Bella Vita — Restaurant in Lilburn

I ordered frequently from Dante's before new ownership. Today was my first order with Bella Vita (at least 6 months since my last Dante's order). I had taken a break from pizza take out, and then tried some other places. I was craving it today so figured I would try them out. I love all the beautiful plants in the restaurant. I am a houseplant hoarder so I appreciate that. I was welcomed when I arrived. Service was friendly. Service was fast. For the food... I ordered a 7 PC wing. I get home and open my food, and realize the wings look a little shabby. I was missing a wing (only 6, and 2 were small)! Don't know what happened there. I also instructed extra crispy. I know the wings are baked so I need them cooked longer, but they weren't. They were kind of chewy and rubbery. The hot honey sauce was watery and tasted like sugar water. There was a scant hint of hot. The stromboli looked pretty, but it was also lightly cooked (doughy/soggy?) Topping portion was eh. The cheese was bland. For $16 I expected a little more. No marinara came with the stromboli. I always got marinara in the box when it was Dante's. Maybe you have to purchase it separately now? They charge you the credit card surcharge fee. This is the first restaurant I have been to that ever charged the fee to use credit card. There was no option for me to choose cash online, so I paid the 49 cents. Overall, service good (besides my missing wing), but food was slacking. Maybe I will give it another go one day and be able to...

I could write a lot about why I miss Dante’s, but others are already doing this. It’s hard to not compare, but I will do my best. I got the Meatball Pomodoro appetizer as a solo meal as I did countless times when this place was owned by Dante’s. Gladly, the portion size is still the same (minus fresh mozzarella melted on top and basil leaves). Overall, this was not bad at all. I think Dante’s had a secret recipe because it’s missing a certain ingredient that I will not name here so as to keep the ages old recipe a secret to the famous Dante. But it all seriousness, the meatballs have a lot of flavor, well seasoned, and I am more impressed than I thought I would be! If Bella Vita continues to make the Meatball Pomodoro this way then I will be a faithful customer and probably the only person that orders this as a solo meal just like I did when this place was Dante’s. If Bella Vita learns my name because of the dish I order then the customer service will still be on par with Dante’s. Having a reliable local pizzeria isn’t just about the pizza. As long as Bella Vita carries those same values as the previous owners, they will do just fine. I will try a grandma style pizza in a few months once the wheels are...

My family has been eating Dantes (now Bella Vita) once a week (sometimes twice) since we moved to the area 3 years ago. It was simply the best pizza I have ever had (other than Umberto’s on Long Island). The price was good and the staff are absolutely amazing. They always had a small piece of candy for the kids (which I was saddened to hear they will no longer be doing). The first couple of weeks was average pizza (to be expected after such a big change). Last week was really good. A lot has changed but I would still put them in my top 5. They seem to be getting into the stride of things after the change. My family will continue to order here for our weekly pizza night as it’s definitely the best in the area. If you were a fan of Dante’s, definitely give this place a try. I think it will...