Bella Giulia - Encinitas

Bella isn't a high-end, upscale Italian restaurant with extravagant service; rather, it's a fun, family-friendly, boutique dining spot with a relaxed atmosphere. You place your order at the counter and then choose whether to sit inside or outside. They offer a selection of beer and wine, which is always a nice touch to whet your appetite while awaiting your meal. The menu predominantly features tapas, with nearly every item designed for one person. They also offer daily specials, showcasing unique and creative dishes that you won’t typically find at other Italian restaurants. As someone of Italian descent who grew up enjoying a variety of my grandmother's recipes from across Italy, I was excited to try something new. I ordered the Salmon Lasagna, which was highlighted as a daily special and highly recommended by the staff. It did not disappoint! The lasagna was bursting with flavor, and the combination of salmon with the tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese was exceptional. Bravo, Bella! I also sampled several pizzettes. Bella makes their own dough, giving their mini pizzas a distinctive and enjoyable taste and texture. The pizzettes are 6 to 8 inches in size, generously topped with fresh, delicious cheese. I also tried their California Pizza, which came with a slice of the homemade bread served with the salad. The salad was dressed with a delightful balsamic vinaigrette. Overall, my experience was fantastic, and I left feeling satisfied with the delicious homemade pizzettes, salmon lasagna, and California salad. If I'm in the area again, I will certainly return!

Truly authentic Italian cuisine. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the feeling of being back in Italy.