Hometown Eats: Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant

TROUTVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) – When talking Italian food, it’s always about the family, even if the family isn’t from Italy.

Even though there are thousands of miles between the owner’s hometown and the old country, Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant in Troutville delivers the goods. We’ll show you in this week’s Hometown Eats!

“Small-town feel. Family-owned and operated. The service here is awesome,” said regular customer JR.

“Customers like the food, I like,” said Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant owner Lorenzo Lemus.

And from what they told me, these customers love this food! Welcome to Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant in the Mountain View Plaza on Lee Highway in Troutville.

I asked regular customer Ethel, “What is it you love to eat?” She cut me off, excited saying, “Everything! Anything they make, I’ll eat.”

See, they’ll eat anything that comes out of Lorenzo Lemus’ kitchen.

“It’s a home recipe,” said Lorenzo.

Lorenzo came to America from Honduras in his 20s searching for the American dream. He found it when he bought Bella Pizza in May 2017.

“Hard work but exciting work in this place,” added Lorenzo.

“This is something he’s always wanted, and I’ve seen the hard work he’s put into the business,” said Lorenzo’s daughter and general manager of Bella Pizza Crystal, who remembers the first week they were open.

“It was super packed. We didn’t know where to fit people in and it was a little stressful, but it was great to see the loyalty of customers that used to come with the others and now they’re coming to us,” she said.

“I brought my husband here for years when it was just a small Bella and I still come since I lost him and they’re always very nice,” said Ethel.

“We’ve made them feel special and I think that’s what brings so many customers in because we make them feel at home,” added Crystal.

And like a family, it’s always growing. They’ve added another dining room and brought back the beloved daily lunch buffet for $12.95 for adults, $9.99 for kids.

“We have pasta, wings, pizza, salad bar. Now we’re doing a homemade banana pudding. Everyone craves it,” said Crystal.

Even though there are 6,000 miles between Italy and Honduras, don’t think this food isn’t authentic. The marinara is made by the gallons and is used in just about every dish. Case in point, the chicken with vodka sauce with sautéed onions and mushrooms.

“I like it for myself, the chicken vodka sauce,” said Lorenzo.

“Probably the most famous dish. Homemade lasagna, we make it from scratch,” said Crystal.

“You got to try the calzone here, it is absolutely unreal, it’s huge. It’s two meals in one,” said JR.

Since it’s in the name, you know they go through lots of pizza. There’s rarely a time when the oven is empty. Maybe you’re not in the mood for pasta or a slice. There’s still plenty more on the menu to satisfy whatever craving you might have.

“Philly cheesesteak, delicious,” said Lorenzo.

While the portions may be big, save room for a little cannoli or cheesecake.

Whether it’s your first time or hundredth, Lorenzo’s creations will coming back for a second plate.

“Usually once a week, usually on Friday. We’ll gather up a big order of pizzas and calzones and go back and feast,” said JR.

“Thanks to them we’ve been able to achieve goals that we’ve had in mind. We love everyone who has been our biggest supporters,” said Crystal.

“I like to see the families happy,” said Lorenzo. The last thing he said during the interview was simply, “Bon Appetit!”

Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant, one of Troutville’s tastiest hometown eats!

Bella Pizza Italian Restaurant is located at 2716 Lee Hwy, Troutville, VA 24175 and is open Monday through Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday noon to 8 pm.