Osteria Bella Ciao Zuid: A Cozy Italian restaurant in Amsterdam South.
Osteria Bella Ciao, is a charming osteria, that combines the cozy atmosphere of a traditional Italian bar with a menu with some classic Italian dishes like pizzas, pastas, risottos, and antipasti. They serve some classic dishes together with some interessting combinations.
Despite its small size, the restaurant captures the essence of an osteria: a warm, intimate space that feels like a little slice of Italy. Historically, osterias were places to gather for drinks, with food sometimes being a secondary feature. At Bella Ciao Zuid, however, the food takes center stage alongside an impressive selection of wines and beverages.
The Dining Experience
Bella Ciao Zuid is clearly a popular spot, as the restaurant was fully booked during our visit. To accommodate their guests, they operate on sharp time schedules, so be prepared for a structured dining experience of 2 hours maximum.
Starters
We began with a burrata starter that was nothing short of delightful. The creamy burrata was paired with sweet, juicy tomatoes, a drizzle of fresh pesto, and a side of perfectly baked focaccia bread. This combination was simple yet incredibly satisfying—exactly what you’d hope for in Italian cuisine.
Main Courses
For the main course, we sampled a variety of dishes to get a feel for the menu:
- Tortelloni with Ricotta and Porcini Mushrooms
The tortelloni was well-prepared and flavorful, though it didn’t particularly stand out. It’s a solid choice for those seeking comfort food with familiar flavors. - Risotto with Shrimp, Burrata, and Pistachio
The risotto was a highlight of the evening. The shrimp’s flavor was infused throughout, as if they had used a shrimp-based broth for the rice. The addition of burrata and pistachios brought a creamy and nutty twist, making this dish a unique and exciting option for more adventurous diners. - Pizza with Spicy Salame, Kalamata Olives, Tomato, and Fior di Latte
While the pizza’s toppings were flavorful and well-balanced, the dough in the center was disappointingly thin and became soggy under the weight of the toppings. This detracted from the overall experience, leaving us wishing for a sturdier crust.
Drinks and Service
Bella Ciao Zuid’s wine selection deserves a special mention. The wines recommended to pair with our dishes were expertly chosen, elevating each course. The service was fast and efficient, ensuring that the strict dining schedule didn’t feel rushed.
Final Thoughts
Osteria Bella Ciao Zuid delivers an Italian dining experience with standout dishes like the burrata starter and the shrimp risotto. While the tortelloni and pizza could use some fine-tuning, the overall ambiance, service, and wine selection were fine.
If you’re in the area and looking for a cozy spot to enjoy Italian cuisine and great wine, Bella Ciao Zuid is a solid choice. Just be sure to reserve a table in advance and come with an appetite for both food and Italian charm.
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Review: 7.9/10
Price / Quality: 7 | Service: 8 | Originality: 7 | Freshness: 8.5 | Choice: 9
