Bella Cucina — Restaurant in South Island

We booked online in August for a table in November when planning our trip as did not want to miss dining here. We had entree, main and dessert plus a red wine and an iced wine with dessert, cost was $90ph. We were a group of 4 which two days before turned into a group of six and it was great that this could be accommodated. We were seated inside along the wall with a table for 2 and a table for 4 with the main thoroughfare between us. First time here but it would have been better to sit outside on a table for six. We had the beef carpaccio which was OK but they forgot the aioli - the flavour was good and fresh. The Burrata was also good, very fresh but I would suggest a better more robust olive oil be served on the side, also no fig vincotto was served with our dish. We had the Gamberi pizza as a main and it was delicious, such a great flavour. The Risotto Alla Gamberi was delicious and perfect. Dessert was the Panna Cotta with berries which was OK but the portion size was small for this dessert. The wine/drinks list is good. Our main meals all came out at different times which was so disappointing, we had to request items we had ordered and did not arrive - we were brought extra items we had not ordered and the bill had items on it that we had not ordered. We had to request cutlery and a serving spoon for the Risotto after it was placed on the table and the waitress left and did not return with serving/eating cutlery. Yes, they were busy as the staff kept rushing by our tables but the lack of attend to detail with the food, service, our orders and bill should not happen with a restaurant of...

A Gastronomic Delight at Bella Cucina

From the moment I stepped into Bella Cucina, I knew I was in for a treat. Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, this gem of a restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides a delightful culinary journey.

My experience was made unforgettable by the Carbonara - a dish that was nothing short of spectacular. The pasta, freshly made, was perfectly al dente, enveloping a flavor profile that was both rich and meticulously balanced. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s dedication to authentic Italian cooking, and the deliciously creamy sauce was a highlight, showcasing the genuine and honest preparation that Bella Cucina prides itself on.

To complement my meal, I chose a glass of zesty fresh Vermentino wine, on the recommendation of Serena, who deserves a special mention. Her clear, friendly communication and knowledgeable suggestions greatly enhanced my dining experience. Serena’s expertise in pairing the wine with the Carbonara was impeccable, elevating the meal to new heights.

Bella Cucina is not just about the food; it’s about the experience. The atmosphere is welcoming, with an ambiance that combines rustic charm with a touch of elegance, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.

In summary, Bella Cucina is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine in Queenstown. The combination of freshly made pasta, expertly crafted flavors, and warm hospitality makes for an unforgettable dining experience. Massive thanks to Serena and the entire team at Bella Cucina for a truly awesome meal...

I don’t understand the 5 star ratings. They are bewildering to me. Maybe it’s just my selection, or I’m just unlucky. You can be the judge yourself. But I’ll be just going to Ferg Burger across the street instead next time.

Service is average, and atmosphere is ok. No major complains.

But the combination of food quality, amount and price, does not make sense to me. I ordered the spaghetti vongole $36. Taste is average for that price. What’s unacceptable - the spaghetti is lumped together, in quite a sizeable chunk. This is the first time I’ve ever experienced this, in any Italian restaurant I’ve been. I don’t even understand how such a large chunk of spaghetti can be lumped together, without being noticed during cooking. Check out the photo, and you can decide for yourself. I should probably have taken a video, to illustrate it more clearly.

The margarita pizza $34 is acceptable, although it wouldn’t call it value for money.

The gnocchi $40 is average taste, but for such a small amount, it’s over priced in my humble opinion. Check out the photo, and decide for yourself.

Check out the other 1 star reviews, and you’ll see many common issues, and understand what I mean.

Ps. After spending more time reading the other reviews, I noticed many of the 5 stars ratings, all mentioned the server names, which is suspiciously “interesting”. Other restaurant’s 5 stars ratings, don’t seem to have similar emphasis on the server names. Check it out for yourself. You be the judge. I’m familiar of certain strategy to get 5 stars...