Bella Luce

4.4

451 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

25 Dec 2024

19:00

Neighbourhood gem
Lively

For the many people who thought Luce Restaurant in Caldwell was the ultimate mix of “good food, good people, and good prices” you are in for a very pleasant surprise. Bella Luce in Nutley actually surpasses it as the quintessential dining experience in Northern New Jersey. Opened in March of 2015, Bella Luce picks up where Luce left off and has been transformed into a trendy, yet casual, atmosphere, serving authentic Italian cuisine highlighting signature dishes.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(973) 661-4300
Website
http://www.lucerestaurant.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110
Area
Nutley
Parking details
None

Popular dishes

Sweet Fennel SausageUS$9.00
broccoli rabe / potatoes / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil
AranciniUS$9.00
risotto / prosciutto / mozzarella / parmigiano reggiano
MeatballsUS$9.00
passata di pomodoro / sheeps milk ricotta crema
ArtichokesUS$10.00
grilled long stem artichokes / fresh mint gremolata / sharp provolone / house roasted peppers / pickled red onions
Crispy CalamariUS$12.00
sweet or spicy marinara
Shrimp ArrabiataUS$12.00
lightly floured / lemon / garlic / white wine / grape tomatoes / chili flakes / basil

Insalate

rosemary focaccia / ciabatta / french baguette / with balsamic mixed field greens or chips. Add salmon $9 / add shrimp $8 / add chicken $5

ArugulaUS$10.00
baby arugula / ceci beans / red onions / grape tomatoes / crispy goat cheese / red wine vinaigrette
Di CesareUS$10.00
crispy romaine hearts / ciabatta croutons / house made caesar dressing / marinated white anchovies
FarroUS$10.00
italian farro / baby arugula / capers / artichoke hearts / black olives /grape tomatoes / fresh mozzarella / lemon vinaigrette
CapreseUS$10.00
fresh mozzarella / tomatoes / fresh basil
Pear SaladUS$10.00
mixed field greens / candied walnut / bosc pears / gorgonzola / champagne vinaigrette
Di BarbabietoleUS$10.00
golden & purple beets / fennel / orange segments / crumble goat cheese / red wine vinaigrette

Panini / Sandwiches

Broccoli Rabe & SausageUS$12.00
extra virgin olive oil / garlic / sharp provolone
CapreseUS$10.00
fresh mozzarella /roasted tomatoes / fresh basil / arugula / basil pesto
Chicken MilaneseUS$10.00
breaded cutlet / arugula / red onions / roasted peppers / fresh mozzarella / red wine vinaigrette
FrittataUS$8.00
potatoes /sweet peppers / eggs
Grilled ChickenUS$10.00
house roasted peppers / fresh mozzarella / arugula / balsamic vinaigrette
ParmaUS$12.00
prosciutto di parma / arugula / house roasted peppers / sharp provolone
Veal MilaneseUS$14.00
breaded cutlet / arugula / red onions / roasted peppers / fresh mozzarella / red wine vinaigrette

Battilardo

Affettati (Cured Sliced Meats)
prosciutto di parma / capicolla / hot sopressata / salami / served with ciabatta toast and fruit mostarda
- Pick Any 2 forUS$8.00
- Pick Any 3 forUS$12.00
- Pick Any 5 forUS$20.00
Formaggi
gorgonzola dolce / pecorino toscano / sharp provolone / fontina
- Pick Any 2 forUS$8.00
- Pick Any 3 forUS$12.00
- Pick Any 5 forUS$20.00

Pasta & Risotto

Tonnarelli Cacio E PepeUS$16.00
house made tonnarelli / cacio de roma / fresh ground black pepper
Linguine SicilianoUS$18.00
long hot peppers / anchovies / grape tomatoes / tuscan olive oil / garlic / toasted bread crumbs
Linguine PestoUS$18.00
house made basil pesto / pecorino romano / pignoli nuts / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil / grape tomatoes
Bucatini AmatricianaUS$18.00
pancetta / onions / tomatoes / pecorino romano / chili flakes
Fettucine NorciaUS$20.00
housemade fettucine / cremini / shiitake / porcini / roasted garlic / black truffle butter / roasted grape tomatoes
Paccheri BologneseUS$20.00
veal / beef / pork / tomatoes / touch of cream / parmigiano
Pasta BraidsUS$21.00
brussel sprouts / pancetta / white beans / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil / toasted bread crumbs
Short Ribs PappardelleUS$24.00
house made pappardelle / braised beef short ribs / tomatoes / parmigiano / fresh ricotta
Shrimp RisottoUS$25.00
arborio rice / roasted grape tomatoes / sweet peas/ mushrooms / sherry sauce

Secondi

Chicken OreganataUS$23.00
boneless chicken breast / mushrooms / sweet vinegar peppers / lemon / white wine / oreganata bread crumbs
Veal Alla RomanaUS$25.00
prosciutto / sage / garlic / rosemary / white wine sauce / spinach / roasted potatoes
Pollo ToscanoUS$25.00
free range bone in chicken / roasted garlic / thyme / rosemary / black olives / white wine / pancetta
Grilled North Atlantic SalmonUS$26.00
spinach / roasted potatoes / grape tomatoes / lemon / white wine / garlic / thyme
Jumbo ShrimpUS$27.00
broccoli rabe / cannellini beans / grape tomatoes / fresh garlic / calabrian chili oil / lemon vinaigrette
Grilled Pork ChopUS$28.00
roasted long hot peppers / sweet peppers / caramelized onions / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil / roasted potatoes / sicilian sea salt
Brodetto Di PesceUS$30.00
shrimp / day boat scallops / clams / calamari / prince edward island mussels / garlic / light tomato broth / ciabatta toast

Sides

Polenta and Tomato SauceUS$8.00
Broccoli RabeUS$9.00
MeatballsUS$9.00
Brussels Sprouts and PancettaUS$9.00

What 451 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

451 Reviews

G
Gregory
New York City
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Have been to Bella Luce several times before because the food is always good, and they did not disappoint this time, either. The soups were obviously home made and good. The main courses were also good. The food server was attentive and personable. With the bar situated in the center, the noise level can be higher than we would like. This time, however; the noise was coming from a large table - not much they can do about that. My only disappointment is the ambiance. The section we were in was brightly lit and it was chilly, as evidenced by the space heater they had running. Hopefully, this is a temporary issue. We will return.
Is this helpful?
O
Orlando
New Jersey
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 27 September 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
From a 5 star years ago to a zero now. As soon as we entered the restaurant a very nasty, musky smell hit us. That was STRIKE ONE. STRIKE TWO was the waitress asking us if we preferred tap water or bottled. STRIKE THREE place was empty. We got up and left, but not before telling them why
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D
Debi
VIP
Denver
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 21 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We came to visit friends in NJ. There were 7 of us. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. All of us loved it. When we got there we discovered there was music playing. It was fun music but very loud. They were so nice and moved us in the back so we could talk to each other. The food was fantastic. Great portions. Everyone really enjoyed the evening. Service couldn’t have been better
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 10 July 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, the night we dinned there was a jazz band, so the noise level was high. Food was a bit slow coming out of the kitchen, but I'm sure every night is different. Overall, a good experience.
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SA
SATISFIEDCUSTOMERVERONA
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 June 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All around fantastic. Great service — great food. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 June 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food. Authentic Italian. The modern cannoli dessert is amazing.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Jersey
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 3 May 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
The food was great but the waters were not good at all forgot my drink when questioned the day they gave it to but it was given to another diner very slow long wait time for food
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 May 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Terrific place for lunch. Google kept telling us that the restaurant was closed. It is OPEN FOR LUNCH. They can't get Google to change the info since Covid.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 5 April 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We ordered for appetizers one burrata and rice balls, were great. I ordered a branzino and it was great, veggies and fish was fresh. My wife order lamb chomps and it was great with a rosemary essence. And for dessert the affogato was good and also came with a little shoot of amaretto On the whole it was a nice experience
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LI
LisaI
Atlantic City
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 31 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is not my first Bella Luce review as I eat here often and including some holidays. As always, everything was perfect! I’ve never had a bad meal here!!! I adore the entire staff and the owner Joe. My family and I are treated like part of the Bella Luce family every time we walk through their door. It’s usually all about the food when you choose a restaurant to eat at but here you get it all; phenominal, delicious, cooked perfectly, high quality cuisine, warm and relaxing atmosphere, attentive and friendly staff, stellar chef, great cocktails and a down to earth, fun and loving owner!!!!! If you haven’t tried Bella Luce yet, you have definitely been missing out!
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FAQs

Bella Luce is rated 4.4 stars by 451 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

25 Dec 2024

19:00

507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

Additional information

Area
Nutley
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None

Website
http://www.lucerestaurant.com/
Phone number
(973) 661-4300

Bella Luce

Make a booking

Additional information

Short Ribs Pappardelle

Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe

Linguine Siciliano

Antipasti

Sweet Fennel SausageUS$9.00

AranciniUS$9.00

MeatballsUS$9.00

ArtichokesUS$10.00

Crispy CalamariUS$12.00

Shrimp ArrabiataUS$12.00

Insalate

ArugulaUS$10.00

Di CesareUS$10.00

FarroUS$10.00

CapreseUS$10.00

Pear SaladUS$10.00

Di BarbabietoleUS$10.00

Panini / Sandwiches

Broccoli Rabe & SausageUS$12.00

CapreseUS$10.00

Chicken MilaneseUS$10.00

FrittataUS$8.00

Grilled ChickenUS$10.00

ParmaUS$12.00

Veal MilaneseUS$14.00

Battilardo

Affettati (Cured Sliced Meats)

Formaggi

Pasta & Risotto

Tonnarelli Cacio E PepeUS$16.00

Linguine SicilianoUS$18.00

Linguine PestoUS$18.00

Bucatini AmatricianaUS$18.00

Fettucine NorciaUS$20.00

Paccheri BologneseUS$20.00

Pasta BraidsUS$21.00

Short Ribs PappardelleUS$24.00

Shrimp RisottoUS$25.00

Secondi

Chicken OreganataUS$23.00

Veal Alla RomanaUS$25.00

Pollo ToscanoUS$25.00

Grilled North Atlantic SalmonUS$26.00

Jumbo ShrimpUS$27.00

Grilled Pork ChopUS$28.00

Brodetto Di PesceUS$30.00

Sides

Polenta and Tomato SauceUS$8.00

Broccoli RabeUS$9.00

MeatballsUS$9.00

Brussels Sprouts and PancettaUS$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Bella Luce restaurant rated?

Is Bella Luce currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information