Bella Napoli is an authentic Italian restaurant and market located in Brookside in Kansas City, Missouri. Though I didn’t experience Bella Napoli until I was 16, the food quickly won me over. I don’t think you can go wrong with a single item on their menu. The pizza, the pasta, the salads and the sandwiches are ALL good!
I have spent many gorgeous afternoons eating on their patio, looking out onto lovely Brookside. Brookside is the neighborhood where I grew up but within it is a four-block area of shopping and food. The historic Brookside shops have been around since 1919. Bella Napoli has been there since 2001 and enhances the charm and prosperity of the area.
Bella Napoli has been a classic spot for my friends and I to convene when we are home from college. I have also dined there a considerable amount of times with my grandma. The energy and milieu of Bella Napoli are great and that’s another reason it’s always a go-to for me. The place kind of revives me. The genuine service, authentic food and fantastic location make the perfect combination to put me in a good mood.
My ideal Bella Napoli experience is at lunchtime. My favorite on their menu is decently simple but hits the spot every time. I usually order the Americano sandwich from the deli. This sandwich has turkey, parma cotto, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, mayo and mustard all served on a fresh baguette. The mustard is my favorite part, it’s a delicious dijon.
Besides this sandwich, they also have the best margarita pizza. But all of their pizzas are good. The meatball sandwich is also a classic and probably the best one I’ve ever had.
The inside of Bella Napoli is always hustling and bustling. There are many groups that seem to frequent the restaurant and enjoy lunch or breakfast. Sometimes you see people enjoying lunch alone on the patio. One thing is guaranteed, there’s always laughter in the air. The walls are lined with shelves of fresh pasta, pasta sauce, coffee, and wine all straight from Italy. You can also order authentic Italian cheeses and meats from the deli.
I worked at a toy store in Brookside for five years and this was my favorite place to recommend to people visiting—it was always an easy answer. If visiting Kansas City, this is a great restaurant to try. Everyone loves Italian, especially when it’s this good.
Ruthie's Writings. 