Casual, independently-owned red sauce joints have been the backbone of Italian food in Western New York for decades, but over the years, we’ve seen them decline in numbers.

The new Bella Ciao in the Avant building Downtown isn’t a new red sauce joint, but it is a logical step forward that is more focused on modern tastes. Set in a beautiful space, Bella Ciao offers elevated versions of those classic Italian-American dishes you remember from when you were a kid.