The most profound Italian flavors begin with one thing: excellent ingredients. This is the core belief at Bella Vita Bistro, an upscale Italian restaurant in Xuhui that has now launched new seasonal dishes amidst a backdrop of festive decor.
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About Bella Vita Bistro
Located within a gorgeous villa on Tianping Lu, Bella Vita Bistro spans two inviting floors, each currently radiating the joyous spirit of the festive season. Downstairs, the dining room is wrapped in festive warmth, with windows adorned by the gentle glow of fairy lights and large, rustic wreaths.
Upstairs, thistle garlands cascade from the wooden lofted ceiling, enhancing the intimate and cozy atmosphere.
And despite the coming winter months, even the beautiful 24-seater rooftop terrace sports the season’s cheer.
On The Menu
The kitchen’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors starts with knowing exactly where their ingredients come from.
As General Manager Samuele Rossi emphasizes, this means sourcing specific (non-generic) cheeses from Italy and even visiting cattle farms in Uruguay for their prized house wagyu cuts. This same hands-on care is given to their house-made fresh pasta.
The new menu features a selection of standout dishes, including a hearty paccheri pasta with braised octopus that’s made for sharing, a rich seasonal mushroom dish with bold Baruffaldi gorgonzola, and their signature Fiorentina, a magnificently thick-cut porterhouse steak.
Marinated anchovies with herbs and butter
To start, the Stuzzichini dell’Aperitivo (¥88) is a great opening act. Featuring anchovies marinated in a parsley, garlic, and vinegar sauce with herbs and butter on grilled sourdough, it’s a savory, briny flavor bomb that awakens the palate.
Coppa with figs and Pecorino Romano
And of course, when in Italy, you can’t skip salumi. The Capocollo (¥138) is a cut above your usual cold cut platters, featuring high-fat coppa paired with the jammy sweetness of caramelized winter figs, sharp Pecorino Romano, walnuts, and peppery rocket.
Radicchio and Baruffaldi Gorgonzola
Next, the Radicchio and Baruffaldi Gorgonzola (¥168) plays with contrast. The bold bitterness of radicchio meets the complex, creamy sweetness of Baruffaldi Gorgonzola, a premium cheese from Lombardy. This rich base is brightened with fresh pear cubes, walnuts, and sweet caramelized onions.
Fresh paccheri pasta with braised octopus & burrata
From the fresh pasta selection, designed for sharing, is I Piatti Da Condividere (¥358). This signature dish features homemade paccheri pasta with braised octopus in a light tomato sauce, elevated by the salinity of Taggiasca olives and capers, and crowned with creamy burrata.
Mushroom tagliatelle with Baruffaldi Gorgonzo & black truffle
For a pasta entree, the Tagliatelle ai Funghi (¥199) is a deeply umami-rich choice. Homemade tagliatelle is tossed in a luxurious mushroom ragout and mushroom cream, all elevated by the heady aroma of Baruffaldi Gorgonzola, and, because its the season, a blanket of black truffle.
Tagliatelle with Carabineros prawns
Seafood lovers can turn to the Tagliatelle con Gamberi Rossi (¥199), where house-made tagliatelle egg pasta is tossed with sweet Carabineros prawns in a rich, tomato-based prawn bisque for a light yet deeply flavorful dish. This one was a favorite.
Lemon-infused spaghetti with yellowfin tuna
Not new, but a standout signature is the Spaghetto al Limone (¥148), which features homemade lemon-infused spaghetti with marinated yellowfin tuna and caper powder. It’s a bright, elegant dish where the citrus perfectly complements the fatty tuna.
Orata in Crosta di Sale
For a main course, the Orata in Crosta di Sale (¥338) brings a taste of Italian tradition with quite the dramatic flair. This whole sea bream is baked in a sea salt crust, which locks in its juices. The reveal is done table-side, the crust cracked, and the fish filleted.
The result is a juicy fish with a meaty texture and clean, pure flavors, naturally seasoned by the crust.
Fiorentina alla Griglia
And for the grand finale, the undisputed star of the show: the Fiorentina alla Griglia (¥1,899).
This is a magnificent 1.5kg porterhouse steak, sourced from grass-fed Uruguayan Wagyu (M7-8), and fired over a charcoal grill. It is a spectacle in itself, delivering a profound, rich beefiness with every perfectly charred bite.
To complement this centerpiece, and to add value, the steak is served with a generous array of side dishes. There’s charcoal-grilled seasonal vegetables with saba (similar to balsamic) and fresh herbs and sautéed mushrooms with garlic and parsley.
As well as a Sicilian-style sweet and sour eggplant caponata with pine nuts and raisins, and golden rustic fries with aioli. The caponata, in particular, with its vibrant acidity, provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory beef.
The Fiorentina could easily feed 3-4 people. Add a couple of appetizers to that and you have a full meal.
Panettone Milanese
For a truly decadent finale, do not miss the Panettone Milanese (¥68). A slice of panettone is pan-fried in butter, served with vanilla gelato, transforming the classic Christmas cake into a warm, caramelized treat reminiscent of French toast. Bella Vita Bistro produces its own panettone, which by the way, is available all year round.
Tenerina
Tutto Pistacchio
For chocolate lovers, the Tenerina (¥88) is a essential. It’s a warm, molten-centered chocolate cake paired with cool pistachio gelato and amarena cherries. Alternatively, the Tutto Pistacchio (¥58) is for pistacchio devotees, featuring pistachio gelato layered with rich mascarpone cream and a hint of sea salt.
Let’s be clear: a dinner here is a significant indulgence. But for a special occasion—an anniversary or celebration—it delivers an experience that matches the night’s importance.
Book Now
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Complimentary welcome drink; limited to one per person, including house sparkling, house wine, selected cocktails, or soft drinks.
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Bella Vita Bistro
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Dining and Cooking