social and political changes, with roots as far back as the 4th century BC. Italian cuisine in itself takes heavy influences from Etruscan, ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine, Germanic, Gaelic, Norman, Jewish and Arab cuisines. Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World with the introduction of items such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century. Italian cuisine is noted for its regional diversity, abundance of difference in taste, and is known to be one of the most popular in the world, with influences abroad. Ingredients and dishes vary by region. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated with variations throughout the country. Cheese and wine are a major part of the cuisine, with many variations and Denominazione di origine controllata
(DOC) (regulated appellation) laws. Coffee, specifically espresso, has become important in Italian cuisine –
WikipediaDining at Ciao Bella Pizzeria and Restaurant is a truly enjoyable and pleasant experience. Set in the lush green gardens of Centenary Park in Jinja Road in Kampala this restaurant and pizzeria offers diners a variety of different yet recognisable dishes to choose from, like their wide selection of thin crusted pizza’s, their
calzone’s (a calzone is a turnover that originates from Italy. It is made of ingredients similar to pizza, folded over and shaped like a crescent before being cooked), and their delicious and filling pasta’s. Their menu also offers diners a barbeque option of beef, chicken, pork chops, t-bone steaks and tilapia, all of which are served with chips – the menu includes salads (Capers salad, which consists of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil or oregano and olive oil) and fish (Tilapia in green sauce with olives).

As a group of work colleagues it is customary for each one of us to order different meals so our orders consisted of Antipasti (foods to snack on or begin the meal) like the Bruschetta Mista (fresh tomatoes, olive paste, mozzarella and anchovies), Garlic Bruschetta (garlic and olive oil on toasted bread) and a Garlic Focaccia (yeast bread baked in a wood fire oven with garlic and olive oil). Italians love to eat and when they do, they make it a festive occasion - so in true Italian form we ordered more drinks and chatted while

deciding on what we would eat as a main meal. Dishes like the Pancetta (pizza with tomatoes, bacon and mozzarella), Quattro Stagioni (pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, ham, Ementhal cheese, artichoke and egg), and Lasagna Carne (lasagna with minced meat, mozzarella and tomato) were ordered. The portions served were big and the food was delicious and tasty. The restaurant is spacious and airy and you have the option of dining under cover or in the park under thatched gazebos on wooden chairs and tables. The staff are friendly and attentive and it doesn’t take them long to welcome you and make you feel at home. Ciao Bella do not have a very big dessert menu but can offer diners a choice of a slice of their Italian cake, the Crostata alla frutta or the Crostata Jam. We had asked for the traditional Italian dessert, Tiramisu (a dessert of cake infused with a liquid such as coffee or rum, layered with a rich cheese filling, and topped with grated chocolate) but that was not on offer - we ordered coffees instead, and left Ciao Bella full, content and wanting to dine there again. Ciao Bella also do pizza take-away and deliveries have a cake shop and are fully licensed.

For reservations, please call:
Ciao Bella Pizzeria & Restaurant
Centenary Park, Jinja Road, Kampala
Mobile: +256 782 232123 / +256 782 705083
Email: ciaobella-restaurant@hotmail.it