Basically steps away from our home on Sugar Mountain! One of our families’s favorite gathering spaces because the food is always excellent. The service and the attention to detail is exquisite with love. Come here any day of the week.
Overview
Bella's Italian Neighborhood Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Banner Elk, North Carolina, offering a taste of Italy right in the mountains. Located at 3585 Tynecastle Hwy, this cozy eatery has quickly become a local favorite, known for its authentic Italian dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor passing through, Bella’s provides a dining experience that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
When you walk into Bella's, the warm ambiance immediately stands out. The interior is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern touches, with exposed brick walls and cozy tables that invite you to relax and enjoy your meal. The smell of freshly baked bread and rich Italian herbs fills the air, setting the stage for what is sure to be a delightful meal. It’s easy to see why so many guests keep returning to this beloved neighborhood restaurant.
The menu at Bella's is packed with Italian classics, each dish prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. One of the most popular choices is the classic spaghetti bolognese, a hearty and flavorful dish made with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce that’s perfect over al dente pasta. Another standout is their margherita pizza, which features a perfectly crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil-simple yet delicious. The lasagna, made with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and a savory meat sauce, is another must-try for anyone craving comfort food.
For those who prefer lighter fare, Bella's offers a variety of fresh salads, including their caprese salad, which pairs ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Pairing any of these dishes with a glass of Italian wine from their carefully selected wine list enhances the experience. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the wines, and they’re always happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the risotto with shrimp and asparagus is a great option. This creamy, flavorful dish perfectly balances the sweetness of the shrimp with the earthiness of the asparagus, all set in a rich risotto base. It’s just one example of how Bella's combines tradition with creativity to create mouthwatering meals that keep diners coming back.
Aside from the food, the service at Bella's is top-notch. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive, and always eager to make your visit special. Whether you’re here for a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion, you can count on the team at Bella's to make your dining experience memorable. Many regulars appreciate how the staff remembers their names and orders, giving it that extra touch of personalization that makes the restaurant feel like a second home.
What makes Bella's even more appealing is its community-oriented vibe. Many locals stop by not just for the food, but for the sense of connection that comes with dining at a neighborhood spot. It’s common to see families enjoying a meal together, couples on a date night, or friends gathering for a casual evening out. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere encourages conversation and makes everyone feel welcome.
If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out their seasonal specials, which highlight fresh ingredients and local produce. Whether it’s a special seafood dish or a unique pasta creation, there’s always something new to try. The seasonal menu keeps things exciting and gives you a reason to return and explore new flavors.
For those interested in taking a taste of Bella’s home, they also offer catering services for events and parties. Whether it’s a small family gathering or a larger celebration, you can enjoy Bella’s Italian cuisine at your own event, allowing you to share your favorite dishes with friends and family.
With its perfect blend of classic Italian cuisine, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Bella's Italian Neighborhood Restaurant in Banner Elk stands out as one of the best dining spots in the area. Whether you're a local or just visiting, it’s a place that promises delicious meals and great memories. So, next time you find yourself in the area, be sure to stop by for an unforgettable meal.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
It was a great experience, staff was friendly and courteous, the food was tremendous...will definitely be back for the white bean and ham soup. I had the eggplant paired with mashed potatoes, whoever thought of that is a genius, she had the lasagna.
Oh my gosh! Our family has no words on how much we enjoyed this restaurant and the food! It was beyond perfect for us! We wished we would have planned to have all our meals there while visiting Banner Elk, NC. The gluten free pizza crust was one of the best I've had! There were plenty of cheeses on my pizza and the cheesy sticks my daughter ordered.
My kids (14,10 and 7) and I were visiting from out of town and had a wonderful experience at Bella’s! The Greek salad, beef and rice soup, and cheese and pepperoni pizza were all fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The garlic bread was amazing too! The place was clearly a local favorite, with a great atmosphere and five-star service. We’d absolutely return again and highly recommend it to anyone in the area!
Absolutely 5 stars!!! We always get pizza when in vacation! None of the other places around looked like the pie we prefer (born midwesterns) we ordered over the phone and picked up within a half hour. Pizza was really good! We split the Alfredo which I'm an Alfredo snob and it surprised me how good and flavorful it is. We both got salads. Caesar and a house. Omg the Ceaser was so good and they gave me plenty of dressing which is great because I like my salads wet! Definitely recommend stopping here for decent pizza.
Went for lunch on 10/29. Lovely place, the staff was excellent, especially our waitress Ashley. I was there with my mom and dad. We had risotto lobster bites for an appetizer(delicious even without the provided sauce). I had chicken parm with creamy onion soup, my parents had spaghetti with meatballs sauce ans meat balls with white beans and ham soup and lasagna with Ceasars salad. The creamy onion soup was amazing, the white bean soup was great and all of the entrees were very good. To top it off, the garlic knots type rolls were excellent. And the portions were more than enough for a good price. We all got full and took stuff home.
This place had been recommended so many times, so we had to try it. When we arrived we were told an 1 hour wait, turned out to be about 30 minutes, but it was absolutely worth it! The server was amazing, super nice and was on top of every request. The food was delicious, we had a range of food, chicken tenders & fries, spaghetti, buffalo chicken stromboli, and the all meat calzone! Food was hit, fresh, and delivered perfectly! We can't wait to return!