Bella Luce

4.4 (452)

$30 and under

Italian

507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110

About this restaurant

Romantic
Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem

For the many people who thought Luce Restaurant in Caldwell was the ultimate mix of “good food, good people, and good prices” you are in for a very pleasant surprise. Bella Luce in Nutley actually surpasses it as the quintessential dining experience in Northern New Jersey. Opened in March of 2015, Bella Luce picks up where Luce left off and has been transformed into a trendy, yet casual, atmosphere, serving authentic Italian cuisine highlighting signature dishes.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
Phone number
(973) 661-4300
Website
http://www.lucerestaurant.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110
Area
Nutley
Parking Details
None

Sweet Fennel SausageUSD 9.00
broccoli rabe / potatoes / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil
AranciniUSD 9.00
risotto / prosciutto / mozzarella / parmigiano reggiano
MeatballsUSD 9.00
passata di pomodoro / sheeps milk ricotta crema
ArtichokesUSD 10.00
grilled long stem artichokes / fresh mint gremolata / sharp provolone / house roasted peppers / pickled red onions
Crispy CalamariUSD 12.00
sweet or spicy marinara
Shrimp ArrabiataUSD 12.00
lightly floured / lemon / garlic / white wine / grape tomatoes / chili flakes / basil

Insalate

rosemary focaccia / ciabatta / french baguette / with balsamic mixed field greens or chips. Add salmon $9 / add shrimp $8 / add chicken $5

ArugulaUSD 10.00
baby arugula / ceci beans / red onions / grape tomatoes / crispy goat cheese / red wine vinaigrette
Di CesareUSD 10.00
crispy romaine hearts / ciabatta croutons / house made caesar dressing / marinated white anchovies
FarroUSD 10.00
italian farro / baby arugula / capers / artichoke hearts / black olives /grape tomatoes / fresh mozzarella / lemon vinaigrette
CapreseUSD 10.00
fresh mozzarella / tomatoes / fresh basil
Pear SaladUSD 10.00
mixed field greens / candied walnut / bosc pears / gorgonzola / champagne vinaigrette
Di BarbabietoleUSD 10.00
golden & purple beets / fennel / orange segments / crumble goat cheese / red wine vinaigrette

Panini / Sandwiches

Broccoli Rabe & SausageUSD 12.00
extra virgin olive oil / garlic / sharp provolone
CapreseUSD 10.00
fresh mozzarella /roasted tomatoes / fresh basil / arugula / basil pesto
Chicken MilaneseUSD 10.00
breaded cutlet / arugula / red onions / roasted peppers / fresh mozzarella / red wine vinaigrette
FrittataUSD 8.00
potatoes /sweet peppers / eggs
Grilled ChickenUSD 10.00
house roasted peppers / fresh mozzarella / arugula / balsamic vinaigrette
ParmaUSD 12.00
prosciutto di parma / arugula / house roasted peppers / sharp provolone
Veal MilaneseUSD 14.00
breaded cutlet / arugula / red onions / roasted peppers / fresh mozzarella / red wine vinaigrette

Battilardo

Affettati (Cured Sliced Meats)
prosciutto di parma / capicolla / hot sopressata / salami / served with ciabatta toast and fruit mostarda
- Pick Any 2 forUSD 8.00
- Pick Any 3 forUSD 12.00
- Pick Any 5 forUSD 20.00
Formaggi
gorgonzola dolce / pecorino toscano / sharp provolone / fontina
- Pick Any 2 forUSD 8.00
- Pick Any 3 forUSD 12.00
- Pick Any 5 forUSD 20.00

Pasta & Risotto

Tonnarelli Cacio E PepeUSD 16.00
house made tonnarelli / cacio de roma / fresh ground black pepper
Linguine SicilianoUSD 18.00
long hot peppers / anchovies / grape tomatoes / tuscan olive oil / garlic / toasted bread crumbs
Linguine PestoUSD 18.00
house made basil pesto / pecorino romano / pignoli nuts / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil / grape tomatoes
Bucatini AmatricianaUSD 18.00
pancetta / onions / tomatoes / pecorino romano / chili flakes
Fettucine NorciaUSD 20.00
housemade fettucine / cremini / shiitake / porcini / roasted garlic / black truffle butter / roasted grape tomatoes
Paccheri BologneseUSD 20.00
veal / beef / pork / tomatoes / touch of cream / parmigiano
Pasta BraidsUSD 21.00
brussel sprouts / pancetta / white beans / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil / toasted bread crumbs
Short Ribs PappardelleUSD 24.00
house made pappardelle / braised beef short ribs / tomatoes / parmigiano / fresh ricotta
Shrimp RisottoUSD 25.00
arborio rice / roasted grape tomatoes / sweet peas/ mushrooms / sherry sauce

Secondi

Chicken OreganataUSD 23.00
boneless chicken breast / mushrooms / sweet vinegar peppers / lemon / white wine / oreganata bread crumbs
Veal Alla RomanaUSD 25.00
prosciutto / sage / garlic / rosemary / white wine sauce / spinach / roasted potatoes
Pollo ToscanoUSD 25.00
free range bone in chicken / roasted garlic / thyme / rosemary / black olives / white wine / pancetta
Grilled North Atlantic SalmonUSD 26.00
spinach / roasted potatoes / grape tomatoes / lemon / white wine / garlic / thyme
Jumbo ShrimpUSD 27.00
broccoli rabe / cannellini beans / grape tomatoes / fresh garlic / calabrian chili oil / lemon vinaigrette
Grilled Pork ChopUSD 28.00
roasted long hot peppers / sweet peppers / caramelized onions / fresh garlic / tuscan olive oil / roasted potatoes / sicilian sea salt
Brodetto Di PesceUSD 30.00
shrimp / day boat scallops / clams / calamari / prince edward island mussels / garlic / light tomato broth / ciabatta toast

Sides

Polenta and Tomato SauceUSD 8.00
Broccoli RabeUSD 9.00
MeatballsUSD 9.00
Brussels Sprouts and PancettaUSD 9.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Bella Luce.

4.4

(452)

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

440 Reviews

M
Michael
New York City7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 May 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure at Bella Luce, Joe and his staff are very hands on and attentive throughout the dinner. The Old Fashioned is top notch and food is amazing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 April 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service! The ambiance was great! Thank you!
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P
Peter
New Jersey18 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A refreshing menu in a relatively quiet environment. We will return!
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S
Sue
Philadelphia County8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We love to eat here and We always go here for Valentines Day. They don’t have a pre fix menu ..it’s full! And the food was delicious as always !!! The tiramisu was outstanding. Always a pleasure going here!
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R
Rossi
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is our third time coming, and we always have a great time, amazing food!
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G
Gregory
New York City5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 21 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Have been to Bella Luce several times before because the food is always good, and they did not disappoint this time, either. The soups were obviously home made and good. The main courses were also good. The food server was attentive and personable. With the bar situated in the center, the noise level can be higher than we would like. This time, however; the noise was coming from a large table - not much they can do about that. My only disappointment is the ambiance. The section we were in was brightly lit and it was chilly, as evidenced by the space heater they had running. Hopefully, this is a temporary issue. We will return.
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O
Orlando
New Jersey1 review
1.0
Dined on 27 September 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
From a 5 star years ago to a zero now. As soon as we entered the restaurant a very nasty, musky smell hit us. That was STRIKE ONE. STRIKE TWO was the waitress asking us if we preferred tap water or bottled. STRIKE THREE place was empty. We got up and left, but not before telling them why
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D
Debi Gold
Denver / Colorado39 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We came to visit friends in NJ. There were 7 of us. This restaurant was recommended by a friend. All of us loved it. When we got there we discovered there was music playing. It was fun music but very loud. They were so nice and moved us in the back so we could talk to each other. The food was fantastic. Great portions. Everyone really enjoyed the evening. Service couldn’t have been better
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A
Andy Sandel
New Jersey1 review
5.0
Dined on 17 July 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
went here for my birthday.. food and service was great.. friendly atmosphere
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OT
OpenTable Diner Gold
New York City9 reviews
4.0
Dined on 10 July 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food, the night we dinned there was a jazz band, so the noise level was high. Food was a bit slow coming out of the kitchen, but I'm sure every night is different. Overall, a good experience.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 16:00–21:00
Phone number
(973) 661-4300
Website
http://www.lucerestaurant.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
507 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110
Area
Nutley
Parking Details
None

Home
United States
New Jersey
Essex
Nutley

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Bella Luce

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Antipasti

Sweet Fennel SausageUSD 9.00

AranciniUSD 9.00

MeatballsUSD 9.00

ArtichokesUSD 10.00

Crispy CalamariUSD 12.00

Shrimp ArrabiataUSD 12.00

Insalate

ArugulaUSD 10.00

Di CesareUSD 10.00

FarroUSD 10.00

CapreseUSD 10.00

Pear SaladUSD 10.00

Di BarbabietoleUSD 10.00

Panini / Sandwiches

Broccoli Rabe & SausageUSD 12.00

CapreseUSD 10.00

Chicken MilaneseUSD 10.00

FrittataUSD 8.00

Grilled ChickenUSD 10.00

ParmaUSD 12.00

Veal MilaneseUSD 14.00

Battilardo

Affettati (Cured Sliced Meats)

Formaggi

Pasta & Risotto

Tonnarelli Cacio E PepeUSD 16.00

Linguine SicilianoUSD 18.00

Linguine PestoUSD 18.00

Bucatini AmatricianaUSD 18.00

Fettucine NorciaUSD 20.00

Paccheri BologneseUSD 20.00

Pasta BraidsUSD 21.00

Short Ribs PappardelleUSD 24.00

Shrimp RisottoUSD 25.00

Secondi

Chicken OreganataUSD 23.00

Veal Alla RomanaUSD 25.00

Pollo ToscanoUSD 25.00

Grilled North Atlantic SalmonUSD 26.00

Jumbo ShrimpUSD 27.00

Grilled Pork ChopUSD 28.00

Brodetto Di PesceUSD 30.00

Sides

Polenta and Tomato SauceUSD 8.00

Broccoli RabeUSD 9.00

MeatballsUSD 9.00

Brussels Sprouts and PancettaUSD 9.00

Additional information

Permanently Closed