RECOMMENDED I have always wondered why Long Island's central and North Shore regions have all the great Italian restaurants. Sadly, the South Shore lacks destination Italian places........So I was glad to discover Bella Notte on Monday, June 11th as the result of a group dinner. The stand alone restaurant on the North side of Merrick Road has a large adjacent parking lot. The restaurant has both an attractive bar and dining area. Our group was led promptly to a relatively quiet dining room as I tagged along holding what was left of a very good Grey Goose Vodka Martini. Our friendly server, Robin, took our orders accurately and promptly. The kitchen got our dishes out at an excellent pace. I started out with the Stuffed Artichoke which was huge, fresh, expertly seasoned and in a word, fabulous. Robin brought out some tasty complimentary Bruschetta which our group gobbled up eagerly. I followed up with the Frutte De Mare, a huge pile of mixed seafood over linguine. The portion was big enough to feed three. In fact, that is a theme here. Prices are a few dollars higher than at other South Shore Italians but the very generous portion sizes are a great value. Though my Frutte De Mare was under-sauced, the shellfish was fresh, seasoned to a perfect Fra Diavolo as requested and grit free. I really enjoyed this dish. My companions raved about the Veal Francese, Chicken Parmigiana, Burnt Broccoli and Warm Salad. We were all too full for dessert and each of us left with hefty doggie bags. BOTTOM LINE: I am looking forward to returning to Bella Notte. read more

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Great service, friendly staff & delicious food. A great neighborhood restaurant that appeared to have many regulars.

This place never disappoints! You must try there stuffed artichoke it's the best! And the zucchini meatballs are just some of my faves!

We've passed this place 100's of times but never checked it out. I noticed a very nice outdoor dining setup due to COVID-19 so we decided to try them out. Nothing more to say than awesome. Food was plentiful and delicious. I honestly think this has become our new go-to for Italian in the area. Perfect from beginning to end. Thank you for a great experience. Looking forward to our next dinner! read more

We went here with family for an early dinner on the weekend. Walking inside you get that old-school Italian restaurant feel but with modern decor. Along the walls are portrait paintings of famous Italian actors. Upon seating our table was served with a generous plate of bruschetta that was a crisp bread topped with fresh tomato, zucchini and onion. It was very fresh and held us over while waiting for the main course. When the entrees came out we didn't realize how big the plates were. I ordered one of the house specialties, the eggplant parmigiana. There was definitely no skimping on this portion. The eggplant parmigiana covered most of my plate and was probably good enough to serve two. I enjoyed the eggplant a lot as it had thin slices of fried eggplant with sauce like grandma made it and lots of melted fresh mozzarella cheese. It also came with a choice of side of pasta or vegetables. Plenty of leftovers to take home. After dinner, we were too full to order dessert. When our bill came out we were also served some biscotti. It's a nice sweet note to end the meal. The biscotti probably is one of the best I've had. It was not too hard in texture and can be easily eaten without dipping it into coffee or tea. They were nice enough to give our table two plates full. Service was spot on as our waiter made sure our water glasses were full and everyone was taken care of. The hostess and owner came around to also check on our table to make sure everyone was satisfied. The only negative I would say if any is the parking. There is a small strip to the right of the restaurant, otherwise you are forced to do valet or street parking if the lot is full. Id give the place a 4.5 stars rating. I'd be willing to still go back for another delicious meal. read more

Outstanding service and food! Stuffed artichoke like my grandmother from Naples would make. Crispy fresh calamari. Beautiful Italian chopped salad perfectly dressed. Entrees made to perfection. Service out of this world. Family friendly staff!! Can't wait to go back!! read more

Bella Notte - Italian Near Me - Bellmore, New York

I highly recommend this restaurant. From the staff to the food, it's an old school Italian restaurant vibe. Always busy but not packed or loud. Cute decor and an awesome Woodford Reserve Manhattan! read more

Had another amazing Italian dinner at Bella Notte (chopped antipasto salad, baked penne, shrimp oreganatta - yum!). Barbara, our server, was so professional and attentive. As are the owners, always making time to greet their diners to ensure everyone is happy with their meal. Besides our delicious apps and entrees, the complimentary bruschetta toast on the front end and the warm homemade biscotti on the back-end are the perfect book-ends to every meal. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more

I came here with my parents and we were all blown away by the excellent service, great food, and upscale ambiance. It's a small place with limited parking, but I really can't think of any other criticisms. I got the meatball salad and chicken francese. Both were filling and delicious! The prices were pretty fair for a nice Italian restaurant. The friendly staff checked in with our table many times to see how we were doing. Before our meals, we got complimentary bruschetta with a bread bowl. We also got complimentary biscotti with powdered sugar for dessert. I look forward to coming back one day! read more

Bella Notte - Chicken Francese - Italian Near Me - Bellmore, New York

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Food is average. The shrimp scampi was bland and the sauce was runny. The chicken Parmesan was ok. The zucchini lasagna appetizer was very good tho. Overpriced. Outside dining with tent and heaters done very well. read more

Food is average at best. Won't get into all the details but better food in local pizzerias in the neighborhood for almost half the cost. This is typical of the Merrick/Bellmore neighborhood where people want to be in the most popular place and the taste and quality of the food is secondary. The valet (who is a regular) in the parking lot is totally disrespectful and never is friendly or greets you with a smile or thanks you after tipping. After finishing a $300 3 person disappointing dinner with weak drinks, we went next door for to buy a gift in the adjoining store Le Pink. The valet literally came running after us and told us we would have to park across the street that we were not allowed to leave our car in Bella Note's parking lot! I informed him we just finished dinner and it was he that parked my car just 2 hours earlier and we would be only 5 minutes in Le Pink. He had actually parked the car right in front of Le Pink when we first arrived. After threatening me and telling me that he can't be responsible for my car if I left it there I was ready to call the police. What nerve. This is not the type of treatment expected from anyone much less an over priced hyped up restaurant in a local strip mall without sufficient parking. I hold the owners 100% responsible for the crude and poor behavior of their outsourced valet service as well. Pretty sad that this is where people flock to since there are such limited choices in the neighborhood. Don't overlook the close by gem In Bellmore "Molto Bene". read more

Rough one. As it is Christmas time, I put this place on my naughty list. Santa wouldn't even eat his plate of this was left out for him. 5 stars for the nice owner walking around and checking on everything, 1 star for the laughs we had about how bad the food was. Calamari was super chewy, chicken was very dry. Tomato sauce tasted bad. The best part were the side vegetables. Won't be going back and I hope I save someone else from trying this place. Maybe it was an off night with all these five star reviews, but tonight the food was not good. read more

Shrimp Wendy was fantastic!!! The sauce was to die for!!! Also the artichoke app and the burnt veggies, not to be skipped! Mussels were so tasty also! My family was basically having the sauce with a spoon!(both red & white) service is always phenomenal - THANK YOU VINNY!! Don't change a thing!!! read more

Great service, great food and really great atmosphere. The people working three including the owners are always trying to make your experience better. read more

Great tasting food, great service, and great atmosphere! If you're looking for great tasting, authentic italian food; bella notte is your spot! From their chicken marsala to their zucchini linguine bolognese, every dish is made to perfection for your liking! If you're looking for a hot spot this weekend, for that hot date, Bella Notte is the place to go! read more

Came for an early Saturday dinner around 5:30 with my husband, which i'm glad we did bc we beat the crowd. This restaurant does not take reservations but definitely worth the wait. The food was AMAZING, staff was great! Will def come back read more

Bella Notte - Veal Parmigiana with vodka sauce!!!!! - Italian Near Me - Bellmore, New York

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I'm sorry to say, the clams in my first dish, were so rubbery it was like eating a Spading hand ball. I then ordered filet of soul cooked in a francese sauce. It was served naked: no vegetables, not even a sprig dell. The (expensive) fish had zero flavor. I went as far as dumping pepper and salt-still no avail. Then came the bill: $70! For one glass of wine, a salad and tasteless fish. I cannot recommend this restaurant and its overly-expensive-rubbery-tasteless food read more

Great neighborhood little Italian restaurant..the food was absolutely delicious!!! The quality of the food was superb..The service was impeccable, was very crowded but was there at 6:45 last night a Saturday night we were seated 10-15 mins was well worth the wait!!! The waiters, & staff were so nice & courteous... after dinner they give you a plate of biscotti cookies...we noticed a lot of regular customers, to me that shows this establishment is well worth visiting again & again the staff were so warm & friendly treated everyone like family..we will definitely be back again, & again!!! We give this restaurant big thumbs up..went to a restaurant a few blocks down Molto Bene about 6 weeks ago..not worth going there.small portions food was blah, & waiters were a little snoooty..go to Bella Note you will not be disappointed! read more

went to Bella Notte last week .Haven't Been there in a while .But a must say once again the Food was Amazing and the staff very friendly and courteous.Dont forget Antonios Exspresso Martini Must get read more

Loved this place! Had beautiful outdoor seating in the parking lot because of covid. In on the keto diet so I had the warm salad, but instead of prosciutto, I had grilled chicken. They definitely didn't scrimp on the chicken portion. So delicious! The cheese was amazing!! The rest of my family really enjoyed they're food..eggplant Parm, chicken parm, lamb chops, penne aka vodka, veal Marsala, chicken franchese, & veal w/ a chestnut sauce. No complaints! All of us enjoyed the food and the service. read more

Always passed by this place and decided to stop in one evening. Ever since I have gone back almost every week. The lasagna and chicken franchise are out of this world! The portions are enormous enough for two meals. read more

Great food! Clams were on point would recommend this place to everyone! Love this place

Let me start off by saying the last time I was at Bella Notte was when they were located in Bellmore on a corner space with maybe like 12 tables. Food and service was to die for. Came here for a baby shower this past weekend for the first time since their old location. Be aware that this location has VERY limited parking and is now a larger establishment. I think at night they have valet but they did not during this afternoon. I believe the owner or manager was there greeting the guests walking in. Since alcohol wasn't included with the shower, we were going to the bar and paying separately. We ordered a Bloody Mary and a glass of Chardonnay. Both were nice sizes and tasted great. When it came time to order a second round, we went back to the same bartender but he stated a different price. What?? You just said $22 and now it's $26, how did the price jump $4 for the same exact drinks? And why is the h*ll is a Bloody Mary and glass of Chardonnay $26..!?! He stated that the older gentlemen (manager or owner from earlier) told him he charged incorrectly..... Ok hold on. I get that it isn't the bartenders fault but this is during the day with a party going on. Even if the bartender mischarged they could have honored the previous prices. Or even mention "Hey sorry we charged you incorrectly but we are going to continue honoring that price but just be aware." I would've appreciated that and even tipped more. That was just horrible customer service to cause now dissatisfaction, especially since I went back to my table telling them all about it. After that the food was eh. The bussers were slow clearing plates and there 2-3 of them. Penne alla vodka was very watery. Chicken Francese wasn't enough lemon. Probably will not be coming back. read more

I am not a person who eats in restaurants on holidays but this Mother's Day was an exception and we chose Bella Notte. I have to compliment them on their handling of the reservations. We arrived on time, were seated promptly and the order was taken and delivered in reasonable time. Great waiter! We started with calamari arrabbiata and baked clams for the table. The lamb chops were a special and were tasty, cooked to order and accompanied with broccoli rabe. Soft shell crabs were served any way you want them. They were good but I wish I had asked for sauce on the side as I like them a little crispy. If you enjoy grapefruit try the Paloma cocktail. Delicious. read more

We went to Bella Notte last night for my birthday. It was a surprise dinner with 14 people waiting for me. The staff was welcoming and very friendly. It was a busy Friday night with every table full, a crowded bar and a wait list of patrons. With all of that going on, our waiter never missed a beat. I wish I knew his name. We were big crowd, all ordering off the menu. Our appetizers came in good time, our wine glasses were always being filled. All our food came out together. They were very attentive. Everything that was ordered was delicious. The menu is extensive in addition to specials. The food is fabulous and the portions are very generous. Most everyone took home a doggy bag. They have a home made napoleon for dessert that is the best. I recommend this restaurant for the food and the atmosphere. I suggest making a reservation. Bon Appetit. read more

Probably one of my fav italian restaurants on the island! The service, from the moment we stepped in, was over the top! Every person that was working there was smiling and very nice to my friends and I. Our server brought out complimentary brushetta when we sat down and warm biscotti at the end of our meal. The three of us ordered eggplant parm with vodka penne and pasta with meat sauce. The eggplant parm was one of the best I've ever had. I would go back and get that same dish everytime, it was that delicious! The meat sauce pasta was good too, im just not a big fan of meat sauce. The three of us ordered two entrees and still had leftovers, so portions are HUGE! Overall, I was very happy with the service, ambiance, and delicious food. The pricing was very reasonable as well. WE will definetly return. Just wish the location was better, this restaurant deserves a more grand location :) read more

Most excellent scarapiello dish I have ever had, top dish in merrick if you ask me. Pasta and marinara sauce fresh and good. We also had francaise and parmigiana on the table, no complaints. The shrimp scampi too much like lobster sauce you get in the Chinese restaurant so didn't eat much of it. Biscotti great touch for dessert. If I only had the scarapiello would have rated it 5*. Service pleasant and atmosphere nice and they are family friendly too-i saw people 2 yrs old to 70 yrs old in the dining room. If they send me a coupon I'll be back real soon. If not I'll be back next time I want to treat myself/family to a great meal. read more

Absolutely disgusting management/owner. Customers also rude as hell. Apparently everyone feels entitled. Donna or whatever the owners name is completely unprofessional and such a crappy person. I've witnessed her being a b***h to her valet worker tonight (9/11/21). He was all alone and she treated him like crap. The boy was doing a great job and she kept on nagging him about everything and rushing him to get us our car back as she stood there laughing. She treated him different from everyone else. Was it because of his skin color? Because that is all I can think of. Majority was white people, and he's Hispanic. We were not in a rush, at all. There was so much pressure on this kid, all for nothing. My family and I will never ever spend our money on a place like this ever again. Treat people better no matter their race!! I will never spend my money on a racist business again. I am taking this to the BBB! read more

The staff was very friendly and helpful. My wife and I had a longer than expected wait and the owner didn't charge us for our desert. He was friendly and understanding. They allow you to taste the wine before ordering (their tasting pours are very generous). The food was good, but I only wish that the pasta was freshly made. Great place read more

This place is very good! If you are looking for big portions and tasty meals, this is a great place to try. Try the fried zucchini and calamari areabiatta. Prices are average, but for the size of the meals, it's great! I also had the shrimp heroine (not on the menu) which is a shrimp dish with cherry peppers and melted mozzarella. The complimentary biscotti are delicious! read more

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We have wanting to check this restaurant out for some time and finally did yesterday evening. The outdoor dinning is set up very nice. The service and hospitality was excellent! Better than many high end over priced places we have eaten at over the years. Food was also very good. My wife enjoyed the soft shell crab special. Will definitely be back! read more

I had higher expectations for this local spot and while it didn't live up to its hype, it was still pretty good for a local Italian spot. The complimentary bruschetta was a nice touch as a starter. I'd pass on the fried calamari we ordered as an appetizer next time. It was tasteless and chewy. My eggplant parm entrees was not the best ever, but was good enough that I would order it again. My party also enjoyed the chicken parm, both grilled and fried and the chicken Marsala. The complimentary biscotti at the end of the meal was a nice way to end our meal. Overall, the spot has a great atmosphere and a nice bar, but I've definitely had better Italian on Long Island. read more

This place is the perfect, cozy Italian restaurant and has a super friendly staff and an owner who really cares about the satisfaction of his customers. The food? Excellent! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal. read more

Trying to be nice, which is deserved on the basis that all the staff here are truly nice people and trying hard to please. Ultimately, it does come down to the food. The food fell short of the hospitality. Parking lot converted to dining area with carpeted floor over pavement, which works well. Nice tables with umbrellas and lights. The outdoor breeze was very nice and the music soundtrack was full of classic rock and pop from the 1960's and 1970's. Bread basket very nice quality warmed Italian loaf with butter packets. Bruschetta was nice touch, though not very inspired. Adequate selection of wines, bottle or glass. Chicken sorrentino did not come cooked in the brown sauce promised, but rather a nondescript light red sauce. Portion is large, but uninspired. Shrimp oreganato was requested with extra garlic, but arrived with none. Instead our extremely overcooked broccoli arrived with loads of garlic heaped on top. Wasn't the worst mistake. Easy enough to move those cloves where I wanted them. But, the shrimp were a bit "off", with pronounced fishy taste. I couldn't finish them. Pasta came with nice marinara sauce. Thumbs up. The waiter gave some vanilla ice cream to our toddler and biscotti for us, which was very kind and enjoyed with some coffee. There were quite a few other people there eating. Many seemed like regulars. Lots of food being delivered to other tables looked very good, but this was our first time there. Maybe their regular chef was off when we tried. Who knows? Might be willing to try it again. read more

If you want old school Italian food and service, this is your place. Teddy, is the best and he is always there to welcome and interact with all patrons. A must try for all. Worth the trip!!! read more

My husband and I went here for the first time last night. The food was all so fresh and delicious. My husband ordered the shrimp oreganata, which they gave him a good amount of, most other restaurants don't give you many shrimp. The service was excellent. We loved our waiter, Victor, and look forward to going back again soon. Going to look into booking them for my son's baptism! read more

Wow wow wow ! Did I mention wow. Home run out of the park! Food is delicious. Huge huge portions. Prob the best Veal parm I've had in a long time. The stuffed artichoke was also killer. Gets crowded on the weekends. They only take reservations for parties of 5 or more but it moves quickly. Teddy the owner is a super nice guy and aims to please. Sorry no pics this time. Killed everything in record time. Lol go you will for sure enjoy this gem. A+++++ read more

Same great food as their old restaurant in Bellmore but now at a new, modern location. Bella Notte is one of the south shore's great Italian restaurants. They have all the classic Italian pasta and entree dishes. I recommend their chicken parmigiana. read more

Bella Notte IS THE BEST!!! My personal favorite is the chicken parm. I highly recommend their fried calamari & baked clams. To finish it off get a cappuccino & ask for whipped cream & biscottis. Their biscottis & chicken parm is the best I've ever had!!! They're quite simply a step above the rest. Don't forget to say hello to Teddy when you go! read more

The best place. Service and food always on point. Teddy and Antonio always make you feel. At home and they always know what you like