Review: Bella Italia Longwell Green in Bristol – A Fantastic Family Night Out

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new Bella Italia Restaurant at the Aspects Leisure Centre - Longwell Green in Bristol. In today’s challenging economic climate, where many restaurants are struggling, it’s clear that Bella Italia remains a beloved choice here in Bristol—this new location marks their fourth in the city.

Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years in 4- and 5-star hotels across the Mediterranean, I have a pretty good sense of what makes a restaurant great. So, let’s dive into my experience at Bella Italia.

For me, four key elements determine a restaurant's quality: cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff, the quality of the food, and the décor.

First, cleanliness.

I understand this Bella Italia is brand new, but maintaining spotless tables and kitchen areas can be a challenge. I was genuinely impressed—the place was immaculate. Not a messy table in sight, the toilets were spotless, and even the kitchen (I took some pictures!) was pristine. Yes, I admit, I can be a bit of a cleanliness fanatic, but it’s important to me, especially after so many years in the industry.

Next, the team.

A great team can elevate a good evening to a fantastic one. My motto is simple: if you can’t smile and be happy working with guests, it’s time to find another job. At Bella Italia, the staff truly shone. A special shout-out to our waiter, John, who was not only professional but brought a lot of humor and charm to the evening. He made our night special.

I also have to mention Kris, who usually works at the Baldwin Street location but was helping out for the opening. Kris is the type of employee every company dreams of having—friendly, knowledgeable, and with a smile that’s simply contagious. His passion for Bella Italia really stood out, and I honestly think he should be involved in training new staff. Between Kris, John, and the rest of the fantastic team, our overall experience was superb. Big thumbs up!

Now, onto the food—because, after all, that’s what we’re here for!

I started with the tomato bruschetta, while my wife opted for the Mushroom al Forno. Both starters were the stars of the show, especially the bruschetta. The mix of fresh basil and basil oil was divine. My wife loved her Mushroom al Forno as well—both dishes were a perfect start to our meal.

For the main course, I went for the Pollo Funghi Pasta. Being half-Italian, I’m a bit of a pasta enthusiast, and I wasn’t disappointed. The dish was full of flavor, topped with parmesan, and simply delicious. My wife had the Goat’s Cheese Ravioli, and it was another winner. I tried some, and I have to say, it was top-notch!

Finally, for dessert, I had the Chocolate Brownie Sundae, while my wife indulged in the Cookie Dough. Both were the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

Décor,

The restaurant looks fantastic—clean, modern, and welcoming. However, it’s a large space, so if you’re looking for a small, intimate setting for a date night, this may not be the place. But if you’re after a fun family night out or a dinner with friends, Bella Italia in Longwell Green is perfect.

Conclusion:

The app

Don’t forget to download the app!

My wife and I had a fantastic evening. The food was excellent, and the team was incredibly friendly. If you’re a fan of Bella Italia, this new location at the Aspects Leisure Centre is definitely worth a visit. Don’t forget to sign up for their app before October 24th to grab a £10 voucher. Plus, if you join Bella Italia’s rewards program, you can enjoy a free main course when you purchase another at full price.

A huge thank you to Bella Italia for having us, and a special thanks to Kris and John for their brilliant service. We’ll definitely be back soon!

Jerome.

Disclaimer: I was invited to the opening of Bella Italia in Longwell Green for free, but all opinions shared here are my own.

Bella Italia Longwell Green Bristol: 24 Market Street, Aspects Leisure Park, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9LA. 0117 947 4680

https://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/restaurants/bristol/bristol-aspects

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