Bella Blu: An Authentic Italian Gem on the Upper East Side

Bella Blu Introduce

An Introduction to Bella Blu: A Slice of Italy in the City

Located on a lively corner of the Upper East Side, Bella Blu stands as a testament to authentic and delicious Italian cuisine. More than just a restaurant, it's a neighborhood institution that effortlessly combines a casual, cozy atmosphere with an upscale, trendy feel. The air is often filled with the tantalizing aroma of wood-fired pizza and the chatter of happy diners, making it a place that feels both romantic and welcoming. Bella Blu prides itself on a diverse menu that goes beyond the typical Italian fare, offering a wide array of meticulously crafted dishes, from classic pastas and fresh seafood to a variety of brick oven pizzas. It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a quiet dinner for two, or have a fun and delicious meal with a group of friends. With its commitment to high-quality ingredients and impeccable service, Bella Blu has earned its reputation as a top-notch destination for Italian food lovers in New York City.

Location and Accessibility: A Prestigious Lexington Avenue Address

Bella Blu is perfectly situated at 967 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, placing it in one of the most prestigious and bustling neighborhoods of the Upper East Side. Its prime location makes it easily accessible for locals and a convenient stop for tourists visiting nearby cultural landmarks like the Asia Society. The restaurant is well-connected to public transportation, with several subway and bus lines just a short walk away, making it simple to get to from anywhere in Manhattan. For those with mobility needs, Bella Blu is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. The restaurant's popularity means it can get very busy, especially on weekends, so it’s highly recommended to make a reservation for both dinner and brunch to secure a table. The addition of outdoor seating provides a charming option for enjoying your meal while taking in the classic New York streetscape.

Services Offered: A Tailored and Impeccable Experience

Bella Blu offers a range of services designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for every guest, whether they are a regular or a first-time visitor. The services are a key part of the restaurant's commitment to hospitality.

Dine-in and Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy the full menu with professional table service in the comfortable and stylish indoor dining room or on the pleasant outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is casual yet upscale, perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. The restaurant also has a bar onsite for a quick drink or a solo dining experience.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home, Bella Blu provides convenient takeout and delivery services, including a no-contact delivery option. This allows you to enjoy their authentic Italian cuisine in the comfort of your own space.
Catering and Reservations: Bella Blu offers catering services for events, bringing their high-quality Italian food to your special occasion. Given its popularity, the restaurant accepts reservations, and it is highly recommended to book a table for brunch and dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, to avoid a wait.

Features and Highlights: Quality and Ambiance

Bella Blu’s reputation as a top Italian restaurant is built on several key highlights that distinguish it from its competitors. These features contribute to its appeal and keep customers coming back for more.

Exceptional Food Quality: Customers consistently praise the food for being "topnotch." The menu features a wide range of dishes, including authentic pastas, delicious brick oven pizzas, and a variety of meat and seafood entrées. The ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are spot on, ensuring a memorable dining experience. The desserts are also a standout, described as "surprisingly good, light yet decadent."
Great Wine List and Cocktails: Bella Blu is known for its excellent beverage program. It offers a great wine list, featuring a variety of Italian and international wines, like a "velvety and full-bodied" Brunello. The bar also serves expertly crafted cocktails and other spirits, with a perfect "dirty martini" being a customer favorite. This makes it an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a leisurely night out.
Impeccable Service: The staff is a major highlight, with one customer describing the service as "impeccable" and the staff as "the most dedicated." The servers are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, making guests feel well taken care of. This level of service, combined with a fast pace, ensures a smooth and pleasant dining experience even on the busiest nights.
Romantic and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance at Bella Blu is a perfect blend of cozy, trendy, and romantic, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. It’s a great place to enjoy a quiet, intimate meal or a lively group dinner. The setting feels both upscale and comfortable, appealing to a diverse crowd of locals and tourists.

What is Worth Choosing at Bella Blu

Bella Blu offers a truly rewarding dining experience, and there are several compelling reasons to choose it for your next meal. The most significant reason is the quality and authenticity of the food. While the entire menu is impressive, the pasta dishes are a must-try. Customers rave about the daily specials, such as the lobster spaghetti, which is described as "topnotch with generous portions of lobster." Other standouts include the classic Fettuccine Bolognese and the savory Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina. The brick oven pizzas are also a major draw, with options like the Margherita Pizza and the Tartufata Pizza offering a taste of true Italian craftsmanship.

Beyond the food, the service is a key reason to visit. The "impeccable" and "dedicated" staff ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish. The great wine list and perfectly crafted cocktails add another layer of enjoyment, making it a great place to celebrate or unwind. The ambiance, which strikes a perfect balance between romantic and lively, is suitable for any kind of outing. Whether you get a table or, if you're lucky, the last seat at the bar, you're guaranteed to enjoy high-quality food and drinks in a wonderful atmosphere. For an authentic taste of Italy with a touch of New York elegance, Bella Blu is the perfect choice.

Contact Information

You can connect with Bella Blu at their New York location using the following details:

Address: 967 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone: (212) 988-4624
Mobile Phone: +1 212-988-4624

Bella Blu Food & drink

All Day Menu - Contorni
Spinaci Saltati $15.00
Spinach with garlic and oil.
Cime Di Rapa $15.00
Broccoli rabe garlic and oil.
Patate Arrosto $15.00
Rosemary roasted potatoes.
Broccoli Americani $15.00
Broccoli with garlic and oil.
Fagiolini Olio E Limone $15.00
String beans with oil and lemon.
Finocchi Al Forno $15.00
Roasted fennel.
Funghi Selvaggi Saltati $15.00
Wild sauteed mushrooms.
Asparagi Saltati $15.00
Sauteed asparagus.

All Day Menu - Brick Oven Pizza | Pizze Rosse
Calabrese Pizza $29.00
Spicy Italian sausage, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, tomato sauce and Mozzarella. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Napoletana Pizza $26.00
Anchovies, capers, black olives, garlic, tomato sauce and oregano. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Piccante Pizza $28.00
Spicy soppressata, fresh jalapenos, tomato sauce, Mozzarella, basil. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Bufalina Pizza $27.00
Buffalo Mozzarella, tomato sauce cherry tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Vegana $26.00
Vegan cheese, broccoli, artichokes, radicchio and tomato sauce. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Lexington Pizza $29.00
Sauteed wild mushroom, spicy Italian sausage, tomato sauce, Mozzarella, basil. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Margherita Pizza $27.00
Tomato basil, Mozzarella and basil. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Quattro Stagioni Pizza $30.00
Ham, baby artichoke, wild mushrooms, black olives, Mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil.We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Bicolore Funghi & Carciofi Pizza $28.00
Wild mushrooms, baby artichokes, tomato sauce, Mozzarella and basil. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.

All Day Menu - Brick Oven Pizza | Pizze Special
Robiolina Romana Pizza $30.00
Robiola cheese and white truffle oil.We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Calzone Classico $30.00
Ricotta cheese, salami, Mozzarella, freshly grounded black pepper and fresh basil. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients.
Calzone Funghi $30.00
Ham, mushrooms, Mozzarella, basil, topped with tomato.We only use superior Italian quality ingredients.

All Day Menu - Insalate
Insalata Di Cavolo Nero Toscano $21.00
Baby Tuscan kale salad with croutons, Parmesan and and anchovies lemon vinaigrette.
Verdure Bella Blu Al Forno A Legna | Insalate $24.00
Brick oven chopped roasted vegetables with red wine vinaigrette.
Rughetta Con Finocchio, Arance, Olive Nere Di Gaeta | Insalate $23.00
Arugula, fennel, black olives, orange, cherry tomatoes, lemon oil.
Rape Rosse Con Scalogno Riccia E Caprino | Insalate $23.00
Red beets with shallots, endive, Goat cheese.
Insalata Di Spinaci Con Uvetta, Noci E Fontina $24.00
Baby spinach, walnuts, Asiago cheese, sherry vinaigrette.
Tropicale Con Cuori Di Palma, Avocado, Peperoni Arrostiti E Mais | Insalate $24.00
Hearts of palm, avocado, roasted peppers, radish, corn and mixed greens.
Insalata Mista Di Campo $22.00
Mixed greens, endive, arucola, fennel, cucumber, avocado, radish, cherry tomato lemon vinaigrette.
Riccia Con Noci Caramellate, Gorgonzola Dolce | Insalate $24.00
Frisee', caramelized walnuts, Gorgonzola and sherry vinaigrette.
Insalata Di Cesare $24.00
Traditional Caesar salad, croutons and Parmesan.

All Day Menu - Secondi
Tonno Alla Plancia Con Insalata Mediterranea $46.00
Grilled tuna steak, string beans, tomato, black olives, red onions, lemon dressing.
Chicken Parm $37.00
Halibut Alla Livornese $45.00
Pan-seared alaskan halibut with cherry tomatoes sauce, olives, tropea onions, cappers with sauteed spinach.
Bistecca Di Manzo Alla Griglia Con Patate Arrosto E Spinaci $54.00
16 oz. grilled grass-fed prime Black Angus steak, fingerling potatoes, and sauteed spinach.
Chicken Milanese $36.00
Galletto Al Forno In Salsa Di Senepe Con Patate Arrosto E Rapini $39.00
Pan-seared free-range grass-fed baby chicken, mustard sauce served with a side of mashed potato and string beans .
Veal Marsala $45.00
Filetto Di Manzo In Salsa Di Pepe Verde Con Pure Di Patate E Carote Organiche $59.00
Pan seared 10 oz. filet mignon, mashed potatoes and organic baby carrots.
Salmone Alla Griglia Con Verdure Saltate In Salsa Di Agrumi $41.00
Grilled Atlantic salmon, organic baby vegetables.
Costolette D`Agnello Con Puree Di Patate Al Tartufo E Broccoli $52.00
Rack of lamb, black truffle Mashed potato, American broccoli, porto.
Chicken Piccata $36.00
Trancio Di Pesce Spada Con Capperi E Limone $55.00
Wild swordfish filet, lemon caper, with French string beans and shallots.
Saltimbocca Alla Romana $48.00
Prosciutto and sage covered veal scaloppine, with asparagus and roasted potatoes.
Battuta Di Pollo Con Misticanza, Mais, Fagiolini E Caprino $37.00
Grilled chicken paillard, baby greens, corn, French beans and Goat cheese.

All Day Menu - I Nostri Dolci
Selezione Di Gelati & Sorbetti $14.00
Crema Bruciata $14.00
Creme brulee served with raspberries and powdered sugar.
Mixed Berries $15.00
Black Forest $16.00
Torta Di Ricotta $16.00
Ricotta cheesecake, served with fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce.
Millefoglie $16.00
Served with pastry cream and strawberries.
Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake $14.00
Gluten-free dark chocolate lava cake with bourbon vanilla ice cream.
Biscotti Fatti In Casa $8.00
Homemade selection of small cookies.
Bianca $16.00
Tortino Di Mele Alla Bella Blu $14.00
Apple crisp, served with vanilla ice cream, and shaved almonds.
Tiramisu’ Bella Blu $16.00
Mascarpone, espresso, amaretto, touch of cream, and our secret cookies, served with strawberries and sprinkled with cacao.
Panna Cotta $14.00
Served with raspberry coulis.
Pastiera Napoletana $16.00
Neapolitan Ricotta tarte with farro & candied fruit.
Tartufo Gelato $15.00
Tartufo ice cream.
Affogato Al Caffe $14.00
Vanilla Ice cream, topped with espresso coffee amd garnished with baileys and biscotti.
Ricotta Pistachio $16.00
Frutta Stagioni $15.00
Seasonal Fresh fruit plate
Delizia Di Limone $16.00
Sponge cake with limoncello cream filling.
Chocolate Mousse $16.00

All Day Menu - Brick Oven Pizza | Pizze Bianche
San Daniele Pizza $31.00
Prosciutto, arugula, Mozzarella cherry tomato, and shaved Parmesan. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Friulana Pizza $29.00
Prosciutto San Daniele, stoned cooked eggplant, Mozzarella, shaved Parmesan. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Tradizionale Pizza $29.00
Buffalo Mozzarella, ham, mushroom and basil.
Ortalana Pizza $27.00
Bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, cured yellow tomato and Mozzarella. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Tartufata Pizza $31.00
Winter black truffle, Mozzarella and Robiola cheese. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Quattro Formaggi Pizza $27.00
Gorgonzola, Fontina, Mozzarella and Provolone. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.
Amalfi Coast Pizza $31.00
Mortadella, Provolone, pistacchio di bronte, Mozzarella, lemon zest and shaved Parmesan. We only use superior Italian quality ingredients. Our pizza is also prepared in a specially constructed oven in order to ensure perfect consistency and flavor.

All Day Menu - Primi
Bucatini All`Amatriciana $33.00
Bucatini, guanciale, onions, tomato, Pecorino Romano.
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina $34.00
Gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce, Mozzarella fiordilatte and basil.
Fettuccine Bolognese $36.00
Rigatoni Con Melanzana E Zucchini Pomodorini E Scamorza $33.00
Rigatoni with eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomato, and smoked Mozzarella.
Panzerotti Di Carciofi Con Pistacchi, Burro, Salvia $33.00
Artichoke ravioli, pistachios, butter and sage.
Penne Burro $23.00
Fresh Garganelli Con Ragu’ Di Vitello Al Profumo Di Limone E Rosmarino $36.00
Homemade penne, veal ragu’, lemon rosemary scent.
Spaghetti Meatball $36.00
Tagliolini Al Nero Di Seppia $37.00
Black and white tagliolini with crab, shrimps, cherry tomatoes in a spicy tomato sauce.
Penne Vodka $35.00
Orecchiette Con Salsiccia, Rapini E Peperoncino $34.00
Orecchiette pasta, sweet sausage, broccoli rabe.
Penne Al Tonno Con Capperi, Origano, Olive Di Gaeta E Pomodoro $34.00
Penne with fresh tuna, capers, oregano, gaeta olives, and tomato.
Pappardelle Con Ragu D' Anatra E Olive Nere $35.00
Homemade pappardelle with wild duck Ragu and black olives.
Mezzelune Di Ricotta E Spinaci Alla Crema Tartufata $34.00
Ricotta and spinach ravioli, black truffle cream sauce.
Spaghetti Alla Chitarra Al Filetto Di Pomodoro $31.00
Spaghetti chitarra with fresh tomato and basil (zucchini spaghetti optional).
Fettucine Alfredo $33.00
Casoncelli Alla Bergamasca Con Guanciale, Burro E Salvia $34.00
Veal ravioli, guanciale, sage and butter.
Fusilli Fatti In Casa Con Carciofi E Gamberi $35.00
Homemade fusilli with shrimp, artichoke hearts, garlic and oil.
Penne Tuna $41.00
Linguine Alle Vongole Veraci $36.00
Manila clams, white wine garlic and red pepper flakes.

All Day Menu - Antipasti
Crabmeat Salad $35.00
Bocconcini Di Bufala Con Peperoni Arrostiti, Pomodoro E Basilico $26.00
Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella with roasted peppers, tomatoes and basil.
Polpettine Di Carne Al Sugo $23.00
Classic meatballs in tomato sauce.
Tortino Di Melanzane Alla Parmigiana $24.00
Eggplant Parmigiana, with Mozzarella and tomato.
Tortino Di Calamari E Carciofi Con Valeriana $25.00
Squid and baby artichokes cake, mache and lemon.
Carciofini Scottati Con Pistacchio E Arugola $29.00
Sauteed baby artichokes with pistachio, arugula and Parmesan.
Polipo Alla Griglia Con Fagiolini, Pachino E Indivia $28.00
Grilled octopus, French string beans, fingerling potatoes, oil of olive.
Antipasto Rustico $38.00
Serves for 2. Mix cured meats and cheese with olives and vegetables.
Tartara Di Tonno Allo Zenzero Con Avocado E Cetrioli $29.00
Yellowfin tuna tartar with avocado, cucumbers, ginger lemon.
Brodetto Di Cozze E Vongole $27.00
New Zealand mussels, Manila clams, white wine, mild spicy tomato sauce.
Frittura Di Calamari, Gamberi, Carciofini E Zucchini | Dinner $31.00
Fried calamari, shrimps, baby artichokes and zucchini.
Carpaccio Di Manzo In Bomba $31.00
Raw filet mignon carpaccio, arugula, cremini mushrooms, Pecorino cheese.
Focaccina Bianca O Rossa $14.00
Pizza bread salt, rosmary and EVOO or oregano and tomato sauce.

Bella Blu Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Bella Blu Photos

Bella Blu Location

Bella Blu

New York New York County New York Lexington Avenue

967 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

Bella Blu Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 467 user reviews.

pastafood and serviceravioliwine listbartenderglassfeelmanagementdiningtiramisu

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We had a fantastic time here after attending an event at Asia Society. The lobster spaghetti which was the specialty of the night was topnotch with generous portions of lobster. The brunello wine was velvety and full-bodied which I greatly enjoyed. My friends got the crab and shrimp pasta which they also loved. Desserts were surprisingly good, light yet decadent. Lastly, service was impeccable with the most dedicated staff. Bravo!
April 29 · Marion
Very busy so make sure to get reservation on Friday night. I was able to get the only one seat available at the bar. But ravioli was delicious and the dirty martini was perfect. Overall great place.
June 21 · Su Kim
Been wanting to come here for a while, ever since I walked by and I saw it packed.Unassuming from the outside, but lovely on the inside. Very elegant decoration and the service staff was not only very friendly, but also very sharp.I opted for the home made pappardelle with duck ragu and olives. It was amazing. The sauce was great and there was a good amount of shredded duck nestled within the thick strips of pasta.Bread and a spread came with the meal. It looked unassuming but I ended up eating the entire plate since that sauce was so good! Oil and tomato and spices.Didn’t have space for dessert… next time!Note: they didn’t have chicken parm on the menu but I also didn’t ask if they would make it. Decided to stick to the menu this time around :)
February 12 · Cem Unsal
A Neighborhood Gem: Bella Blu Delivers Every TimeBella Blu on Lexington Avenue is truly a standout among Upper East Side restaurants. I’ve dined here many times, and what keeps me coming back is the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to high quality—both in its delicious Italian cuisine and in the warm, inviting atmosphere.The menu offers a fantastic selection of classic Italian dishes, from perfectly cooked pastas to fresh seafood and inventive daily specials. The swordfish Milanese and veal Milanese are, without question, the best you’ll find in NYC—crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor. The seafood pasta is also a standout: fresh, briny, and perfectly balanced. Every meal is consistently excellent, with fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. The wood-fired pizzas are a must-try!What really sets Bella Blu apart, though, is the staff. The team is always friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making you feel like a valued guest every time you walk in. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a special celebration, or just a glass of wine at the bar, the environment is always lively yet comfortable.Bella Blu is the kind of place you want in your neighborhood—a restaurant you can count on for great food, wonderful service, and a relaxed, inviting vibe. Highly recommended!
June 21 · Kevin Mancuso
• One of the few truly authentic Italian restaurants in the Upper East Side.• My favorite spot is the table next to the window.• The food is consistently delicious and the ambiance is cozy.• The interior decor is interesting and eye-catching.• The staff is always friendly and welcoming.• The owner is frequently present on the floor, ensuring a high-quality experience.• An excellent choice for everyday dining.
April 22 · Mariya R