Owner/Chef Carlo Nicolazza, originally from Naples, opened Bella Italia in 2001. He and his wife, Amy, also own the original counter-service Bella Italia in Wake Forest.

Chef Carlo has spent most of his adult life in the restaurant industry, including many years on the Italian coast. These days, the chef is known for his frutti di mare Alfredo which features jumbo shrimp, plump scallops and lump crab meat. Other specialties include, chicken bella Italia, osso buco and delectable hand-made cannoli.