Although not a chain, it seems like one . . . in the positive sense that everything is always under control and food preparation and service are at high levels of standards.

Food itself borders on the imaginative and is more creative than your average restaurant. All dishes are with a Northern Italian flair. The daily specials are almost always superb -- only once did I order a special only to be so disappointed that I sent it back and ordered something else (management wanted not to charge for the special but it wasn't really bad from their standpoint -- it really just was not to MY liking -- and they agreed to take half the price).

We've returned 6 to 8 times since then (see, it really wasn't their fault) and have enjoyed it each time.    [05 May 2001 21:18:31]

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     ­PhilC   

Don't eat the shrimp
Recently my wife and I took our mothers to Bella Luna restaurant before the Nutcracker Ballet. My wife and mother ordered a shrimp and chicken pasta dish. About half way through the meal my wife bit into a bad shrimp which almost made her sick. We told our server (who gave us great service) and he brought my wife some plain pasta to eat. My mother pushed all her shrimp to the side so she wouldn't eat them. Before she was done she ate what she thought was a piece of chicken, but was a piece of shrimp with no tail on it, and it was bad. The manager had come by and told us that these things happen and there is no way to tell if all the shrimp was good just by looking at them. When the waiter brought the bill there was no concession made for the bad food, since we were taking our mothers out for a pleasant evening I did't argue about it and paid the bill. For the rest of the night my wife fought being sick every time she thought of dinner. needless to say it put a damper on our entire evening. I was very dissapointed they did not adjust the bill and I will never eat there again plus I plan on telling all of my friends and associates about my experience with this restaurant. The shrimp was so bad that my mother had to ask for a bowl of hot water with lemon to rinse the smell off of her hand.    [26 Dec 2002 11:52:17]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance: -   Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: None

     ­Anonymous   jpj555 at msn dot com

Lunch Service on 01/15/03
We were very disappointed in the service that was provided during our lunch visit today. There were three office professionals in our party and not only was the food delivered slowly, the wait person used the excuse of a 100 person party that slowed things down. When the food arrived, one of the persons in our party did not receive the item that was ordered.

When one of the women ordered her pasta salad she was brought the antipasta salad and when she advised the waitperson that she did not receive what she ordered, he argued with her. A check of the menu when we left verified that he did, in fact, bring her the wrong salad.

I have enjoyed many dinners at Bella Luna and this was my first lunch there. I do plan another visit with the hopes that any future experience will be much improved and that persons who do have a demanding profession can enjoy a pleasant lunch in reasonable time for someone who has responsibilities to someone other than themselves.    [15 Jan 2003 13:24:45]

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     ­Anonymous   LBruun at gaic dot com

This restaurant is one of the best in Marion County!
I have been to some of the finest restaurants in Florida, and I was pleasantly suprised to find such a high-quality establishment in Ocala.

It's one of Ocala's Top 3 restaurants, in my opinion.    [13 Feb 2003 23:38:49]

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Recommended Dishes: The Sunday Brunch!

     ­James Fielding   mike at redhotdigital dot com

What a Pleasant Surprise
We visited Bella Luna without any prior knowledge of the restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. The meal was supurb. Best Italian we're had in a long time! Certainly the best around Central Florida!    [02 Aug 2003 22:36:56]

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Recommended Dishes: The desserts are also awesome!

     ­Anonymous   marilyn728 at aol dot com

I will be back real soon.
Just found this place by accident and had the most pleasant surprise. The place was charming, the prices were so reasonable and the food was outstanding. I would rate it as some of the best food I have eaten. Very friendly place.    [03 Aug 2003 22:12:25]

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     ­Lorraine   lori57 at thevillages dot net

My favorite eating place in Ocala
The atmosphere, the service and, the fish dishes are outstanding. I also enjoy the fine wine.    [23 Nov 2003 16:44:30]

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Recommended Dishes: Salmon

     ­Anonymous   

5th visit tonight
Tonight is my 5th anniversary and will be my 5th visit to Bella Luna with my bride. They are 4 for 4 so far.    [27 Dec 2003 06:26:01]

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Recommended Dishes: Portabella Mushroom soup

     ­Anonymous   

The best restaurant in ocala period.
I'm Italian and grew up with great authentic Italian food. This is like home with gourmet flair.    [19 Jan 2004 12:02:20]

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Recommended Dishes: Il maestro, poblano pepper stuffed with sea food,

     ­Michael Angelo, San Diego, ca   spysong at cox dot net

Great Place for Lunch and Dinner
Wonderful! I happened upon Bella Luna when taking my parents, who live in The Villages, shopping in Ocala. We wre looking for a place for lunch and drove by Bella Luna. It had nice curb appeal, so we stopped. We had a wonderful lunch and have returned time and time again for both lunch and dinner.    [02 May 2004 08:48:48]

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     ­Steve C - Orlando