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Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar ico

Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar
- 507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

Italian restaurant, Bar ★4.0 (49)·$30–50

507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

4.0
Very 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. - Sara
Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 49 people$20–30$30–50$50–100$100+

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

, and

wheelchair 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 find

free street parking

and

paid 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

    and

    NFC 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

    , and

    Upscale

    interior design, complete with a

    Fireplace

    , 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 of

    Beer

    (including Peroni, Stella, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Corona), and a significant collection of

    Hard 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 as

    Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

    ($16.00),

    Simi Cabernet

    ($16.00), and

    Valdo 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

, the

Crispy Calamari

($18.00) is a popular and well-received choice, often cited for its freshness and perfect preparation. For a heartier starter, the

Sweet Fennel Sausage

($18.00) or the

Meatballs

($17.00) provide classic Italian flavors and a satisfying introduction to the meal. The

Antipasto

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, the

Day Boat Scallops

($39.00) represents the higher-end fish offerings, appealing to those seeking a lighter yet sophisticated meal. Alternatively, the

Chicken Pasqual

($34.00) is a signature chicken entree worth exploring. Pasta enthusiasts should also look to the

Rigatoni Tre' Formaggi

($30.00) or the

Rigatoni 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 the

Simi 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 Picture 1Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 2Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 3Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 4Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 5Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 6Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 7Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 8Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 9Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Picture 10

Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Location

Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar

507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Bella Luce Restaurant and Bar Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 486 user reviews.

food and servicepork chopoctopusbartendershort ribsappshrimpvealscallopsanniversary

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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