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Bella Amore

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

With spacious, shaded decking right on the marina, palm trees, a tropical blue sky and close proximity to the city, Bella Amore at trendy Cullen Bay offers a pleasant retreat from the Darwin heat. Evenings are abuzz with patrons and the atmosphere's magic with rows of yachts and lights reflected on the water. This is Italian cooking with a Top End twist. Order the snappy crocodile gourmet pizza with a glass of red as the sun goes down, and you're set to experience Bella Amore at its most Territorian. Yes, the pizza has authentic croc topping, along with onion, tomato and capsicum. Or you can sample the salt and pepper crocodile with mango and chilli sauce, served on a bed of wild rice.

There's also a good mix of traditional Italian fare such as pasta, lasagne, spaghetti bolognaise, salads, plus decadent desserts, coffees and a fully licensed bar. Choose between five oyster dishes, a seafood tasting plate or local mud-crab. The penne vodka is a variation on the ordinary with salami flambeed in vodka and a touch of garlic and tomato Napoli sauce. Those with a sweet-tooth surely can't pass up on the Snickers chocolate pizza with ice-cream. Steak-lovers, vegetarians, chocoholics or crocaholics - Bella Amore caters for the lot. Daily specials include mini dishes for the kids.

Merridy Anne Pugh, August 2008