to go but, I still stole some of his arugula to give my sandwich even more layers of flavor with the peppery kick. I believe it was called Er Romano. One of the top spots for Italian in the Brookside area, even though there are definitely some higher end options very near by. Bella Napoli holds costumers loyal with it's charm and the amount of love put into the dishes no matter, if it's a seemingly simply constructed sandwich with top-notch ingredients or a pasta dish with oxtail ragu, offered as a nightly rotating special, even to a tried and true pepperoni pizza I have never ordered something I didn't appreciate from the kitchens of little Italy right here in Kansas City.

Top notch, friendly staff. Adorable, cozy vibe. Gnocchi with vodka sauce. 10/10. Light and fluffy gnocchi flavorful sauce

My go to when I crave Italian food. Noodles and meat are on point and delicious, even with Hispanic chefs. Lol.

The ambiance is nice, with great service. They have an Italian deli inside with groceries; so I may come back for a sandwich. However, as far the restaurant food, not very good. The calzone is somewhat decent but overall, disappointing. The table bread seems machine-made. The ravioli gives the impression that it was prepackaged, and the sauce has sugar in it. The cannellini bruschetta is creative, but way too salty. The calzone dough needs more salt.

Amazing food and service with a cozy vibe. I will definitely be coming back! Short Beef Rib Pasta

I love the Bolognese, Amatriciana de cesare and the Salad Italiana. Deli sandwiches are great and I go for lunch occasionally and like the II Parma Sandwich. It has a great neighborhood feel and consistently good service. It is my favorite Italian food in KC.

I absolutely LOVE the limoncello spritz! I tried the lasagna with meat sauce this time and it was spectacular. Would recommend both food and drink items and will definitely be returning!

Great Food and ambiance. Dinner was great with friends and family. Highly recommended.

I may be biased because I was treated to a meal here, but Bella Napoli is such a cute Italian restaurant to visit with great deals! Their happy hour food included personal pizzas that were so filling. The organization that I was a part of was hosting a happy hour here, and the workers were very accommodating to our big group and helped us set up tables and chairs. We were treated with constant bread with olive oil/balsamic vinegar, and they were always quick to refill our basket when we asked. I ended up getting the Diavola pizza, which consisted of calabrese salami and hot oil. I was very happy with it and honestly got full from just a couple of slices! This place has great seating and located in a cute area near KC -- I would come back here again!

First time visiting. Have to say this is the only Italian Restaurant in the KC metro that reminds me of the food in Italy. Excellent food , service and atmosphere. Thank you for a wonderful time

Fantastic food Super nice owner Meatballs Arugula salad are my favorites Nice staff

The Food is Great The staff is Great Best wine selection ask for Avery for wines not on the menu This place seriously has best pizza but dont stop there order some pasta too

I'm surprised I haven't already done a review of Bella Napoli! If I had, it would have been 4 stars, maybe sliding down to 3 over the past few years of meeting a friend here for dinner once every couple months. We had the strangest experience last night. Our usual wine and salads were delicious but when our entrees came, we both noticed a horrible smell...like sour clothing or dishcloths. We thought it must have been someone who sat down around us but realized it was our plates. Our waiter couldn't smell it but said his boss could. We just wanted clean plates but they said they needed to remake it. We waited for them to remake it and the plates smelled fine until we started moving food around. We finally realized it happened when we added cheese and smelled the cheese shaker. It was horrible! Even our waiter found it disgusting. At the end of our meal (that was pretty difficult to eat) our waiter brought us the bill for $105. I was pretty surprised to see that nothing had been taken off. It seems like they would have done something to make up for that...even a drink or dessert...just something. Needless to say, we won't be back for a long time. I hope things start to get better. We have had so many fun times with delicious food here in the past.

I rarely post but do not want anyone making the mistake we did. The bread was good! I was so embarrassed taking my Sicilian friend here for lunch. He had soup and was hoping they could not ruin it... Well, it was tasteless and cold. He sent it back I could not eat my lunch. Presentation was poor, was not seasoned well and it was also cold. I went to the ladies room and after seeing the unsanitary conditions, I could not take another bite. Service staff were more interested in sharing their social lives than customer service. Sorry to say Consider not wasting your time or money.

Coming from a Brooklyn Italian family, I am always nervous to try Italian restaurants for the first time - but Bella Napoli did not disappoint. An Italian restaurant in the heart of Brookside, Bella Napoli presents a casual family-friendly one-stop-shop vibe. The low-key atmosphere makes it feel like you're pulling up a chair at the Imperiale family kitchen table to enjoy some old family recipes. No music, no linens, no fuss, no rush. Bella Napoli is typically bustling, so make a reservation if you can. My boyfriend, our friend, and I made a reservation for a Wednesday night at 6pm. Street parking in Brookside can be a challenge - if you're not lucky enough to get a spot in the lot you may have to park behind Charlie Hoopers and walk. From start to finish, the genuine Italian waitress provided impeccable service. She was always available, never rushing, and happy to make recommendations. The special that night was risotto with asparagus (which I would've been all over if I liked asparagus). It's hardly an Italian meal without some wine, so I recommend the "House Red," a bold, oaky $28 bottle of Montesole Aglianico Campania with a 3.7 rating on Vivino and an average price of $21.27. For apps, don't skip on the Arancini, (2) fried rice balls with a side of arugula. (Get one per person because you won't want to share!) For my entree, I got the Ravioli Di Ricotta plus a meatball, but I could've done without the meatball. I also tried my boyfriends meal (rigatoni with sausage), but I'm not a huge fan of truffle oil. For dessert, my boyfriend convinced me to split the tiramisu with him. I should've trusted my instinct to get vanilla gelato affogato because the tiramisu was just okay for us. My cappuccino, however, was delicious. Not to mention our waitress gave us limoncello on the house. The perfect way to end a true Italian meal! Grazie mille! I can't wait to come back for Monday pizza night!

The service was great! I got there a little late and they stayed open for my friend and I to finish our wine. Food was also fantastic!