Last night we went out for dinner to a restaurant we had not been to before. That can sometimes be an adventure. This particular restaurant was really, really good.

19 Bella is located on Skippack Pike just a mile east of the Village of Skippack.  The little cluster of stores and restaurants in the Cedars Country Store Outlets are charming. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is quaint and welcoming. Some of the art on the walls has been done by the owners and family members.

Alas a restaurant is really not about the atmosphere and art, although that is indeed part of the overall dining experience, it is about food. The food here is some of the best Mediterranean cuisine I have had outside of Italy.  The Tapas style menu offers a lovely selection of small plates to choose from.  Dishes come out as they are done and in no particular order so plan to go there when you have time to sit and experience the food.  It is a BYOB. I had to try the Kale mostly because I planted Kale in the garden and was looking for a creative way to prepare it.  To say it was good would be an understatement.  My husband had fried dates that he said were amazing. One of their specials last night was a Yellow Fin Tuna which was done to perfection.    

Not only was the food excellent but the staff and proprietors were very friendly and courteous. If you decide to check it out, make a reservation. Even on a stormy Wednesday evening they had a pretty full house.   To borrow a cliché, I give 19 Bella “two thumbs up”.

For more information visit their web site at: http://www.19bella.com/Home_Page.html