Walk down Lexington Avenue on a Tuesday night and you’ll see it. That warm, amber glow spilling out onto the sidewalk near 70th Street. People have been crowding into Bella Blu for over two decades, yet if you ask three different Upper East Siders what to order, you’ll get three completely different answers.
One neighbor swears by the brick oven pizza. Another won't look at anything but the homemade pappardelle. A third is just there for the bar scene and the grilled octopus. Honestly, it’s a bit of a neighborhood enigma. Is it a high-end trattoria? A casual pizza joint? A seafood-heavy Mediterranean spot? Basically, it’s all of those things, which is why the bella blu restaurant nyc menu can be a little overwhelming if you haven't done your homework.
The Pizza Paradox
Let’s talk about the oven first. It’s not just for show. They use a specially constructed brick oven that hits temperatures most home kitchens can't dream of. If you’re a purist, the Margherita is the baseline, currently sitting around $27. But most regulars go for the Robiolina Romana.
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It’s a white pizza—no tomato sauce. Just Robiola cheese and a drizzle of white truffle oil. It's decadent. It's pricey at $30. It’s also the kind of thing you think you’ll share but end up eating most of yourself.
Then there’s the San Daniele ($31). It’s basically a salad on a pizza: prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, and shaved Parmesan. It’s fresh, but it’s a mess to eat on a first date. You've been warned.
Beyond the Crust: The "Primi" and "Secondi"
If you skip the pasta here, you’re kind of missing the point. The Linguini with Clams is a staple. It’s simple—garlic, oil, and enough clams to make it feel worth the $40+ price tag. But the real expert move is looking at the specials.
The menu lists a Fettuccine with fresh summer truffles for $49. It’s earthy and rich. Sometimes they have a wild boar sausage ragu that’s deeply savory. They don't do "light" pasta here. It’s all about the "bite" of the noodle and the weight of the sauce.
For the main course (the Secondi), the price point jumps. We’re talking $50 to $80 for the heavy hitters.
- Costolette D’Agnello ($52): Rack of lamb with black truffle mashed potatoes. The truffle isn't subtle.
- Dover Sole alla Meunière ($79): This is a "special" that’s almost always available. It’s buttery, classic, and served with fresh asparagus.
- Filet Mignon ($59): A 10oz cut with a green peppercorn sauce. It’s solid, but maybe not the most "Italian" thing on the list.
Why the Appetizers Matter
Most people rush to the mains, but the bella blu restaurant nyc menu is arguably strongest in the "Antipasti" section. The grilled octopus (Polipo Alla Griglia) is $28 and comes with French string beans and fingerling potatoes. It’s charred perfectly—not rubbery.
If you want something lighter, the Crabmeat Salad with avocado and mango ($35) is a favorite for the lunch crowd. Or, if you’re with a group, the Antipasto Rustico for two ($38) covers the bases with cured meats and cheeses.
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The Pricing Reality
Look, this is Lexington Avenue. It isn't cheap. You can easily drop $150 per person if you’re doing three courses and wine. A glass of Chianti starts around $13, but the bottle list goes deep into the hundreds.
There's also a bit of a mix-up online sometimes. Don’t confuse this spot with "Bela Blue" in Long Island City, which is a totally different breakfast-focused deli. If you're looking for $6 egg sandwiches, you're in the wrong borough. The Upper East Side Bella Blu is about white tablecloths and $30 pizzas.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Specials First: The printed menu is great, but the "Specials of the Day" are where the kitchen usually shines. Look for the Softshell Crab or the Lobster Spaghetti.
- Make a Reservation: Even on weeknights, this place fills up with locals who have had the same table since 1999. Use Resy or call ahead.
- The Bar Move: If you can’t get a table, the bar is actually a great spot to eat. It’s lively, and you get the full menu.
- Don't Skip the Tiramisu: It’s their "secret recipe" version with amaretto and strawberries. It’s $16 and worth the calories.
When you're navigating the bella blu restaurant nyc menu, remember it’s built for variety. You can have a "cheap" night with a pizza and a salad, or go all-out on the veal chop milanese. Just make sure you know which version of the night you're signing up for before the check arrives.