Chow Down on Ciao Bella: Middletown’s New Pizzeria

Written by Nala Montgomery 

For years whether you lived in Hidden Valley or Middletown, if you were feeling peckish for pizza then Stone Fire was your best bet because, well, it was your only bet. So imagine the hype that accumulated around the news of Ciao Bella, a new pizzeria in Middletown Plaza. Business was booming on opening day, with orders piling up and selling out 4 hours before closing. 

Ciao Bella Pizzeria Logo; Printed on to-go Box

Though its not a dine in experience, it isn’t a dull one. With bustling business and live guitar players for the grand opening, the atmosphere is buzzing with welcoming energy. David may have taken Dave’s order but Ciao Bella are fast reactors and now Dave has a free pizza with his order thanks to David. 

Menu Items and Prices

Ciao Bella offers two single slice options at around $5, eight 12” and 16” options ranging from $16-29. Two types of soft serve ice creams of your choosing are served in a cone or cup for $4 a piece. Compared to Stone Fire Pizza, Ciao Bella currently provides limited options though they are marginally less expensive. 

Though the price of pizza always depends on the size, toppings also come into play when determining costs at Stone Fire. Starting prices range from $6.50 for a personal pizza to $27 for an extra large, both with one topping. Specialty pizza prices vary between $9.95 for a mini to $35 for an extra large. Directly comparing prices between shared menu options, Ciao Bella does save you a few dollars when it comes to ordering medium-large pizzas but Stone Fire is your best bet when it comes to the luxury of choices. Overall Ciao Bella offers better prices but significantly fewer options. 

Atmosphere and Quality 

When entering Ciao Bella it can seem claustrophobic to some customers with the bustling environment in such a small space but to others the buzzing energy creates a welcoming vibe as you enter this cozy new restaurant. Personally I loved walking in to the tantalizing aroma of cooking pizza and hearing the guitarists shred some chords. Daughter of the owner, Harmony Richner, worked the front desk opening day stated “Everyone did a great job and I’m so happy the community is so excited for our small business.” and I whole heartedly agree. I did eventually have to wait outside due to the the amount of customers filing in for their orders but that just shows how popular its grand opening was. 

12” Ciao Carnivore Pizza

After trying the cheese and carnivore pizzas I ended up having slammed 5 slices. The crust is underwhelming and it could use some extra toppings. I also personally didn’t enjoy the under cooked unions on the carnivore pizza and felt the cheese pizza could be cooked a little more but overall it was delightful. As of right now, it can’t compare to Stone Fire’s meat lovers’ pizza and garlic bread sticks but being a new spot in Middletown its promising and definitely shows potential.