By Ashley Ragone
Features Editor
Bella Ciao Pizzeria opened its doors for business in August, bringing a new dining option to Campus Town. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., with options to eat in, take out or order delivery. The business does not take Campus Town dollars.
Campus Town is gaining this new restaurant just months after the closure of Blueberry Kitchen + Tap, another eatery that was located in the building next to where the pizzeria sits.
“We designed Bella Ciao for the TCNJ community, locals and visitors who value quality ‘brick-oven’ pizza with speed and convenience,” shared Ricardo Ramos, the owner of the restaurant.
Bella Ciao was inspired by the time Ramos spent living in Italy. The owner’s experience allows him to bring an authentic touch to the establishment’s Naples-style pizza, according to the restaurant’s website.
Ramos is excited to introduce authentic Italian dining at the College.
“We’re proud to support campus life with a ‘Campus Dining, Jersey Style’ experience…fast-casual but with classic Italian care and quality,” Ramos said.
The owner said he believes that students have been fairly receptive throughout the restaurant's first month of business.
“The cozy fast-casual setting and the quick, flavorful menu have made [Bella Ciao] a hit during move-in.” Ramos also attributes the restaurant's current traffic to both takeout and delivery options of service.
Although, some students have not been entirely satisfied.
Freshman political science major Sydney Salant shared her dining experience after ordering the penne vodka dish. Salant said she enjoyed her meal, however “the sauce…was really thick and there was too much compared to how little pasta there was.”
Junior nursing major Isabella Almeida felt that her lunch left much to be desired. She ordered a plain slice, which came to $4.26.
“It’s on the thicker side for crust, which isn’t my favorite as well as it isn’t as crispy which is what I prefer,” Almeida said. “I would say it’s more cheesy and greasy than an average plain pizza I’ve had. It is larger than an average slice of pizza though, which is nice.”
As for the general ambience of the restaurant and new storefront, Almeida enjoys what Bella Ciao has to offer. “The building itself is nice, it had a nice painting on the wall, lots of seats and four TVs playing different channels.”
Ramos hopes to grow Bella Ciao within the community, developing future plans and staying true to their vision.
“Our vision is to stay deeply rooted in the TCNJ community by continuing to deliver fresh, high-quality Italian fare with fast, friendly service,” Ramos said.
Some of the restaurant’s best-selling menu items so far include the margherita pizza, bella chicken sandwich and the slice combo, which includes two slices of pizza and a canned drink. The menu also offers salad and dessert options. Fresh ingredients are used in all dishes, according to Ramos.
Despite being new to the community, Ramos already has high hopes for Bella Ciao’s future in Campus Town. Specifically, the owner is excited to introduce students to rewards opportunities to keep bringing satisfied customers back.
“Students earn points with each online/app order and can redeem them for free food,” Ramos said. “We will be learning as we grow with all the hungry Lions out there but we have some new specials that will be rotating in soon.”
Bella Ciao Pizzeria is now open in Campus Town Suite 500.
