

La Bella Napoli
c. de Magarit, 14
Tel 93 442 50 56
13.30 - 16.00, 20.30 - 24.00
Closed Mondays
Takeaway but no delivery
More info on website
Around €25 per head
Beer €3.50 per glass
Wine c. € 12 - 16 per bottle
This place was already more than half full when we arrived at 2pm. On a Wednesday. During the worst recession in years. So it must be special - the locals certainly seem to think so - it's also packed by 9.30 most evenings, so I advise booking, unless like most Brits, you prefer to eat early.
The decor is nothing outstanding, but they do have a genuine wood-burning oven, which the chef made the most of when it came to the pizzas. But let's start with the booze. We got through two bottles of a hitherto unknown blush rosé at €14.50 each, which was suprisingly drinkable, despite our initial misgivings. Next we ordered a plate of Carciofi friti, battered, deep-fried artichokes, which were first-rate and fresh, not at all oily, but not as crisp as tempura. And there were plenty of them - good value at €9.
For the next course, Mrs HD plumped for pasta - rigalatoni serentina, which consisted of a ragu with smoke provolone and basil. Verdict - excellent. Our friend and I opted for pizza. Some people say that pizza is a bit like consensual sex - it can never really be that bad, and I agree up to a point. And whilst there's not a whole Karma Sutra to choose from

All in all, sixty-odd euros well spent. My only criticism would be that the wine selection was limited - and limited to some rather off-puttingly unknown vintages, but the food itself could hardly be bettered, particularly at the price.
Over the next few months I'll be attempting to review other restaurants and bars in the area, so watch this space. If you've eaten at La Bella Napoli, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought of it. Bon profit!