• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Moment With Franca

A Family, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Family
    • Family Events
    • Family Life
    • Family Days Out
    • Birthdays
  • Lifestyle
    • Home & Interiors
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Garden
    • Kitchen
    • Health
  • Travel
    • Days Out
    • Things To Do In London
    • Holidays
    • Press Trips
  • Reviews
    • Toys & Games
    • Days Out
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
  • Seasonal
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Easter
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Giveaways
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Bella Italia Baker Street Review

amomentwithfranca · 20 July 2016 · 47 Comments

We recently had the great opportunity to review the brand new Bella Italia branch in Baker Street, London. This branch is in a great location, only a short walk to the famous Madame Tussauds and Baker Street Tube Station. It is a perfect hideaway to enjoy delicious Italian treats that they have sourced from family-run producers across Italy. I’m also from an Italian family so imagine how excited I was to enjoy one of my favourite food in a fantastic restaurant with my family and friends because we were accompanied by Maria from Suburban Mum and her family.

Bella Italia Baker Street FI

We found the restaurant quite easily after coming out from Baker Street tube station. It is very close to it which I mentioned before making it very handy. We didn’t have a big breakfast that day so we were all very hungry and really looking forward to trying their delicious food.

Bella Italia Entrance

Bella Italia is getting a nationwide fun and fab new makeover! They have a new Mediterranean design which looks fantastic! It is packed full of fun Vespas, cosy booths and quirky Italian style. It is very colourful. They have done a great job with their new look. Each branch is different and they have a special look which is even more interesting if you visit them in different locations. You will never get bored.

They also have a fantastic new menu, which was launched nationwide in April offering hand-stretched pizzas, including the amazing ‘Pizza Roma’, which gives a light, crisp crust topped with delicious ingredients. Plus there’s a new range of fresh pastas, and a show-stopping lasagne, hand-made in the restaurant daily.

Bella at Bella Italia

As soon as we got in we were given a big table for all of us. We were 8 people with 4 kids so we definitely needed a big table and space. Thankfully the area where we were taken was quieter as I was worried to have my 2 noisy terrors around other people’s tables, LOL. Everything was fine of course – they were loud  but not that bad.

Drinks and nibbles

The girl that helped us was very friendly and she was Spanish so it was great for me. Sometimes it is very nice when I can speak Spanish with someone, I feel comfortable, it makes me feel at home! 😉 We ordered our drinks first. My girls had some fresh juices that were served in a bottle with the cutest straws ever! It was Apple & Blackcurrant Cordial for Bella and Orange Cordial for Sienna. The refills were free. My girls really liked that. We also had some bread and olives to share.


Veggie Dippers

Cheesy Garlic Bread

The Kids menu was really good. They can have 3 courses, drinks and nibbles for £7.95. I thought that was fantastic. Bella and Sienna had for their starter Veggie Dippers (cucumber and carrot sticks served with tomato dip) which had a cool look! and some Cheesy Garlic Bread.

IMG_8979

IMG_8982

IMG_8981

IMG_8984

For their main Bella had the Piccolo Burger (Mini beef burger served with chunky chips and a superstar stick) and Sienna had Ciao Chicken (Chicken strips served with chunky chips and a superstar stick). They both really enjoyed their meals, especially my Sienna who loves her food!

Mini Ciabatas

Funghi Arrosto

Chicken Wings Italiano

Nick and I had Mini Ciabatta Bites (Mini ciabatta bites baked in hot garlic butter available as a single portion or as a sharing portion) to share as our Nibbles. I ordered Funghi Arrosto (Baked mushrooms in a creamy mascarpone, garlic and spinach sauce, topped with mozzarella and served with ciabatta) for my starter (antipasty) which was absolutely amazing! I loved it, I really recommend it! Nick ordered Chicken Wings Italiano (Lemon, garlic and chilli marinated chicken wings, served with gem lettuce & garlic & lemon mayonnaise).

Beef and Red Wine Ravioli

Pollo e Spinaci Calzone collage

For our main dishes, Nick ordered Beef and Red Wine Ravioli (Pasta parcels filled with beef & red wine in a beef ragu sauce) and I ordered Pollo e Spinaci Calzone (Chicken, garlic butter, spinach, Granello cheese and mozzarella) with a salad as my side. This was huge! I couldn’t finish it. I had to ask Nick to help and he did it with no complaints, LOL!

Family Photo

While we were waiting for our desserts we took a family photo. Even though Sienna is in her high chair in the corner a little bit far from us, I love this photo because she is so happy and laughing! We don’t get to have family photos that often so I was very happy to have one.

Kids Photo

The kids were also having lots of fun so I took some photos of all of them: my 2 girls with Maria’s 2 boys! They got along very well even though it was the first time that they had met properly!

Bella Italia Baker St Deco

I also went around and took some photos of their interior as it all looked really nice. I really like their new look. It is definitely very warming and inviting.

Desserts menu

Gelato

Sienna eating gelato

Big Tony

It was then time for the desserts. Bella, Sienna and I had all the same dessert. We ordered a scoop of strawberry ice cream as we were all a little bit full. Nick on the other hand couldn’t resist the opportunity and he ordered the Big Tony (Nutty fudge brownies, vanilla and chocolate gelato, chocolate sauce, fresh cream, popping candy, dark chocolate tagliatelle and a wafer curl). This was amazing! As soon as it arrived Bella went straight to Daddy and asked for some! Sienna too, LOL! It was delicious.

IMG_9037

I have been in Bella Italia before and I have always liked their food but I must say that after their new look and new menu it is looking better than ever. It is definitely a great place to go and have a meal with your family or with just your hubby! 😉 We all had a fantastic time and enjoyed all our food!

I would like to say a massive Thank You to Bella Italia for inviting us to their Baker Street branch (100 Baker Street, London W1U 6TW). It was fantastic. You can find more about them on Facebook, Twitter or browse their photos on Instagram.

What do you think of Bella Italia? Have you been there before? Do you like their new look and menu? Do you like Italian restaurants? Leave a comment below as I would love to read what you think. 

*Disclaimer: We were invited to have a meal at Bella Italia, Baker Street in exchange for this review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋

Related

Filed Under: Reviews, Family, Food, Travel Tagged With: Baker Street, Bella Italia, Big Tony, Eating Out, food, Italian Food, Italian Restaurant

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. My Petit canard says

    2 October 2016 at

    Yum! What a great meal! We havent eaten in a Bella Italia for a couple of years now as our local one closed down, but its great ot hear that they have had a national refurb and update. From your pictures and review it looks and sounds great. We will have to look out for one the next we are somewhere that has one as their menu looks perfect for families. Great review as usual 🙂 Emily #KCACOLS

    Reply
  2. alana - BurniShed chaos says

    3 October 2016 at

    This food all looks amazing, especially the mushroom starter, my favourite. The kids menu sounds fab too and the mini burger is really cute x
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  3. Kat says

    3 October 2016 at

    I’ve never been to Bella Italia but the food looks absolutely delicious! #kcacols

    Reply
  4. chocolateandwineandillbefine says

    3 October 2016 at

    This looks lovely! We haven’t been for ages as we don’t have a local one here but it is always my go-to place when we visit London. I love the sound of the new menu! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  5. SHARON says

    3 October 2016 at

    Bella Italia has been a favorite of ours for a while. These meals look great – glad you had a lovely time. Lovely pics!! ~KCACOLS

    Reply
  6. The Tale of Mummyhood says

    3 October 2016 at

    The food looks amazing! I need to visit!

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  7. Coombe Mill says

    3 October 2016 at

    I do like to judge a place by their chips and these look fab! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  8. themotherhubblog says

    3 October 2016 at

    looks great – would love to pay a visit next time im in the uk #kcacols

    Reply
  9. Andrea @ topsy turvy tribe says

    3 October 2016 at

    Looks fab, didn’t realise the menu was so versatile #KCACOLS

    Reply
  10. Lisa (THEIRISHBABYFAIRY) says

    3 October 2016 at

    Never been to a Bella Italia but after reading your review I must add it to my list next time I’m in London! Handy location too. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  11. Pen says

    3 October 2016 at

    Looks great. Cygnet really likes pasta so if we ever eat our I always head for some Italian joint. Bella Italia is a good shout. I particularly like the decor in the Baker Street branch. Pen x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  12. Twicemicrowaved tea says

    3 October 2016 at

    I haven’t been to a Bella Italia for years, and this one looks so much nicer than the last one I went to! The food looks lovely and the children’s meals are so cute! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  13. One Messy Mama says

    4 October 2016 at

    What a lovely place to visit. That food looks delicious! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  14. Sarah (Mum x3x) says

    4 October 2016 at

    Ohhh what a lovely place! The Pizza Roma sounds delicious. And those chunky chips look amazing! It sounds like a great family friendly place to eat. Lovely photos, too! xx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  15. Abi says

    4 October 2016 at

    I haven’t been to a Bella Italia in years but it’s good to know they are so good with the kids!

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  16. Emma says

    4 October 2016 at

    We saw a Bella Italia last night in Bristol and I thought it looked like they had rebranded. we didn’t go in this time but your review makes me wish we had! your calzone sounds lush. I wouldn’t have finished it either! I love the kids meal presentation too! completely gorgeous. might have to try one next time we are in Bristol! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  17. Helena says

    4 October 2016 at

    You’ve made me feel very hungry. Love the Ciao Chicken and Chips delicious. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  18. Heledd @ Yummyblogger says

    4 October 2016 at

    Ooh I wonder if the ones here in Cardiff have had a make-over! Looks and sounds great, and love the sound of the kids menu!
    #kcacols

    Reply
  19. Kerry says

    6 October 2016 at

    I’ve not been to a Bella Italia for years! Food looks amazing, must arrange another visit soon. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  20. Becky at PinksCharming says

    6 October 2016 at

    Oooh it looks like you had a great time! I haven’t been to Bella Italia for years but it looks great and very family friendly x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  21. Jade says

    8 October 2016 at

    I love your pictures they are beautiful! I love Bella and think there new look is fab. They are really family friendly. I have a massive garlic bread craving now! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  22. Jaylan - Diapers at dawn says

    10 October 2016 at

    This looks absolutely delicious. I love the way the food is presented and dessert looks yummy x #KCACOLS

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

Family Days Out

  • The Best Light Trails In London 2022
  • The London Transport Museum At Christmas
  • Monopoly Lifesized Review

Collaborative Videos

Popular Videos





AWARDS

BritMums



BritMums

Tots100

Tutora Best Parent Insight Blog Award Shortlist

RANKING

Tots100
Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2020

Flea Network Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2018

MEMBER

LINKY

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
✨ Cat Cafe In London✨.📍Bella and I went t ✨ Cat Cafe In London✨.📍Bella and I went to @javawhiskersuk , a cat cafe located in @westfieldlondon . This was my present for Mother’s Day from her🌸.🌟 Before we went inside, we had to go to a separate room to wash our hands and remove our shoes..🐾 They have 2 different rooms: the Cat Lounge and the Kitten Lounge and you can choose to stay from 55 mins to 1hr 55 mins. The prices vary depending on the room you choose and the length of time..🍰 When we stepped inside the room we were greeted by a group of gorgeous kittens. We ordered (before we went inside the room) a latte and a delicious chocolate muffin with chocolate melted inside that was so good. This was served to us in the room while we were surrounded by these adorable kittens..🐱 We spent 55 mins playing and petting the kittens. They were so cute. We loved interacting with them..🥰 Their cafe is also a foster home for homeless cats so if you are looking to adopt one, this is the place to visit! They have had 230 successful adoptions already! 🙌🏻.🚨 The only downside is that you have to be over 10 years old in order to be allowed inside the rooms 😬.🐈 If you are a cat lover like us, I highly recommend you visit Java Whiskers! It is the perfect place to unwind and relax with these beautiful kittens! 🙌🏻.Have you visited a Cat Cafe before? 🐈‍⬛ .#javawhiskers #catcafe #catcafelondon #londoncafe #westfieldlondon #londondayout #daysout #thingstodoinlondon #newplaces #londonguide #lovecats😻 #catsofinstagram #catloversday #londonthingstodo #whatsonlondon
✨ Happy Mother's Day✨.If you are in the UK, ✨ Happy Mother's Day✨.If you are in the UK, I hope you are having a lovely Mother's Day! 🌸🌸.We actually started the celebrations yesterday as Bella took me to @javawhiskersuk a new cat cafe in Westfield as a present for Mother’s Day. We spent 55 mins arround gorgeous kittens. I had a great time! I am a cat lover so this was a fab present for me! I will talk more about this experience on another post but if you swipe left you can see a little peak of our time there! 🐈😉.Today, the girls and Nick took me for the actually Mother’s Day celebration 🎉 to @cafejackss in Queen’s Park where we had brunch. It was a yummy treat. Swipe left to check it out! 😋 .After that we went for a walk. There was a small market nearby so it was nice to have a little look around 😍. We then went back home and spent the rest of the day chilling which is something, I’m not going to lie, I love doing! 😉😂.How was your day?#mothersdayuk #mothersdayweekend #mothersday2023 #motherofdaughters #mumoftwo #mumofgirls #mydaughters #lovemydaughters #daughterslove #mummydaughtertime #daughtersarethebest #daughtersrock #spendingtimetogether #happyfamilytime #familytime💕
✨My Girls✨.Due to the strikes we had Sienna ✨My Girls✨.Due to the strikes we had Sienna at home yesterday and today, and Bella only today. I thought it would be very chaotic but despite it always being louder when the girls are at home, especially my youngest one, lol, we did well..Bella did school work at home today and had the afternoon free. Sienna didn’t do school work. We only asked her to carry on doing Spanish and Maths via Duolingo. She also had Spanish lessons this afternoon (every Thursday she has lessons) so both days were manageable thankfully 😍.How was it for you? Did your kids stay at home or did they go to school? .PS: let’s hope things get better for teachers. I fully support the strikes. .#sistertime #sisterlylove #sistersgoals #hermanas #sistersforever #sistersforlife #sisterslove #siblingslove #lovemydaughters #raisingdaughters #mydaughters #londonkids #WembleyPark #wembley #londondesigneroutlet
✨Happy Weekend✨.How is your weekend going so ✨Happy Weekend✨.How is your weekend going so far? I am finally feeling more normal after the massive jetlag I had after my trip to South America. I am not sure why it hit me so much this time but it has taken me about two solid weeks to properly be back to my routine without feeling right. Waking up in the mornings was the worst. It was very hard, especially when I had to be on time for the school run! 😩.Anyway, everything feels better now! 😊.How long does it take you to be back to normal after a jetlag? Do you have any tricks or tips to speed this process? .📸 Selfy taken in Barranco, a lively district in Peru considered to be one of the most romantic and bohemian places to visit and being the home and working place of many Peruvian artists, musicians, designers, photographers among others 😎.#thisisme #selfie #instaselfie #smilemore #brunettehair #greeneyes #over40#over40blogger #overforty #overfortystyle #over40andfabulous #over40mom #outandabout #barrancolima
✨The Costa Verde✨.Lima, the capital of Peru ✨The Costa Verde✨.Lima, the capital of Peru is located on the coast. Walking along the sidewalk of the Malécon in Lima’s picturesque seaside district, Miraflores, you can admire the most beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. .The “Costa Verde” is a coastal road. It runs along the south-central part of the Lima coast. You can visit in the morning for a jog or in the evening to enjoy a relaxing walk. It is a very lively where people have fun in the open air..This is one of the best attractions on the coastal road. You will see several parks with sculptures of famous artists that make this walk even more unique and enjoyable. Along the route, you can find numerous recreational activities such as surfing and paragliding..If you keep walking you will arrive at “Larcomar” which is a shopping centre and has many restaurants and cafes so you can enjoy a coffee or a meal with the gorgeous ocean view too. .Pictures explained below:1. Start of my walk with the view of the ocean showing one the most gorgeous restaurants in Lima “La Rosa Nautica” where you can walk along the pier and then seat down for a meal with a sea view. Very scenic 😍2. 📸 Greater view of the coast showing the Pacific Ocean3. 🎥 Parque Chino (Chinese Park)4. 📸 Parque El Libro (The Book Park) showing a colorful sculpture, “Silencio” created by Peruvian artist José Tola.5. 📸 Parque del Amor (Love Park) showing its larger-than-life sculpture of two lovers in a deep embrace called “The Kiss”. The monument to love was created by Peruvian artist Víctor Delfín. 6. 📸 Faro de Lima (lighthouse)7. 🎥 View of the Pacific Ocean from Barranco area where you can see Lima Marina Club, a members only club. .If you visit Lima, I highly recommend you to have a walk along this gorgeous area. You won’t regret it! (Save this post for later 😀).Do you enjoy walks with a coastal view? When was the last time you did a walk with a scenic view? .#oceanviews #oceanview #costaverde #costaverdelima #miraflores #lima #visitlima #limaperu #mirafloreslima #limacity #cometoperu #limaperu #beautifulviews #beautifuldestinations #perutravel
✨Peruvian Suspiro Limeño✨."Suspiro Limeño" ✨Peruvian Suspiro Limeño✨."Suspiro Limeño" is one of my favourite Peruvian desserts. When I was In Peru, I of course, made sure to have it not only once but several times 😉.This dessert is made of manjar blanco (milk, sugar, almond flour, egg yolks, vanilla) and meringue (egg whites, port, cinnamon) 😘.The history behind this dessert starts with Amparo Ayarza who was the creator. Her husband, José Gálvez Barrenechea was a poet and was the one who gave it its name. The poet called it "Suspiro de Limeña", which means, 'Sigh of a Lima lady', because it is soft and sweet like the sigh of a woman. Love this 🥰.Have you ever tried "Suspiro Limeño"? Or have you heard of it before? Would you try it? .📸 Picture taken @panchitasazoncriolla in Lima that has one of the best versions of this dessert 🙌🏻.#suspirolimeño #peruviandessert #meringue #merengue #desserttime #dessertlover #dessertpic #dessertgram #peruvianfood #cocinaperuana #gastronomiaperuana #perufood #peruviancousine #whatisfordessert #dessertsofinstagram
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 2023 · A Moment With Franca · Privacy Policy