Congratulations are in order for the family‑owned operation Bella Bella as they celebrate 25 years of serving the capital city.
As the late food critic Ashby Stiff wrote in his 2005 Tallahassee Democrat review, “it’s safe to say Bella Bella is a keeper.” This milestone celebration is proof of that staying power and how the restaurant has truly “grown into a beauty.”
A fitting nod to its name, which translates to “beautiful beautiful.”
“We’ve been hard at it for all 25 years, and it’s just —we’re thankful that the community has embraced us and we hopefully will make another 25,” owner Marc Shwartz said in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.
Schwartz’s sister, the other owner of the award-winning restaurant echoed the same sentiment.
“I agree. If it wasn’t for our loyal customers, we wouldn’t be here today. We have…a lot of customers come here two and three times in the week,” she said.
While the official celebration is marked for September, folks around the capital city have already begun honoring this achievement including Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe who presented the Schwartz family with a proclamation.
“We recognized them for 25 years in the food service industry here in Leon County. They took Bella Bella from a small catering business to a cherished Tallahassee dining destination. Congratulations to Amy, Marc and Dana and their entire team!” he wrote in a Facebook post April 16.
A proclamation presented by the Leon County Commission to the owners of Bella Bella for the 25th anniversary of the restaurant is displayed on a cabinet in the restaurant Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The family says they were touched by the recognition.
“It’s gratifying, it really is touching too,” Amy said. “It really was amazing…you don’t get those all the time.
To celebrate they plan to host a customer appreciation, but those details are to come.
When I asked how they were able to do it after all of these years, navigating factors that affect the strongest of restaurateurs from changes in prices and labor costs, to the COVID-19 pandemic and all the woes in between— their golden word was “consistency.”
You can tell the dynamic duo have been a pillar for one another over the two decades. The way they flow throughout the restaurant, they have a rhythm that radiates throughout the restaurant.
Siblings, Marc and Amy Schwartz owners of Bella Bella, pose for a portrait in their restaurant Wednesday April 15, 2026.
For them, consistency means showing up, serving dishes that hit the mark every time, and offering warm, reliable service. Those standards have helped them maintain loyal customers and longtime staff — the foundation of Bella Bella’s place as a Tallahassee landmark.
“It’s been a never ending, evolvement. We started with such a small space and our kitchen grew, our dining and our seating areas have grown. We started with just lunch. and then when we started doing dinner, we weren’t really sure if we were even going to make it. There was no telling if we were going to make it or not,” the chef, Marc said. “Luckily, we just just got a little busier and a little busier and just kept going at it.”
They’ve never relied on advertising. Word‑of‑mouth — and now TikTok — has carried them from seating 12 guests to serving more than 100 for dinner five nights a week. More importantly they became a space residents flocked to celebrate some of life’s most intimate moments. From birthdays to first dates to proposals — they even mentioned people hiding rings in their tiramisu and champagne glasses.
The morning after, left, and basil lemon drop, two of the cocktails served at Bella Bella.
“It really is kind of cool to see how people start their lives and remember that this is the place and always come back,” Amy said. She handles front of house operations said it’s even more special when the whole restaurant joins in on the moment.
In terms of the years ahead, the siblings say “I hope Bella Bella makes it forever.”
Highlights of the Bella Bella menu
Authentic Italian dishes can be enjoyed all over this eclectic restaurant filled with character from the inside, out.
Upon your visit, you can start with the “Great Beginnings.” Look no further because their signature Bubble Bread is just as good as the reviews say it is. The soft Italian bread is topped with a garlic spread, gorgonzola, mozzarella and then is baked until bubbly. Other starters include stuffed mushrooms and fried provolone.
A bite of one of those and a sip of of their crafted cocktails after a long day makes you forget all your troubles, believe me.
Before you get into the entrees, you can enjoy homemade soups and fresh salads like the vibrant “Bella Bella” made with an assortment of seasonal fresh fruit on a bed of artisan greens topped with walnuts and craisins, then served with their signature gorgonzola vinaigrette dressing.
A variety of dishes offered at Bella Bella.
Now onto the “Hot & Hearty Entrees,” which come served with a side Caesar or house salad, bread or cup of soup.
One of the entrees is the “Spinach and Roasted Garlic Stuffed Raviolis” topped with marinara sauce then sprinkled with gorgonzola crumbles.
My new favorite is the simple but flavor packed chicken Parmesan, a breaded chicken topped with house marinara and melted mozzarella. It is served with a side of angel hair and marinara.
For dessert, you can get the “Limoncello Mascarpone Cake” a layered vanilla cake with limoncello mascarpone and topped with white chocolate shavings.
To pair with your entrees and apps, you can enjoy their craft beers, wines, house-made sangrias and craft cocktails. I personally recommend their basil lemon drop.
Customers sit at the bar at Bella Bella, Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
If you go
What: Bella Bella
When: 4 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
Where: 123 E 5th Ave.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: TLH Eats: Bella Bella reflects on 25 years of serving Tallahassee
Dining and Cooking