~ Restaurant, pizzeria, bar and more! ~
By Lisa Davis-Burnett
It was a special night out – a milestone anniversary – and we meant to celebrate our 20th year together as husband and wife in style. Even though the two-decade mark is traditionally celebrated with china or images of China, we chose to go for Italian cuisine. Call us rebels!
Having heard good things about Carlo@Bella Napoli, we made our reservations for our Saturday night out. Bella Napoli is quiet and casual, yet has a classy European atmosphere. With so many restaurants in the Atlantis Casino complex in Cupecoy, the mood is very cosmopolitan and trendy. We had a romantic table for two on the side porch and received excellent service from the authentically Italian waiters. We started off with a delicious fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato appetizer plate, served with warm wheat bread and, of course, I had my glass of Pino Griggio while hubby had iced tea. We wouldn't want to start changing too many things; after 20 years, stick with what works, right?
The menu was a little "rough around the edges" and asking for clarification didn't really help us, since our waiters were truly "autentico." Eventually, we settled on angel hair pasta with Alfredo sauce and Veal Milanese with a side of penne with simple tomato sauce. We took our time and enjoyed everything, talked about all our favourite memories and plans for the things soon to come our way. We had a great view of the stone pizza ovens producing some lovely creations; and the flames leaping around in there seemed so old world, they heightened our sense of the romance and special-ness of the evening. Next time, we must try one of those pizzas!
We eventually got around to coffees and a shared serving of tiramisu. It was huge, so I am glad we shared it. The food was all delicious from start to finish and the price was quite reasonable. So true to our usual form, we showed how you don't have to spend a fortune to make something special, memorable and fun.
Bella Napoli is located in the Atlantic Casino complex in Cupecoy, St. Maarten. It is open every day and serves only dinner; so make your plans to try this wonderful eatery when you are looking for your special night out, or any night that you hope will be special. It also offers the menu for carry-out, hmm...now, that could be habit-forming!
Info:
Carlo@Bella Napoli
Italian Restaurant
At the Atlantic Casino
Cupecoy, Mullet Bay
1-721-545-3044
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Open daily 5:00 to 11:30pm.
Cuisine: Italian classics, pizza, salads, specials
Good: Delicious food, attentive service, European atmosphere
Not so good: Menu explanations
Pricing: Appetizers $8-14, pizzas $13-21, main courses $13.50-25
Vegetarian dishes: Available
Children's menu: No
Credit cards: Visa, MC
Ratings:
Staff friendliness 5
Service speed 4
Restaurant cleanliness 5
Food quality 5
Value for money 5
Ambience 4
28/30
