Born into the restaurant business, I am pleased to be a 3rd generation food service entrepreneur who chose to call catering both a living and a way of life. The chaos of busy Friday nights in award-winning restaurants has taught me a few fundamental principles I apply to my work each day. Patience, fortitude, teamwork, creativity and passion are all prerequisites and timing is everything!
Follow us
Reviews (28)
Kim Romanelli
Jun 08, 2022
Working with Bella Sera for our wedding was fantastic! The venue is STUNNING and being able to have our ceremony outside and the reception in the gorgeous ballroom was a dream come true! The food was outstanding; we heard nothing but great things from our guests. We opted for the stations and everything put out was delicious! Having the packaging option was great - I loved that our photographer, videographer, and DJ knew each other as well as the Bella Sera crew because they've worked the venue so much.
The layout of what upgrades can/should be booked through Bella Sera and what does/does not count towards the spending minimum could have been a bit clearer, but overall the coordination was great! The only slight snag in the planning was when the lead wedding coordinator left the company; we booked our wedding over a year and a half ahead of time and were planning from Colorado, but other than a couple of minor miscommunications along the way the whole crew (especially our main contact, Andrea) was outstanding! Thank you to everyone at Bella Sera for making our day perfect!
The layout of what upgrades can/should be booked through Bella Sera and what does/does not count towards the spending minimum could have been a bit clearer, but overall the coordination was great! The only slight snag in the planning was when the lead wedding coordinator left the company; we booked our wedding over a year and a half ahead of time and were planning from Colorado, but other than a couple of minor miscommunications along the way the whole crew (especially our main contact, Andrea) was outstanding! Thank you to everyone at Bella Sera for making our day perfect!
Lori Barker
May 20, 2022
Kay G.
Apr 23, 2022
Jane Wetzel
Jan 20, 2022
Robert Wichtermam
Dec 09, 2021
Tyler Tubbs
Dec 04, 2021
Ryan Pergola
Oct 26, 2021
Ronald J. Cambest Bsw
Aug 31, 2021
Bella Sera is one of the most beautiful venue in Washington county. From this beautiful gardens to its amazing main ballroom you will find beauty around every corner. The staff are very professional, competent, kind and great to work with, Jason the owner has always sought out excellence in his to make his guests feel not only welcome but part of his family. I feel honored to be able to be a part of The Bella Sera family when I preside over weddings there.
Marlene Maloni
Aug 15, 2021
Sea Smith
Apr 28, 2021
Went to this venue for a Mother's day brunch. We were seated on time and the first 3 courses came out in good succession. The waitress informed us that the kitchen was "freaking out" and we would have to wait for our entrees. We did wait. We also waited a long time for our desserts too, which they brought out to us in to-go containers, which we didn't ask for.
Other diners got them plated. The food was good. My salmon was cold, but still good. The waitress was attentive enough, but the second half of the meal was super slow on delivery. I paid for 2 meals, but only got one first course, which my companion and i shared, but i feel like i should have gotten two.
Other diners got them plated. The food was good. My salmon was cold, but still good. The waitress was attentive enough, but the second half of the meal was super slow on delivery. I paid for 2 meals, but only got one first course, which my companion and i shared, but i feel like i should have gotten two.
Nicole Williams
Apr 20, 2021
We initially planned a pretty large wedding reception in a hotel ballroom downtown. However, about three months before the wedding, we weren't feeling confident that the event would be able to occur so we started to look at other options for hosting a COVID-safe wedding reception that would still fit with our vision for our big day. We ended up finding Bella Sera and we are so so happy that we did!
From the first meeting with Lauren throughout the rest of the planning process, she was so incredibly helpful with answering all of our many, many questions and helped us to feel confident that we would be able to pull off a beautiful wedding reception with only three months to plan. Her organization and attention to detail was so appreciated during this really stressful period and I had no concerns that Lauren and her team would execute all of the details that we discussed to perfection!
Our reception turned out to be absolutely gorgeous at Bella Sera and we received so many compliments from our guests on the food and the service of the staff. Both my husband and I said it felt like we were meant to hold our wedding there all along! Bella Sera also gifted us with a nice basket of wine glasses, pasta dinner essentials, and a gift certificate to use there in the future, which was a really sweet and unexpected touch. We can't say thank you enough to Bella Sera for helping us to keep our wedding date and have a beautiful reception amidst a crazy year! Photos: Kristen Wynn Photography
From the first meeting with Lauren throughout the rest of the planning process, she was so incredibly helpful with answering all of our many, many questions and helped us to feel confident that we would be able to pull off a beautiful wedding reception with only three months to plan. Her organization and attention to detail was so appreciated during this really stressful period and I had no concerns that Lauren and her team would execute all of the details that we discussed to perfection!
Our reception turned out to be absolutely gorgeous at Bella Sera and we received so many compliments from our guests on the food and the service of the staff. Both my husband and I said it felt like we were meant to hold our wedding there all along! Bella Sera also gifted us with a nice basket of wine glasses, pasta dinner essentials, and a gift certificate to use there in the future, which was a really sweet and unexpected touch. We can't say thank you enough to Bella Sera for helping us to keep our wedding date and have a beautiful reception amidst a crazy year! Photos: Kristen Wynn Photography
Shelley Yanko
Mar 11, 2020
Shelley Y.
Jul 13, 2019
From the time you enter into the parking lot the place is spectacular. The covered door entry makes its easy to unload and stay dry in bad weather. If it isn't nice outside the blue sky painted ceiling will make you forget its yucky outside. No matter what size your affair both rooms are exquisite! The staff is fabulous and accommodating. Don't get started on the food! Yum. You won't be sorry just tell them Will and Shelley sent you.
Ben Sagucio
Feb 07, 2019
Camille H.
Jan 21, 2019
My husband and I attended a wedding here recently. We stayed in downtown Pittsburgh and took a shuttle to/from the venue. This venue is gorgeous--the high ceilings and rustic Italian decor was beautiful. The staff were friendly as well. There is an upstairs area for the bridal party to get ready, and we hung out there with the bridal party before the wedding.
This area was a useful staging area and had lots of rooms as well, allowing for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen to have different areas. The food during the wedding was good but not great. They had a photo booth and cookie bar, which were both awesome. There were also late bites of pizza and wings, which was nice. Overall a beautiful wedding! I'm giving only 4 stars instead of 5 because of the remote location--it was a 30-45 minute drive from where we were in Pittsburgh, which was hard for some of the out of town wedding guests unless they caught the shuttle that the wedding party arranged. It was not accessible via public transit, and the cabs were pretty pricey--$30-$60.
This area was a useful staging area and had lots of rooms as well, allowing for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen to have different areas. The food during the wedding was good but not great. They had a photo booth and cookie bar, which were both awesome. There were also late bites of pizza and wings, which was nice. Overall a beautiful wedding! I'm giving only 4 stars instead of 5 because of the remote location--it was a 30-45 minute drive from where we were in Pittsburgh, which was hard for some of the out of town wedding guests unless they caught the shuttle that the wedding party arranged. It was not accessible via public transit, and the cabs were pretty pricey--$30-$60.
Sherry C.
Sep 20, 2018
Jennifer W.
Jul 25, 2018
I attended an intimate wedding reception at the Bella Sera over the weekend. It was a gorgeous setting. The room we were in was upstairs and it was small but perfect for the size of the company. The food was a lot. Huge portions and more than we could eat. The beef Marsala was good although not my particular favorite and the chicken Romano also good. Loved the salad and rolls and the appetizers were arranged so neatly.
We did sit around a bit without refills on our water but if that's the worst then not so bad. They have a private parking lot out front. We also peeked in to the larger room on the first level and it was gorgeous!
We did sit around a bit without refills on our water but if that's the worst then not so bad. They have a private parking lot out front. We also peeked in to the larger room on the first level and it was gorgeous!
Ashley W.
May 20, 2018
Beautiful venue. I have never attended an event at Bella Sera, but I've been there a few times for lunch and always think is so pretty inside. They have a lunch buffet for $13.99, I think, that includes soup, salad, usually some type of pasta, vegetables, rolls, a few different options for protein, as well as dessert, coffee & tea. It's a little pricy for lunch, but you get a lot for your money.
The staff is friendly and it's never very busy. Parking is super easy since they have a parking lot & it's a short drive from southpointe. If you work in the area & have never been to Bella Sera for lunch, I highly recommend it!
The staff is friendly and it's never very busy. Parking is super easy since they have a parking lot & it's a short drive from southpointe. If you work in the area & have never been to Bella Sera for lunch, I highly recommend it!
Natalie H.
Apr 09, 2018
We recently had our friends shower here this weekend and everything went so well. From the beginning Lauren was a pleasure to work with. She was so helpful and accommodating. The service that was provided was amazing. We loved the fruit and cheese platter that was setup as our guest arrived and the lunch was delicious. It was so nice that they had 3 different rooms for us to choose from and the small room was perfect for our 24 person shower. The shower went very smoothly and I can't say enough good things about this venue.
Carey P.
Mar 31, 2018
Genevia R.
Nov 15, 2016
We actually booked this venue sight unseen as we live in California. We had trust in all of the reviews we have seen and knew that this would be the right place for us. Once we saw and met the team we'd be working with for our big day, we knew 100% that we had made the right decision. Lauren, Rachel and Erin were and are so very helpful in all of our decision making.
We cannot say thank you enough to not only this venue- but also the staff and vendors here that we chose to work with. Everyone was always very accommodating, helpful, and our questions were always quick to be answered. Ourselves and our guests can't say enough about how terrific the food was. Not only did they listen to our ideas decoration choices, but they helped bring them to fruition.
The venue is beautiful with plenty of space for all your guests and parking. Don't look anymore, choose Bella Sera! Thank you, Thank you, and THANK YOU! Brad & Genevia 10/28/2016
We cannot say thank you enough to not only this venue- but also the staff and vendors here that we chose to work with. Everyone was always very accommodating, helpful, and our questions were always quick to be answered. Ourselves and our guests can't say enough about how terrific the food was. Not only did they listen to our ideas decoration choices, but they helped bring them to fruition.
The venue is beautiful with plenty of space for all your guests and parking. Don't look anymore, choose Bella Sera! Thank you, Thank you, and THANK YOU! Brad & Genevia 10/28/2016
P. L.
Aug 25, 2016
Chris L.
Jul 14, 2016
Kimberly T.
Apr 09, 2016
We had never been to Bella Sera but had heard good things about it. When we saw they were offering a brunch for Easter we decided to go. When I called to make reservations they asked for my credit card number. I've NEVER been asked for that information before. It made me uncomfortable but I have it. We received a call the Friday before Easter that said you had to cancel by Friday at 5 or you would be charged if you were a no show.
At $35 a person you definitely don't want to pay that price if you can't be there. I thought $35 a person was steep but I thought the food was going to match the price. I was wrong. We knew going in that we were going to sit in the upstairs room. That meant climbing stairs or using the elevator to get to the main room. I wasn't thrilled about it until we got to the venue.
The main floor had very little room to move. People were packed in like sardines. We had a lot more room where we were sitting. We had two servers but they must of had tables downstairs also as we rarely saw them. They were nice but we weren't really served. When we would actually see our server we would ask for drink refills. When we would finally get them the ice would be melted.
As for the food, we were extremely disappointed. We visited the Entree table first. There was waffles, syrup, and a fruit topping. There was a pasta, a potato, some Italian sausage to name a few things. Nothing stood out. I took some of the potatoes and pasta. We then went to the table where the meats were served. They had roasted vegetables which I took some of along with turkey.
I didn't get a slice of turkey. I got a scoop full of turkey pieces/crumbles. Before we went upstairs we stopped by the huge dessert table. I grabbed a couple of cannolis. We wet upstairs to eat. None of us were impressed with the food. It was definitely NOT worth $35 a person. Two of us didn't finish what we had much less go back for more food.
Two people in our party went back down to try different foods but were still disappointed. If I pay $35 for a meal I expect a $35 meal. I have paid $17-20 for better food. Obviously we won't go back.
At $35 a person you definitely don't want to pay that price if you can't be there. I thought $35 a person was steep but I thought the food was going to match the price. I was wrong. We knew going in that we were going to sit in the upstairs room. That meant climbing stairs or using the elevator to get to the main room. I wasn't thrilled about it until we got to the venue.
The main floor had very little room to move. People were packed in like sardines. We had a lot more room where we were sitting. We had two servers but they must of had tables downstairs also as we rarely saw them. They were nice but we weren't really served. When we would actually see our server we would ask for drink refills. When we would finally get them the ice would be melted.
As for the food, we were extremely disappointed. We visited the Entree table first. There was waffles, syrup, and a fruit topping. There was a pasta, a potato, some Italian sausage to name a few things. Nothing stood out. I took some of the potatoes and pasta. We then went to the table where the meats were served. They had roasted vegetables which I took some of along with turkey.
I didn't get a slice of turkey. I got a scoop full of turkey pieces/crumbles. Before we went upstairs we stopped by the huge dessert table. I grabbed a couple of cannolis. We wet upstairs to eat. None of us were impressed with the food. It was definitely NOT worth $35 a person. Two of us didn't finish what we had much less go back for more food.
Two people in our party went back down to try different foods but were still disappointed. If I pay $35 for a meal I expect a $35 meal. I have paid $17-20 for better food. Obviously we won't go back.
Mashel R.
Mar 01, 2015
Oren S.
Feb 23, 2015
I dined here for the first time today, 23 February 2015, for the weekday lunch buffet. I deeply regret that I did not discover this gem sooner: what a place! The structure and interior are beautiful and the restaurant is spacious and comfortable. There is plenty of complimentary parking in a large lot in front of the facility. The buffet is $13.99: pricey for this area, but you get what you pay for; it is simply superb.
There is something for every taste. Today's selection included a small, but choice salad bar with exotic greens (I would love to see fresh mushrooms, chopped egg, bacon bits, chicken salad, and cole slaw added), ham and lentil soup, two types of chicken, including a delicate chicken romano, garlic mashed potatoes, soft and nicely seasoned Italian meatballs in sauce, a small tube pasta in a cream sauce, and green beans almondine with shredded carrots, small slices of cakes, including black forest and lemon, and a large bowl of fresh fruit, which included strawberries, pineapple, blackberries, raspberries, and melon.
Service was offered by two ladies, both of whom were attentive. Plates were cleared and water with lemon served and refilled. A quality check was performed. I appreciated the attention, particularly as the restaurant was hit with a large group for a bereavement luncheon as I was coming in. I would suggest that cloth napkins should be offered at a restaurant of this stature.
A small paper napkin is out of place here. I would have thought that I was dining at a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton hotel, which is high praise. In a word, Bella Sera is "class". It makes for a memorable day.
There is something for every taste. Today's selection included a small, but choice salad bar with exotic greens (I would love to see fresh mushrooms, chopped egg, bacon bits, chicken salad, and cole slaw added), ham and lentil soup, two types of chicken, including a delicate chicken romano, garlic mashed potatoes, soft and nicely seasoned Italian meatballs in sauce, a small tube pasta in a cream sauce, and green beans almondine with shredded carrots, small slices of cakes, including black forest and lemon, and a large bowl of fresh fruit, which included strawberries, pineapple, blackberries, raspberries, and melon.
Service was offered by two ladies, both of whom were attentive. Plates were cleared and water with lemon served and refilled. A quality check was performed. I appreciated the attention, particularly as the restaurant was hit with a large group for a bereavement luncheon as I was coming in. I would suggest that cloth napkins should be offered at a restaurant of this stature.
A small paper napkin is out of place here. I would have thought that I was dining at a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton hotel, which is high praise. In a word, Bella Sera is "class". It makes for a memorable day.
Emily L.
Jun 22, 2014
Mario G.
Jan 12, 2014