New Italian restaurant brings slice of dolce de vita to Brentwood
By KERRI BARTLETT
For Brentwood Home Page
No need to travel across continents to the country shaped as a stylish boot in order to revel in the true Italian experience; one only needs to cruise down Carothers Parkway to Bella Napoli where San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant basil and fresh mozzarella drizzled with olive oil will make any true Italian food lover’s mouth water.

Italian enthusiasts with a passion for authentic simple, fresh food will covet the menu at Bella Napoli’s newest location in Brentwood.

Bella Napoli chef Raul Navarro and Angelo Ferrante, vice-president of operations

The brainchild of Paolo Tramontano, chef and owner of Valentino’s Ristorante on West End, Bella Napoli has emerged as the more casual counterpart of the upscale, fine-dining restaurant. Although Valentino’s has garnered much respect and accolades as one of Nashville’s quintessential Italian eateries, Bella Napoli stands proudly on its own. With no skimping on quality food or service, Bella Napoli is an ideal, affordable choice for a cozy, traditional Italian pizzeria experience.

Angelo Ferrante, vice president of operations, describes the restaurant as a comfortable place for everyone. “From the tuxedo to the football jersey -- it’s a place for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

The restaurant, which opened in July the former Beef O’Brady’s location, represents everything that is Italian from its high quality ingredients to its excellent service. Bella Napoli’s commitment to providing the freshest food in an enjoyable atmosphere has contributed to building a loyal following at its original Edgehill location and hopes to continue the tradition in Brentwood.

Food is prepped twice daily. “Some people say that location is the most important thing -- location, location, location. But we say fresh, fresh, fresh,” Ferrante said. The manager, previously a pilot for the Italian Air Force and Continental Airlines, explained that three main ingredients contribute to the restaurant’s authentic menu:

(1) Caputo flour is used directly from the recipe common to Naples – the birthplace of the pizza. Made at the family-operated Caputo Mill in Italy, Caputo flour is characterized by simple, natural ingredients in which only yeast, water, and salt are added. 

(2) Crushed San Marzano tomatoes are used, which provide a pure sweet, slightly acidic tomato flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are named for the region around Mt. Vesuvius where they are grown in fertile soil, giving them a rich tomato taste free of impurities.

(3) Bella Napoli uses fresh mozzarella cheese including Buffalo Mozzarella imported from Italy as well as Fior di Latte, a cheese made from cow’s milk, which is sourced locally. The fresh, light mozzarella cheese is absent of the greasy undertones found on other pizzas.

“The less items on a pizza, the better. Our Margherita pizza with our fresh tomato sauce, basil and fresh mozzarella is an example of a simple, perfect pizza.”  Chef Raul Navarro

One of the most important features in the kitchen is the hickory wood brick oven that reaches about 800 degrees, allowing the pizzas to cook in just three minutes. However, don’t expect the chef to slice the pizza before it arrives at the table. All pizzas are served Italian-style to be cut with a knife and fork.

In keeping with the Italian tradition, Ferrante said that customers will never be rushed at Bella Napoli. Servers are trained to bring the check only when a customer asks, which is comparable to the traditional European style of service. Also, servers will not  “hover” over a table, but observe from afar to determine if a party has finished their meal or needs more drinks.

The Bella Napoli team also believes in giving back to the community. In June, the restaurant hosted one of the largest restaurant charity events in Nashville, raising $21,000 to benefit the Wounded Soldiers charity that helps soldiers hurt in combat. About 15 different bands and musical artists played at the event; a silent auction was held and donations were collected.

“We believe that if we are fortunate enough to be a successful restaurant, we should give back to the community. It is the customers that make the restaurant successful,” Ferrante said.  Bella Napoli will be hosting another charity event in April and welcomes others to use their venue for charity-related activities. 

Bella Napoli offers a full bar with 22 different beers and a pleasing wine list. Happy Hour is Monday-Thursday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. until close. Lunch specials are served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at a leisurely or quick pace including a salad, pizza or pasta and a drink for $9.95. Regular business hours are Monday-Thursday from 11a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 3p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Sometimes it is difficult to find a place in Brentwood open after 9 p.m., so we want to provide a place where people can go in the later evening to talk with friends, have a drink and relax,” Ferrante said. “We are for every walk of life; affordable, casual and fresh.”

Bella Napoli is located at 1724 Carothers Pkwy. For more information, please visit http://bellanapolipizzeria.com.