Food and Dining Bella Mia Grill is an Italian Family Tradition

PALMETTO - When you talk to Bella Mia Grill's Paul Amato, you discover that he and his brother James were born to own restaurants. It's a family tradition. Paul came to the United States as teenager from Italy, and opened a pizzeria with his family. He'll tell you, with great pride, that by age 20 he had found his calling – and owned his dream car. Bella Mia is a beautiful part of Paul's American dream come true. He and his family have owned a dozen or so restaurants in his life long career, all of which are based on his Italian heritage, and his mother's recipes.

Owner, Paul Amato photo by Matt Allison

Italian food is a landscape littered with frozen lasagna, mushy pasta and bland sauces. The new Bella Mia Grill in Palmetto's Riviera Dunes is none of the above. With family recipes, fresh fish, house-made pastas and Chef Peter Arpke (of Euphemia Haye and Beach Bistro fame) at the helm, this is a truly delicious experience.

At a recent dinner at Bella Mia Grill, I had the pleasure of enjoying some of the best Italian cuisine I have ever had. I enjoyed a sampling of several dishes, and was delighted to find fresh breads, including fococcia and a perfectly balanced bruschetta. The crab cakes were meaty and delicious, while the caprese salad was light and refreshing.

Lobster ravioli was everything you would want in a great seafood pasta, and the lasagna, which is made fresh to order, is a trip to the old country. But the shocker of the evening was the Wild Salmon Bella Ber Blanc. I do not like fish – ever. But when presented with the dish I took a bite out of courtesy, and I was truly floored.

Bruschetta at Bella Mia photo by Matt Allison

It was fresh and creamy, with a lovely lemon Ber Blanc and the most delicately prepared fresh Pappardelle pasta I have ever enjoyed. This dish is a must have, that is sure to visit me in my dreams. The desserts at Bella Mia are not to be overlooked, with a gelato trio, a molten chocolate cake and a perfect tarimissu there is something for everyone.

Service at Bella Mia was top notch, as well. The restaurant employs nearly 50 people, adding much-needed jobs to the local economy. I found the staff to be polite, knowledgeable and eager to please. Owner Paul Amato and his lovely bride Frankie were like a breathe of fresh air. Five minutes with this pair and you are simply a member of their big Italian family.

The restaurant itself is still a beautiful inviting space. It includes two private dining rooms for parties and weddings, a full bar, and perfect outdoor marina-side seating with nightly entertainment.

We are lucky to have restauranteurs like Paul and James Amato in our community, bringing us great food, in a beautiful atmosphere, and making us all a part of their family tradition.