Introduction to Bella Luna
New York’s dining landscape is mercurial—restaurants arrive in a blaze and vanish without ceremony. Yet for nearly four decades, Bella Luna has remained a glowing constant on the Upper West Side, beloved for its timeless Italian soul and unfaltering hospitality.
History and Ownership
Founded in 1988 by restaurateur Turgut Balikci and co-owned by Guray Yuksel, Bella Luna is less a restaurant than an institution, a gathering place where continuity feels like luxury.
Menu and Culinary Guidance
Under the culinary guidance of consulting chef Cesare De Chellis, the menu honors its roots while leaning into a modern sensibility: signature family-recipe meatballs swimming in tomato and ricotta, linguini with clams glistening with olive oil and garlic, classics executed with restraint that borders on reverence.
Brunch at Bella Luna
I visited for brunch, where Bella Luna quietly proves its mastery. The beef carpaccio arrived delicate yet assertive, its thin slices dressed with balance rather than excess. The smoked salmon eggs Benedict married silk and velvet in a union that lingered long after the plate was cleared. Steak and eggs felt like abundance itself—simple, forthright, deeply satisfying.
Drinks and Cocktails
Drinks deserve their own ovation. The pumpkin-laced espresso martini is autumn distilled into seduction, equal parts comfort and sin. Old Fashioneds, dark and fragrant, unfurled with brooding elegance—cocktails that remind you New York is still capable of romance.
The Secret to Bella Luna’s Success
Bella Luna thrives because it does not chase novelty; it embodies constancy. In a city where the new is worshipped and the old discarded, Bella Luna insists on the sensual power of tradition. The restaurant remains what it has always been: a place of conviviality, beauty, and flavor, where dining is not consumption but communion.
Conclusion
Bella Luna endures, not out of nostalgia, but because it still knows how to make us swoon. With its timeless Italian soul, unfaltering hospitality, and commitment to tradition, Bella Luna remains a beloved institution on the Upper West Side.
FAQs
What is the history of Bella Luna?
Bella Luna was founded in 1988 by restaurateur Turgut Balikci and co-owned by Guray Yuksel.
What type of cuisine does Bella Luna serve?
Bella Luna serves Italian cuisine with a modern sensibility.
What are some popular menu items at Bella Luna?
Some popular menu items include signature family-recipe meatballs, linguini with clams, beef carpaccio, smoked salmon eggs Benedict, and steak and eggs.
Does Bella Luna have a brunch menu?
Yes, Bella Luna has a brunch menu that is highly recommended.
What is the address and phone number of Bella Luna?
Bella Luna is located at 574 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side, and can be reached at 212-877-2267. The website is bellalunanyc.com.
