Bella Luna — Restaurant in Aventura

We came here as a party of 5, looking for some very nice Italian eats. This place is located at the Aventura Mall. When you walk in, it feels like you are walking into a real Italian eatery, with these beautiful floors and this wonderful décor. Unfortunately, this is where the enchantment ends. We ordered some mushrooms, a carpaccio, artichoke, Burrata, and the Spiedino to start. The burrata and the Spiedino were excellent, however there was something interesting regarding the Burrata, it is server with a salad on the side however its simply dry and they provide a tomato dressing on the side? The reason why it was a question is because we were not sure how it was supposed to be eaten, as we just mixed it on our plate which led to less then favorable outcomes. The Carpaccio was some very thinly sliced salmon, tuna, and octopus, which was great until you actually tried to get some on your plate and you realize you are literally ripping up paper thin slices of this fish off the plate. While the dish “looks cool” the actual execution and eating of the dish leaves a lot to be desired as it is so difficult to transfer of the place and eat. Upon scanning the menu this second time to pick out our entrees, we noticed something very interesting about the chef. It seems he loves mushrooms, rather I should say mushroom… Mainly the portobello mushroom. There was a underlying theme here, almost every dish features portobello mushrooms. My wife ordered a lasagna, our guests ordered a Salmon, another Speidino (we liked it that much), and a red seafood soup, I opted out of ordering a full entrée and went with a chicken Caesar salad as none of the entrees caught my eye. I was not in the mood for Chicken breast which was the only poultry they had, and The seafood soup was good, but absolutely nothing special. The Salmon was dry but the lobster cream redeemed the dish overall. The lasagna was heavy and tasted as if it were store bought, and oddly enough the Cesare salad was lacking. I am not sure what exactly it was lacking as I could not put my finger on it. They placed the chicken on the side of the salad and it was very dry. The dressing of the salad was simply missing something, whether it was lacking anchovies, or some other issue I don’t know but it was lacking. Overall I would come here again for the Spiedino, but I don’t think I would go out of my way for what is essentially a high-end grilled cheese sandwich, I really hope we just came on an off day, because judging from other reviews there were dishes I would have liked to order but are simply not on the menu at the time, or perhaps was a special I missed out on. One person mentioned Ossobucco but we did not see anything, nor were we offered any specials. This was by the way a...

We had a very disappointing meal experience today. There were 4 of us for lunch. And each of us ordered something different. When given the specials for the day, we were not also given the prices that went along with them. Strike one. Strike two was when I ordered an alcoholic beverage and because of language barrier or some other reason, I was not brought the beverage that I was requesting. Instead I was brought a can of soda pop. When I explained to the third (3rd) person that I talked to about what I really needed, I was finally given the shot of alcohol to go in my glass. However, at the end of the meal I was charged full price for the soda pop PLUS a shot of alcohol. For the record, the problem is $6.95 and the shot of alcohol not an upper shelf brand... Was $18.95. This was a very basic drink! I paid $26 for a simple drink. Strike three was when the four of us received our checks none of us realized that a 20% gratuity have been added to EACH of our meals. And a message of "great" ... Which it definitely was not! I tried to explain my frustration to the waitress and received a one shoulder shrug. Nothing that shows she even cared.I generally don't like to make a big deal or cause problems, but I did ask to speak to manager. By the time she arrived, the charged had already gone to my card. I them tried to explain to the manager. She did offer to take the soda off... By that point It already all been charged to my card and I did not want to go to the trouble of reversing that single charge with my friends were waiting. And she also had gaven me a very tepid response, which was very disappointing. If it's their policy is to add a 20% top to groups of four, they really need to have that written out somewhere. We were forced to give the waitress a 20% tip for service and an experience that was definitely not deserving of that. I would without a doubt think two or three times about ever going to this restaurant again. Our meals were good but they were definitely not stellar. And the staff had a very difficult time understanding most of our basic requests. If It's that they didn't know what we needed, they should get a manager or someone else to help when there was a gap in communication or...

In the bustling landscape of Aventura Mall lies a culinary treasure, Bella Luna Italian Restaurant. As a seasoned critic of Italian cuisine and a frequenter of top-tier eateries, I find Bella Luna to stand out not just as a mall dining option but as a beacon of authentic Italian cooking in the area.

My experience here was highlighted by the Pollo Cipriani, a dish that can only be described as a symphony of flavors, perfectly cooked and presented. It’s a dish that would satisfy even the most discerning palate. For the younger guests, their butter noodles and meatballs are a simple yet delightful choice. And let’s not forget the bread – warm, soul-soothing, and a perfect introduction to a memorable meal.

The staff at Bella Luna is the epitome of professionalism blended with warmth. Attentive without being intrusive, they strike the perfect balance, ensuring every guest feels both welcomed and expertly cared for. This level of service truly enhances the dining experience. I appreciate their patience with my youngest daughter who always wants more and more Parmesan cheese.

The ambience of Bella Luna is a refreshing departure from the typical mall atmosphere. Located near a quieter entrance, it offers a respite from the mall’s hustle and bustle, setting the stage for a more refined Italian dining experience.

A unique hallmark of Bella Luna is their bread and olive oil - a seemingly simple offering that transcends expectation in both quality and taste. It’s these small details that elevate the overall dining experience. They have an excellent wine list and perfectly made cocktails.

Comparatively speaking, Bella Luna easily surpasses similar Italian restaurants found in mall settings, such as Villagio. The attention to detail in both cuisine and service sets it apart.

In terms of improvements, it’s hard to pinpoint any specific area needing attention. Bella Luna delivers on all fronts – food, service, and atmosphere.

A confident five stars from me for Bella Luna Italian Restaurant. It’s a must-visit for those seeking an Italian culinary journey in a setting that offers both tranquility and culinary excellence. Bella Luna is not just a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you longing for...