It was the early 90s and the world had just survived what was the crazy 80s. Mesmerized by the idea of different cultures, Roza Hamzei left her country to study life, art, language and love in Perugia, the artistic center of central Italy. While in school, Roza worked hard in a few family-run restaurants and began to fall in love with the Italy she dreamt of in her childhood. What began as a quest for enrichment turned to a fire for food. Her passions for love, family and authenticity were awakened again and again by the aromas of the Italian coast. She began tasting… and cooking everything from central Italy and then Northern Italy, Sicilia and Napoli as well.
It didn’t take long for Roza to ignite the flame under her family. In 2001, Roza and Jay Hamzei came to America to share Italian food. They started off small, first, Venice Pizzeria which they bought and quickly turned into the place to go for the best pizza in town. On any given day, you could walk by and catch sight of both Roza and Jay delighting customers and even sneak a peak at their son, Vahid making his famous pizzas after his school day was done.
In 2005, Roza and Jay sold Venice Pizzeria and embarked on manufacturing what was to become Bella Cucina. The Hamzeis opened the first Bella Cucina in Canyon Country and quickly worked around-the-clock to ensure the restaurant’s success. Affectionately deemed “Little Bella” the Italian eatery quickly became known for its warm and friendly ambiance. More people began coming and coming. Eventually, a bigger space was inevitable – Enter “Big Bella” in 2008. Although the second Bella Cucina was situated on the famous restaurant row in Valencia, the move did not come without its problems and compromises and at the end of a year, Roza and Jay decided on a return to what works best. A little something smaller, a little more family and more food!
Today, Bella Cucina remains family owned and operated and has spent the greater part of seven years building the name that has become synonymous with authentic Italian cuisine. What began as humble beginnings off the corner of Soledad and Sierra Highway, now emerges as the beacon of Santa Clarita dining – Bella Cucina, Saugus is quickly becoming the spot everyone congregates to: enjoying the best food, drinks and atmosphere around town. Even though the location has changed, the longevity of the Bella Cucina family food remains intact. Signature dishes such as the Penne alla Vodka, Chicken Tequila, vegetarian dishes in addition to an exquisite seafood menu, are not to be missed and are just a brief snapshot of the plethora of delicious dishes the restaurant has to offer. Recently rated in the top five Italian Restaurants in LA by CitySearch.com, Bella Cucina boasts a diversified and dynamic menu, lunch specials, full bar and a spacious patio where patrons are invited to eat, lounge and sip away the seasons all year long.
Bella Cucina is located at 27911 Seco Canyon Road in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-263-1414.