Bella Vista in Belconnen focuses on what it has been doing exceptionally well over the decades, which is to serve “belissima” comfort food at affordable prices, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

BELLA Vista, on the lakeside in Belconnen, promises a “belissima experience”. We were there at lunch to dine, wine and see if this institution of a restaurant for the area delivers. 

It did. 

Bella Vista – despite recent tough times in the hospitality industry that some have not lived through before – is still standing, and strong. 

It opened in 1988 and head chef and owner Sebastiano Reggente, who has been serving for 22 years, is as passionate as ever about authentic Italian cuisine celebrating seasonal ingredients.

When entering you can’t help but notice the massive mural of Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) in Venice. The crisp white tablecloths are a nice touch but don’t be concerned if you think this means fine dining and massive prices. 

Instead, Bella Vista focuses on what it has been doing exceptionally well over the decades, which is to serve “belissima” comfort food at affordable prices. 

The terrace is a special spot when the weather permits. The day we visited it wasn’t open, but we settled into a table right by the window with water views. Bella Vista has large windows throughout, allowing lots of light in. A dining area separate from the main one features floor-to-ceiling glass.

We shared an entrée that my friend had been recommended to her by a regular at Bella Vista and it was lovely. The six warm, plump, juicy prawns were tossed in sea salt and cracked black pepper ($21). They were then delicately placed on top of a mound of smooth avocado and corn salsa. Drizzles of a gorgeous creamy aioli completed the dish.

My friend’s tortellini alla panna was delicious. Loads of beef-filled pasta pockets arrived in a bacon and parmesan cheese sauce ($19). It was rich, but not overly so, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Thickish slices of bacon were also cooked perfectly.

The pasta salsiccia I selected was also heart-warming and comforting ($19). I adore a quality Italian sausage and the dish didn’t skimp on the meat or the salty olives, sundried tomatoes or crispy capers. It was full-on with the flavour – bold and beautiful. 

As with the tortellini, my dish arrived piping hot, which we applauded (nothing worse than pasta that has been sitting under a heat lamp waiting to be served). 

The wine list is also reasonably priced as the food. Wine by the glass starts at $8 and tops off at $11. Italian labels feature, as one would expect, but Bella Vista also tips its hat to local and district wines, including from Gallagher and Jirra. 

We were too full for dessert but did order coffees (not as “up there” with the food). 

The staff are charming, efficient and accommodating.