TSM Verdict
The Verdict
Bella in Maryville, TN is an upscale-casual Italian restaurant best known for its tableside Cheese Wheel Pasta and creative pasta and entrée selections. The dining style is modern Italian with a focus on made-to-order dishes and a few showpiece presentations.
Worth it?
Yes, especially if you are near Maryville.
Best order
Pasta in the Wheel, Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, Mushroom Rigatoni, Short Rib
Best time
Lunch or early dinner
Verify
Check current hours before driving.
Go For
- Pasta in the Wheel
- Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
- Mushroom Rigatoni
- Short Rib
- Arancini
Skip If
- You prefer budget-friendly dining, as most entrées are in the mid-$20s to low $30s
- You want a highly casual or kid-focused atmosphere
- You require a fully vegetarian or vegan menu
Before You Go
Reservations are recommended for peak dinner times; confirm current hours and reservation policies on Bella’s official site or Facebook.
Decision Guide
Decision Guide
Is it worth visiting?
Bella is a strong choice for those seeking modern Italian fare with signature tableside presentations and a mid-to-upper casual price point. It's best for diners who appreciate creative pastas and upscale entrées.
Best first order?
Pasta in the Wheel, Creamy Tuscan Shrimp, Mushroom Rigatoni, Short Rib, Arancini
Best time?
Worth driving from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
If you’re looking for a destination Italian meal with unique tableside pasta and a well-rated menu, Bella is one of the more notable options within an hour’s drive of Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
Planner Snapshot
At a Glance
Location
Maryville, Tennessee
Cuisine
Italian restaurant
Price
$$
Best meal
Lunch or early dinner
Families
Confirm fit before going
Planning fit
Best as part of a Maryville stop
Best For
Couples seeking a romantic dining experience • Food enthusiasts looking for high-quality Italian cuisine • Groups celebrating special occasions or events
Website
bellamaryville.comPro tip: Try the cheese wheel pasta dish and enjoy crafted cocktails from the friendly bartenders; ask for a private booth if celebrating an anniversary or special event
About Bella
Bella stands out as Maryville's premier Italian restaurant, where traditional recipes meet theatrical presentation. The restaurant's signature dish - pasta prepared tableside in a giant wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese - creates both a memorable show and exceptional flavor. This upscale dining destination balances sophistication with warmth, featuring white tablecloths and attentive service that makes every guest feel like a regular.
The menu showcases classic Italian preparations alongside contemporary interpretations. Regulars particularly praise the handmade pasta dishes and the wine selection, which includes both Italian imports and domestic varieties. The service team demonstrates remarkable knowledge of both the menu and wine list, offering thoughtful pairing suggestions that enhance the dining experience.
The restaurant's elegant dining room, with its soft lighting and comfortable spacing between tables, creates an ideal setting for special occasions. It's become a favorite spot for anniversary celebrations, business dinners, and intimate gatherings. While the atmosphere is upscale, the environment remains welcoming rather than stuffy.
The attention to detail extends beyond the food - from the fresh bread service that starts each meal to the carefully crafted desserts that provide a sweet finale. The professional service staff maintains a perfect balance of attentiveness without hovering, contributing significantly to the restaurant's reputation as Maryville's go-to destination for refined Italian dining.
For the best experience, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining or special occasions. While menu prices reflect the upscale nature of the restaurant, the quality of food, service, and ambiance justifies the investment in a memorable dining experience.
Amenities & Features
- Tableside pasta in the cheese wheel—a signature dish that guests say tastes authentically Italian and is worth ordering
- Exceptional service from attentive servers like Teri Lyn, Presley, Meraya, and Elijah who elevate the dining experience
- Standout appetizers, particularly the house-made arancini and Brussels sprouts that keep guests coming back
- Upscale, decadent atmosphere perfect for special occasions and celebrations
Insider Tips for Bella
Insider tips
Bring time to find parking downtown; street parking is the most commonly listed option, and nearby spaces can be limited during busy meal periods. If you want Sunday brunch, go early. Brunch is only served from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, so late arrivals may miss that service window.
Expect a full-service meal, not a fast lunch. Bella is set up for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, so service and pacing are more like a traditional dine-in restaurant.
Before you go
Current price guidance on this page is $$. A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details.
Menu Guide
What to Order at Bella
Main
Pasta in the Wheel
Fresh fettuccine tossed tableside in a hollowed Grana Padano or Parmigiano wheel with a flambéed sauce, creating a rich, cheesy pasta served as a showpiece.
Main
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Shrimp with slow-roasted tomato, spinach, garlic, and penne pasta in a creamy sauce; a signature seafood pasta featured on both dinner and delivery menus.
Main
Mushroom Rigatoni
Rigatoni with roasted mushrooms, asparagus, peas, a light mascarpone sauce, shaved pecorino, and toasted hazelnuts.
Main
Short Rib
Braised short rib served as an entrée and also featured in flatbread and hash preparations; praised for its rich, tender texture.
Starter
Arancini
Crispy fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella, served with a sweet and spicy pomodoro sauce.
Starter
Roman-style Artichokes
Lightly fried artichokes dressed with Calabrese chili oil and lemon aioli, frequently mentioned as a standout starter.
Main
Chicken Panini
Grilled or pressed chicken sandwich available on both the regular and brunch menus, noted for its popularity among guests.
Main
Bella Burger
Signature house burger distinct from the classic burger, served with thin-cut fries; a commonly ordered sandwich option.
Best For
- Couples seeking a romantic dining experience
- Food enthusiasts looking for high-quality Italian cuisine
- Groups celebrating special occasions or events
Know Before You Go
- Bring time to find parking downtown; street parking is the most commonly listed option, and nearby spaces can be limited during busy meal periods.
- If you want Sunday brunch, go early. Brunch is only served from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, so late arrivals may miss that service window.
- Expect a full-service meal, not a fast lunch. Bella is set up for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks, so service and pacing are more like a traditional dine-in restaurant.
- Check the day before you go if you are targeting Tuesday, since current listings conflict on whether the restaurant is open that day.
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Bella
Check the restaurant's current seating policy before weekend evenings; popular spots can have waits.
Tags
Traveler Questions
How long does a visit take?
Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed lunch or dinner, especially if you order appetizers, drinks, and dessert. A brunch stop can be shorter, around 60 to 90 minutes.
What are Bella’s hours?
Bella is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday for brunch from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM plus dinner from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays according to one current listing, so check before you go if you are planning a Tuesday visit.
Is parking easy?
Parking is limited. One listing says street parking only, while another mentions off-street parking availability. The safest plan is to arrive a little early and expect to use nearby downtown parking.
What should I expect from the menu and atmosphere?
Bella serves Italian and Tuscan-style dishes, with comfort food portions, pastas, lasagna, proteins, and a full bar with whiskey and cocktails. It is positioned as an upscale downtown restaurant rather than a casual quick-stop spot.
Who is Bella best for?
Bella works well for couples, small groups, and visitors who want a sit-down Italian meal in downtown Maryville. It is also a good fit for brunch plans or a dinner with cocktails.
Do I need a reservation?
A reservation is suggested, especially for weekend dinners, Sunday brunch, and larger parties. Walk-ins may still be possible, but popular meal times can fill up.
More in Maryville
Nearby picks around Maryville
Explore More
Plan around Maryville

Explore Maryville attractions
Discover top-rated spots

Top-rated italian restaurant in Maryville

More places to eat in Maryville

Browse Smoky Mountain dining

Coffee and quick bites

Find your perfect stay

Expert travel tips