Oh, darlings, gather around for a tale of Italian delight that is just a stone’s throw away from Disney, in the charming town of Winter Garden, Florida. As you know, my royal family has been on a mission to discover the best Italian dining within a 25-mile radius of our kingdom (read: home). While Disney can sometimes leave me a bit unimpressed with its Italian offerings, there’s one place that has consistently delivered on its promise of hearty, authentic Italian food – Bella Italia.
Now, before we dive into the details of today’s meal, let me just say: this isn’t my first time at Bella Italia. In fact, this place has become a go-to for us, and we’ve eaten almost everything on the menu. From the wood-fired pizzas to the hearty chicken Caesar salads and even the creamy mushroom risotto, I’ve tasted it all. But what really keeps us coming back is Max’s love for the bread. Oh, my dear readers, the prince adores good bread. I’ve lost count of how many meals we’ve wasted because Max couldn’t resist the warm, fluffy loaves brought to the table. But enough about the bread, let’s dive into the meal at hand!
This particular visit to Bella Italia was a family affair. The Saucy Prince got his usual favorite before we even sat down – the Kids Spaghetti and Meatballs. Let me tell you, there was no stopping him. In fact, he devoured the entire plate so quickly that I couldn’t even snap a picture of his meal (royalty be damned!). All I can say is that the prince loved every bite of it. For just $9.99, you can’t go wrong.
Next up was my King’s order, and let’s just say he went for something classic: Carbonara with an extra helping of chicken. Oh, Jamie, always predictable, but always satisfying. He too dove in so quickly that I almost missed the shot for the review (talk about a family full of food enthusiasts)! That’s how you know the food is good – when you forget about taking pictures and just enjoy the meal.
For $19.99, Jamie’s dish was creamy and delicious, with the right balance of flavors. The chicken addition added a lovely touch of richness to the traditional carbonara. As a side note, the pasta here is perfectly cooked, with a delightful texture that doesn’t get lost in the sauce. This place knows how to make their pasta shine.
As for myself, I went with a Chicken Marsala, a dish I have always loved. They do a fabulous job here – the chicken is tender, the Marsala sauce is flavorful without being overpowering, and the roasted potatoes that accompany the dish are seasoned just right. For $23.99, it’s a dish I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good balance of savory and slightly sweet.
What stood out to me the most was the sauce. It wasn’t swimming in salt, like many places tend to do, and it had just the right hint of sweetness from the Marsala wine. It perfectly complemented the roasted potatoes and the tender chicken, and I could not help but mop up every last bit of it with the famous Bella Italia bread (yes, we always ask for extra bread!). A royal tip: ask for roasted potatoes instead of spaghetti to enjoy a different yet equally delicious side with your chicken.
Both Jamie and I had Caesar salads as sides, which came with our mains. Now, I’m not going to pretend that I’ve had the best Caesar salads in the world, but this one was fresh, tangy, and hit all the right notes. It was crisp and crunchy, with just the right amount of dressing to make it stand out but not overwhelm. A perfect start to the meal!
As for dessert, we didn’t indulge this time. After a hearty meal, we didn’t have room for any of the tempting sweets, though the display in the front window did look divine. I’ll admit, the Double Chocolate Cake has been calling my name for weeks, so it will definitely be on the list for next time. Bella Italia’s desserts are renowned for being just as indulgent as their main courses, and next time, I will have a slice of that cake – mark my words!
When it comes to drinks, I stayed true to form with a glass of house rosé (naturally). The rosé was crisp, refreshing, and paired wonderfully with my meal. It’s nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done. Jamie, on the other hand, stuck to his trusty Peroni on tap. As usual, he didn’t venture into new territory when it came to his beer choice. But hey, why mess with perfection, right?
Bella Italia’s ambiance is something that always stands out to me. The restaurant has a cozy, yet stylish vibe, and the staff is always so warm and welcoming. On this particular visit, we sat inside, but Bella Italia recently re-did their outdoor seating area, and let me tell you – it looks fantastic! Comfortable booths, beautiful flowers, and a fresh, inviting atmosphere made the outdoor seating area an excellent place to enjoy the sunny Florida weather. Whether you’re inside or outside, the ambiance at Bella Italia is always on point.
Now, there are a few things you should know before you go. Bella Italia is closed on Mondays, so don’t make the mistake we’ve made in the past of showing up on the wrong day. If you’re planning to visit in the evenings, be prepared for it to be quite busy, especially on weekends. We recommend booking ahead to ensure you get a table and don’t miss out on this delicious experience. They also offer a lunch menu, which includes a selection of hot sandwiches that I’m sure are delicious, though I haven’t had the chance to try them yet.
All in all, Bella Italia is a solid 8/10 for me. The service is great, the food is consistently good, and the atmosphere is always cozy and inviting. While the classic Italian dishes are the star of the show, the occasional dessert indulgence and the updated outdoor seating area make this restaurant stand out even more. If you’re looking for a relaxed, casual spot for an authentic Italian meal outside of Disney, Bella Italia in Winter Garden is the place to be. I can’t wait for my next visit and to finally try that Double Chocolate Cake!
Until next time.
Stay saucy, Saucy Meal Queen 👑🍕🍝
PS – looking for more great Italian food just outside of Disney? Check out Sofia’s at the Conrad Hotel. Or perhaps Terralina at Disney Springs if you want to stay on site.
