Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Introduce
Introduction / Overview
For New Jersey residents seeking an authentic and upscale Italian dining experience that perfectly balances a casual, friendly vibe with a touch of romantic elegance,
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar
in Nutley stands out as a true local gem. Translating to "Beautiful Light" from Italian, Bella Luce, situated on the busy Franklin Avenue, delivers on its name by offering a bright spot for both everyday meals and special occasions. It is far more than just a place to eat; it is a destination where the hospitality is as warm as the atmosphere is cozy, making it a favorite among Essex County locals.Bella Luce specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and classic recipes often passed down through generations. This commitment to tradition is coupled with a modern, trendy sensibility, creating a unique environment suitable for various occasions, from a business lunch to a sophisticated date night. The restaurant features a distinct layout, often described as having two dining rooms separated by an engaging, centrally located bar area. This design contributes to an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrant.
The menu is a testament to the diversity of Italian cooking, featuring a robust selection of antipasti, homemade pasta dishes, and impressive meat and fish entrées. Beyond the food, the establishment is well-regarded for its exceptional beverage program, boasting a comprehensive full bar with great cocktails and a particularly noteworthy wine list. For anyone in the northern New Jersey area looking for quality Italian food served with polished professionalism, Bella Luce is a must-visit location that consistently aims to exceed expectations.
Location and Accessibility
Bella Luce is strategically located at
507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
, positioning it in a highly trafficked and easily accessible part of Nutley. Franklin Avenue is a central corridor in the town, making the restaurant convenient for local patrons and those traveling from surrounding North Jersey communities.Accessibility is a priority at Bella Luce, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The restaurant features a
wheelchair accessible entrance
,wheelchair accessible parking lot
,wheelchair accessible restroom
, andwheelchair accessible seating
, demonstrating a commitment to serving the entire community.Parking in the area is facilitated by a
free parking lot
available to patrons, a significant convenience in a busy town center. Additionally, guests can often findfree street parking
andpaid street parking
options nearby. The combination of a central address and thoughtful accessibility features makes planning a visit to Bella Luce straightforward and stress-free for New Jersey diners.Services Offered
Bella Luce provides a full suite of dining and hospitality services designed to cater to a diverse clientele and ensure a seamless experience.
- Dine-in and Table Service: Traditional, full-service dining is the core offering, with attentive staff ensuring a great experience.
- Outdoor Seating: Available for guests who prefer to dine al fresco during pleasant weather.
- Takeout: The full menu is available for takeout, allowing Nutley locals to enjoy quality Italian cuisine at home.
- Catering and Private Dining: The restaurant is well-equipped for hosting special events, offering private dining rooms and comprehensive catering services for corporate and family gatherings.
- Accepts Reservations:
Dinner reservations are highly recommended
and accepted, a crucial detail for planning a visit, especially on weekends. Reservations can often be made via popular online platforms or by calling the restaurant directly. - Late-Night Food and Happy Hour: The bar service extends later into the evening, with late-night food and dedicated happy hour menus for both drinks and small plates.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts major
Credit Cards
andNFC Mobile Payments
for a quick, modern checkout process. - Family Amenities: Provides
High chairs
to comfortably seat younger patrons.
Features / Highlights
Bella Luce is celebrated throughout the New Jersey dining scene for several distinctive features that elevate it above typical Italian restaurants.
- Exceptional Atmosphere: The combination of a
Cozy
,Romantic
, andUpscale
interior design, complete with aFireplace
, creates an inviting and sophisticated dining environment perfect for date nights and special celebrations. - Great Bar Program: The thirty-seat bar is a major highlight, featuring
Great cocktails
, a selection ofBeer
(including Peroni, Stella, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Corona), and a significant collection ofHard liquor
. The bar is a lively spot for groups and solo diners alike. - Great Wine List: Known for its
vast wine selection
, the list includes popular varietals by the glass, such asSanta Margherita Pinot Grigio
($16.00),Simi Cabernet
($16.00), andValdo Numero 1 Prosecco
($13.00), ensuring a perfect pairing for any dish. - Live Entertainment: The venue frequently hosts
Live music
, adding a dynamic and entertaining dimension to the dining experience, making it a great place for a full night out. - Commendable Speed and Service: Despite the upscale feel, the restaurant is noted for its
Fast service
, which is crucial for lunch patrons or those with reservations, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable meal. - Popularity for Solo Dining: The engaging bar and comfortable seating options make Bella Luce a favored spot for
Solo dining
in a welcoming atmosphere.
Contact Information
To ensure the best possible dining experience, especially for dinner or private events, New Jersey patrons are encouraged to contact Bella Luce directly using the following information:
Address: 507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
Phone: (973) 661-4300
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing what to order at Bella Luce can be delightful challenge, given the array of tempting options. However, based on the celebrated nature of the menu, certain items are highly recommended for local users.
The Short Ribs Pappardelle
is a standout entree that has garnered enthusiastic praise from customers. This dish, featuring perfectly cooked pappardelle pasta paired with a rich short rib ragu, is a perfect example of the restaurant's commitment to authentic, deeply flavorful Italian comfort food. Its portion size and excellent balance of sauce, pasta, and meat make it an undisputed main course highlight.Among the
Antipasti
, theCrispy Calamari
($18.00) is a popular and well-received choice, often cited for its freshness and perfect preparation. For a heartier starter, theSweet Fennel Sausage
($18.00) or theMeatballs
($17.00) provide classic Italian flavors and a satisfying introduction to the meal. TheAntipasto
platter ($26.00) is also an excellent option for groups wishing to sample a variety of quality cured meats and cheeses.For a main dish from the
Entrées
section, theDay Boat Scallops
($39.00) represents the higher-end fish offerings, appealing to those seeking a lighter yet sophisticated meal. Alternatively, theChicken Pasqual
($34.00) is a signature chicken entree worth exploring. Pasta enthusiasts should also look to theRigatoni Tre' Formaggi
($30.00) or theRigatoni Bolognese
for rich, traditional flavors.When it comes to beverages, while the wine list is extensive, patrons looking for a reliable selection should consider the
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
or theSimi Cabernet Sauvignon
by the glass. The presence of a dedicated cocktail menu means those seeking a mixed drink will find excellent choices as well.It's worth noting the restaurant's strong reputation for great coffee and great dessert, which means saving room for the final course is highly advised. The overall experience at Bella Luce is characterized by attentive service, a stylish setting, and a menu filled with comforting and delicious Italian specialties, securing its place as a premier dining spot in the Nutley, NJ area.
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Food & drink
Appetizers
- Carpaccio D' Bresaola $18.00
- Burrata $19.00
- Boston Salad $17.00
- Arrancini Alla Bella $19.00
- Mussels Zingara $18.00
Entrées
- Rigatoni Tre' Formaggi $30.00
- Scungilli Fra Diavlo $31.00
- Chicken Pasqual $34.00
- Day Boat Scallops $39.00
- Stuffed Meatloaf $35.00
Antipasti
- Sweet Fennel Sausage $18.00
- Meatballs $17.00
- Crispy Calamari $18.00
- Prince Edward Island Mussels $16.00
- Shrimp Arrabiata $18.00
- Antipasto $26.00
Insalate
- Di Cesare $14.00
- Arugula $14.00
- Pear Salad $16.00
- Luce Salad $15.00
- Farro Salad $16.00
Sides
- Roasted Potatoes $6.00
- Spinach
- Meatballs $9.00
- Broccoli Rabe $10.00
- Side Pasta Tomato Basil $14.00
Reds
- De Loach - Cabernet Sauvignon - California $13.00
- De Loach-Pinot Noir - California $13.00
- De Loach-Merlot $13.00
- Simi Cabernet $16.00
- Chianti $14.00
Whites
- Santa Margherita - Pinot Grigio - Italy $16.00
- De Loach-Chardonnay $13.00
- Matua- Sauvignon Blanc $13.00
- Simi Chardonnay-California $15.00
- Le Rime - Pinot Grigio - Italy $14.00
- Louis Guntrum - Riesling - Germany $13.00
Sparkling
- Valdo Numero 1 - Prosecco $13.00
- Studio-Rose $14.00
Beer
- Peroni $8.00
- Stella
- Budweiser $7.00
- Corona $7.00
- Coors Light
Pasta & Risotto
- Tonnarelli Putanesca
- Fettucine Alla Bella
- Bucatini Amatriciana
- Linguine Pesto
- Linguine Siciliano
- Rigatoni Bolognese
- Penne Melanzane
- Linguini Clams
- Cavatelli Buttera
- Short Ribs Pappardelle
Others
- Grilled Portuguese Octopus
- Zucchini Flowers
- Pasta E Fagioli $12.00
- Escarole & Bean $12.00
- Minestrone $12.00
- Peas E Pasta $12.00
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Photos










Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Location
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar
507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Reviews
food and servicepork chopoctopusbartendershort ribsappshrimpvealscallopsanniversary
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Very nice and welcoming staff. Probably one of the “better” restaurants in Nutley? We shared the antipasto platter and Caesar. Fam had the veal Milanese and I had the short rib papardelle, and tiramisu for dessert. No wine list so I had 2 different types of rose, which gave me a horrible headache. Didn’t love anything we ate. Again, very nice staff.
May 16 · SaraTranslated from the Italian meaning Beautiful Light, this establishment opened in March 2015 and is located on a busy Franklin Avenue in Nutley. Bella Luce has a trendy yet casual vibe and serves authentic Italian cuisine. My partner, our friends and I came as first-timers for dinner tonight. Reservations were easily made via Open Table. Upon entering, we had to wait a few minutes for the host and got to look around the dark and classy interior, with a well-arranged bar area in the middle dividing the two dining rooms. We were promptly seated on the quieter side to the right and could hear the upbeat music playing throughout the restaurant. The menu comprised all of your typical Italian dishes along with several tasty daily specials. As starters, we opted for the Crispy Calamari and their special, the Bruschetta. For our main meal, we decided on Short Rib Pappardelle, Grilled Pork Chop, Chicken Oreganata, and Rigatoni Bolognese. Complimentary warm bread with softened butter started our meal. The food was fresh, delicious, and well seasoned. The short-rib pappardelle pasta, which I had, was outstanding. Cooked al dente, just like it has to be, is served at the perfect temperature with an excellent ratio of pasta, sauce, and meat. The portion was perfect. During our meal, the owner, Joe, walked to all the tables to greet everyone, making sure everything was to our liking. The service was perfect, not overbearing but always there and our server was Cali. We had a great dinner, which we can recommend.
February 10 · Eloy YipFrom my very first bite I knew I would be coming back! We ordered two specials and they were incredibly delicious. Good, attentive service. Full service bar with cocktails.
August 23 · allison genbergThis was our first time here. We were excited to try the pasta wheel and were so amazingly surprised that I wish I would have just had a whole order. It was amazing. Service is great and food is very good. I had the bolognese which was very good and my fiancée had the scallops and risotto which was great. Well be back just to have more of the amazing pasta wheel.
August 11 · Hector AlvarezHad our sons party here relatively small group 24. They accommodated us very nicely. We brought our own cake and there was no issues. Food was very delicious and serving sizes are generous. Dino the owner and I were talking about some octopus dish I had at a different restaurant which I didn't care for and out of no where Dino brings our table this wonderful grilled Octopus dish. It was amazing. I only wished we had selected that for some of our guests. However the other dishes we decided on were equally great. We will definitely come back to this spot. Plenty of parking in the rear.
May 06 · Marcello D'Aureli
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