Mary P.
Google
Bella Vita El Nido – A Slice of Heaven by the Sea
During our two-week stay in El Nido, Bella Vita quickly became our favorite spot—so much so that we returned several times and cherished every visit.
On our first night, we ordered the Burrata Lover’s Pizza and the authentic Carbonara—and what a welcome meal it was. The carbonara was unforgettable: silky, rich, and perfectly balanced, with crispy guanciale that tasted like slivers of heaven. It was indulgent without being overwhelming—each bite just made us want more. The pizza, topped with a whole, glorious burrata, had the best crust we’ve ever had. That crust was so good we wiped the carbonara sauce off the plate with it—there wasn’t a single crumb left behind.
We returned for lunch a few days later and had the Vegetariana Pizza and Caesar Salad. The pizza again delivered—generous toppings of peppers, olives, onions, and more on that signature crust. The Caesar Salad was a bit less impressive: the bacon was chunkier than expected, and the chicken might have been better cut into smaller pieces or shredded. The dressing also lacked that anchovy punch of a classic Caesar. Still, the seaside view and the ever-warm staff more than made up for it—it was a lovely, relaxed lunch overall.
A few days later, we came back for dinner—and this visit was unforgettable. My partner is notoriously hard to please, but Bella Vita passed the test. We ordered the Burratina Pizza (yes, we really love burrata!) and the Gorgonzola Gnocchi. I did a little happy dance in my chair after the first bite of gnocchi. It was that good. Perfectly cooked—not mushy, with just the right bite—and coated in a sauce so divine I nearly cried. It was rich, creamy, and balanced in a way that felt masterful. I wanted to lick the plate clean, but the place was full of diners, so I did the next best thing: I ordered the Focaccia just to sop up every last drop. That dish alone is reason enough to return.
We also tried the Chef’s Special Pizza and the Bruschetta on another evening, both of which were excellent. The Amaretto Sour stood out from the cocktail menu—well balanced and delicious—but the overall drink selection could be a bit more creative. Still, it’s a minor note in an otherwise outstanding experience.
And then—there was dessert. My partner, who had sworn off chocolate for a few days, suddenly spotted a Chocolate Fondant being served at the next table. One look at his puppy-eyed expression and I caved. When it arrived, he nearly forgot to share. I couldn’t even be mad—the cake was that good. With its molten center, rich decadent texture, and just the right level of sweetness, it was heavenly. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was impossible to resist. We tried to split it evenly, but I’m fairly certain he got 15% more than I did.
And truly, what sets Bella Vita apart—beyond the food and those stunning El Nido sunsets—is the genuine warmth of the staff. Every visit felt like coming home. Their hospitality is effortless, sincere, and absolutely memorable.
Bella Vita is now firmly my go-to spot in El Nido. Amazing food, breathtaking views, and a team that makes you feel like family. Don’t miss this gem.
