Our Story, Our Team, Our Passion

Discover the heart and soul behind Bella Notte Ristorante, where authentic Italian traditions meet Chicago's vibrant culinary scene.

Our Story

The original building where Bella Notte Ristorante first opened its doors in Lincoln Park

Bella Notte Ristorante began as a humble dream in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago. Founded in 1985 by Chef Alessandro Mancini and his wife, Sofia, it started as a small trattoria with a simple mission: to bring the authentic flavors of Tuscany to the Windy City. Alessandro, a native of Florence, grew up surrounded by the aromas and traditions of Italian cooking. He learned from his Nonna Emilia, who instilled in him a deep respect for fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Sofia, with her warm smile and passion for hospitality, ensured that every guest felt like family.

The first location, a cozy brick building on Lincoln Avenue, quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Locals flocked to Bella Notte for Alessandro's signature pasta dishes, made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Sofia's warm welcome and the restaurant's intimate atmosphere created a sense of community, making Bella Notte a home away from home for many. Over the years, Bella Notte has remained a family-run business, committed to the same values that Alessandro and Sofia established from the beginning: quality, tradition, and genuine hospitality.

Through the years, Bella Notte has evolved while staying true to its roots. We expanded our menu to include a wider range of regional Italian specialties, while always emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Our wine list has grown to feature a carefully curated selection of Italian and international wines, handpicked by our sommelier, Marco Rossi, to complement our cuisine. Today, Bella Notte is a beloved Chicago institution, known for its authentic Italian food, warm atmosphere, and dedication to providing an unforgettable dining experience. We are proud to share our story with you and invite you to become a part of the Bella Notte family.

Our Team

A group photo of the smiling team at Bella Notte Ristorante

Alessandro Mancini

Executive Chef & Founder

Alessandro, a native of Florence, brings decades of culinary experience to Bella Notte. His passion for authentic Italian cuisine is evident in every dish he creates.

Sofia Mancini

General Manager & Co-Founder

Sofia's warm personality and dedication to hospitality ensure that every guest feels welcomed and valued at Bella Notte. She oversees all aspects of the restaurant's operations with grace and efficiency.

Marco Rossi

Sommelier

Marco, a certified sommelier, curates our extensive wine list, carefully selecting wines that perfectly complement our menu and enhance the dining experience.

Isabella Moretti

Head Chef

Isabella works closely with Chef Alessandro to develop our menu and ensure that every dish is prepared to perfection. She's been with Bella Notte for over 10 years.

Giovanni Esposito

Sous Chef

Giovanni is the sous chef who assists with food preparations and maintains the quality of our dishes. He has a degree in culinary from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and extensive experience in Italian Cuisine.

Our Values

Authenticity

We are committed to preserving the traditions of Italian cuisine, using time-honored recipes and techniques passed down through generations.

Quality

We source only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible, to ensure that every dish is exceptional.

Hospitality

We believe in treating every guest like family, providing warm, attentive service and creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

Community

We are proud to be a part of the Lincoln Park community and are committed to supporting local businesses and organizations.

Sustainability

We are committed to environmental stewardship. We strive to minimize our environmental impact through conscious sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.

Innovation

While honoring tradition, we embrace innovation. We continuously explore new culinary techniques and ingredients to enhance the dining experience.