Bella Italia Cafe

Bella Italia Cafe is a hidden gem of a restaurant.\r As a New York City transplant this is what I know as the Italian food I grew up with.\r We were greeted by both the owner and the server when we arrived.\r Both very genuine, polite, and knowledgeable about all dishes on the menu. \r After being seated we were immediately brought our menus, water, warm focaccia with an herb olive oil dip.\r We were told right off the bat that they were willing to do any substititions for dietary restrictions.\r There was a smoked salmon ravioli and lamb shank special.\r \r We decided to stick to the menu as first timers-\r We started with the Calamari Fritti. Calamari at it's finest! Prepared perfectly without the appearance or taste of being greasy. It was paired with a spicy dipping sauce.\r \r I ordered the Pollo Al Carciofi- chicken, capers, artichokes, olive oil, and garlic in a Marsala wine sauce. \r The entree came with either a soup or a salad- choices being Minestrone or Lentil. My instinct was to go with the Minestrone...It rivaled my little Sicilian grandmothers. \r The entree was phenomenal! Sauteed Chicken paired with creamy Polenta, very fresh vegetables (they had some crunch to them! I hate restaurants that use frozen stuff!). If I hadn't gobbled down bread, soup, and an iced tea I would've finished the HUGE portion they gave me.\r \r My boyfriend had the Pollo Al Valdostana- sauteed chicken topped with Prosciutto and fresh mozzerella.\r I would write more about it but my boyfriend cleaned his plate! \r \r Our server, Rhonda, was absolutely fabulous. One could not ask for a more personable or attentive person to help them at a new restaurant.\r \r Luis, the owner and chef, came out to greet us at our table. He was incredibly sweet and welcoming. This outing reminded me of what the experience of going to a restaurant was all about. \r \r If you can't tell by now- I will definately be back!\r \r Pros: Best Italian food in the Bay Area, yes including North Beach Cons: People must not know it exists! Go here! more

The thing that is consistent is the quality of ingredients and preparation in all the dishes especially the specials that change constantly. I have been eating at Bella Italia for years and it has never disappointed me or the family. The ambience may be lacking a bit for the modern restaurant but it is downtown martinez. Luis, the owner, is very accomodating and friendly each time I come in or take out for dinner. I wish more people would frequent this establishment and realize what excellent food Luis serves.\r \r Usually I order things from the specials menu like the Osso Bucco, Risotto (any way you like it with chicken, seafood, etc), artichoke and salmon ravioli (always spot on), Chicken Florentine, Ahi Tuna, etc but the most common staples of spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, fettucini, ravioli are always very solid dishes.\r \r I would recommend this place to anyone that would like to experience quality Italian Food that is consistently good every time. Great menu for Valentines as well $22-$35 includes soup and salad. Call for menu as Luis always out does himself!!\r \r Wine list is solid and reasonable but not extraordinary. Pros: Quality Ingredients, Varying Specials Menu, Solid Core Menu Dishes, Owner Cons: Ambience more