Cala Bella — Restaurant in Oak Ridge

Dining at Cala Bella was an unforgettable experience — the kind that reminds you why Italian cuisine is loved all over the world. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was elegant yet relaxed, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that immediately set the tone for a perfect evening.

I started with the freshly baked bread, served warm and golden. It was so good it should come with a warning — absolutely dangerous! Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, it paired perfectly with the olive oil and made it hard to stop eating before the main course even arrived.

Then came the star of the night — the lasagna. It was simply perfect. Layers of tender pasta, creamy béchamel, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned meat all came together in a comforting, flavorful harmony. Every bite melted in the mouth. You could taste the freshness of the ingredients and the care that went into making it — truly authentic, traditional Italian done right.

To accompany the meal, I ordered a glass of Primitivo wine from Puglia, and it was outstanding. Deep, full-bodied, and beautifully smooth, it complemented the lasagna perfectly — a pairing that felt both refined and satisfying.

The staff were exceptional — attentive, friendly, and professional. They went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, from the wine recommendation to the timing of each course. Their warm hospitality added a personal touch that made the evening even more enjoyable.

Overall, Cala Bella delivers on every level — amazing food, excellent wine, and first-class service. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you want to savor every moment. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a solo escape, or a place to celebrate something special, Cala Bella is an easy five-star choice. I’ll...

We hosted our rehearsal dinner in the private room at Cala Bella with 41 guests, and overall we had a truly wonderful experience. The service was fantastic, and the staff was incredibly kind, attentive, and very accommodating throughout the entire evening. Dinner did run a bit later than expected, so we unfortunately did not have time for dessert since we had to head down to the pool bar for our welcome party. To be fair, we were running about 15 minutes behind schedule ourselves, and we were giving speeches, so I believe the team was being respectful and waiting to avoid interrupting us. In the end, the food was absolutely worth the wait. Everyone raved about it! We started with charcuterie boards, followed by salads and entrée choices of Wagyu steak or chicken Parmesan. Every dish was delicious and beautifully prepared. The cost was definitely higher than anticipated, especially once alcohol was added, but the quality and service helped justify it. I would also like to mention Alison Tomaska, the Food and Beverage Outlets Sales & Catering Manager, who helped us book both our rehearsal dinner and welcome party. She was very kind and helpful throughout the planning process. I felt as though she really let us customize our menu, which was amazing! The only small issue was that her email responses could be a little slow at times, but everything came together perfectly in the end (I was also a stressed bride that wanted answers lol). Our welcome party at the pool bar was also a hit. The location was perfect and everyone had a great time. Thank you so much to the entire Cala Bella team for helping make our wedding weekend so special. We are very grateful and would definitely recommend hosting...

Disappointing Experience at Cala Bella – Overpriced and Underdelivered

I recently dined at Cala Bella while attending a conference at Rosen Shingle Creek. Given the resort’s popularity for large events, the restaurant was understandably busy. However, the overall experience was disappointing, especially for the price point.

I ordered the Pan Seared Lasagna, described as Wagyu beef Bolognese, San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, silky ricotta, béchamel, and oregano. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat. While it’s expected for a lasagna to have a browned top, this dish had clear burn marks not only on top but on the bottom as well, resulting in a burnt flavor throughout. It was evident it had spent too long in the pan.

We began with a basket of mixed bread, which I’d rate as average—it tasted fresh but wasn’t particularly memorable. Their wine list is extensive, though I opted for a Diet Coke. Sadly, the service was lacking. Despite the busy night, our server seemed more focused on clearing tables than checking on guests. I had to flag him down just to get a refill.

Portion size was generous, but the lasagna came à la carte—no salad, no side. With tax and tip, my meal of lasagna and a soda totaled $50. For what was served, it was perhaps one of the worst $50 meals I’ve ever had.

There were at least two other people at my table who ordered the same thing. One of them raved about it saying that it was worth the wait, the other said to me on the way out. That they had found the dish very disappointing. So mixed reviews from our group.

If you’re staying at the resort and looking for a better dining option, I highly recommend Tobias Burgers & Brew instead—I’ll be reviewing...