Italian prize guys putting town on map
THE owners of an Italian restaurant in Heywood which has recently been named the best in the region say they hope their win will help put the area ‘on the map’.
Bella Sera, located on Rochdale Road, was named the Best Restaurant
in the North West at the Italian Awards 2023 last week, which has been recognising excellence in the country’s Italian restaurants since 2015.
Owner and chef Mondo, who has previously worked at San Carlo and was head chef of Don Giovanni for five years, took over the restaurant last year after spending seven years at Pagliacci in Hyde.
Mondo said the recognition was a ‘great achievement’ for him and his staff.
“We work so hard and it’s a really nice feeling to be appreciated like this,” Mondo said.
“I had a feeling we would win the day the judges visited us.
“The restaurant was busy and full of families, the food was really good and the waiters were at the top of their game. It really was just a very good day.”
Bella Sera serves traditional pizzas and pasta dishes as well as risotto, steaks, and sharing platters.
“We have a big menu,” Mondo admits.
“We do pizza, pasta, halibut, calzones, fillet steak, lamb shank, arancini - you name it. We like to have a bit of everything.”
Mondo says he hopes the win will help highlight the area of Heywood as a place to visit when it comes to good food.
The chef says: “When we first took on the restaurant, people were asking ‘why here’, but why not? It’s just down the road from other areas.
“People were confused at our decision but, look now, we’re busy and we have won an award.
“Our restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem for people.
“It doesn’t look like much on the outside but when you are inside, you can forget where you are.
“It’s a nice and relaxing environment - there’s always a great vibe here.”
Mondo said manager Nando attended the Italian Awards gala ceremony at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds, alongside waiter Bernie, who has worked at the restaurant for 12 years and from before Mondo
took over, as well as waiter and chef Micky.
Mondo’s wife Elena also attended.
“I have been a chef for the last 24 years so I have been to the awards a few times in the past,” Mondo explained.
“I wanted my team to enjoy the ceremony themselves - they deserved to go and have a nice time.
“They were giving me updates throughout the evening.
“I was really emotional when they told me we won.
“When you put so much effort and love into something, it’s really nice to be recognised.
“We are very, very happy.”
Bella Sera, 13-15 Rochdale Road East, Heywood, OL10 4DX. Visit the website to book.