Bella Julia Pizzeria Ashgrove

Bella Julia Pizzeria is a local neighbourhood gem - a charming slice of Italy tucked away in a tiny Ashgrove shopping precinct.

Diners can take a seat al fresco in the rustic candlelit courtyard, the cosy ambient interior, or the chic panelled dining room in the converted shop next door.

With its variety of ambient spaces and copious menu, Bella Julia Pizzeria is the perfect spot for everything from a date night or special occasion to casual night out with pals or a family dinner, catering well to all ages.

All dishes are beautifully presented, starting with delicious entrees such as buffalo burrata and (48 hr organic) prosciutto; gamberi piccanti (tiger prawn cutlets, chilli, prawn bisque, crushed tomato sugo) served with organic garlic focaccia; or their new signature brushetta (organic sourdough, olive tapenade, diced tomato, basil pesto, white anchovies & grana).

A small selection of heavenly pasta dishes includes rigatoni all'Amatriciana; ravioli di bufala (home-made ravioli filled with organic spinach & buffalo ricotta, cherry tomato sugo, garlic, parmesan & basil); linguine alla marinara; and gnocchi alla norcina (organic potato gnocchi, porcini & wild mushrooms, black truffle, fresh cream, parsley, garlic & parmesan).

There's also Mains of Saltimbocca alla Romana (milk-fed scaloppini, topped with parma, prosciutto & sage) served with garlic roast potatoes & white wine sauce; and Parmigiana di Melanzane (over-baked layers of char-grilled organic eggplant, buffalo fior di late, crushed San Marzan tomato, Grana padano & basil).

Pizzas are the house signature, with 48 hour organic sourdough bases and toppings such as Sicilian Deluxe, Gourmet Funghi, Queens Margherita. Diavola, Bio Sausage, Veggie Lovers and the must-try New Stallion 2023 (buffalo fior di latte, Roman artichokes, mortadella, black truffle, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes & basil).

The wine list features mostly Italian wines, including a premium Reserve List, while cocktails include aperol, campari or pink gin spritz; espresso martini, Bella Julia Wild Berry Mojito and Lemon Cheesecake and beers include a mix of Italian and Oz beers.

Good to know - Bella Julia has a good kids menu including bolognese, gnocchi, 2 types of pizza and icecream with topping.

Need to know - There are 3 free off-street parking spots next door and plenty of free on street parking nearby.