What makes Italian food so much better than everyone else’s? The deceptive simplicity of dishes that swerve over-complication, allowing the finest ingredients to do the heavy lifting? Is it the way you’re supposed to savour it, through elongated lunches stretching out all afternoon and a “meeting is cancelled” attitude that puts the stomach above all other responsibilities? For us, it’s the heart and soul that seems to pour onto every plate that makes the difference. Located on Wilmslow Road, in the heart of Didsbury Village, family-owned Bella Vita Trattoria is a case in point.
A trattoria in the true sense — intimate, classy but not stuffy — authenticity is a key aspect to the recipes at Bella Vita. Antipasti like timeless Minestrone Soup, Scallops Dolcelatte, Gamberoni Alla Diavola (sautéed king prawns with fresh garlic, fresh chilli, cherry tomatoes and white wine sauce), Cozze (fresh mussels, garlic, herbs, lemon and white wine), give a great introduction to what we’re talking about. As do the freshly cooked breads on offer, all made on sight and served either near-naked (just with butter) or as various types of Bruschetta. The choice of salads is equally impressive, while Naples-style pizzas are another big hit for those who want to refill without diving into an epic feast.
Onto the heavyweights, and pasta is here in big fork-fulls, from Penne Al’Arrabbiata (simple tomato, garlic and chilli sauce) to Trofie Al Pesto (with chicken, creamy pesto sauce, pine nuts and rocket), Spaghetti Meatballs to Trofie Al Funghi, Linguine Vongole, Tagliatelle Al Gamberoni, Nduja, and Wild Boar ravioli. Al Funghi (aborro rice with mushrooms, garlic, and truffle oil), Agli Asparagi (asparagus, peas, baby spinach, garlic), and Frutti Di Mare prove there’s a strong risotto game, too. Carne and Pesce mains keep standards high with steaks, oven baked and pan fried fish. And a separate menu is offered for the little bambinos in your life. Dolci is big here, to boot. Desserts include Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, and Torta Di Cioccolata. Oh, and don’t forget the wine list, imported straight from the old country.