Outside Bella Vespa, cool winds rustle through verdant trees, and natural light floods across the newly renovated outdoor patio and bar. Within the restaurant, wooden tables rest atop shiny, wood-paneled floors, and hanging light-fixtures enrobe the rustic interior of Bella Vespa in their warm-toned light. Seated on red cushioned chairs or on stools at the bar, diners are compelled to forget, even if only for an instant, that they are in a restaurant, mistaking the snugness of their surroundings for the comfort of a home. Since its opening in 2015, Bella Vespa has been prized for its homely aesthetic and delectable fusion dishes, influenced primarily by the rich flavor palette of Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s new menu, conceived by chef Pavlos Kyriakis, features the satisfying umami of homemade truffle ravioli, the freshness of sea bass ceviche, and the meatiness of the restaurant’s prized beef carpaccio. For dishes with more authentic Italian flare, choose from numerous pizzas and pastas, or try the simple, but delectable, burrata salad. With your meal, indulge in a cool glass of wine from the restaurant’s recently updated wine list, or sip on one (or two, or three…) signature cocktails. Pro Tip: Bella Vespa is a popular location in Athens for families with small children. The restaurant’s playground, open on weekends, provides children with endless entertainment, and parents time to relax and enjoy a longer meal.