There's no question that Colorado Springs is expanding into a new world when it comes to varying cuisines, and the citizens of the city are loving it. Since 2019, there have been more than 37 new and vibrant fine dining establishments and most of them are thriving.
And in the Springs, one Italian spot has grabbed the city's attention with both hands - La Bella Vita. The first thing you need to understand is that this spot is unlike any other Italian restaurant in the city. The chef has a keen knowledge of Italian food and definitely knows how to treat the ingredients with care while highlighting their own natural flavors. The entire staff is kind, diplomatic, congenial, attentive and very efficient. Although it does not need to be stated, this place gets crowded, especially on the weekends. So, make reservations as soon as you can. In my humble opinion, the ambiance doesn't measure equally to the cuisine but the food makes it worth it. The quality of the menu is outstanding.
A little about the restaurant itself - Owner and Executive Chef Giuliano Casulli graduated as a Certified Master Chef from Scuola Alberghiera, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy. During the summer Giuliano moved to Venezia, Italy, and worked at numerous hotel restaurants while on break from school. During school, he worked in local restaurants in his hometown of Putignano. After graduating, Giuliano moved to Texas where he worked as a Sous-Chef and ultimately as an Executive Chef. Giuliano then became a partial owner of his former restaurant Piccolo Mondo in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. During this time he was the winner of the 1995 Zagat Best Italian Restaurants award, among many People's Choice Awards from Taste of Arlington. On August 3, 2012, Giuliano decided it was time for a change and brought the taste of Southern Italy to beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado. La Bella Vita quickly won Best Real Italian By the Experts from the Gazette's Best of the Springs in 2013 and has continued his success since.
During my first experience, I decided to be an open book, a clean slate. My wife and I booked a reservation for 7 pm and kept an open mind. The opening of the experience was the starer bread. What a great way to take the first step. Outstanding; so good and fresh tasting! Next, we received caesar salads - reasonable size, full of flavor and delicious. My fiancé ordered the Pollo Parmiggiana (chicken parmigiana: chicken breast breaded and baked with pomodoro, melted mozzarella, and parmigiano cheese) and I got Rigatoni alla Carre (Rigatoni pasta tossed with diced chicken, sundried tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, and artichokes in a homemade pesto cream sauce). Both were superb. A few moments after our entrees were finished and the plates were removed from the table, the manager checked on us and we professed our deep appreciation for the wonderful meal. After a spectacular dessert of Spumoni and coffee, we drove home with big smiles on our faces.
Then, we decided to return to La Bella Vita for our 14th wedding anniversary. And the moment the food was served, we knew we had made the right decision. Alexa, our waitress, was more than helpful and encouraging us to explore the menu. And...explore we definitely did. I ordered the Risotto Milanese which was the most amazing flavor bomb of risotto. Fantastic. We had the rigatoni which was so full of flavor and artichokes that tasted straight from the old country. My wife enjoyed the Penne Arrabiata which she claimed was the best she had ever had since her trip to Italy on business years ago. Yes, it was that good.
One year later, we returned again and my wife ordered the tortellini and I ordered the linguine alle Vangole. When they came out to the table, I knew right away that this meal was going to be fantastic. One bite of the tortellini and I was mind blown. This is the best pasta dish that I believe I've ever had. It was insane. My dish was great, but I'm definitely getting the tortellini next time. We've lived in the springs for a year now and we finally have a favorite Italian restaurant.
Four quick notes about La Bella Vita that you should know:
As I said earlier - make reservations, especially near/on the weekends. This place fills fast.
Gift cards are available online and what a great gift it would be to someone receiving it. No doubt about it.
You can rent rooms for parties and events; varying rooms and varying deposits.
Concerns with vegan or protein/macro diets? Tell them in advance and you'll receive a wide variety of options. They are pros.
So the food, drinks and dessert, all amazing, traditional flavors. The staff were all wonderful, friendly and helpful. The heck with '5 stars'; overall, I would give them 10 stars if I could.
4475 Northpark Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Comments