Inside Bar Area
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Bella Monica

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A family-owned Italian restaurant celebrating tradition with authentic flavors and a dedicated gluten-free menu.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Inside Bar Area

Bella Monica

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-owned Italian restaurant celebrating tradition with authentic flavors and a dedicated gluten-free menu.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Bella Monica offers authentic Italian cuisine and a notable gluten-free experience, making it a local favorite."

TIP

Book Ahead

Make a reservation in advance as the restaurant tends to get busy, especially on weekends.

Try the Specials

Explore unique dining experiences with special dishes like the flatbread pizza or special lasagna.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(919) 881-9778

Address

3121 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Customizable Pizzas & Authentic Italian

Customizable Pizzas & Authentic Italian

Design your own pizza with a variety of cheeses and toppings, or savor classic Italian dishes like lasagna.

Gluten-Free Italian Delights

Gluten-Free Italian Delights

Bella Monica offers a dedicated gluten-free menu and house-made focaccia, making it a haven for GF diners.

Best gluten-free restaurantsGoogle Review
Cozy Ambiance & Wine Selection

Cozy Ambiance & Wine Selection

Enjoy a charming atmosphere with an extensive wine list, perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings.

Where to Find the Best Pizza in Raleigh, N.C.Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Happy Birthday to Bella Monica one of my favourite restaurants in Raleigh! They were so kind to give everyone a cannoli on the house (and the cannoli cream for me who’s gluten free). As always, the baked ziti was amazing and they are always so good with dietary restrictions. Bella Monica’s staff is so kind and I’ve always had an amazing experience. If you’ve never been, this is your sign to go. #r...
@jamessgirlfriends
19 likes • 547 views

Book Ahead

Make a reservation in advance as the restaurant tends to get busy, especially on weekends.

Try the Specials

Explore unique dining experiences with special dishes like the flatbread pizza or special lasagna.

Visit During Off-Peak

To avoid crowds and potentially enjoy better service, consider visiting during less busy hours.

Savor the Sauces

Don't miss out on the sauces; order extra bread to soak them up, especially with mussel dishes.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Make a reservation in advance as the restaurant tends to get busy, especially on weekends.

Try the Specials

Explore unique dining experiences with special dishes like the flatbread pizza or special lasagna.

Visit During Off-Peak

To avoid crowds and potentially enjoy better service, consider visiting during less busy hours.

Savor the Sauces

Don't miss out on the sauces; order extra bread to soak them up, especially with mussel dishes.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bella Monica is praised for its authentic Italian flavors, with many highlighting the delicious gluten-free options and customizable pizzas. While the food is frequently lauded, some diners have noted occasional issues with service attentiveness and flavor consistency in certain dishes. The cozy ambiance and extensive wine list are also frequently mentioned as positives, contributing to a generally positive dining experience.

"Went here a little while back and truly enjoyed the food. Very authentic and flavorful! Ordered the meatball as an appetizer and they were bitesize, juicy and flavorful no complaints. Ordered a vegetable Stromboli which was a nice size and I only ate half. Vegetables was cooked perfectly and the crust on the Stromboli was just right. Lastly ordered the eggplant Parmesan, it melted in my mouth. Eggplant was perfectly sliced not too thick or thin, battered and fried perfectly! Lastly ordered the toffee Bundt, which I believe is seasonally but should be on the menu year round!!!!!!Highly recommend and I love the outdoors seating with the heat lamps so you can enjoy year round. Nice restaurant with great flavorful!"

Mo

"Today was my first visit to Bella Monica! We got there roughly when it first opened so it wasn't busy. The food was piping hot when it came to the table and was very delicious! The portion sizes were fair for the pricing and the soup I had I felt was seasoned nicely. I give this restaurant a 4 star because although the food was delicious I felt the waiter could have been more attentive especially during a time where there was only 3 other patrons in the restaurant. Overall it was great and I would definitely recommend and return!"

Kell Kell

"Never disappoints! Have been eating here for years. Flat bread pizza is awesome. Corbetto is my favorite. Tonight I got the special lasagne - chicken and fennel sausage. But ——- blueberry cheese cake made in house made my day! Love this place."

Liza Lucas

What People Like

Authentic Italian flavors
Excellent gluten-free options
Customizable pizzas

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service attentiveness
Occasional lack of flavor in specific dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bella Monica has a dedicated gluten-free menu and is known for its excellent gluten-free options, including house-made focaccia.

Best gluten-free restaurantsGoogle Review+1

Absolutely! Bella Monica allows you to design your own pizza with a variety of cheese and topping choices.

Amazing Activities in Raleigh | Schambs Property Management

It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, as the restaurant can get busy, especially on weekend evenings.

Where to Find the Best Pizza in Raleigh, N.C.Google Review

Popular dishes include customizable pizzas, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, meatballs, and the specialty peach bruschetta.

Google Review+2

Yes, Bella Monica offers an ample selection of beer and wine, complementing their Italian cuisine.

Google Review

Yes, Bella Monica offers outdoor seating with heat lamps, allowing for year-round enjoyment.

Google Review

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Although there are a lot of pizza parlors in Raleigh, North Carolina what makes Bella Monica worth visiting is that you can actually design your own pizza with the toppings you like!. Be it feta, mozzarella, asiago, gorgonzola, or ricotta cheese, the choice is up to you. You can also top it with anything from spinach, garlic, roasted eggplant, and pesto to chicken, pepperoni, and sausage!

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I honestly don’t know why so many people like this place, it’s definitely not worth the prices. I’m not sure if the service was intentionally slow (that’s what it seemed like, like they were trying to give you a long relaxing meal) or if we were just there on an off nice but definitely wasn’t expecting dinner to take 2.5 hours. Maybe that helps give the perception of them being busy?

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Iris, the sleek restaurant inside of the NC Museum of Art, showcases complex flavors that complement the striking works of art around it. There, Chef Andy Hicks crafts beautifully presented dishes such as the seared scallops and red curry lemongrass broth or roasted duck and succotash. When eating out, Hicks seeks simplicity in his cuisine, naming Bella Monica as a favorite.

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Bella Monica has a cozy ambiance with some of the tastiest cheesy garlic bread you’ll find in Raleigh. Seafood fans should check out the shrimp scampi too!. Bella Monica offers gluten-free options that include classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, as well as an extensive wine list, and charming outdoor seating for romantic dinners with your special someone.

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A post shared by Bella Monica Cucina & Vino (@bellamonica.raleigh). Bella Monica offers a variety of dishes that might be found on the sun-drenched shores of Italy, or perhaps in a trattoria tucked away on a cobblestone street. One can reasonably expect pasta and likely other culinary creations involving tomatoes, cheese, and perhaps even some meat.

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This husband and wife owned and operated business is bringing traditional Italian flavors to Raleigh. Self dubbed as “an extension of Nana’s table,” Bella Monica serves up classic Italian dishes like Mom’s meatball and gravy and chicken parmigiana. Here guests’ are family and the food is all freshly made with the best ingredients, just like Nana.

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Also worthy of mention: Bella Monica Restaurant of Raleigh has many gluten-free options, entrees, and procedures. Village Grill and Paparazzi, both of Lafayette Village in Raleigh, have a number of tasty gluten-free options for most entrees. Fiction Kitchen of Raleigh has local vegan and gluten-free options.

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Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Raleigh, According to Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (359 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 3121 Edwards Mill Rd Ste 103, Raleigh, NC 27612-5369- Read more on Tripadvisor

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