Let's Eat: Bella Vino Ristorante

The newly-opened Bella Vino Ristorante offers a cozy, romantic atmosphere and attention to detail.

All the furniture is handmade and the walls are hand-painted with murals, textures and DaVinci-esque sketches of Italian beauties. Customers can also see wine labels subtly peeking out through the warm tones of faux-finished walls.

Owner Anthony Serrano was inspired to open the restaurant three months ago after a visit to Italy. While he was there, he took pictures of the restaurants in Italy, and tried to recreate in the Valley, even down to the food presentation on the plate.

"We try being as authentic as possible," said Serrano, who holds a bachelor's degree in culinary management from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, grew up in the restaurant business. His family owned a number of Mexican restaurants throughout the state.

"I wanted to create my own thing," Serrano said.

The restaurant specialties include penne bolognese and braised beef. Bella Vino also offers a happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m., which features $4 drafts, 25 percent off bottles of wine, and $1 off wines by the glass. The restaurant has more than 90 varieties of wine.

Bella Vino Ristorante is located at 985 W. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. For more information, call (480) 802-5770 or visit www.bellavinoaz.com.