Bella Pasta seems to be one of the last family-owned Italian restaurants in Fresno that gives customers a true picture of a classic European dinner.
First opened in 1991, Bella Pasta still thrives today. The owner still strives to keep classic Italian flavors alive in the restaurant, offering her family’s own recipes. However, nearly every classic Italian dish is offered with a twist, revamping the idea of homemade Italian.
The relatively small restaurant, located in North Fresno on the northwest corner of Cedar and Herndon, includes an outdoor patio for guests to enjoy the fresh weather. Inside, Bella Pasta is furnished with warm, rich colors such as rustic red, black and brown. Single candles on each table give the restaurant a private yet welcoming atmosphere. A bar towards the back offers an alternative for older crowds as well.
After taking our drink order, our server brought a bowl of white square cut focaccia bread with green aregenos sprinkled on it. Before baking this bread, it is covered with olive oil. The end result is classic Italian garlic bread with strong but pleasant favors.
After looking over the menu, we decided on the $10 crab cakes for an appetizer, which came on a large spinach leaf with a slice of lemon with aoli sauce and a carved carrot to add color to the dish. The crab cakes were hot and crispy, bread crumbs coating the outside. Minced tomatoes and onions gave the crab cakes a strong taste, but the flavors compliment one another well.
After we finished our crab cakes, our main courses arrived: spinach ravioli with red sauce flavored by gnocchi and salmon ($16), a plate of Pappardelle Campagnola ($17) and a plate of pumpkin ravioli topped with crushed hazelnuts ($23).
The spinach ravioli, though the plainest of our entrees, was the healthiest choice and rich in flavor. The Pappardelle Campagnola, a homemade dish, was accented with spicy red sauce, chicken, peas and mushrooms.
The red sauce with gnocchi and salmon was a lighter dish with simple flavors. The gnocchi literally melted in my mouth, while the salmon was light and fresh-tasting. Though I was not a fan of the salmon and red sauce combination, the dish was still a definite success.
Our third dish was by far the most interesting. Though pumpkin raviolis may not sound appetizing, this pasta proved unique and tasty. With a peppery cream sauce and a crunch of sweet hazelnuts, the flavor of the pumpkin raviolis reminded me of the classic and popular autumn pie.
Our bill came out to be $49.40 to feed three mouths plus extra to take home. We ordered kids size versions of the adult entr
