Bella Vita Italian Market — Local services in Peters Township

This retail shop opened just this past Memorial Day weekend and we were told about by some friends. We were driving past and decided to stop in on a whim. The store is in the Ace Plaza and to get in, you have to be alert for the entrance from the street as there is no entrance from Washington Rd (Rte 19). There are other retail stores in this little strip mall as well - the most visible one from the main road is a Benjamin Moore paint store.

There are a couple of tables set up outside the store and a paper sign in a window stating that they serve hot coffee and espressos. I did see a carafe of coffee, but not an espresso machine. Being late in the afternoon on a 90 degree day, we decided not to partake of that, but I can see how it might be fun to do some day.

The interior of the store is brightly lit and well organized with lots of different Italian specialties being featured, for the most part. You can find various pastas, spices, canned tomato products, cookies, and more. Mancini breads are also sold here. There is a deli counter that features Boars Head meats and cheeses so you can have them make you sandwiches to go as well as pepperoni rolls that they must be willing to heat up as I saw a microwave standing behind the deli counter. there is also a small selection of cheeses and meats from Italy across from the deli counter. Finally, we saw a small quantity of prepared foods like pasta trays and soups that are refrigerated so you can buy them and warm them up at home.

Prices seemed high to us compared to other specialty stores, and the one clerk we asked a question of (Do you have any Trenne Past?) was not familiar with what they carried, so that's why I am only giving this place a four star rating at this point.

Still, it's worth a stop...

I found Bella Vita today, and what a gem! I came looking for Italian meats and cheeses. I found everything I was looking for and was introduced to a new salami. Valentino was amazing! He patiently answered my questions, and recommended some items that I had never tried before.

The store is beautifully decorated and organized. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. It really feels like an old fashioned neighborhood establishment, but updated with the times.

I will be returning soon to try the beautiful pastries, breads, and prepared foods.

I love supporting local businesses, and I am now...

Thank you! We needed this place! Stopped in on a Sunday just to check it out and ended up purchasing some cooked sausage and meatballs and both were delicious! The sauce by Kaye on the meatballs and sausage tasted so good Also purchased a piece of cannoli cake....omg! Lastly, i sampled the death by chocolate gelato and loved it. Since Uncommon Market closed here in the South Hills, there's been a huge void. Although not nearly the stock and variety of the Uncommon Market, I'm glad this place opened. It has everything I...