Editor’s note: This article originally appeared May 10, 2010. We are republishing this as part of The Drive AltDaily Drive. If you support the unique voice AltDaily brings to Hampton Roads, please give.

Nestled in a quaint shopping center in the heart of Ghent lies a hidden oasis of homemade, authentic, Italian cuisine with the most impressive vegan menu in Hampton Roads.

As fast as my pleather pumps could carry me, I eagerly arrived at La Bella last week to perform a vegan/vegetarian restaurant review, and was more than thrilled with my findings. Passing through an elegant beaded curtain to enter the restaurant, you are instantly transplanted into a rich, warm, cozy new world, with garlic in the air and soft Italian music playing smoothly in the background. Our server Susan was quick to greet my vegetarian friend Tony and me with a friendly demeanor that made me feel even more at ease.

Marti and Andréa DiCarlo, the young Brooklyn-born owners and executive chefs of La Bella, have a passion for fresh, high-quality, traditional ingredients with a modern twist. While many Italian dishes are vegan by nature, they thought it important to create a special vegan menu to cater to our community in a distinctive way. Here’s a glimpse.

Insalata Siciliana

This salad was impressive in both ingredient choices and taste. Thick, crispy green beans, golden potatoes, green olives, and gorgeous tomatoes rounded out this dish, which also included bits of oranges for an added zest and was dripping with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Crunchy, fabulous, and only $9.99 for an entree size.

Bruschetta, Eggplant Copanata, and Grigliata di Verudra

Of La Bella’s famed vegan appetizers, the Bruschetta (left) was my favorite, but I’m a bit of a garlic snob. With large cuts of tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, and olive oil all atop thick homemade Italian bread with a crispy, distinctive crust, you can’t go wrong. As a full appetizer, this dish costs $6.99. The Eggplant Copanata (middle) was brand new to La Bella. Green olives were the main substance of this appetizer, which also included fresh celery and eggplant, and was rounded out in a thick, chilled tomato base. Lastly was the Grigliata di Veruda, which was a true veggie lover’s Heaven: grilled eggplant, Portobello, zucchini, and squash stacked together and topped with roasted red peppers. It had a strong slow-roasted appeal with distinct sage and vinegar flavors which were blissful complements. As a full appetizer, this dish costs $10.99.

Perciatelli

This was the most unique dish we sampled, very different than anything I’d ever tried before, which was a welcome and refreshing sight. Perciatelli noodles were cooked al dente in a savory brown saffron sauce, which included raisins and fresh cauliflower and broccoli florets. The whole dish was lightly topped with breadcrumbs and bared a sweet, seductive overall flavor.

Spaghetti al Siciliano

Genuinely one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever experienced, this divine dish was the original pesto. Crushed tomatoes infused with thick cuts of fresh Italian basil and olive oil, all atop the classic spaghetti noodle, cooked al dente. The organic freshness of the dish was palpable in both fragrance and taste. A full dinner order runs for $13.99.

Gardein Pollo Marsala

The thick, sweet marsala wine sauce brought a truly mouth-watering appeal to this savory vegan version of an Italian classic. The Gardien “chicken” breast was lightly floured and pan-seared, and absorbed the herb-infused delicate sauce magnificently. Topped with fresh mushrooms, this dish usually comes as a very hearty portion atop spaghetti, and a full order costs $17.99.

Gardein Pollo Sorrentina

Typically served over spaghetti, this thick, delectable Gardein breast is topped with grilled eggplant, a sherry wine sauce, and melted Daiya vegan cheese. Swimming in a light, brothy, garlic-infused fresh tomato sauce, the flavor and texture was truly mind blowing.

Amaretto Tiramisu and Chocolate Chip Brownie

Marti is working tirelessly on perfecting the vegan dessert, and she let us taste what she’s been experimenting with so far. The Amaretto Tiramisu consisted of thick, smooth, soy whipping over a moist yellow cake infused with espresso and Amaretto Disaronno; all topped with chopped hazelnuts. To die for! The dark chocolate chip brownie was impressive as well, topped with fresh fruit and a sweet Amaretto glaze.

Overall, my experience dining at La Bella in Ghent was unparalleled. The DiCarlos passion for perfection, the fresh organic quality of the ingredients, the warm inviting ambiance, the superior vegan options, and overall rich quality of the food was incredible. I recommend it to the highest level. Perfect for a special evening or just a getaway from the norm with friends, it’s topped my list of must-haves on the ever expanding catalog of Hampton Roads’ vegan treasures.

La Bella in Ghent is located at 738 West 22nd St. in Norfolk.

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