Bella Napoli

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £7.95 (set lunch)
   £16 (evening meal)
• House wine: £11.95 per bottle

• High point: Varied choice of authentic produce
• Low point: Café's a bit noisy
• Food served: Mon/Tue 5-10.30pm; Wed-Fri noon-2.30pm, 5-10.30pm; Sat/Sun noon-10.30pm.
• Private dining: Up to 70 covers
• Open since: 2001
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Wheelchair access, Take away, Pre-theatre menu

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

It's not often that one establishment can cater for almost ever occasion, but Bella Napoli gives it a good shot. This family-run Southside favourite is fronted by a colourful, brightly-lit café and delicatessen - the latter selling an array of Italian produce from meats and cheese to jars of preserve and home-made tiramisu. There's a welcoming bustle as TVs show Italian football while a loyal clientele tuck into generously topped pizzas so big you can't see the plate underneath. Behind the busy frontage of the café is the more formal dining room, a traditionally styled space. Its menu (slightly more expensive than the café's) is comprehensive, featuring several fish, chicken, beef and veal dishes, such as saltimbocca alla Romana with white wine and a delicious layering of salty Parma ham on top. A traditional lasagne oozes creamy béchamel sauce and a rich beef bolognese. Tempting desserts include Aztec chocolate with chillies, herbs and nuts. Any dish from the café menu can also be done to take away.