The service was very prompt; we were seated immediately. However, reservations are suggested on Fridays and Saturdays.
Our server was polite and very knowledgeable of the menu -- not only of what the dishes contained but also how they tasted. Our water glasses never went beyond half full, yet our server didn't hover over us.
Although La Bella Trattoria offers a complimentary glass of wine -- Bianca (white), Chiante (dry red), or Labrusca (chilled, sweet red) -- or a glass of Yuengling Lager with the meals, they do not have a liquor license.
Diners may bring their own alcohol
if they show proper identification. The Bianca was nice and light, while the Labrusca had a sweet, but not overpowering, flavor.
While La Bella's list of entrées was extensive and variant, their list of appetizers was not. They only offer five appetizers: wild mushrooms in brandied cream sauce, shrimp cocktail, antipasto (roasted vegetables in olive oil), crab seasoned with horseradish and blended with creamed cheese, and smoked provolone. The price range for the appetizers is $5.99 to $6.99.
La Bella has an assortment of items on the menu to suit any taste, including steak, fish, veal, chicken and pasta dishes, which range from $9.99 to $19.99.
The Mediterranean Linguine -- containing shrimp, feta cheese, garlic, zucchini, squash, black olives and tomatoes tossed with linguine and olive oil -- had a nice spiced flavor that didn't overpower the taste of the shrimp.
The Pollo Saltimbocca -- a boneless chicken breast stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto and served with a red sauce -- was a nice combination.
The chicken, however, was the best part; it had a full flavor that was not masked by the sauce.
The only problem with the dish was that the cooks put the cheese and prosciutto on top of the chicken, not inside of it like the menu described.
The Chicken Parmigiana, another traditional favorite, also was full of flavor with just the right amount of cheese and red sauce.
The breading, like that on the smoked provolone, was very light and flaky and not too greasy.
Diners can create their own dinner for $9.99 to $10.99 by choosing their own combination of pasta and sauce.
La Bella's dessert menu is quite delicious and varied.
The Tiramisu, the best we've ever tasted, is very rich and smooth. We ate it slow to enjoy every last morsel.
The cheesecake -- made with a graham-cracker crust and topped with caramel, pecans and chocolate -- possessed a rich and creamy taste.
Other items on the dessert menu are four-layered chocolate cake, cannoli and traditional cheesecake with strawberry topping.
La Bella Trattoria is a non-smoking establishment and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.
The restaurant is also open on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Reservations can be made by calling 353-8808.
