La Bella Vita

The à la carte menu spans starters, pasta, pizza, risotto and main courses, with a rotating specials board that introduces premium seasonal ingredients beyond the printed menu.

Starters set the tone with dishes like polpette Salentine — homemade beef meatballs with mozzarella in a creamy tomato sauce — and capesante con pesto rosso, pan-fried king scallops on half shells finished with house-made red pesto. The carpaccio di manzo pairs cured Angus beef fillet with rocket and shaved parmesan, while the insalata dell’Adriatico brings together king prawns, squid, baby octopus and New Zealand mussels for a substantial seafood opener. Burrata also features as a fresh starter, appearing on recent seasonal specials.

Pasta highlights include ravioli d’aragosta — lobster-filled ravioli with king prawns in a white wine butter sauce — and linguine con capesante, tossed with garlic, basil and lemon zest then topped with seared king scallops. The lasagna pasticciata layers bolognese and béchamel under a rich cheese topping. Pizzas range from the signature pizza Bella Vita, topped with San Daniele Parma ham, rocket and parmesan, to the gondola-shaped pizza gondola filled with bolognese and ‘nduja spicy sausage.

For mains, the kitchen turns out steaks including the costata di manzo Diana — a 12oz rib-eye with mushroom, red wine and mustard cream sauce — and the surf-and-turf filetto di manzo mari e monti, pairing fillet medallions with marinated king prawns. Rack of lamb arrives with a minted red wine gravy, and grilled seabass is served with cherry tomatoes, chilli and white wine. Seasonal specials have featured lobster and steak surf and turf, oysters with mignonette, silky gravlax, and a luxe fusilli al mare with crab, prawns and caviar.

On Sundays, a set lunch menu offers a starter and main — options include grilled pork fillet, calzone, flat iron steak and pan-fried salmon. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and a dedicated gluten-free menu caters to those with dietary requirements, with gluten-free pasta dishes among the offerings.

The restaurant has a curved bar where you can order drinks to complement your meal. Prosecco is a popular choice for celebrations and can be requested when booking a table. Beyond that, the full drinks range is not published online, though the bar’s presence and the formal Italian dining setting suggest a selection suited to the food.

Soft drinks and coffee are available for those looking for non-alcoholic options alongside their meal.

Rich charcoal walls wrap the main dining room, setting a moody, intimate tone that shifts the atmosphere firmly towards special-occasion territory. Upholstered dining chairs in mustard gold velvet bring a pop of warmth against the dark backdrop, sitting alongside darker charcoal counterparts. Globe-shaped pendant lights hang above each table, casting a warm ambient glow rather than harsh overhead brightness.

Ornate framed decorative panels line the walls — art deco-style geometric and floral motifs in detailed dark and gold frames that reward a second look. Crisp white-linen tablecloths, laid cutlery and dark hardwood flooring complete a palette that balances formality with warmth. A large window with decorative geometric lattice work sits at the rear of the dining room, adding architectural interest to the space.

From the outside, a smart glass-fronted entrance on Main Street is flanked by square-trimmed topiary in planters — understated from the pavement, with the real atmosphere waiting inside.

Garforth sits approximately seven miles east of Leeds city centre, a well-established residential suburb with an active high street. La Bella Vita occupies a spot on Main Street, the town’s principal road, placing it within easy reach of local shops and amenities.

Main Street Car Park is directly on Main Street (LS25 1AF), offering free parking with EV charging points. Street parking is also available on and around Main Street.

The restaurant has step-free entry, wheelchair accessible seating, wheelchair accessible restrooms and wheelchair accessible parking.

Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:30 – 3:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM