SAN FERNANDO, Calif. (KABC) — This week’s Community Eats find serves traditional pizzas and pastas like spaghetti Bolognese, best-selling basil pesto gnocchi and creamy carbonara.
Its La Bella Pizza Trattoria Italiana in the city of San Fernando.
“I’m so proud. A lot of sacrifice behind, it was so hard to open,” owner and chef Antonio Marchese said.
Marchese’s story began in a kitchen in Southern Italy.
“I was eight years old, and I was with my mom in the kitchen at home making eggplant parmigiana. And I remember, I told my mom, ‘I would like to be a chef when I grow up.’ And there we go.”
He worked in restaurants, studying his craft with master chefs, and arrived in the United States just 10 years ago.
Marchese taught himself to speak English and realized a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant.
Just last year, his efforts were recognized when he won best restaurant in San Fernando.
“I would like to share all my passion, my culture,” Marchese said.
Favorites like the Poker Pizza, with fresh dough, mozzarella, red sauce, pancetta, an Italian pork belly, and balsamic glaze drizzled on top are a must-try.
A special occasion dish from Marchese’s hometown of Puglia, Italy, commonly called a calzone in the United States, brought genuine delight to my tastebuds.
“Behind this restaurant, there’s a lot of work from my family, from my staff,” Marchese said. “I’m really, I feel very lucky to have the support of the local people, local neighborhood and from the city of Fernando.”
Most entrees are around $25, and the restaurant also offers wine.
La Bella Pizza is open six days a week and is closed on Mondays.
The restaurant is located at 235 North Maclay Ave., in San Fernando.
Thank you to Shevaughn for the submission.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Share with us and we may highlight your submission on Community Eats with Rachel Brown.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
Dining and Cooking