One of Cardiff’s best-loved restaurants has opened its doors after an extensive summer refurbishment, bringing a true taste of Italy to The Red Dragon Centre.

After 14 years at Cardiff Bay’s premier entertainment destination, Bella Italia has undergone a transformation resulting in an atmosphere that aligns with the traditional Italian cuisine of Bella Italia.

Over £175,000 was spent on the restaurant’s make-over. With such a significant investment, Bella Italia was able to create a little piece of Italy at the entertainment centre.

The new open plan layout and lighter Italian decor has completely transformed the restaurant to create something modern and unique for the city.

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The refurbishment has certainly given this place a new lease of life, not only the decor but the staff too. Although the staff have always been friendly when we’ve visited, it’s clear that they have a renewed proudness in their offering.

Speaking with Wales247 at the reopening, Mark Griffith, General Manager of Bella Italia said:

“I was absolutely mesmerised when I first saw the finished restaurant in, it looks completely new. I’m really impressed with the Italian touch that has been added. It’s created a great atmosphere and I’m looking forward to welcoming customers to wine and dine them in true Italian style.”

The refurbishment comes at an ideal time, as Bella Italia recently launched its ‘Aperitivo Hour’ menu. This new pre-dinner menu celebrates the Italian way with some small bites and a drink after a busy day.

Customers can enjoy a complimentary antipasti platter with any two cocktails at the refurbished Bella Italia daily between 3pm and 6pm.

When we visited, we couldn’t help try some of the new delicious Gelato on offer in the restaurant’s new ice-cream cart:

Until this week, we hadn’t been to a Bella Italia in years. Although it used to be a firm favourite in the city and ours when it first opened all those years ago, there is always a risk that the arrival of new restaurants in Cardiff overshadows some of the great eating places that we already have.

We are really pleased to have been invited back to look around the reopened Bella Italia. It just goes to show that you can make places more modern whilst keeping the traditional look and feel. It has also acted as a good reminder to us to visit long-established places in Cardiff, not just to go to the newest in town.

With its renewed freshness and menu, we highly recommend putting Bella Italia’s newly refurbished restaurant back to the top of your must visit list.

Emma Constantinou, Marketing Manager for The Red Dragon Centre said:

“We value our visitors’ experiences at The Red Dragon Centre and want to make sure that everyone can enjoy some down-time at the restaurants at our entertainment centre.

“Many families come to Bella Italia for its family-friendly atmosphere. It’s lovely to see that Bella Italia wants to give its customers a true taste of Italy and offer a new look that replicates the well-loved Italian atmosphere that so many admire.”

For a limited time only, you can also get 40% OFF mains until 23rd September 2018, when you download an offer code here: https://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/offers/40-off-main-courses?campaignId=65227

*Valid from 12 noon every day except Saturdays until 23rd September 2018.

To book your visit at the newly refurbished Bella Italia and see its latest offers, visit: http://thereddragoncentre.co.uk/venues/bella-italia/