Bella Roma impresses highly on first visit
Food, service, portions and price all hit the mark
Upon hearing of the closure of Musso’s Italian Restaurant, a neighborhood hangout for the folks of Farming Ridge, I was of course saddened. It was the first place we went to eat upon moving into our house, now nine years ago. There is good news! It has been replaced by a very good restaurant in Bella Roma.
On that stormy June 1st when we first went to Musso’s to get pizza for the movers and friends who’d come to help us move, Sal Musso and his crew drew us in with a friendly smile and good food. The same happened last night at the new Bella Roma, on St. Lawrence Avenue, in the former Musso’s building.
After a frustrating day at work, dealing in tiny details of which I’m poorly equipped to handle, my phone rang as I drove on Shelbourne Rd, nearly home. Connie wanted me to stop at the store and pick up a bulb for the brake light in her car that had burned out. The first thought in my head was that it was going to be one of those newer car annoying things, where you have to remove the gas tank, take off the front right, and rear left tires, put your left hand in, then take your left hand out, and follow other arduous procedures to change a stupid bulb. Anticipating a Hokey Pokey menagerie of bulb replacement and not wanting the hassle, I said, “You know what’s a better idea? Tonight is the night we go to Bella Roma. Then we go get your bulb, and do that whole dance we’re going to have to do.”
Upon entering Bella Roma, we were first greeted by a picture of the Roman Coliseum,
then, in short order, by a smiling and happy Olivia, our waitress, who seated us in the alcove to the right, in the front room. You immediately notice that Bella Roma is clean, and immaculately so. Right down to the corners of the room. It is clear that a keen eye for cleanliness is at work.
After seating us, Olivia took our drink order (Bella is BYOB), giving way for another member of the staff, a young man whose name regrettably we did not get, brought us a capped bottle with water, for us to serve ourselves as needed. Nice touch.
The vibrant Olivia returned to take our order. As what Connie calls “the gravy snob”, (I make a TRULY wicked gravy) I needed to ask for a sample of the gravy, or as many call it, errantly, “sauce”. Because I’ve been to Italian restaurants where my entire perception was colored by not great gravy, I’ve learned to go this extra step. If I don’t like the gravy, I’ll order something that doesn’t involve it. Sample brought, test passed. Honestly, it’s a pinch sweet for my taste, but it is very good, otherwise balanced in other flavor profiles.
Connie ordered the Eggplant Tower with Fried Burrata and Angel Hair Pasta, I had Gnocchi and Meatballs. Every dinner comes with rolls and a salad with your choice of dressing. The portions for both dinners were more than plentiful for nearly anyone, pictures to come. As I ate my meal, I was particularly struck by the freshness of the gnocchi. I wondered aloud if they were fresh made, because the flavor was exactly that. The meatballs were very very good. The eggplant was well seasoned and delicious.
These pictures are not the normal pics from a restaurant. Normally, people take pics of the dish as it comes out, perfectly placed on the plate, with an eye to appeal to the idea of perfection. I of course, choose a different path. I choose to show you the remainder, to speak to the size of the portion. This IS Berks County, after all, where we insist on bang for the buck huge portions, and we will scream and cry to the heavens if we don’t get it, damning the restaurant on the community page forevermore. Bella Roma does not disappoint. Big portions, big flavor, big delivery. Here is the evidence. The leftovers are enough for another meal, which will be the case at my house tonight, at least for me.
As we were wrapping up our dinner, we had the occasion to speak to the owners, Gino and Alisha Billeci. They’re charming people who own two other restaurants, Gino’s Cafe in Shillington, and the Blue Marsh Italian Restaurant on Rte 183. Gino informed me that the gnocchi are not made fresh, but that he does source them (and all of his ingredients) from the same company, to assure quality and consistency of the food he prepares in his restaurant.
My overall impression is a very positive thumbs up for Bella Roma. I counted seven people on the floor last night, assuring quality, quick service. Every person we dealt with was polite and personable. The food was very good. The prices were reasonable. The portions astounding. It was worth every penny I paid and more. I heartily suggest you give this new restaurant a try.
It’s good to have a restaurant back in the neighborhood. The next time we go, I think we’ll get pizza. Hey, Gino, how’s your pizza?