Growing up in Buffalo, there were great local Italian restaurants over town, especially in North Buffalo, which is where many Italian immigrants settled. When we moved to Virginia, MM and I tried to find good quality Italian, and nothing ever compared. We did find places that were OK, but nothing that ever reminded me of the little Mom and Pop places back home.
When we moved to Raleigh, a co-worker of MM invited us for dinner and told us he was taking us to "the best Italian in town." Although he is known to eat a meal or two or ten (football players never lose that appetite...), we were skeptical, since we had lived in Virginia for 6 1/2 years without finding great Italian. We went to Bella Monica, which is tucked away in a shopping center, with only "pizza" on the storefront. Really? Best Italian? One meal, and we were sold. This is our go-to when we have visitors in town to try their deliciousness.
You walk in, and during peak hours, is always a wait in their small waiting area. If I have a downfall with Bella, it's that it's too small. There are only about 20 tables inside (and I think I'm overestimating). It's an hour wait without reservations, and the bar area is usually full with people eating, so usually you have to wait outside, which is even difficult now since they've taken over the walkway outside for al fresco dining (or in winter closed in with heat lamps, but allows about 10 more tables). The hosts are very accommodating to get you a glass of wine from the bar. I would HIGHLY recommend not going without a reservation for dinner (they are on Open Table). They are open for lunch which while busy, is not as crazy for dinner. Regardless, it's worth the wait.
The base menu has several appetizers, salads, Italian classics such as Manicotti, Spinach Stuffed Shells, and Chicken Parmigiana, and some with a spin like Portabello and Sun Dried Tomato Lasagne and Chicken Balsamico. The back of the menu is their neopolitan pizza and flatbreads. (They have started a frozen pizza business, which offers gluten free options, and are available in various specialty grocery stores, including Whole Foods).
Where Bella Monica shines is their specials. Their specials are recurring, and some only appear on certain nights. The Eggplant Rollatini appetizer is only available on weekends, and is a staple order each time we go. Fresh ricotta cheese wrapped in fried eggplant, smothered in marinara and topped with shavings of basil. I could eat that as a full meal, but then I'd miss out on all the other specials. When the Rollatini isn't on the menu, we get the Brussel Sprouts. Yes, I said it - Brussel Sprouts. This completely changed my opinion on this much-despised vegetable. They are sauteed with pancetta in a sage brown butter sauce.
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| Eggplant Rollatini |
For dinner, Lobster Ravioli, Veal Chop Parmigiana and Mussels make frequent appearances. In fall, pumpkin ravioli graces its presence on the menu, and it is a must. Served with spinach, pancetta, sage brown butter sauce and parmesan reggiano, it is the ideal fall meal. Tuesdays are chicken fennel lasagna, which was the inspiration for my recipe (see Lasagna? Not so fast my friend. entry). They do rotate their freshly made pastas, and have gnocchi, cheese stuffed rigatoni, and squid ink pasta.
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| Lobster Ravioli |
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| Veal Chop Parmigiana |
Everything the Monica family does is top notch, and keeps me coming back for more. With a reservation and an empty stomach.
Bella Monica
3121-103 Edwards Mill Road
Raleigh NC 27612
www.belllamonica.com
I have to agree 100%. Nothing in VA compares to the amazing food we experienced at Bella Monica!
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