Bella Panini

Update: ate here under the new ownership on 12/7/23. They’re out of GF pizza crusts because of supplier issues. I had the pasta with white wine clam sauce. Was good. The new owner bought all the previous owners recipes. All my gluten eating friends said it seemed the same as before, very good. The owner talked to us and said they pride theirselves on GF and when they do make the pizzas they put them on separate pans (same oven) and use separate utensils too. I did not get sick tonight. Was a little nervous after the lost recent review. Our server wasn’t super attentive but did go back to ask questions about GF when we asked.

Excellent pizza! 9” pizzas can all be made with the Gf crust which was quite good. There were also four pasta dishes that could be made gluten free. They use separate utensils and pans for gf items. Wine options and one cider choice for alcoholic gf beverages. There were several salads I assume are gf without croutons. Nice outdoor dining space

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Disappointed that I couldn’t eat here with the rest of my group. I asked the server about their gluten free protocols for the GF pizza and he didn’t understand what I meant. I asked him to ask the chef and even had to spell “celiac” for him. He came back and said the chef could not guarantee safety for anyone with celiac since there is so much flour all over the kitchen. I drank iced tea and socialized while everyone else ate.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

GF pizza is not listed on the menu but they do have it! Pretty standard thinner crust crunchy pizza with the slightly burnt edges. However check before you leave as while we were picking up our order, a women who also ordered gf was given regular.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

The staff was amazing and explained all the possible gluten free options and the steps they take to ensure safety. However we just weren’t impressed with the food. GF pizza was undercooked. Wheat spaghetti and meatballs was not good. Pasta had been cut, sauce tasted like tomato paste, meatballs were obviously reheated.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Excellent service and food. Great GF options and I loved the gf pizza!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I felt so safe and taken care of here. The owner KT and Melody went above and beyond to make sure everything was celiac friendly. Melody even checked to make sure the Parmesan cheese was safe. I personally have issues with anything that has added natural flavors and the Parmesan did. I order the linguine in clam sauce and the JERSEY GF pizza and it was so delicious. My husband even claimed that it was the best GF crust he has experienced since we have been together. I would recommend completing your meal with the GF ricotta cheesecake. It is not something us Celiac folks get to have often and I personally thought it was smooth, light and the perfect finish to a delicious meal. Thank you KT for your empathy and understanding that celiacs are craving and quite literally feel defeated when it comes to the search of restaurants let alone restaurants that offer a place where you can feel normal and devour delicious pasta and pizza… what!?!?

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

Amazing place. My wife is Ciliac and this place is amazeballs! Stop in and check it out, the food is amazing!!! .

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We planned to go to Jarrito Loco in Monument for dinner tonight, but wouldn’t you know it was closed just for today? My husband looked on the Find Me Gluten Free App and Bella Panini had some good reviews for GF. I called and wasn’t very encouraged from the conversation with hostess, but since we were almost there we went in anyway figuring we could always leave if they didn’t have anything safe for me to eat. The owner, KT, came out and went over the menu and explained their GF protocol. I wasn’t planning to have pasta or pizza because I am so nervous about CC, but after he told me about their protocol we had both. He understands celiac! He told me he’s been serving celiacs for 12 years and has never had a problem, and has a celiac customer that comes in for a GF pizza every week. He has also had 3 employees that had celiac. Most of the pizzas and pasta dishes can be made with GF pasta/crust. They use a GF crust that is made elsewhere to reduce CC risk and is delicious. They served us a GF bread that is really more like a thin flat bread. I loved it. He said to stay away from the blue cheese and paninis. He knew that blue cheese can be cultured on wheat. The pizza is made separate from the other pizza and doesn’t touch anything that their gluten pizza touches. They have a pizza cutter and spatula that are only used for the GF pizzas and the GF pasta is not cooked in the same water as the gluten pasta. All the sauces are naturally GF as well as the home made sausages and meatballs. I didn’t have to ask any questions because KT covered anything I could have asked. I felt totally comfortable eating pasta and pizza here! We used to eat here quite often before my celiac diagnosis. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be able to eat there again. It is always busy, so it’s good to get reservations if you decide to go. We ended up at Lolley’s in Monument for ice cream (yum), but Bella Panini also had 2 GF desserts.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

Fantastic restaurant- one of our favorites. They are extremely accommodating for celiacs. Never had a reaction to anything I’ve tried. Highly recommend! (Lots of options on the menu too!)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Friendly staff - GREAT GF meatballs!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My pasta was horrible. It tasted and felt like they cooked the pasta earlier and then refrigerated it and microwaved it before serving it to me. the sauce was good. If I go back I'll have it over vegetables or try the pizza.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wonderful pizza and pasta!! Tasted like true italian, light with wonderful fresh flavors. Staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. Very homey feeling, we will definitely return!

Great gluten-free menu and tons of options.... Pizza... Pasta and more.... Staff is very helpful and knowledgable !!!!