Bella's Italian Cafe

This was the most delicious veal that I have had in over 20 years of traveling and dining. The only thing better was the service provided by the 24 year resterant service industry veteran, Andrew who's warm welcome, sence of humor and felt like a lifelong friendship experience. This was my first time at Bella's , the Kens veal, was lightly breaded, it was filled with rich flavor with an almost sweet accent. It was enough for 2 meals but I couldn't stop eating it. The mushrooms and spinach were a perfect compliment

Enjoyed a delicious lunch for the first time at Bellas. My wife and I ordered the Carpaccio, Bella Salad, and Pasta Fagioli. Everything was delicious, the service was great, as was the atmosphere, both inside and out (we enjoyed lunch outside). Can't wait to come back and enjoy some of their brick oven pizza.

Lauren was an absolute gem and gave the best recommendations! I had the Pollo Parmigiano and it was cooked to perfection! As much as I loved my order, a coworker got the Salciccia al Forno and it was the best dish at the table. The seasoning was amazing. 10/10 When I tell you we tried all the desserts, I truly mean each and every one. Top notch was the chocolate lava cake and it might be the best lava cake I've ever had! A very close second was the Affogato and butterscotch creme brulee. Stop what you are doing and go to Bella's immediately!

Anytime I go to Bella’s, I have to start off with the Formaggio Al Forno, it’s so good! For my entree, I went with the Pollo Marsala w/Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. The marsala sauce is creamy and delicious and pairs well with the rosemary potatoes (and left over bread!). It was my friend’s first time at Bella’s; she had the Salmon Al Forno w/Penne in Basil Tomato Sauce, and she enjoyed it very much! Bella’s is my go-to spot for comfort food. The food is consistently delicious, and the staff is always so warm and welcoming. Oh, and if you’re feeling a little guilty after over indulging, take a walk on Bayshore, it’s just a few short blocks away!

Outstanding 5 star Italian dishes with an incredible atmosphere nestled in the heart of south Tampa. What else could you ask for?! Bella’s was simply incredible. Everything is made in house and the quality shows for it!!

What a great night to be back at Bella’s after at least 10 years. It has NOT CHANGED and that’s WONDERFUL. Our server Natalie is a true gem. Ask for her when you go in. She’s young, smart, attentive, beautiful and will no doubt make a positive impact on ALL her guests. We shared chic parm and chopped salad. More than enough for us both. Delicious. Thank you, Bella’s for remaining a family friendly place for at least 30 years.

A 10 out of 10 every time we come, Service is always amazing, food is top notch. I especially want to point out Kaly Q. She literally makes the entire experience above and beyond. So kind so sweet absolutely amazing!!

What a lovely place to dine for dinner. The food is scrumptious, the service is delightful, and the atmosphere is cozy. I’m here to let people know about one of the best appetizers around. The “Formaggio Al Forno” is a haymaker of a dish. It never misses.

We started with a friendly welcome and it just kept getting better! The menu had so many choices and some were not familiar to us, however our waitress explained every question we had perfectly. From our appetizer to our entree, it was just perfection! Bella's home made bread was also heavenly. We had great service, outstanding food & quaint atmosphere. We will definitely return for some awesome Italian food. Thanks for a great birthday celebration for our first ever visit!

Bella's has a great happy hour. The patio is where we always sit and enjoy the greenery as well as the people passing. The desserts are amazing! Service is always prompt.

I always LOVE Bella's! The service is top notch, the warm bread and butter is DELICIOUS and if dining in they provide complimentary bruschetta. The homemade pasta and meatballs is a classic go to but the pizzas here are delicious too! It's a great location and vibes for a later night dinner or a quick hit for lunch.

Food was great and atmosphere was nice but we were placed at the worst table which was next to the kitchen with busy staff constantly walking by. The waiter was not on top of it and had to be reminded frequently about stuff he was supposed to have gotten as well as some orders were messed up. I know this restaurant should be at 5 stars but this visit wasn't. I'm sure to check it out another time in the future and will be requesting a seat far away from the kitchen and in a booth to have a better dinner over all. Again food was delicious but service was sub par.

Whether you call the neighborhood SoHo or Hyde Park- this restaurant is awesome!!! Has been open for over 35 years serving really good Italian. The service was smooth, efficient and friendly. The extensive menu options made selecting really difficult! The Lobster Gratin special was scrumptious and the lava cake was so rich and yummy- one of the bests I've ever had...ever! Affordable dinner for value.

Bella's Italian Cafe is one of the OG Tampa restaurants that you end up going to at least once a year. Whether it be for a special occasion or just because, it always hits the spot. Fresh pasta, delicious dessert, and great service. The restaurant is decently sized but still feels very intimate.

Very kind service and clearly a local favorite. We were visiting from out of town, and someone recommended we go to Bella's. Usually, an Italian restaurant with a gluten-free diet is a no-no, but they did have a great salmon dish that was absolutely gluten-free. There were a few other gluten-free dishes as well I believe chicken and mushroom. I had the maple glazed salmon with a side of broccoli and a side of potatoes. The drink selections were amazing! We sat outside because on the rare occasion that it's nice in Florida to eat dinner outside, we do! They are dog friendly, we were entertained by a couple pooches getting to know each other across the aisle. The inside was really cute, authentic looking with a fire oven. Our server was really friendly and helpful. They seem to have a lot of groups there and it's also intimate enough for date night.

Good pizza. Ok pasta, but overall a great place. Service is great, really yummy. YUmY. Pretty decor. Bread is probably the best thing they have. But still good. UWU

Bella's does not take reservations but we walked in just before 8pm on a Saturday night and they said it would be a 20-25 min wait. We waited outside for just 10 minutes when we got the text that the table was ready! The restaurant is dimly lit, casual atmosphere with a bar, plenty of tables and booths. We had skipped lunch and were starving so we ordered an Insalata Mista (which was just ok too much dressing and cheese on it), the chicken Parmesan (very good but you need to be sure you request it with bread crumbs if that's how you like it and there is an up charge), and the chicken Marsala which was so good. All in all we wanted a yummy quick meal and we got it. We would definitely come back!

We visited Bella's on a Friday night for dinner. We arrived around 6:30, the parking lot was packed and the restaurant was packed. We were somehow seated immediately though. We were seated outside which I think is nice. December in Florida! We ordered the grouper piccata and Nate's Veal. Both were phenomenal and came highly recommended by our server. We ordered a bottle of wine as well. It was a nice, romantic, Italian dinner with wine, veal and grouper, at an adorable restaurant with outdoor seating. What more could you ask for!

What a delicious Italian spot! My man and I came to have a late night dinner since we were craving Italian food. The seasoning was amazing on the vodka sauce pasta. Definitely looked up on tik tok how to do it at home afterwards! The ambiance was very rustic Italian very lady and the tramp vibes. We got a caprese salad as an appetizer but would have loved having some bread instead! Service was great only con is parking is limited!

The service was great but the food was bland and dry. The alfredo was creamy, but not cheesy or seasoned. The chicken was overcooked and tough to chew. Two fettuccine alfredos with chicken were ordered and both were not good, so I know my plate was not a one-off mistake. Dinner at Bella's was sadly disappointing.

Amazing bruschetta, and pizza. Have been eating here for decades and stopped in for lunch and had a Stromboli which was great.

Excellent food, service and ambiance. Eight of us who have been friends since high school met up at this local favorite Italian place to celebrate birthdays. Everyone loved the food! It's a good idea to order and share because everything is just too good not try several different dishes. Buon appetito!

Kind of disappointed, I haven't been here in years but my family and I used to love coming here. I visited a few days ago and went to dinner with a friend. I was not blown away like I normally am. The food was subpar. Nothing dazzling. The service was good. Ambiance wise- it was pretty dark but some people like that I suppose. I'm hoping it was just a one off because we really love this place usually.

The food was so good!!! I never think it's worth getting lasagna at a restaurant. But it was so good and worth it appetizer and main course split with two people so filling. The bread was so good as well! Dipped in the sauce!

Bella's never fails to exceed expectations and provide a 10/10 experience every time. This has been my staple in Tampa for over ten years and will continue to be my favorite restaurant in the area always. The hostess quoted us a 45 minute wait and was able to get us seated in 10 minutes and our server (Idk her name but she was lovely and provide exceptional service). This meal was one of the best i've had in months! Love you Bella's

We've been going here for years and always enjoyed it. Not this time. The food was horrendous and the customer service was equally as bad. For starters, the salads were limp and appeared to have been sitting out for a while drenched in dressing. And then someone must have tripped and spilled an entire bottle of red pepper flakes into our meals. Every meal on our table left our mouths burning in pain. We never do this, but we sent them back. Their solution, apparently, was to water them down and pour an entire shaker of salt into them. It was like food served at a nursing home. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with their chef, and I use the word 'chef' loosely. The server never refilled our water glasses, which was much needed after the fire they set ablaze in our mouths. He also never brought certain items when we requested. We had to ask again. He was Mr. Personality-Minus. I'm not expecting a floor show, in fact I don't care for over-the-top servers, but I do expect them to be personable, smile and act like somebody's home. We told the waiter that the food was terrible. He mumbled something about the manager, who never came over to our table. He obviously couldn't be bothered, as I saw him going outside two or three times while we were there. In fact, he was wandering around outside when we arrived. The restaurant felt muggy and there was a fly or possibly a gnat that had gone nuclear that decided to join us. No problem; the gnat will keel over from high blood pressure after it gets a mouthful of that salty "food". Also, the restaurant was so loud that no one could have a conversation. This is a complaint I've seen in other reviews. Decent and well-managed restaurants know tricks of the trade in how to deal with acoustic issues. This was a miserable experience, and we won't be back. Neither will the giant gnat.

A true Tampa classic- hockey chicken and fetuucini aldredo are a must try when here. Woo a true staple for anyone wanting to try good food.

Two words: Passione Viola. This lovely lavender libation was the cocktail of the night at my recent birthday celebration. With passion fruit, rosemary lavender vodka, peach, lime and bubbles, it was pretty to look at-tasty, too- the perfect celebration in a glass... like liquid confetti. So, cheers right off the bat to Bella's for that. This is actually the second time I've invited birthday guests here. That's because they *all love it. There's truly something on the menu for everyone and the ambiance is so pretty and welcoming. You don't have to dress up, but it's fun to do so. Bella's doesn't take reservations, but just get there a little early and you shouldn't have too much of a problem. We waited only 10 minutes on a Saturday night at 7, for a group of 10. I ordered grouper piccata to go with my Passione Viola. It was super fresh and succulent and the seasoning was spot on. The roasted potatoes I chose for my side were done to perfection and the complimentary bread-chef's kiss all the way. Everyone else enjoyed their entrees and bevs and the service was great, as always. They really took good care of us. Yes, parking is a problem. The lot is really small and it's a challenge to find other spots. But Bella's is worth circling for. Or, come early and sit on the patio. It's easy to see why this place is a south Tampa mainstay. (It was the first restaurant I went to after I got my first real job/paycheck). I'll be back-over and over. Hope to see you there.

People have been raving about Bella's for the three years I have lived in Tampa, but I never was able to go until recently. And WOW, I am so happy that we went! Now I understand why people say Bella's in a true South Tampa staple. The ambience is awesome - I feel right at home in a warm, cozy italian dining room. Service was excellent and efficient too. The waitress gave us amazing recommendations. And we couldn't believe how good the food was and how large the portions were! We even had leftovers, which never happens! We had the Nate's Chicken and the Pollo Milano. Both were so incredible that we couldn't even decide which was better! We want to go back and try more dishes, but we don't even want to order anything other than those two dishes. What a great problem to have. 10/10 Bella's!

I've been on the hunt for the best Italian food in Tampa Bay. Bella's scores pretty high with a solid 4/5. Their food is very good. We always make sure to get the Formaggio al Forno to start. I'm a big fan of the Pollo Milano and the Pollo Alla Giovanna. I just feel like it's missing that extra OOMF to take it over the edge. The service is pretty good. It feels like a classic Italian restaurant with a modern twist. I also wish you could make reservations as sometimes I'm apprehensive to go there for prime time dinner.

Came here on Friday night. No reservation, you just walk in. Wait time was only 20 min for indoor dining. Place was pretty busy. There is parking that we were able to get but they didn't have that many spots. Service was ok, nothing special. Lady was nice, but they have been slow taking dirty plates out. We ordered a salad and scampi scampi to start. They brought salad with a dressing in the plastic container, and butter was store bought and wrapped in aluminum, like it is Holiday Inn breakfast time. If you charge what you charge for food, I don't want to get plastic containers. Also all plates were different and mismatched. I don't understand why they cannot buy matching plates. Seemed like a diner experience with a price of the seat down restaurant. Table was all scratched, bathroom wasn't very nice either. Food was pretty good, I would say 4/5 stars. Salad wasn't fresh, but other than that food was decent. Scampi was heavy but delicious. I had pasta with grouper and enjoyed it a lot. Portions were huge, so no space for a dessert. But they had lots of different desserts.

I like good and classic Italian restaurants, and Bella's was up to par. Nice location a little towards the end of the soho area, and a nicely dim restaurant. With any Italian restaurant, a glass of wine is mandatory. Next, they give you complementary bread and salted butter which is a nice touch. For an appetizer, the formaggio al forno was great, baked goat cheese in a nice red sauce to dip bruschetta bread. For the main event - The Pera Sachet, incredible pear and ricotta filled pasta in a nice sauce, the flavors were great. All around a nice and modern Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta, you can tell that everything is fresh here which adds to the experience.

First time trying out Bella's and had a wonderful experience! Our waitress was incredibly friendly, informative, and attentive. I did have to wait over 15 minutes for my second cocktail (which by the time I had finished my entree completely) and they luckily comped my drink! I ordered the Strawberry fields drink, which was on the sweeter side but I loved it. For food, I got the Confetti Spaghetti and was blown away. Italian is never my first choice for dinner but I have a feeling I'll be coming back just for this dish. Their menu was incredibly extensive and my date got the chicken parm. Servings were huge so perfect for lunch the next day. Loved this place!

Back in Tampa for a few days, my wife and I stopped by the place we frequented while dating 35 years ago. Bellas was a know for great food and a relaxed ambience. While a bit more upscale after all those years. Good food, service, and central location are still the hallmarks. Thanks for the many good memories and good meals over many years!

Absolutely loved my time here at Bella's! Your staple Italian restaurant in South Tampa. Food is scrumptious and if you don't stuff your face, you'll have plenty to bring home as a second meal via a doggy bag. They will take your leftovers and pack them into a little box for you - very convenient! The Pollo Rosso was delicious including chicken, pasta, mushrooms, scallions, and other ingredients mixed in this somewhat spicy tomato-based cream sauce! Get a little spice in your life! First come, first serve - no reservations like OpenTable. Beautifully decorated for the holidays in mid-December! Loved it and our server was a sweetheart and knowledgeable of the menu. I forgot his name or else I'd shout him out! Well done, Bella!

We came here for a dinner with the family. It was great with the kids. The food is very good and the prices are low. This is going to be one of our new go tos.

Bella's is my husband and I's favorite Italian restaurant in all of Tampa! Their pollo milano pasta is one of my favorite dishes ever, and their other pastas are fantastic. The ambiance is great and the service is top notch.

Walked in late on a weekend and was seated almost immediately. The restaurant was moderately busy but the server was quick to greet us and take our orders. The inside was dark and somewhere between casual and more upscale dining. As soon as we were seated we were given small bruschetta toasts and bread and butter was brought to the table. We both ordered chicken dishes which came with a pretty decently sized portion for the prices. The Nate's Chicken is unlike anything I've ever had before and was absolutely delicious! I was too full to try dessert but I will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

I can always appreciate an Italian place where they serve food I can't replicate. I met up with a friend here and had a great experience! I ordered some meatballs which were super juicy and flavorful and took other Yelpers suggestions and got the Pollo Milano. My gosh was that dish so delicious.... the pasta is folded in a way to hold onto the creamy and rich sauce. I paired that with a strawberry cocktail I enjoyed as well. Driving there and parking was annoying, but despite that I will be returning. The inside was very nice. You could dress up or be casual. Thurs-Sun nights get very busy.

Our server Marin was AMAZING!!!!! we came here from Daytona to celebrate a birthday and Marin did the damn thing!!! she made sure we had an exceptional experience at Bella's. the food was amazing and the portions were big. the restaurant was clean and the lighting was pretty.

Went here for the first time yesterday night and we had a pretty good experience. The restaurant was large, and although they told us it was a 90 minute wait, we were given a table after 30 minutes! We appreciated that free bruschetta and fresh bread were served while we waited for our food. We ordered the Fritti Di Calamari, which just okay. I ordered the Pasione Viola, which was overall a good drink but was a little too sour. We were recommended the Pollo Milano and the Pollo Rosso by our waitress. Both pasta dishes were delicious and savory but I preferred the creamy, rich flavor of the Pollo Milano a little more. Granted, it was a Friday night, so it was busy, but our waitress forgot to put our orders in to the kitchen so it took a long time to get our food. However, I would still consider coming back.

Bella's been around for a long time and there's a reason for that, great service, great food and the atmosphere is old Tampa. Love sitting at the bar chatting with everyone before dinner. A must if you live in Tampa.

I have many beautiful memories there. Have been dining there over 20 years. Best chocolate martinis in town. Food is delicious. Servers always friendly. Clean, comfortable.

Food was incredible and so authentically Italian! 10/10 would recommend the grouper piccata! Our waiter was also phenomenal! He was super attentive and so personable, I would have gone back just for him! Unfortunately I don't remember his name, but we came in a couple nights before Thanksgiving, no wait, and we were seated near the open kitchen at a big round table. My family and I were visiting from MA and I will absolutely go back to Bella's next time I'm in Tampa!

Came here for a birthday dinner on a Saturday. We called ahead but they don't take reservations. We put our name down around 6 and got sat around 645. There's a little seated area near the bar where you can order drinks and wait. Once we sat down, we were greeted with bruschetta and warm bread. They never let our bread basket go empty. We ordered food and drinks and it came out quickly. The martinis are massive! Got the espresso martini and wasn't able to finish it. The house chopped salad was delicioussss. Filled up on appetizers so got a small salad and it was the perfect size. Then they brought out a birthday dessert (chocolate lava cake) and it was so delicious. Warm and gooey with cold vanilla ice cream. If you're looking for a good Italian spot this is it!

I would like to preface my remarks by saying that I have gone to this restaurant for over 30 years and have never had a negative experience once. Today was the exception. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs and when it was brought to me, it was obvious visually that the pasta was overcooked. I tasted it and my impression was confirmed. When the waitress came back around, I let her know that it was mushy, my word, and that I did not want to eat anything else that I was fine. My wife had ordered chicken piccata gluten-free, which she has enjoyed at this restaurant many times. A few minutes later, a clearly angry gentleman with a gray beard approximately 65 to 70 years of age came to our table. He explained that he was going to take the pasta off the check, but that it was cooked perfectly well, was only cooked for 60 seconds and essentially that I was wrong. I have never sent anything back at this restaurant and am loath to ever do that any place but the pasta that was served to me was inedible. When when he stopped talking, I told him that I didn't appreciate his coming to tell me he was doing me some kind of favor by taking it off the check and then proceed to tell me the many reasons in his opinion why I was wrong. He got more angry then he said fine in a clearly, agitated way wished me a good day and I said the same thing to him, "have a nice day". He then turns back to me and points his finger at me and tells me that I I'm not capable of having a nice day. To which I answered "fuck you"; a response I believe he deserved because he didn't need to insult me personally. Then he goes about telling me that I'm not a gentleman about 10 times and tells me I have to leave his restaurant. Gladly. I don't know who this guy is or if he owns part of the restaurant or whatever but he was unhinged. If the manager or owner or employer of this guy reads this, you need to have a talk with this guy and have him placed on medication or fire him because he's gonna drive your restaurant out of business and not just because he doesn't know how to cook pasta. Have a nice day.

Cool spot! Food was tasty and large portions. Lots of wine options and plenty of tables

Bella's is phenomenal. The food is great, and the service is excellent. I've had several dishes, and each has been excellent. And the bread that they bring you before dinner?? So good!! I would eat only the bread if I could!! Their vegan menu ROCKS. The oat-mushroom bolognese is TO DIE FOR and I dream of it often. Definitely great options for those with all kinds of allergy restrictions! The atmosphere is very romantic, but I come for casual dinners with friends all the time. So don't be deterred! Also, the patio is very dog friendly. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for quality Italian food in the Tampa area.

We got a table for two with no wait on a Saturday night. Bella's has amazing authentic Italian food. We had the formaggio al forno as an appetizer and I got the pollo milano as my main course. The food came out quick and the flavors were amazing!

Bellas was very good. The restaurant gets packed and doesn't take reservations so plan ahead. Having said that, it also moves quickly and efficiently without rushing you. I guess it just has an efficient team in all aspects of the restaurant... from the check in to getting your bill. It is just a well oiled machine. While we waited for our table we grab drinks at the bar which is nicely stocked. Had a few glasses of wine and 20-30 minutes later... table was ready. Our waitress was friendly and helpful. She recommended some of their most popular dishes and we ordered a few things from that and everything was good. Very flavourful. The beef Carpaccio comes with this nice sauce that truly makes this dish unique. For main course we had the salmon which is blackened and was cooked perfectly... juicy, not dry at all. The spice level can be a little strong if you don't like heat or spicy. The pear sachet... filled with pear and cheese was a wonderful pasta choice .. a little savory and sweet. Everything was delicious and nicely cooked. Wine list is very complete having something for everyone's taste and budget.

Visited for happy hour. We have been for dinner in the past, but happy hour prices are such a great deal. Service was very fast, plenty of seating to choose from. You get bread and small bruschetta at the table. Food was very good, and came pretty quickly. I'm just not a fan of goat cheese, but my husband liked the formaggio al forno. Will definitely keep on our list of great happy hour eats!

Food is always very good, and staff is very attentive. My only negative is t He dining room is noisy.

As soon as you walk in a you could smell the savory dishes being cooked in the kitchen. When you look around the decor makes you feel like you are in the lovely city of Italy in 1918. We asked the lovely server to tell us what he recommends and he did not disappoint. I started with a creamy soup to prepare my taste buds. Then enjoyed my main course which was the Pollo Rosso Pasta. The seasoning curated in this dish took me to a place I've been longing to visit. Can you guys were? That's right Italy. I'd be lying if I said I tasted anything like this before. To top it all off we had the Raspberry Crème Brûlée. I can honestly say the food is very well prepared and extremely flavorful and our service throughout the evening was exceptional. If you are ever near Bella's please visit. Personally, this place sets the bar high when it comes to Italian cuisine.

In all honesty, it was alright. We waited 2 hours to be seated (walk-in) but the food came pretty quick. The pasta sauce is mid. Nothing too crazy. Normal sauce, the pasta is cooked a little past al dente. And the beyond sausage was cooked well. For the price you pay I feel there there should be more flavor. Mostly tasted acidic tomatoes and a generous amount of garlic. I would recommend maybe coming on a slower night to maybe get a better dish. Food isn't horrible, but idk how likely I am to come here again. The service however was amazing! The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes. They made the long wait less painful.

Wow-staff awesome, food amazing, bar wonderful & met the owner (extra special). A must go place.

I came here on a whim after a not so great experience at a restaurant nearby. There is a parking lot and we were easily able to find a spot on a Thursday night. We got that and it was packed! Lots of people, food, smells, it felt like an authentic italian restaurant. We were told it would be a thirty minute wait so we sat at the bar and got drinks while we waited. The bartender was so nice and very quick at getting us our drinks. We were seated in less than 30 minutes in a cozy booth. The whole place was decorated for christmas and it added to the coziness. We started out with complimentary bruschetta which was delicious. We also split a bowl of the Panna D'Aragosta. Man oh man it was SO good. I would definitely recommend trying that. For our entrée we split the Vitello Parmigiana and it was very good - they split the dish for us which was a nice touch and we had no leftovers. Our waitress was super friendly, nice, and attentive and I will definitely be back!

Great Italian restaurant! The food is amazing and taste authentic. It's in south tampa so of course the parking is limited and a bit tight. They do offer reservations which I recommend considering it was pretty crowded when I went on a thursday evening. Bella's also has outdoor seating but the noise from the cars might be a bit bothersome to some. Definitely recommend the calamari, it was delicious!