NORTON SHORES, MI – Bella Maria’s Ristorante & Event Center is more than just a venue to gather with family and friends for weddings. It’s a place that offers a Muskegon area staple: spaghetti dinners.
Initially opened by Ted Cerniglia in 2015, the Italian American joint at 513 W. Pontaluna Rd. in Norton Shores is now run by his daughter Francesca Cerniglia-Giddings.
The family is known for their former restaurant Teddy Spaghettis, which opened in 2009 but closed last year due to the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, locals and visitors longed for authentic dishes, so Cerniglia-Giddings hosts a weekly “Teddy’s Night” to keep the tradition alive.
“Nowhere in West Michigan will you find a venue like Bella Maria’s,” the business states online. “Each room is beautifully decorated with a warm inviting style, and beautiful chandeliers — from rooms for small private events to the grand ballroom and large outdoor event tent, we have it all. Authentic Italian and American classics grace the menu from old-world generational family recipes.”
Customers can expect all the fan favorites offered at Teddy Spaghetti’s every Thursday, including spaghetti, lasagna, toasted ravioli, Italian mac-n-cheese, baked ziti, chicken piccata, fresh pizza, and more.
If that’s not enough to curb your cravings, grab a plate of the meatballs, seafood risotto or homemade brown butter sage alfredo with roasted butternut squash.
There is also a buffet for those just finishing the day in need of a hearty dinner. The cost is $21.95 for adults, $10.95 for children ages 4-9, and discounts for seniors and veterans.
During the summer, Bella Maria’s also offers live music on the patio for an evening of Italian dishes and great entertainment.
Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Visit bellamariasristorante.com for menu details and to make a reservation. The phone number is 231-563-6914.
Would you like MLive to consider featuring your favorite restaurant in Michigan’s Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Skyla Jewell-Hammie at sjewell-hammie@mlive.com.
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