Bella Monica

Oh my gawd, the portions are out of control. They feed you like your Grandma would! The service is very friendly and the flavors are wonderfully authentic homemade Italian. You can sit at the bar but it only sits a few people. The place is somewhat small so it fills up quick. Make a reservation if you can. There is seating outside at small tables.

I joke to my friends that I’ve travelled the world for good pizza and sometimes i joke even more that lil Caesar’s is the best I’ve ever had. But I’m not joking when I say this pizza might be the best I’ve ever had. I’m serious I’ve been to some of the most famous pizza places in a half dozen cities in Italy and another half dozen across other countries/US cities and while they’ve all been really good, Bella Monica was the first that blew my socks off.

Full disclosure I’m poor and all the pizzas/pizza restaurants I’ve had aren’t upscale. Also I’ve only had a few different pizzas from Bella Monica and the first (a clam one) is the one that blew me away, the others have *just* been really really good.

5/5 would go there again.

Bella Monica stands proudly in western Raleigh. A family owned business, she has found consistent success in the city of oaks. Upon sitting and enjoying a meal at this establishment, you understand their good fortune. Bella Monica has wonderful rich, fresh, delicious food they serve to the lucky wise enough to be there. I personally have enjoyed their lasagna and flat breads. Each time I go here I have a wonderful time eating. Only good memories were made here. Service, food quality and atmosphere all contributed to their success. It is a wonderful place to eat and I can say confidently that you will be happy if you go try for yourself.

Bella Monica is special to me. This place opened up when I was 10, and kids in my neighborhood handed out flyers to get their business going. 19 years later, it is the place I went for my first date with my wife, the place where I proposed to her, and still both of our favorite places to go to just eat (and drink wine of course).

You have to try the Crab Flatbread. It is listed as an appetizer, but I have never finished it as an entree, and I'm not exactly light. Get a salad as an appetizer instead, and I highly recommend the Caesar. I've tried most everything and there is nothing I don't like.

Last thing... the atmosphere is second to none. It is candle lit romantic, not just dark. In the winter eating outside is a viable option because they have space heaters keeping the table area at a perfect temperature.

I couldn't recommend Bella Monica more, if you live in Raleigh it is simply an experience you must have.