You should know, I wasn’t asked to write this post. The lovely folk at Bella Vita don’t even know I’m alive. I’ve simply enjoyed their food so much, that I’m compelled to share it with you all.
Say hello to my new favourite restaurant.
You know I love trying new places, but when you find a wee gem like this, it’s hard to stay away. I can’t see past the place!
It might be in the south side of Glasgow, but you forget you’re on Mosspark Boulevard the minute you close the door behind you. It’s so quaint and beautifully decorated, with Italian wines and black & white photos of Italian folk from yesteryear dotted about the place. I have no idea whether the owners are Italian or not, but it certainly has a lovely authentic feel to it.
I think I’m slowly making my way through their entire menu! Lets discuss the starters…
Tallegio Cheese, breaded and deep-fried, served with red onion chutney & salad
This was very tasty. You can’t go wrong with deep-fried cheese, in my book. The combination of the tangy cheese and chutney was gorgeous and the portion size was huge. I would’ve been happy with just one portion of cheese (though I still ate both, of course…)
Funghi Fritti: Mushrooms stuffed with mozzarella, tomato & basil, served with garlic mayonnaise.
Mum said these were “the best stuffed mushrooms ever” and I have to agree. I’m partial to a breaded mushroom, but these deserve little mushroomy crowns. They were bursting with flavour and that garlic mayo was to-die-for. Again, a crisp and fresh salad to offset the deep-fried wonderment.
Onto the mains…
Ravioli Aurora: handmade large ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta cooked in light cream, tomato and basil sauce.
I had this the last time I was there, when we took Gran for lunch. At first I didn’t think it was that big a portion, but I was struggling to finish it! The sauce is so flavoursome, mopped up with some garlic bread smothered in mozzarella cheese. The spinach & ricotta filling was rich and creamy, and the juicy tomato chunks cut through it nicely. Yum!
Pesce e Patate: Fillet of haddock in breadcrumbs, served with chips.
Mum got this on her first visit and I resolved to get it the next time. I’m glad I did! The fish was very white and fresh, and the chips were utterly moreish. You think there’s too many on the plate, but I defy you to leave a single chip.
My favourite main has to be this, though. Behold…
The best fillet steak in the world. With peppercorn sauce.
This was supposed to come with a side of haggis, but I asked to forego it (I’ve gone right off haggis of late), and they brought me two steaks, instead. Whether accidentally or deliberately is entirely none of my business 😉 TWO perfectly cooked, juicy steaks, smothered in lots of that delicious peppercorn sauce. I didn’t think I could manage it all, but I did. Every last morsel.
You give this girl two fillet steaks… you deserve my eternal adoration.
Irene & I decided to share this raspberry & white chocolate cheesecake. We were knocking each other’s spoons out the way… can you blame us?
This place is always busy, whether on a Sunday afternoon or a wet Tuesday evening. No doubt their low prices lure a lot of customers through their door: 2 courses for £8.95 (add a dessert for an extra £2) from their Early Dinner menu (Mon-Thurs 5pm – 9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm – 7pm) and 2 courses for £5.95 from their Lunch menu (Mon-Sat 12pm – 3pm).
I’ve often paid twice as much for meals like the ones above and still found it reasonable, so this is a major bonus for me.
10/10 from Noble Nourishment, no question. Have a gander at their website and give them a try. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Enjoy 🙂 x