Bella Monica Italian Restaurant

05/10/2008 Posted by shiloh78

I love this restaurant. I used to eat here often when I lived in this neighborhood. You should make reservations on Friday & Saturday.

05/08/2008 Posted by gocubsgo

Being in the restaurant business... there is only one place to feel as welcomed as possible by owners and staff than Bella Monica -we should all be like this. If you are looking for wonderful food and a great atmosphere... you cant beat sitting at the bar and enjoying dinner while meeting new friends..

Pros: Price, Portions and Service

04/14/2008 Posted by atticus5176

I made a reservation here, and I am glad I did. It was honored immediately, and we were seated at an excellent table. Despite other reviews, this is not a particularly romantic place. However, it is very pleasant, and the service and food are truly outstanding. I had a waitress named Megan, and she made great recommendations (lobster ravioli and a unique creme brulee in particular). Both chef/owners stopped by our table, and we appreciated their interest. The ambience is mildly energetic (there was low key techno music playing, and most diners appeared to be locals having a very good time). Highly recommended despite its location in a shopping center.

Pros: Go for the specials and make sure to try the creme brulee.

Cons: None

03/25/2008 Posted by manotee

I have been a satisfied customer of Bella Monica for many years. I love their flatbreads, and have never been disappointed when I chose one of their specials. But the best part of the meal is desert, as the cannoli and tiramisu are always fabulous! If you plan to go on a weekend, call early for a reservation, as this restaurant is very popular. If all else fails, call ahead and get a flatbread and cannoli to go.

Pros: Fantastic deserts, especially the cannoli. Very good pizza (flatbread)

Cons: Extremely popular, hard to get a reservation on the weekend.

03/23/2008 Posted by darlla

I've eaten here numerous times for lunch and I've never had a bad experience. The food is always excellent, fresh and consistent. The tomato, mozzarella and basil appetizer is simple and always fresh. I also like the salads and the flatbread pizzas. The only drawback of this place is that it is not very large, and even at lunch time you might have to wait unless you arrive before noon. The staff is always friendly, the host at lunch during the week always recognizes me, it is nice to go to a place where the staff doesn't change constantly.

03/23/2008 Posted by 2pedals2wheels

Everything is here is GREAT! I have not had a bad dish here, ever! The Lasagna, Calzones, Fish, Appetizers, Salads, are all good. Even the bread they serve is some of the best I have had at a resturant. You can sit outside and enjoy yourself in the sun or sit inside and have a nice atmosphere. All of the staff are extremely nice. The servers are helpful, attentive, and a pleasure. The manager always makes a point of saying hello as well. If anyone complains about this place they are crazy. The way I look at it good for them, I don't want to sit next to them anyway.

Pros: Great food, perfect service, easy parking

Cons: Small but worth the wait

02/29/2008 Posted by boofinusa

I've simply never had a bad meal here. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the Triangle. The portabello lasagna is incredible, but I could make a meal just off the list of appetizers. Their evening specials are delightful and innovative. I've always had prompt and courteous service. The restaurant is small and intimate. Eight people at the table is about as many as one can hope to seat as a group.

02/16/2008 Posted by byronraphael

Our main problem was with the food. I had the spaghetti w/ meatballs, my wife ordered the lasagna. Our complimentary house salads were nothing more than plates of lettuce. The bread course was disgusting as well. They brought two giant cubes of bread that looked more like pound cake. They were set in a puddle of olive oil, and had oil poured over them. Typically, you are given bread to dip in a mixture of oil and vinegar at your leisure. This presentation was awful. My spaghetti was obviously store-bought (probably at the neighboring Harris Teeter) and the meatballs were just boring ground beef. My wife's lasagna was a disaster. Their proclivity to use cheap ingredients ruined the lasagna. The ground beef was so greasy, it had to be served in a dish to contain it all. There was no tomato sauce, instead just grease. All in all, $40 later we were wholly unsatisfied.

Pros: None really

Cons: cheap ingredients for high prices, nothing was fresh

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/09/2008 Posted by doubleet

What an enjoyable evening. We had reservations and were promptly seated. The waiter was very knowledgeable of the foods, drinks and specials. The entire staff worked together and it seemed all needs were met before we ask. The food was as flavorful as any I have had in the area. I can't wait to go back and enjoy another enjoyable evening.

Pros: Great service and food

Cons: None

01/08/2008 Posted by nortonpiggy

I had my first meal at Bella Monica this evening and I will without a doubt be back. My boyfriend and I had the shrimp special appetizer (unbelievably delicious), stuffed shells, and the meat lasagna. Although we had to wait a while for our meals to cool down enough to eat (which is really not a complaint), we had a wonderful dinner. Our server was friendly and attentive, the food was outstanding, and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and amount of food we received. I can't wait to eat there again!

Pros: Excellent food & service, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, great value

Cons: Might have to wait a while without a reservation