AT first glance, one wouldn’t notice that a restaurant exists in the midst of one of the busiest streets in Cebu. But just along the roads of F. Cabahug, perched atop a building, one will find an Italian-inspired restaurant named Pasta Bella.
Unlike any other Italian restaurant, Pasta Bella comes with an experience as soon as one steps foot inside the building. Finding the staircase might cause a little confusion, but that is nothing compared to the flight of stairs one has to climb before actually reaching the place. Exhausting as it may sound, all of that is put aside once the restaurant is in sight.
True enough, Pasta Bella gives off a laid-back ambiance with its wooden dining set, wall paintings and hanging light bulbs that are perfect for a night away from the bustling city down below. A place of retreat for when one wants to spend quality time with family and friends, Pasta Bella is sure to perk up any mood with its Italian-inspired dishes.
But before everything came to be, Pasta Bella started out within the humble abode of Mabel and Bong Paredes. Home was where all the baking and making of fresh pasta and lasagna happened which eventually lead to the creation of Mabel’s reputable muffin lasagna. The couple started hosting friends alone until their deliveries exponentially grew and the rest is history.
With the help of their partner, Michelle Sang the couple was able to open Pasta Bella on July 18 of last year. Although they initially wanted it to be a commissary, people started to visit the place and asked for new dishes. According to Mabel, everything was a step-by-step process and prior to officially making it a restaurant, Mabel first studied culinary.
Since then, the restaurant has gained popularity among locals and foreigners alike. Even earning praise from its Italian customers, describing that they experience the same thing in their home country.
Mainly known as a pasta place, the restaurant takes pride in their pasta dishes especially the well-loved muffin lasagna which comes in six different flavors. Chicken and spinach is of course the go-to pick while the classic all-beef is popular among kids. Other flavors include chicken and mushrooms, shrimp and scallops, Hungarian sausage, and lastly, eggplant parmigiana for the vegetarians.
For starters, one can experience a taste of Italy as he bites into the bruschetta that’s made more delectable with a dash of basil while a sweet surprise for the palate awaits in unexpected burst of flavors with Bella’s bouquet salad.
Continuing one’s Italian-like experience at Pasta Bella, dig into savory goodness with the roasted chicken in rosemary and lemon that’s best paired with the restaurant’s special gravy. Also, a definite must-try on its menu is the coffee rubbed pork tenderloin for the main dish.
Aside from lasagna, Pasta Bella offers a wide selection of pasta dishes as well such as basil cherry tomato pasta, spaghetti with meatballs and mac and cheese to mention a few. Pizza is also served at the restaurant like olive tapenade pizza, white garlic pizza, and pizza ala Bella.
Providing an approachable and homey Italian restaurant, this 30-seater dining place sets their goal to become accessible to the majority where people from all walks of life could enjoy an Italian-like experience right within the city. Pasta Bella is located at 22 F. Cabahug St, Cebu City and is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.