“ This place was unexpectedly awesome! We tried Cucina Bella on a whim because our neighborhood go-to place downsized to one location. It's in a strip mall, and the atmosphere could be improved. But the food! We tried the calamari and 2 different pasta dishes. It was just plain delicious. Better than the local fancier options (Café Mercato, North). Everything tasted homemade, fresh and cooked to perfection. Our server was also wonderful! It's definitely our new favorite place. ”

“ Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Our server was perfect. The location doesn't scream 5 stars, but the food and service do. I hope the chefs get the recognition they deserve. ”

“ Had food from Cucina Bella delivered. We tried the Chicken Piccata, Eggplant Parmesan, Fonduta Al Forno, and Crispy Calamari. The calamari was crispy, tender, and tasty, but the coating was a bit under-seasoned. The cheese and bread appetizer was fabulous and I could have eaten the entire serving in minutes. The picatta had plenty of chicken and artichokes with the right amount of lemon and brightness. The eggplant dish contained peeled eggplant, which was a nice touch. The sauce was middling and passable but kind of wish it was seasoned a bit more. Overall a pleasant and enjoyable meal. I'd definitely try this place again. ”

“ Lulu was a great server with great recs! The food very delish. Omgoodness the Brussels were probably the best! I've ever had!! Crisp, did I say crisp, CRISP! I'm sure deep fried but that oil was spot on because there was not a drop of grease anywhere! The beet salad was great with great nuts , goat cheese and nuts! I had the salmon pasta, yum! My hubs band had the bolognese and enjoyed it very much. Paired with done a perfect meal ”

“ Second time here and was not disappointed. The chefs know what they are doing as far as Italian food goes. Despite the location being in a strip mall, this might be the best Italian food in Aurora. I ordered the Brussel Sprouts which were prepared and spiced perfectly. Food came out quickly for a busy Saturday night. I split the diavola pizza with my friend and we were not disappointed. It's a quaint place, recently redecorated, and has great food. If you're craving Italian, here is your next stop! ”

“ On a recent visit to Cucina Bella, a local gem for Italian cuisine, I would say overall, it was a pleasant experience but with a few caveats. The food was undoubtedly the star of the show. While we decided to go to for lunch, Cucina Bella doesn't offer lunch menu pricing, so keep that in mind if you are on a budget. I very much enjoyed the Chicken Pesto Panini. The portion was generous enough to make a next day lunch. The Peach Budino deserves honorable mention and is an absolute must-try! It was warm, comforting, and had just the right balance of sweetness (courtesy of the orange caramel sauce) and texture (moist and custard-y). I decided to have the white sangria , though while I think it is more a summer seasonal beverage However, the sangria, it was a lighter option than red wine for a fall lunch. The ambiance was lively for a Saturday afternoon, and the restaurant was bustling with activity, serving a large group, three families, and a few couples, including us. The service, while friendly, was stretched thin. The hostess also doubled as the waitress, which left her juggling multiple roles, including bartender and busser. As a result, the service was a bit slow, but it was clear she was doing her best to accommodate everyone. Parking could be a challenge, as the lot is shared with neighboring businesses, so prime spots are limited. Be prepared to walk a little if it's a busy time. Overall, Cucina Bella is worth a visit for its stellar food, but it may not be the best choice if you're in a rush. A little patience goes a long way in enjoying this charming spot. ”

“ This hidden gem is in a strip mall off of East Alameda. Their Restaurant Week menu was a steal at $35 for three generous portion courses. We were greeted and seated quickly since I made a reservation. It took a bit to get our first course, but after that, things were timed well. We shared 3 of the 4 appetizer options - brussels sprout, burrata alla caponata, and the best one a fig and prosciutto crostini. The crostini was crisp and packed with flavor of goat cheese, fig jam, and prosciutto di parma (too bad it's not on their regular menu). My caprese salad had ripe red tomatoes paired with fresh mozzarella and basil. The main entrees we shared were full of seasoning and we even had some leftover. The Diavola pizza was a 12 inch pizza with nice spicy Calabrian chili peppers. The fettuccini bolognese had plenty of beef and pork in the sauce and the Garganelli al Pesto had a wonderful assortment of veggies that paired well with the pesto. Even though we were full, we couldn't pass up dessert and both were delicious. The creme brûlée had a nice rich custard and the tiramisu was the perfect blend of chocolate, espresso, and rum soaked lady fingers. We will definitely be back to support this restaurant. ”