Bella Notte

This was an absolutely wonderful dining experience. The food was delicious, the setting was so beautiful with vibrant plants everywhere and the waitstaff was attentive and friendly. While we are in the area we are definitely coming back!

Bella Notte has consistently delivered exceptional dining experiences over the years. The establishment offers a diverse array of culinary options to cater to various tastes. The service is consistently of high quality, ensuring a memorable dining experience. However, it is important to note that weekends can be particularly busy, leading to extended wait times, especially for larger parties. To avoid inconvenience, it is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for larger gatherings. Bella Notte provides an ambiance that is ideal for various occasions, including celebrations, dates, graduations, and casual dinners.

Our favorite Lexington Italian restaurant. Food was excellent, we had great care, and will definitely be back! Love that you can get smaller and larger portions of nearly everything depending upon how hungry you are.

Been eating here for years and it never disappoints! The food is always delicious, I love that they keep the classics but do a seasonal menu as well. It's a price point that we can afford and keep going for. The service is top notch. I feel like the employees are happy to be there and that can make a world of difference. I never feel rushed and I can eat in or get something to go and it's great. The herbs are a staple in our home now. They've spoiled me to the point I'm often let down by their other restaurants. It's lovely for a date night or celebration but isn't pretentious so that you feel uncomfortable if you are casual.

Went back two years in a row for our anniversary & will probably go back next year as well. Food is delicious & service is A+. We love this place! This time we got the Penne Fresco & Rigatoni Crema dishes and they are so good! It’s nice to feel like there are many entrees I actually would love to try! For dessert we got the Panna Cotta which we both really enjoyed! It’s so refreshing & not too sweet.

One of the most underrated gems around. We celebrated some milestones and they made us feel special and accommodated, and the service was great. The food is amazing, all fresh and seriously well priced. You get big portions and the prices are great. Id recommend making a reservation like we did, because they do get busy! Will be back.

BEST GLUTEN FREE CAKE BY FAR! I had to mention that first. The atmosphere is fantastic, it feels authentic, upscale and Italian and makes the food even better. On the topic, the food was also delicious with tons of variety and seasonal options. Service is also very good. Waiters are on point with refills and are speedy with everything. No complaints. I will 100% dine here again as their food is fresh, the Service is on point and the atmosphere is authentic. (also lots of gf options for fellow celiacs)

Seriously, Bella Notte just never disappoints! The food's always delicious, and I appreciate how they balance classic dishes with seasonal specials. Plus, it's actually affordable, which is a huge win. The service is always top-notch and the atmosphere is second to none. How romantic is dining under an olive tree?!They've kind of ruined other Italian places for me, honestly. It works perfectly for a date night or a celebration, but it's also chill enough for a casual meal.

Bella Notte is one of my favorites! You really can't beat their food and several people I know don't even realize it's not a chain restaurant. It's local! Local Italian just the way it should be. I've been coming here for years. Honestly can't believe I have not written a review. The ambiance is incredible. They have designed the main dining room like you are dining out under the stars complete with a beautiful lighted tree in the center. The service is always wonderful. I can't think of a time where it wasn't which is saying something about their constant attention to hiring the best staff who truly care. The food is the star here. If you love pasta you can go wrong with any choice but my favorites are their chicken fettuccini and chicken Parmesan. If you are looking for something lighter do sleep on the Tuscan meatloaf. Sounds strange but it's amazing. That spicy tomato jam they top it with is next level. The pork hop is also great and they offer a scallop special quite often that I have never been disappointed in. To go along with the meal they offer completely fresh baked bread and fresh herbs/olive oil for dipping. You can also request fresh whipped butter. It's divine. Can't wait to go back!

How times have changed. Been here a few times over the years and always enjoyed. Tonight, we should have stopped with the bread and olive oil. That was the best part. The Piccata was almost laughable. I have never seen a fried chicken tender passed off as chicken piccata. My wife had a couple of bites and was done. Couldn't finish. I had the chicken saltimbocca and it was average. Service was fine. Don't think we will be back.

Oh boy! I am so happy I got to eat here!! I started with an Aperol spritz bc it was almost 80 degrees outside so I just had to. The house bread was so pillowy and soft! The manicotti primavera was perfect for a hot spring day but also when I wanted to eat pasta!! Well portioned, you get 2 manicotti filled with delicious seasoned ricotta covered in super fresh lightly grilled spring vegetables. It was perfect! I finished my meal with one of their spring desserts, which was a ricotta, lemon cake with raspberry cream icing. Once again the somehow was able to be both light and also decadent at the same time; truly would recommend! Stopped in for an early dinner after I got out of work. The staff were so friendly and kind. The hostess hyped me up as she sat me at my table saying "oh, you're gonna love eating here." And she was 100% right!!! My waitress (I think her name was Mackenzie, awesome purple glasses!!) was so kind and deserves all the praise! She did not make me feel awkward for dining alone! Thank you!! Inside the restaurant feels cozy, and cute, not stuffy, and with plenty of dining spaces so that you are not cramped in with other guests.

So I know it has been said before but it must be said again- Bella Notte is difficult to beat when it comes to a family dinner out. Our youngest son and his beautiful wife recently treated us again to dinner when they came into town. Again, I chose Bella Notte and again, none of us were disappointed. So many scrumptious choices but the tuscan meatloaf, the chicken marsala and the delicious strawberry cake did not disappoint. Yes, I've said it before but I am saying it again- Goodness when it is this well done bears repeating. So everyone- say it with me Bella Notte. Now go make that reservation so you're sure to get a seat at dinnertime. Trust me. You are going to thank me.

We've been to Bella Notte a million times and I've ordered the same dish every single time. Last night I ordered it as always - 4 oz filet mignon. What they served was a dry, tasteless piece of meat that they should have been ashamed of even thinking about serving it. The so called steak was 1/4 of an inch tall at the most. Thought about sending it back, but why bother?

They have a very good GlutenFree pasta. Great srevice.... .... i will go back soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to Bella Notte for a friend's birthday celebration. The place was packed on a Sunday. They were able to accommodate a huge group of 16 people. They had huge ample parking. The waitress was friendly and very attentive. The bread rolls were a nice start. I got the wood grilled salmon Salad and they were very filling. The toasted pine nuts on the salad made it crunchy. The salmon was cooked to perfection. My friends got pasta based dishes and they said it was good as well. It's Italian cuisine, so of course I got Cappuchino after food. A perfect way to end the meal!

We went for an early dinner after seeing Lexington and antiquing. The restaurant is very quaint. Love the horse stable theme. The dinner was a bit too heavy for the sweltering heat. I ordered the Ceasar salad which was drenched in dressing. And for my main course, I got the lasagna which had way too much oregano. The table started with the fried mozzarella (delicious!) For dessert, I had the panna cotta which was OK. Service was as excellent!

Definitely not my first time, but I'm for sure I have not been in over 10 years. However, hubby wanted to try a restaurant he's never been to for Lexington Restaurant Week. We got 3 courses for $35. First off, our server Christian L. was amazing!!! Down to earth, attentive, & helpful. We were pleased with 2.5 of 3 courses & definitely fresh round bread. I also had their strawberry bourbon drink-very potent! LOL! Brushetta was pretty good but we're not fond of Okra. I really can't get past the slime. Shrimp Entree was flavorful & pretty spicy. We both would have appreciated a few more or larger shrimp & more of the veggies. Lastly, and THE hit of the night...Key Lime Ricotta Donuts!!!! We both got 3 each! I was hesitant about the key lime, but this dessert is top tier! Flavorful, balanced, creamy, warm, sweet...just delicious! I'm so glad it's a regular menu items. Overall, we had a wonderful dinner. I also got my mom the Strawberry Cake to go & she enjoyed it. Bella Notte has a very romantic/intimate feel. The tree within the dining area has always been a staple. Perfect for couples! We will return for an evening when the "tree lights" come on!

When we used to live in KY, Bella Notte's was a special treat. Now, as spoiled Cali residents, this place still hits the spot. The scallop special is an absolute must. Make sure to call ahead to check if they have it. My husband is a fan of their meatballs and that dish didn't disappoint.

The atmosphere is pretty and unique. Service was friendly. The food was really good but I'm not a fan of the oil served with the bread. I feel serving a ladle of sauce with the bread would be a great way for customers to try the sauce and wouldn't be costly. Also, the water had a really funky taste. Overall, I recommend trying this place if you like Italian food.

Stopped in at Bella Notte in Lexington and tried the lasagna -- solid choice. Rich, comforting, and well-balanced flavors. Cozy atmosphere and friendly service made it a pleasant experience overall. Would definitely come back to try more of the menu

Love the ambiance in this establishment, very suiting for an Italian restaurant! I visited with another adult and we both enjoyed the experience. Robert was our waiter and he was extremely helpful in assisting me to find what I could order, as I have many food sensitivities. They do offer a wide variety of gluten-free options, however, if you also have a dairy sensitivity as I do, you might find it challenging to find something you can consume. I opted for the hamburger, with the patty, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Alongside I had an order of fries (which are gluten-free and dairy-free). The chef chopped up the tomato and lettuce for me and I made a hamburger salad out of my entree. The hamburger is pricey but the quality of the beef made it well worth the cost, one of the best hamburgers I have truly ever had. The fries are real potatoes, and were cooked to perfection. The other adult order the bruschetta, and it was a triumph! Not only in appearance but in taste. They loved it! When I want to experience the ambiance and a fabulous burger and fries, I will definitely return. The only reason this did not receive five stars is because of the lack of dairy-free items available. So if you can eat dairy, what are you waiting for, give it a try!

I have been wanting to eat here for so long! I am a huge fan of smashing tomato and eat there often. I am truly impressed with this restaurant! I rarely see chicken saltimboca on the menu so I was so lucky to thoroughly enjoy their version. Absolutely delicious! Super fresh and served hot. I did order a Caesar starter salad and my greens had some brown tinge so I didn't care for that but my meal was amazing and so was the complimentary fresh bread they serve! The whole restaurant has a fun ambiance and vibe. The place was packed on a Sunday evening so that says alot as well. If you haven't tried Bella Notte yet, it's time to go and you've been missing out!

The drinks and bread were very good. Ambiance is pleasant, the place is clean. My sister ordered a chicken dish over orzo with asparagus. She said the chicken was flavorful, orzo cooked just right and perfectly grilled asparagus. I ordered the baked rigatoni with crumbled sausage and pepperoni. The flavor was good but it was light on the meat and extremely light on the cheese. The Service was impeccable. I would try this place again but choose another dish.

We are here for my wife's birthday. I had the spicy rigatoni dish. The bread was fresh out of the oven and the wine was delicious. They also have plenty of gluten-free options if you have an allergy or celiac. The waiter did a great job tending to our needs. This place has been around for quite a while and I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. You should definitely check it out if you love Italian food.

Great carrabas clone, only better. This place will not disappoint. I found myself shoveling food into my face it was so good.

One of my favorite Italian places in Lexington! Can sometimes remind me of Olive Garden, but just a little nicer! Always great service and good food!

Me and my bf barely crave pasta but on Oct 20 he did so we decided to stop in. Friday night with no reservation around 6:30 was a 45 min wait, which in Lexington standards means high demand! We didn't realize this restaurant is a Lex staple so we waited almost 50 min before being seated; the bar and waiting areas were packed so we hung out in the car. Overall felt like a local version of my childhood favorite Macaroni Grill with Tuscan decor (albeit somewhat dim lit) to match. I had a blonde sangria with our calamari appetizer. Both were tasty but nothing extraordinary. I ordered the penne gorgonzola which was a huge portion and a good marriage of flavors. We also ordered broccoli and brussel sprouts to add more veggies. Our server found out it was our first time and she got us a free dessert! We ordered the ricotta donuts and they were thick, super sweet, and tasty. We had so much food to go, easily three servings of food which is great for the price. The manager didn't check on us until we were walking out of the door which I thought was odd but otherwise service was excellent. Our server, whose name I wish I remembered so I could request her every time, was phenomenal and genuinely nice.

The fritto misto was delicious and a perfect starter, the zucchini fries, calamari, and fried mozzarella were delightful! The penne fresco was quite refreshing and light. There was a ton of chicken, broccoli, sundried tomatoes and it was super flavorful. The last pasta dish was delicious. The service was okay at first, it wasn't particularly busy and was a bit hard to get the waiters attention. Once we did get their attention it was really solid service!

Very Italian feel, service is excellent. Food quality and quantity are amazing! Perfect place for lunch or dinner!

Had to make a visit given all of the community hype. Verdict - good but not great. Host staff was friendly but having a bit too much of a chat/hang to pay much attention to guests. Service was good - friendly but seemed a bit disinterested. I chalk this up to a late ish (7:30) reservation on a very busy Saturday night. Sometimes you just got to get thru it. The bread/oil was yummy. The caesar salad was fine - nothing to write home about. Same for the manicotti (my go-to dish to test out a new-to-me Italian spot). The component parts were each fine but nothing sparkled. Wine list also seemed a little uninspired - particularly on the reds which I would expect to be a bit more interesting at an Italian restaurant. May give it another try but not in a rush.

Kameron with a K easily the best service my team and I have ever received at a restaurant. We were on a tight schedule and told him, he got us in and out of there by the exact time we asked him. The food was good, the wine was great we only wish we had more time for dessert! Kameron was very nice and fast, he was also extremely patient and understanding. He was fantastic!

Group of 5 had a fabulous dinner on the back patio with a roaring fire in fireplace. My favorite dish is the Scallops over Linguine (usually a weekend special, since the scallops flown in fresh). I remembered to get some pictures this time! (Shout out to Claire for the excellent service).

The bread!!!!! The lasagna!!!!!! Sauce and cheese best flavor ever. We eat out a lot - this is the best lasagna I have ever had. I don't order much but the pictures looked so good I had to try it. Wife had piccata - very light and tasty, chicken pc- great flavor and light.

I want to eat here everyday of my life that I am not physically in Italy. I literally yearn for their seafood linguine. I can close my eyes and see straight out to the Mediterranean Great service and atmosphere too.

The waitress was attentive. The food was fresh and delicious..we Sat on on patio. It was a little hot but comfortable.

Awesome .. great food and absolutely a fabulous manager and staff! So welcoming .. favorite new joint in Lexington .. will always be 1st stop ..

This was a pretty good experience. Nice Italian restaurant. Nice big tree in the center, good decor. Since we are from out of town had no idea how busy they get early but decided to wait, 45 minutes. Server was delightful. We ordered penne Gorgonzola and chicken Marsala. One drawback was food took forever. Despite the wait by the time we were seated our area didn't have a ton of tables working, we waited about 45 minutes for our food. Lucky we had bread to keep us going. I loved the grilled flavor on the chicken, it added a nice different touch you don't get everywhere.

Outstanding food with first class service, great place to have dinner date with friends, family and your loved one!!!

I had a truly enjoyable lunch at Bella Notte today. It had been a couple years since I had been here and they had done away with the lunch menu, but there were plenty of nice things to order. If you wanted something later, I chose the salmon salad. It came with a large piece of salmon that was cooked perfectly. The salad had asparagus pie nuts, Gorgonzola and delicious tomatoes all tossed in a yummy dressing. My friend had the pesto pasta. It was a huge serving and she said it was very very delicious. Our server was lovely and we sat on the patio and enjoyed the cool breezes of Indian summer. I will definitely be back again.

I keep trying to like this restaurant; it has a bit of a cult following in Lexington and the venue is beautifully and unexpectedly unique for a stand-beside mall location. Previously, I've ordered from the menu via door dash and that was a bit of a mess. This dine in experience wasn't much better - for me, the highlight of this birthday meal was the bread. I found the martinis to be overly sweet, and the Brussels sprouts were also syrupy sweet. My winter salad (beats and watermelon radish with walnuts and goat cheese) was swimming in dressing which spoiled what would have otherwise been a wonderfully unique and fresh dish. We split everything and started with a potato soup - it was pretty questionable with the texture. Neither creamy or chunky, but it did have a nice flavor. The pasta bolognese was not my cup of tea, but the pasta was cooked perfectly. Service wasn't bad - I thought we ordered soup/salad to come out first but everything came out together; I'm willing to think we had a miscommunication there though. On Thursdays, there's the benefit of 1/2 priced bottles of wine. A basic Sav Blanc was $15 for the bottle. The wine and the bread made my meal. I do want to particularly call out the host staff - they were all super friendly and greeted us with wide smiles and perky attitudes! I'd give this staple another shot, so while I'm holding at 3 stars, I do have hope!

On a Saturday afternoon, while shopping with my wife, the Fat Man thought some Italian food was what this day called for. So, we found ourselves at Bella Notte off Nicholasville Road in Lexington, Kentucky. Bella Notte offers rustic Italian trattoria known for its wood-fired meats, freshly baked bread, pasta, and wines. We started with Meatballs al Forno. They were topped with arrabiata sauce, mozzarella & provolone cheese and served with homemade ciabatta bread. The meatballs were moist, flavorful, and tender; they melted in your mouth. The arrabiata marinara is chunky with great acid and pleasant heat, while the provolone is melted well and has an excellent stretch. The bread had a good char and butter level, and it paired well with the sauce. We split a Caesar Salad. The salad dressing is creamy with a tang, and the amount of dressing is spot on. The croutons offer great crunch and texture to the salad, which comes with shaved Parmesan cheese. My only knock is I would have liked more cheese. My wife ordered the Penne Gorgonzola with grilled chicken, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red chilies, and gorgonzola cream sauce. The noodles were cooked perfectly but still had a good chew. The bacon crunch and chew were excellent, as was the salt level. The chicken was tender and flavorful, while the sun-dried tomatoes offered a sweet note that cut through the heavy, delicious, creamy sauce that coats the dish magnificently. I went with Chicken Parmesan, which comes with hand-breaded chicken, mozzarella and provolone cheese, basil, spaghetti, and marinara. The noodles were cooked al dente, and the marinara was chunky, adding a good salt level. The breading on the chicken was crunchy and flavorful. The chicken was tender and juicy; it had excellent flavor. We also split the Crispy Brussels sprouts with cayenne pepper honey and parmesan. The Brussels were tender with a good chew, the honey was sweet, but there was little heat, and the Parmesaaddedds saltiness to the dish. Bella Notte has a full bar and an extensive menu with all your Italian favorites. The waitress was phenomenal. The Fat Man says that Bella Notte is Fat Man Approved with 3 chins.

Very good bruschetta and penne pasta dishes. We are two out-of-town customers. Second visit for one of us and would return when in town again.

Delicious authentic Italian food. Offers family style dining to share dishes. Caesar salad was delicious, also the fried calamari probably the best I've tried. Service was great and the place is very nice.

I could not get a reservation on Open Table, so I called the Restaurant. They said they should have some walk-in tables available. When we arrived, they took us right in. They had a booth, and we were seated right away. We ordered our drinks, and they came quickly. We ordered our meal. My wife had the Lazania, and my grandson and I had Chicken Parmesan. My wife and I had a side salad. That side salad was a lot. The dressing was excellent, and it was a lot of salad. The Chicken Parmesan was excellent. The Ravioli was a lot of food. The service was great. I would eat here again.

Friendly staff, nice atmosphere, absolutely delicious food! The manicotti was divine, love ricotta cheese. The noodles and the sprinkled cheese on top got melty and crispy, which was even better. The sauce tastes great. Not a fan of meat sauces, but theirs was really yummy. Would love to come back here!

Great food packed with flavor. The service was very friendly and prompt throughout the meal. With plenty of seating available inside their incredibly warm and inviting establishment decorated in a semi-rustic manner, it is great for groups small or large. The prices were quite fair and the portions generous, also appreciated the option with most items on their menu to either get an individual or family style serving. Would recommend if you are ever having the craving for some Italian

This place is so delicious I may dream about it tonight. You walk in and the decor is so stunning There is a lighted tree in the middle of the restaurant. Love it They have seasonal add one to the menu which my daughter got the butternut squash and pumpkin cannelloni with sage. She was very happy. I ordered the penne pesto. Yummy. We shared crispy Brussel sprouts which were the best I have ever eaten. I also ordered a banana foster martini. Enough said Kaitlin was our server and she made our experience so great. Her smile and conversation completed the experience

My husband and I first visited this location 26 years ago. We moved away but came back to Lexington in 2024 to bring our son to UK. We love Italian food and have traveled to Italy several times. So, when we say that we found our meal at Bella Notte to be superb, please understand that we speak from experience. We had a glass of wine each, the fried zucchini appetizer, two entrees, and two deserts. Our bill was only $120 with tip! The aioli with the fried zucchini is divine and the zucchini spears are "barely breaded" and perfectly seasoned. My husband had the summer special pork tenderloin with the coffee rub. He loved it! I had the penne Gorgonzola and felt badly when I could not finish the generous portion. We ordered desert intending to take it home, but my husband couldn't resist the perfectly balanced tiramisu and finished it all! I had the ricotta doughnuts which came with a basil oil and raspberry sauce. They were a great cap to an excellent meal. Our server was Allie (Ale? I might have misheard how to spell her name) and she was extraordinary. The manager, Kyle, came by to talk to us after he heard we came back after 26 years. If you are in Lexington and want good Italian food, this is your place! Bravo!

Bella Notte seemed to be a popular spot for Italian food in Lexington. Our family had a nice meal here. The restaurant is large, broken into several smaller dining rooms. The entire restaurant was full when we dined on a Sunday evening. Our waitress was friendly and doing her best on a busy evening. We had a party of seven and our food arrived a little staggered, instead of all at once. The Chicken Piccata had a nice tasting sauce and was a large portion. The chicken had a heavier breading than I'm used to with piccata and was a bit dry inside. My House Salad was good and I liked the Italian dressing. My husband enjoyed the Ravioli with Meat Sauce. The prices here were reasonable for an Italian restaurant. It's definitely an affordable spot to have a meal. Bella Notte is a good family friendly spot to enjoy an Italian meal.

Outstanding Italian!loved the bread service at the beginning. Also, very quaint inside.

Excellent dish. Mmmmama. Mia. The combination is amazing. This is a great dish for seafood lovers.

Very pleasant atmosphere, aside from the large family gathering next to us. Music was not overly loud or obnoxious. Food portions were excellent and taste was excellent as well. Food came out hot. Fresh bread from the oven. Service was immaculate and attentive.

My friend and I sat at the bar on a Sunday. The apps and food were super tasty! The dining room is absolutely beautiful with the large tree in the middle. The only reason for 4 stars is the food and service were quite slow. Luckily we weren't in a rush though!

This was the first time I have been to Bella Notte. I'm usually not one to pick Italian but i went with a group a friends for a birthday. We made a reservation and was sat quite quickly for our reservation time, the waitress has waters ready for our party, menus out and she checked on us frequently without being excessive. The bread they bring to the table was hot and good "basic" bread. The oil they have on the table added extra flavor. I ordered the zucchini fries which were very crispy and the dipping sauce added another level of flavor they needed. I also ordered the chicken parm. I was unfortunately underwhelmed as the breading was soggy. The spaghetti with marinara was just okay and not much of it. I wasn't blown away by any of it but again Italian isn't my first choice of cuisine. My friends really enjoyed their dishes though. Zucchini Fries 8/10 Chicken Parm 6/10 I'd return to try something difference since my friends were so pleased. I ranked it higher than I probably would have simply because Italian isn't something I usually eat so I'm trying to be fair in that aspect.

My husband took me here for my birthday dinner. The appetizer "Bella Rruschetta" is to die for. You get 2 grilled breads with a very tasty tomato bruschetta and piles of basil and 1 piece covered in melted Gorgonzola. I tell you my husband and I ordered a second order. We could not finish it. I had initially chosen this restaurant because I heard the scallops were great. So if that's why you are going there for seared scallops in cream sauce...call first! The service was incredible! Could not be happier!! The decor is very typical except for the tree in the middle of main dining area. It didn't bother me. In fact, it was a soft glow! Parking was easy. I'd make a reservation for the weekend. We will go back...soon!

This is a gem for Italian food. The food was excellent. The lasagna has well prepared and the portion was large. The bread was warm and baked well. The service was friendly, prompt and attentive. The ambience was a good mix of quiet bustle and warm. This restaurant is a must.

Authentically Italian!! It was a bit of a wait but worth it. Salad was as fresh as I've ever had and the lasagna was amazing with a very pleasant portion. Will definitely go back!