The Bella Vita 'scoop'

The restaurant’s recently amped up menu offers a tasteful selection of dishes from breakfast to dessert

The signature gelato counter, the rustic Italian floors and ‘the famous cookie’ have all made it to Khayaban-e-Shahbaz. Yes, Espresso and Liberty books have a charming new neigbhour; 'Bella Vita'.

The eatery which resembles an Italian bistro, occupies a perfect little corner spot and is bound to catch your eye when driving by Shahbaz.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

Passionate about Gelato, which they make their very own from ingredients imported from Bologna, Italy, Bella Vita made their debut in 2012, primarily focused on gelato and desserts.

Much to their acclaim Bella Vita has countless devotees of their Gelato, but what they really deserve praise for is successfully creating a ‘cookie cult’ in Karachi; the delectable 'giant cookie and gelato dessert' has fans of its own.

From the floors to the string lighting, the pizza boards and the music, Bella Vita at Shahbaz exudes a strong Italian influence and boasts a relaxed and genial ambiance.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

The restaurant’s menu, which they have recently amped up offers a tasteful selection of dishes from breakfast to dessert.

Breakfast offerings at the Bella Vita range from a variety of eggs and omelets in savory to waffles and pancakes if you have a sweet tooth. There’s enough on the menu to appease many a breakfast cravings. Worthy mention here would be the Portuguese eggs baked in a pepper sauce and finished off with cheddar cheese and the blueberry pancakes.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

If you’re a fan of seafood start with the Sriracha prawns a choice i was quite happy with; the prawns were crisp and tender and generously coated in a creamy and tangy sauce with hints of sriracha coming through. Other interesting starters options include an antipasti platter as well as an artichoke dip which I intend to try during another visit.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

Mains at the restaurant include the pasta favorites such as Penne Arabiata, Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti marinara among other dishes such as the Fillet of beef with Shiitake, jalapeño and caramelized onions as well as Red snapper and some Mediterranean poultry entrees and of course Pizzas.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

Having tried the Fillet of beef I was not disappointed, sitting atop a bed of mashed potatoes, the beef was tender and the sauce went on well with the meat. However, the mushrooms are really what make the dish; juicy, soft and an absolute delight to bite into.

Worthy mention among the Pizzas is the newly introduced Roast chicken and rocket pizza. Thin crust, with succulent roast chicken and peppers to round it off, the pizza was definitely up to the mark.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

Moving on to dessert; the thought alone of which is pleasure inducing, you could choose from the range of Gelato offerings and cakes. I of course had the Chocolate chip cookie with a scoop of Ferrero Rocher 'gelato'.  Although the cookie gets on best with a scoop of vanilla the Ferrero Rocher scoop was pleasing enough, perfectly crunchy, smooth creamy and thoroughly satisfying.

PHOTO: HUSSAIN AFZAL

Whether you’re craving Italian ice cream, a pizza or an appetizing breakfast, Bella Vita has lots to offer or just go back for the cookie.