Other Notes: Bella Italia Restaurant is a treasure here in Kabul. It was one of the last restaurants I reviewed, so I can easy put it’s analysis in perspective. Also please note that I am an Italian guy from New Jersey. This puts me on the short list of people that can accurately define any Italian restaurant in this country. Also, being from NJ, I know tomatoes!
I do not say this lightly, but Bella Italia is really a top notch restaurant for ANY place in the world. The fact that it exists here in Kabul is truly amazing.
First, the security is right up there with the best of them. It is also located on one of the safest streets, in the safest neighborhoods in Kabul.
Once you walk into Bella Italia, you will be struck with how big the place is. There are smaller dining rooms for more intimate affairs, and the main dining room for an excellent dining experience to quickly make you forget where you are.
I didn’t have my normal dining partner with me, in fact, I had a newbie. It was only the second restaurant he has been to in Kabul, and he was knocked off his feet!
Once seated, we were greeted with a complimentary serving of bruschetta, which contained, without a doubt, the best tomatoes in this country! In fact, the tomatoes were so good, I ordered a tomato salad with mozzarella cheese (Bella Italia is the only restaurant with any menu item to contain mozzarella cheese) for my appetizer.
There was a curious note to the menu, it was written in Italian, German, and English. They just happen to be 3 languages that I can speak (albeit only a little Italian.)
When the main course arrived, it was just like I was at my Grandmother’s house. Surely there is an Italian chef behind these creations. They were “Mazadar” (delicious in Dari!)
The atmosphere at Bella Italia is that of any great Italian restaurant. After dinner, I asked to speak to the owner. When he came out (he is also the head chef), he explained to me that he only speaks Italian and German. I told him that was fine and we began a conversation. After the conversation was over, which took place in 4 languages simultaneously; he bought us each a drink and thanked us for coming. My dining partner’s head spun just watching the conversation.
Overall, Bella Italia is getting the top spot in my entire Kabul Dining guide. The two other contenders are still awesome restaurants, but being Italian, I am glad a place like Bella Italia exists!
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