+1 212-775-8484
Nestled in the heart of New York City's vibrant Little Italy, La Bella Vita is a delightful Italian restaurant and wine bar that masterfully captures the essence of traditional Italian dining with a contemporary flair. From the moment you step inside this cozy yet elegant space on Mulberry Street, you are enveloped by an inviting atmosphere where the rich aromas of freshly prepared dishes mingle with the subtle notes of aged balsamic and robust Italian wines.
The menu is a celebration of Italy’s culinary diversity, offering a mouthwatering array of authentic favorites. Start your meal with classic antipasti such as the crispy Mozzarella Sticks paired with vibrant marinara sauce or the delicately fried Calamari Fritti dusted with semolina. For a fresher bite, the Mozzarella Caprese showcases silky buffalo mozzarella offset by sweet tomatoes and a luscious aged balsamic glaze, creating an irresistible layer of flavors.
La Bella Vita’s pasta dishes are nothing short of sensational. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara enchants with its creamy, velvety sauce enriched with egg yolk and crispy pancetta, while the Penne Alla Vodka balances a rich tomato cream sauce with a subtle kick, wrapping your palate in warmth and comfort. For those seeking heartier options, the Pappardelle alla Bolognese delivers a robust, slow-simmered meat sauce that feels like a loving embrace in every bite.
Not to be overlooked are standout specialties like the succulent Veal Sorrentina, tender chicken dishes such as Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, and irresistible desserts including creamy Tiramisu and delicate Cannoli, which provide the perfect sweet finish to your meal. Complement your feast with La Bella Vita’s house-made Sangria—a refreshing, fruity concoction that pairs beautifully with nearly every dish.
Guests consistently praise the exceptional service that elevates the dining experience here. From Michael Nagatoshi’s glowing testimony about gracious service and family-approved pasta dishes, to Tiffany Schaumberg’s enthusiastic commendation of attentive staff and “food to die for,” it’s clear that La Bella Vita delivers not only on taste but on heartfelt hospitality. The lively yet intimate ambiance perfectly suits a romantic night out or a festive gathering with friends and family.
Whether you’re craving the rich, creamy indulgence of Fettuccine Alfredo, the tangy brightness of a crisp salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or the deep comfort of a well-made pizza like the Pepperoni Pizza, La Bella Vita invites you to savor every bite as if you were dining in the heart of Italy itself. It’s a culinary escape where quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and genuine passion converge to create a memorable dining adventure in the city.
Splurge in the city was outstanding. The bread set the tone. I followed it with assorted ravioli, beef, cheese, and lobster. My family loved their pasta dishes. Service was gracious. Made for a wonderful night on the town.
Absolutely loved our meal! I had the eggplant parm and my husband had the spaghetti carbonara — both were amazing
The service was wonderful!!! Speedy, friendly, and the waiter always kept our drinks filled! And this food was to die for - highly highly recommend!!!!
Food was pretty good, make sure to try the olive oil on the table..yum! Only thing I didn't like was that drinks don't have free refills. Also the mozz/tomato/balsamic appetizer was so yummy.
Fantastic food!! Huge portions and excellent service! We loved the atmosphere!!
Went during San Gennaro Festival in September. We got Gnocchi Napoletana and Chicken Parmigiano. We each enjoyed the dishes we chose. Large portions. I had leftover Gnocchi I brought back to the hotel. It is pricey, both food and drinks, but we wanted the experience of a sit-down restaurant in Little Italy. They automatically charge gratuity on the bill. Not sure if it was just during the busy festival or if they always do. Overall, we enjoyed it for a one-time experience.
Absolutely delightful place to eat. I was there with a group of 7. We made reservations, but likely isn't needed for groups of 3-4. While we were there the street out front was closed. Not sure if this is a regular thing, but it made dinner that much better. Service was a bit slow. They were definitely busy but it did take 20-25 minutes to get our meal. Additionally (2) of the side dish plates were a little dirty. So that was what stopped the full 5 star rating. Would definitely go again.