Monday Munchies: Bella's Table brings Italian dishes to Bella Vista

Bella Vista's modest restaurant scene just got a little less modest.

🇮🇹 State of play: Bella's Table, an Italian restaurant, is the first installment of the Table restaurants in Bella Vista. Carl and Lindie Garrett also own six other restaurants in Bentonville and Rogers, including Table Mesa, Tavola Trattoria and Table at Hickory Inn.

• It's a welcome addition to this pasta-loving Bella Vista resident. I'll note there wasn't a single Italian restaurant in the city at the time when Bella's Table came along.

The vibe: Set inside a strip mall where Duffer's breakfast-and-lunch restaurant used to be, it's a modern, quality spot that's unpretentious. I went for an after-work, comforting, impromptu Tuesday dinner but will definitely be back on a date night.

Must try: The ricotta meatballs appetizer. While $15 is a bit splurgy for three meatballs, keep in mind they're made partly with Wagyu beef, along with pork.

• They come smothered in velouté sauce. 🤤

🍝 Zoom out: For those who want to play it safe, the spaghetti alla carbonara ($19) is the creamy dish you'd expect that won't disappoint. Add the grilled chicken.

• Otherwise, the Pappardelle ($21) offers a lighter sauce with some sweetness, thanks to the butternut squash. If I hadn't already had meatballs as an appetizer, I would have added meatballs to this one, which you can do for $5.

🍳 What's next: I hear I must try brunch. Guess I'll just have to go back.

📍 Stop by: 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday; 11am-9:30pm Friday; 10am-9:30pm Saturday; and 9am-2pm Sunday at 638 W. Lancashire Blvd. in Bella Vista.