At a sneak preview, Luisa discovers a Christmas menu full of seasonal twists, comforting Italian classics and properly indulgent treats. Everything she needed to escape the sudden winter chill and get her into an early festive spirit. 

Carbonara, the much-loved Italian classic, is Bella Italia’s signature creamy pasta dish for a reason. The Christmas version comes loaded with crispy sage, pigs in blankets and a sage-and-onion stuffing crumb. The showstopper for me was the Truffle and Pumpkin Ravioli, delicate pumpkin parcels tossed in a rich truffle oil, white wine and a cheese cream sauce, finished with roasted chestnut mushrooms and rocket.

Pizza lovers can get their fix with the Christmas Camembert Pizza, with generous toppings of pulled chicken, pancetta, cranberry sauce and a whole, oozy baked Camembert in the middle. 

There are times when I would have a side dish rather than a starter, and the Christmas Loaded Fries did the job. Piled high with rich gravy and stuffing, they were so delicious that a bowl was not enough, I am afraid to confess. 

I should have saved room for dessert because the Mince Pie Cheesecake made me drool. Well done to the chef for thinking this up and bringing together two Christmas legends in one irresistible treat.

Think of a baked vanilla cheesecake, topped with mince pie pieces, drizzled with salted caramel and served with a vanilla ice cream. I did have a taste though. Christmas is not the time to count calories, but I had to stop somewhere. 

As I approached the bar to sample the sparkling line up of seasonal drinks, I overheard the barman saying: ‘Guests are enjoying themselves, well, we know that the pasta is delicious and the wine is good’. I couldn’t agree more.   Drinks are my ‘thing’ and after the welcome sparkle of a glass of prosecco, I headed to The Snowman Float.

This playful drink uses Limoncello Crema, lemon sorbet topped up with prosecco and finished with sprigs of rosemary. I would rename it ‘Olaf in a glass’, it so much reminded me of the snowman character in the film Frozen. The warming Mulled Spritz of Malfy gin, Aperol, Prosecco and spices is festive cheer in a glass.

There was nothing ‘classic’ about Limoncello Spritz, which turned out to be a sparkling blend of Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Limoncello and Lemonade plus the surprising taste of caramelised biscuit flavour. Beyond the Christmas drinks, I would return just for the Espresso Martini, very well made and worth ever sip. 

This year Bella Italia has truly taken some of the guests’ favourite Italian dishes and given them a playful Christmas twist, just to make the meal a little more magic. And at £22.95 for two courses and £27.95 for three, the menu is both a crowd-pleaser and one of the most affordable Christmas in town. It you are ready to dig in, the menu is available right now and until Christmas, explore what’s on offer and find your nearest restaurant at www.bellaitalia.co.uk/christmas 

Luisa Welch is a freelance writer and a member of the Circle of Wine Write