This week we had the pleasure of taking a trip to the award-winning classic Italian restaurant Bella Roma, just off Lewisham High Street. Decorated beautifully as a little pocket of Italy in the middle of Lewisham, Bella Roma was incredibly authentic, from the warming service to the delicious food. This restaurant is a celebration of Italy, from proud owners whose first priority is always their loyal customers.
We had the pleasure of meeting owner Leo and his wife, both bursting with passion for their incredible achievement in their restaurant. Having only opened nearly 2 years ago, Bella Roma is already number 31 in the list of best Italian restaurants in the whole of London, as well as winning awards and achieving a strong number of five star reviews on Tripadvisor. Leo himself has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years and counting, but it was always his dream to open up his own business. When he took time to sit down and chat with us, he was extremely friendly and genuine, expressing his sincerity in how he values his customers. Since its opening, Bella Roma has already gone through one renovation, with Leo and the team eager to keep improving the restaurant so it can be the best.
The decor of the restaurant felt very authentic, even down to the terracotta colour of the walls and the dark wood furniture. The walls were covered in stunning Italian paintings and posters, leaving customers feeling fully immersed in the quaint and cosy atmosphere of the restaurant. Bella Roma’s service was lovely, with an attentive waitress providing yummy olives and some fresh lemon water, whilst we perused the menu.
The menu itself was very extensive, so, no matter what type of Italian food you’re craving, Bella Roma will have it! Think pasta, pizza, calzone and more, all in a large variety of flavours, with plenty of vegetarian options too. Even during a weekday evening, the restaurant buzzed with young families and owner Leo was proud to tell us that he doesn’t believe in separate children’s menus. This is because, having worked in chain restaurants before, Leo would see children being given leftovers or even frozen food that wasn’t the same quality as the adults would receive. Instead, the children are given the same freedom and sophistication as the adults to pick anything they like off the large menu, and the chef will simply downsize the portion. We thought this innovative idea proves the level of respect Leo and the team has for all their customers and how no one, not even the kids, should feel left out! Children even eat free during half terms too, so this is the perfect family restaurant to get everyone out of the house for a delicious and affordable meal.
For starters we tried the Arancini Balls and the Calamari. Trying Arancini Balls was a first for us, but knowing they were a classic Italian dish, we had to give them a go and we were not disappointed! Described as fried rice balls, the rice was extremely creamy, with a satisfying crunch provided by the golden breadcrumbs. With a portion of two large balls, this was the perfect starter size to get your taste buds tingling. The Calamari was some of the best we had tasted, with an incredibly fresh taste that didn’t feel rubbery. The texture was spot on with just the right amount of batter to lightly coat the squid without taking away from the flavour of the seafood.
For our main meal, we tried the new Calzone Pollo and the Penne al Salmone. The brand new Calzone Pollo was a very generous portion, packed to the brim with a menagerie of flavours and textures. From the juicy chicken to the crunchy vegetables, each bite was a wonderful balance. The dough itself was not too heavy, as we tend to find with most calzones, and was perfectly seasoned to add to the overall flavour of the dish. Despite how much was packed into this neat parcel, the dish did not feel heavy or stodgy, but very fresh and moreish!
The Penne al Salmone was based on a recommendation from the waitress and we loved it! The pasta had that perfect ‘Goldilocks’ texture: not too soft and a classic al dente bite. The dish was coated in a smooth cream cheese sauce to compliment the salmon mixed within the pasta, making the entire dish oozing with a fresh fish flavour. Like a classic Italian restaurant should, the waiter offered fresh parmesan to serve. Both dishes embodied a classic Italian feel in its flavours, with a comforting feel. When we had the privilege to chat with the chef, she explained how they curated their menu so dishes are made the way her and her husband love Italian food and in a way they think their customers will love too.
For dessert, we were recommended the Creme Brulee, made completely from scratch! When it arrived, it was beautifully present in a china ramekin, topped with fanned strawberries and that iconic layer of caramelised brown sugar, making cracking the top with our spoons very satisfying! The Creme Brulee itself was luxuriously creamy, with an intense vanilla flavour that made the dessert feel next level and clearly made with precision and care. We accompanied this with a smooth Latte that had that signifiture flavour of Italian coffee.
Bella Roma also offers a brunch menu from 10am, making this restaurant a great place to take the kids this half term to unwind or perhaps catch up with an old friend. Just a few of the dishes you can treat yourself to include classics like Full English Breakfast and Eggs Benedict, amongst other breakfast staples.
Overall, we had a truly memorable experience at Bella Roma, having gained an impressive and well deserved reputation as an authentic and transportive Italian restaurant, with South Londoners traveling as far as Bromley to try their sensational food! The service was flawless and instantly made us feel part of the family. Be sure to check out their website and book your table soon, as they are often fully booked on the weekends! Don’t forget to bring along your South London Club card and get 10% off food!
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