The Magic of Bella Vista Italian Restaurant.

by Lori Allen
My Wandering Fork

www.bellavistaitalian.com
Located in Fruit Cove!
540 SR 13 #10 Fruit Cove, Florida 32259

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Giovanni Prignano, the owner of Bella Vista Italian Restaurant, and his right-hand man, Paolo, to uncover the story behind this Southern Italy-meets-NYC gem. Every aspect of Bella Vista shines—from the exquisite dishes crafted in the kitchen to the warmth and hospitality of the staff —making it a truly standout Italian restaurant in St. Johns.


From the inviting blue-and-white décor to the charm of alfresco dining on the patio, the moment you walk through the doors, you’re embraced by the warmth and charm of a true Italian gathering. The staff radiates hospitality, making you feel like part of the family from the very first smile. Giuseppe, the sous chef, along with Franco, the café expert, Fabio, Annette, Gary, and many others welcome guests with a cheerful greeting, a perfectly poured glass of vino, or a heartfelt recommendation, and their genuine warmth and love for Italian culture make every visit feel like a little escape to the Amalfi Coast.


Chef Giovanni, who is from the southern Italian town of Sicignano degli Alburni,  always dreamed of owning his own restaurant. After attending culinary school in Italy, he enhanced his skills working across southern Italy before making his way to New York City, where he met his wife, Alysha. Together, they moved to Florida to bring their vision to life, with the help of his best friend, Paolo. Giovanni’s dishes are a perfect blend of authentic Amalfi Coast flavors and the rich, Italian-American cuisine he mastered during his time as a chef in NYC.


Chef Giovanni’s motto is to use the very best fresh simple ingredients that will create the very best tasting food. Let the ingredients speak for themselves, he likes to say.  To that end, Bella Vista follows the D.O.P. rule, meaning their tomatoes, pasta, cheese, olive oil, and other ingredients are made and processed in a specific region of Italy to ensure authentic quality and tradition which adds to the flavors.


Each week he curates an amazing special menu showcasing seasonal ingredients. Giovanni is always experimenting with new and fresh ideas and if you are lucky that week, they may have some handmade ravioli’s stuffed with fresh and unique ingredients,  homemade lasagna (Paolo's favorite), hand-cut scallop dishes, or specialty burrata.

Giovani’s cooking often resonates with those of us from the northern regions of the US, as it reminds us of home. Baked clams is one of those unique dishes all northerners crave. Scarpetta (dipping the bread into the juices of the dish) is a common request among diners, who make sure they get every bit of the juice from the clams mixed with lemon, garlic, and oregano. So Good!


Have I mentioned the Involtini di Melanzane yet? No? I mean, I could seriously talk about this dish for days! Americans call it Eggplant Rollatini, (I know eggplant you’re thinking what??) but really it is thinly sliced, breaded, then the creamiest ricotta is rolled inside and slathered with their homemade sauce, made from their imported DOP San Marzano tomatoes paired with their signature spice blend. I used to eat it all the time in the Northend of Boston so this really reminds me of home. It is served as an appetizer but I could easily eat it as meal it is that good. Give it a try!

Obviously, there are so many dishes to try! From their Signature dish Cacio e Pepe with 100% Italian grain pasta served al dente prepared in a custom-made Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel sprinkled with pepper and served table side, to their amazing Pappardelle Bolognese, fresh pappardelle pasta served in their slowly cooked savory meat sauce with San Marzano tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creating a truly comforting and satisfying dish!


All their food is served with their signature homemade breads – Ciabatta (get it while it's warm, soft, and chewy) and focaccia loaded with rosemary flavor, cold pressed EVOO, and imported balsamic.


Another cool thing about Bella Vista is they offer a Shared Dining Experience, or “Family-Style” menu, crafted to bring people together and create lasting memories over delicious food.  From appetizers to desserts, the menu features so many Italian favorites.  They have 3 different styles of menus and I love that they are named after the different places along the southern coast of Italy, each reflecting the popular dishes in those regions Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi.


The new lively bar area offers great handcrafted cocktails, including some Italian specialties like Aperol spritz, and let’s not forget their famous pistachio martini! They offer Happy Hour every day, including weekends.

Before I could leave, Paolo said we had to try the toasted almond cake. I was completely stuffed but you know how Italians are, Mangia, Mangia! This cake, known as torta di mandorle, is a classic treat with a rich, moist texture, made from ground almonds, sugar, and eggs. He was right of course. So light and fluffy! Simply delicious!


One visit just isn’t enough to experience everything this incredible restaurant has to offer. Whether you're coming for the warm hospitality, the unforgettable flavors, or the sense of community, you’ll find yourself wanting to return again and again. Don’t just take my word for it—go see for yourself!


Until the next time or as they say in the Amalfi Coast, “Arrivederci!”  #mywanderingfork

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