Ok. So, I read the reviews and was surprised when a girlfriend of mine (who's Italian) wanted to have her birthday dinner there. There was around 25 of us or so. She's a great friend so I trust her completely that she knew what she was talking about. To my surprise, she was spot on that this isn't Olive Garden and if u want that, then by all means go there. Truely, the food was superb. The owner, yes, is Guiseppe and he's a quiet man but was so very nice and accomodating to a large party. We all had the Chef's special. Which was a 4 course meal. You can always tell the difference on authentic Italian food by the sauce/gravy and we had about 4 different ones. EVERY one of them was wonderful. We started out with Antipasto plate. The meats were wonderful. Then came the 3 different ravioli's. The squash stuffed and bolognese was awesome. Mushroom ravioli's weren't bad either. There were 2 of each. Then came the Veal and Chicken Piccata. Delicious. The Veal was to die for. I don't normally eat Veal after I had it at random restaurants, and didn't care for it. The veal here was the best. Our last course was Tiramisu and Panne Cotta. I'm not a Tiramisu fan it was ok, but the Panne Cotta was delicioso. Bottom line. This was true authentic Italian food. Everything is imported from Italy, Meats, Cheeses, etc. Looking at the reviews, people had portion problems, again, stop eating Olive Garden. Quality is better than Quantity. I have to admit you had to roll us out of there. You like good gravy/sauce, and can taste the difference on homemade than can stuff, or fresh pasta as oppose to box, and a simpler menu than all the bigger menu hoopla, then do try this place. I and many more of us that were there last nite, will be coming back. read more

Family owned restaurant, saw the negative reviews and had to see for myself. The staff was friendly and attentive to me the entire dinner. The food was good, nice bowl of soup and penne pasta. I have no idea what happened to those that wrote the horrible reviews, but if you want a simple Italian dinner, family owned, good service...give this place a try. read more

Abridged version: Warm service and delicious house made pasta for a reasonable price. Definitely worth a trip. Stopped in shortly after they opened at 4:30. Has lots of small family run restaurant charm that I don't find often, those places seem to not last over the years in Reno. Apps were bruschetta and artichoke soup. Bruschetta was simple. Mothing out of this world, but clean bright flavors. The soup was fantastic, something that I dont say often. Girlfriend and I ordered three entrees: artichoke ravioli, artichoke lasagna, and the bucatini with parma ham. Portion sizes are larger than I anticipated for house made ravioli but very well made. The cream sauce for the ravioli was light and flavorful and the bucatini wasn't drowning in sauce so I could actually taste all the components of the pasta dish. Dessert was mango panna cotta and hazelnut gelato. Both were texturally perfect with subtle flavor that didn't taste of extracts or concentrates. Bill was $80 for two of us to have a 3 course meal with no wine. Very reasonable. Will be back. read more

Purchased a groupon because I had been wanting to try this place, and very happy I did! Great food, and even full priced menu items aren't expensive. The owner was our waiter, and although he wasn't the most talkative or friendly person, it was great to see a family owned business, and authentic Italians doing what they do best! read more

Went there for lunch and was impressed with the quality of the food and the service. We both had ravioli mine was asparagus and my wife's was meat. We plan on going there for dinner! read more

This place is a little more on the pricey side, but the authentic Italian cuisine is definitely worth it! I have had the pasta with asparagus cream sauce and the spaghetti with clam sauce (they both have Italian names in the menu that I can neither pronounce nor remember how to spell ;)) both were delicious and very different. I also tried the pistachio gelato for dessert and it was very decadent! I do not know if they buy it or make it, but it was delicious and the perfect serving size to share with a date. Both the chef's cooking and the service were amazing. I will definitely be coming back here on date nights or even for a nice treat with my friends! read more

I too went into this establishment with a Groupon and the owner wouldn't honor it because we weren't a table of four. it was suppose to be a very special evening to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. I went in prepared for the owner to be grumpy but notning could quiite prepare me for the level of unfriendliess he expressed. I'm thinking perhaps he should do somthing else in order to drum up business. He obviously doesn't appreciate the coupons. The food was tasty however i've been sick with a stomache flu ever since I left the establishment... just a conicidence....not sure! But i'll probably never visit that restaurant again.... It's unfortunate because! I don't quite understand why he'd be willing to work with Groupon in the first place.... read more

My wife and I have eaten at Bella Italia several times. We have made many trips to Italy and I can tell you the food at Bella Italia is fairly authentic. The service is good,the food is very good and the ambiance is like a restaurant in Italy. The prices are reasonable. They have a chefs special for two. You get an appetizer, a trio of an entre, and desert. It is quite good. Highly recommend Bella Italia. read more

My wife and I went there on a Groupon offer. Had read some of the reviews there and here, so wasn't put off by the 'strip mall exterior'. Very nice inside, quiet, white table cloths, and friendly service. We both tried the 3-choice ravioli...she got the crab, artichoke, and asparagus...I got the artichoke, meat, and seafood...and then tasted each others. If I got the ravioli again, I'd probably go for the asparagus, meat, and then try something else...not that any of them were not good...just liked those the best and like to try new flavors. Helping were generous and we were not hungry at all when done, but tried the mango gelato and I had the Cannoli Siciliani. Both were good...the gelato was nice and lite. We'll be back. read more

Amazing Dinner on a very snowy New Years Eve ! Husband and wife who do it all! Authentic Italian cuisine and comfortable atmosphere, I have read reviews that the owner is rude and that is FAR from the truth, he is a very professional man and you can tell he is old school Italian a no b.s. person and all business. He will give you all the information you want about the menu or the wonderful things he cooks but, he won't stand there talking because, he is VERY BUSY! busing tables,taking orders, bringing out food etc. The food is exceptional, so many wonderful flavors and textures such wonderful presentation. All pasta, soups etc. ALL HOMEMADE! I had the Artichoke soup and it was so yummy! My husband had the Asparagus and it was just as wonderful. We both had ravioli, mine was Mushroom and My husband had three different kinds. The butternut squash Ravioli was sweet and Smooth unlike anything I have ever eaten! We shared a coconut Gelato that was bursting with flavor and milky goodness.we also tried an interesting Dessert Panna Cotta! It was a super creamy pistachio flavor and it had dark chocolate swirls on the plate and powdered sugar! What a treat and wonderful experience. Definitely recommend and can't wait to go back! read more

What they served us was still cold in the middle, which meant it was frozen before they heated it up for us...come on people. Then, when we informed the waitress that our food was cold, she grabbed both our plates, and took them into the kitchen while my wife and I sat there wondering what was going on. 4 minutes later she came back with the same food, re-plated but with less sauce then before, could not remember whose was whose, and then half apologized. The food was hot, probably microwaved. Then to cap it all off, she left for the night without saying goodbye; and the chef/owner changed out of his chef uniform and was in street clothes not 5 minutes after we received our food for the second time. Apparently they were closing 45 minutes early that night ?? read more

What a great restaurant! We were immediately seated and served. The owner and his wife served us personally, and I found out that they were from Northern Italy. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. My husband got a pasta dish and I got chicken with a marsala sauce. They had a nice wine list, and we decided that this would likely be our new Italian restaurant of choice in Reno. On a Saturday night when other local restaurants were packed, loud and requiring 45 minute to an hour wait times, this restaurant was quiet, prompt and served great food. This is an excellent family run business to support! read more

This is our favorite spot in Reno. The couple that own it are such hard workers and very kind. The food is very authentic. I recommend the ravioli trio and the homemade gelato. read more

Small, family owned, Italian owners. Very good food. I've had the chicken fettuccini, the ravioli trio and the tortellini on different occasions. Each time was great! read more

I had the manicotti with spinach and ricotta. It was really very cheesy. My husband had the fettuccine alfredo and ate it all up. The bread before dinner was fresh. The house salad had prosciutto and fresh mozzarella. We will be going back. Why not give it a five star. Well..the AC was cranking and it was a bit cold. My husband had to ask for bread. We were not asked what we wanted to drink. But the food was very good and over came the other issues. And the music was fitting for an italian restaurant. We like Frank Sinatra. All in all a good meal. read more

Stopped by for lunch and we were the only patrons as the fresh pasta was being prepared in the back. Ordered the pumpkin ravioli with freshly made tomato sauce with freshly grated parmigiano. So fresh and delicious -- home-made pasta by an accomplished Italian chef from Lago di Como -- not easy to find in Reno!! The hazelnut panna cotta was off the charts as well. Plus they serve Lemoncocco here! Probably best to come here for dinner when it is a bit livelier, but it was a delicious lunch! Bravo e complimenti! read more

I think it helps to know what you're walking into with this restaurant- so the environment and staff doesn't become a distraction from the truly marvelous food. As many reviews have said before- it's just the owners staffing the dining room so be patient. You may be waiting some time for them to take your drink and food orders, but they are fast with water and menus and a delicious basket of bread. Slow down, read the menu and enjoy the moment. The gentlemen was very helpful with making recommendations and answering questions when he came to take our orders. Was he overly chatty, no, but he was not rude or dismissive either. The decor is simple and clean, no clutter or cliche presentation. There is no bar, but plenty of wines and a few beers, and great espresso. The food menu has plenty of options - from meat, to fish, and pasta, and plenty of sauce options. The food presentation is also simple, and you may not be taking home much of any leftovers, but I would not say the portion sizes are small- I would say they are perfect. I wasn't left feeling hungry or overly stuffed and I had room left over to share some desserts with my husband and friends. I was hoping to get affogato but it wasn't on the menu, the gentleman overheard me saying something and without hesitation told me they could make me one. That's customer service. And it was delicious! All in all we were all very happy, and immediately began planning our next trip. read more

The worst Italian food ever. Don't go Don't waste your money. I ordered lasagna look nothing like lasagna or tasted like lasagna when I called the owner got belligerent with me. read more

Such an awesome little spot! Best fettuccine I've had in years! Super rich and creamy! You can add chicken, sausage, shrimp or meatballs. It had the perfect amount of garlic. Entrees do not include salad but house salad was only 5.95. Bread was good, thin sliced authentic with olive oil and balsamic. The lasagna was pretty incredible. Served in a ceramic pan that was baked to order. Very rich and not tomatoey, very delicate! Paired the Fiddlers Zinfandel with it at $28 for the bottle can't beat it! Will definitely be going back. read more

Fantastic outdoor dining experience! The food literally takes you back to Italy. An absolute authentic Italian experience (music and all!) in a VERY clean setting with all COVID guidelines and practices being followed. We could not be happier that we chose to stop here - highly recommended! read more

Beautiful setting and the food is just like eating in Northern Italy. The ravioli is phenomenal. Love this place!

Great menu selections at fair prices. Come dressed up or casual. You'll fit in either way. Great service and friendly people. We both had pasta. The Tortellini was really good, but I suggest adding a meatball or two. Just found this in draft reviews from months ago. Oops read more

Great food! Best pasta I've had! Hubby had meat lasagna and I had shrimp fettuccine Alfredo. The vanilla pana catta was amazing. Everything was amazing. The owner is an amazing chef! We will be back! read more

I had the home made ravioli. The Crab, the mushroom and the the parma ham.... you could tell they were homemade, when they came out all three were smothered in the same heavy cream sauce.... it was good but too much goop, would have been nice to have a lighter sauce on some. But I have to admit that thet were awesome. Very little decor or ambiance and they need to take down the giant florescent lights. The owner is a bit cold. But if you decide to take both these things as odd and funny quirks and just enjoy the food. You will have a great dinner! read more

I should've stayed home and split a Lean Cuisine with my husband... instead I spent my entire time swapping away flies. The food was bland, rubbery, and more generic than hospital food. It's a bummer that I'm forced by yelp to even give them a star. read more

We ordered take-out last night and it was delicious! We are first time customers and will definitely return! We ordered and shared the mushroom ravioli and the cannelloni de carne - both were very decent sized meals and were wonderful! Thank you Chef Giuseppe Zappala! You and your team did a great job! read more

My only complaint is that they're not open 24/7! Bella Italia is to die for, the fettuccine Alfredo is super creamy the way it should be. The waitress is phenomenal every time. If you like gnocchi, then you'll love Bella Italia's gnocchi. One of my favorite Italian restaurant in town. read more

I was really looking forward to some spaghetti and meatballs. I chose this place because they seemed so authentic; the menu was in Italian, and had all the usual dishes. The caprese salad was the only good thing I received. The Bolognese on the spaghetti was salty and there wasn't much of it. The meatballs were like little meatloafs that were never introduced to the sauce at all. I had my order delivered and there was no bread, no napkins, no cheese. The manecotti looked like 2 poorly made enchiladas and were COVERED in cheese. Nothing I have ever seen before. All of this bad food for $60. The food was put in half size containers and they literally did the bare minimum. I won't be ordering from them again. I still can't believe they didn't include any bread or cheese, staples for Italian meals. read more

incredible! Everything was so delicious! It felt like I took a trip back to Italy. The tiramisu was to die for. And the homemade raviolis dekiziozo! Highly recommend!! read more

Great food. Nice choices of unusual Italian dishes. Fresh... The kitchen has skills. Try the panna cotta for desert. read more

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Great little place!! The owners are wonderful and their passion for food shows in the careful consideration for their menu and the simply delicious meals! The ravioli are all wonderful as are the appetizers and desserts! read more

First it was under construction so we were the only ones there for lunch. When I purchased the Groupon it was because they had a reasonably priced lunch menu with chicken parmesan at 13.25. He gave is a dinner menu and it was 23.00. Half of my tortellini was delicious, but the other half was hard. My husband's chicken Parmesan was fine but this is no comparison to La Strada. We won't be back. read more

This place is just awesome! Friendly family owned business service. I have never had better ravioli. I chose the three style option; ricotta& spinach, meat, and mushroom. Each in their respective sauces. From delicate to rich and hearty. It looked pretty and tasted better. The lasagna my wife ordered was fantastic. We can't wait to eat there again. read more

This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Reno!! We have been eating here since the day they opened. I have had the lasagna, penne, spaghetti, chicken picata, tirimisu, gelato, panacotta and so much more....we have never have been disappointed! read more

Very few restaurants In the US remind me of the amazing food in Italy but Bella Italia took us back. Our family loved our dinner. We can't wait to go back! read more

Went with my parents and was so-so. Mom got a chicken picatta and had to ask for more sauce (it was very dry), wife got the lobster ravioli's and they were okay. Dad got fettucini, he really liked his and I got manicotti (in a white sauce) and it was pretty good but never really had a bad white/cream sauce. My dad loved his and said they will go back; mom was reluctant to be critical (forever the optimist) but wasn't stoked. The owner was very friendly (from Italy) and I hate to give mediocre reviews but wasn't impressed. Wasn't cheap either. Maybe my parent's 2nd visit will be better;-) read more

The menu on yelp is not the same as the menu at the restaurant. Almost 35% higher prices. When I pointed this out to the server she suddenly didn't understand anything I said. And any service disappeared. The food was ok. So 2 stars. But I won't be back. And apparent they won't miss me. read more

My husband and I ate here because we bought a Groupon. The service and food was amazing. The food is authentic, real Italian food. I had the bucatini all'amatriciana and my husband had the chicken caccitore and both dishes were magnificent. The restaurant is spotless and our waiter (the owner) was very attentive, if a little shy. I was very hesitant about coming here after reading the reviews, but I have to say that our experience was very nice and we will be definitely be back. As for the poster from Feb. 2012 who got a refund on their Groupon, you obviously didn't read the Groupon. It very specifically stated that the Groupon was for either "$20 worth of pasta and drinks for TWO" or "$40 worth of pasta and drinks for FOUR", depending on which option you purchased. I can understand the owners irritation. read more

Food was excellent! I recommend the combination ravioli's and the asparagus or artichoke soup. the atmosphere and lighting could be better (décor isn't much to write home about the lighting has the feel of a school cafeteria. A+ for the food which is all that matters to me! Owners are quiet but very nice. read more

I went in for lunch and was never asked if I wanted something to drink with my meal, the order was taken and when my Veal Piccata came it was the worst I've ever had. It tasted like it had been marinated in vinegar. I was very disappointed. The older man who took our order was the owner and he had no personality whatsoever. This is my first and last time I will eat here. Once I complained, he never came back to my table to see if I needed anything else. Poor service, terrible food... read more