Seemor
Bella Luna RestaurantB+Worth Trying
574 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
· Italian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (829 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Reliable Upper West Side Italian with friendly daytime service, solid pastas and pizzas, and kid-friendly options, though takeout consistency and a few service/management complaints temper the praise.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Bella Luna delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong food quality highlighted by excellent pastas, pizzas, and tiramisu, paired with attentive service that makes regulars feel welcomed by name. However, inconsistent execution between dine-in and takeout service, along with recent recipe changes that disappointed some patrons, prevents the grade from reaching higher territory. It's a reliable local favorite rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with plants overhead and a steady hum of conversation. Regulars note they are greeted by name, and one diner shared, "our server remembered our usual and checked in just right." It is a casual spot with friendly daytime service and enough polish for a comfortable date night. The cooking leans classic Italian comfort more than trendy fusion: thin-crust pizzas, fresh pastas, and reliable seafood. Highlights include linguine with clams and a tiramisu that several call best-in-class. Not every dish lands—recent complaints about the eggplant parmesan change and an occasional soggy pizza surface—but most diners find it a solid, satisfying neighborhood choice. Families tend to do well here at lunch or earlier dinners thanks to kid-friendly staples like Margherita pizza, pasta with meatballs, and fries. A few reports describe staff asking to quiet toddlers during busier times; if visiting with very young children, aim for daytime hours and choose simple items from the pizza and pasta sections.
At a Glance
- Neighborhood favorite with many loyal regulars
- Strong pastas, pizzas, and standout tiramisu
- Inconsistent takeout quality and portion complaints
- Occasional service/management friction reported
- Eggplant parmesan recipe/prep changes disappoint some regulars
What Sets It Apart
- longtime_neighborhood_following
- brick_oven_pizza_focus
- attentive_daytime_service
What People Love
- Warm, welcoming daytime service
- Tiramisu that tastes homemade
- Thin-crust brick oven pizzas
- Fresh, satisfying classic pastas
Points of Concern
- Takeout/delivery quality and portions vary; some report shrinkage and blander flavors
- A few tense interactions with management or hosts, especially around seating and kids
- Eggplant parmesan recipe/prep appears to have changed; multiple negative reactions
- Automatic gratuity confusion noted by one reviewer; check bills carefully
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Burrata ($16), Rigatoni Alla Norma ($22), Margherita Pizza ($20)
- Seafood fans: Linguini with Clams ($26), Grilled Salmon ($29), Branzini ($29)
- Value lunch: share a pizza and salad to keep costs moderate
Perfect For
- Casual date on the Upper West Side
- Weekday lunch with colleagues
- Family dinner with pizza and pasta lovers
- Neighborhood go-to when you want comfort Italian
Location Insights
Area: Leafy residential corridor with steady local foot traffic; families and longtime neighborhood regulars frequent nearby shops and cafes.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit blocks with consistent pedestrian activity; typical urban caution at late hours.
Nearby: Close to Central Park, museums, and boutique retail; many casual restaurants and coffee spots nearby.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from classic New York delis and casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong community feel and steady foot traffic from locals and tourists visiting nearby attractions like the American Museum of Natural History.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a sub-area of the Upper West Side centered around Columbus Avenue and Broadway, known for its theaters, performing arts venues, and a concentration of trendy restaurants and bars. It attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking entertainment and dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–21:30
Tuesday12:00–21:30
Wednesday12:00–21:30
Thursday12:00–21:30
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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