Bella Roma’s Success Story: An Italian Restaurant’s Journey in St. Helens

Picture this: a charming Italian restaurant in the heart of St Helens isn’t just holding its own—it’s booming and spreading its wings, all within four short months of opening. It’s a heartwarming success story that warms the soul and makes you wonder if true passion in cuisine can really turn a dream into reality. But here’s where it gets intriguing—could this rapid rise be the spark that reignites the town’s culinary scene, or is there more to the story that’s hiding beneath the surface?

Bella Roma, the latest venture from Francesco Cangemi, kicked off in revamped digs on Claughton Street back in June, injecting fresh energy into St Helens’ vibrant food and drink landscape. The name pays homage to the original Bella Roma, a beloved spot his parents ran for about 15 years on George Street, evoking memories of simpler times and family recipes passed down through generations.

Just four months in, our team from the Star visited Francesco during a lively Thursday afternoon rush, where patrons were savoring the ambiance. Reviews from our network have been glowing, with standout praise for the pasta and pizza—think perfectly al dente noodles twirled in rich sauces, or wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh, imported ingredients that transport you straight to Italy. And let’s not forget the homemade desserts, like creamy tiramisu or gelato that’s made from scratch, leaving everyone craving seconds.

The laid-back vibe and wallet-friendly prices have also struck a chord, creating a welcoming spot for families to gather or for celebrations to unfold. As one enthusiastic reader shared with us: ‘St Helens desperately needed a family-friendly Italian place for special occasions, and Bella Roma fills that gap perfectly. The meals are outstanding, with prices that don’t break the bank. We’ve dined here multiple times and always leave happy. Francesco took a bold leap by opening here—bravo to him, and here’s hoping it flourishes.’

Francesco, ever the humble owner, brushes off the accolades modestly, mentioning a mix of kind words and helpful suggestions from diners. Business is thriving in the evenings and on weekends, with full bookings and festive gatherings, but daytime traffic poses a bit more of a puzzle. ‘Evenings are fantastic—we’re often at capacity, thanks to parties and early Christmas reservations. Folks are loving it all: the cuisine, the beverages, and the inviting atmosphere. That said, some still stumble upon us by surprise, so there’s room to amp up our visibility.’

Since launch, Bella Roma has evolved beyond its core restaurant space. There’s a chic bar area for daytime coffee breaks or evening cocktails, fostering a sense of community among locals. They’ve also introduced a compact breakfast selection to draw in morning crowds, hoping to build steady footfall from the get-go.

And this weekend marks an exciting milestone: a new room is opening for Bottomless Brunch—an all-you-can-eat affair featuring unlimited mimosas, espresso martinis, and a buffet of Italian-inspired bites like frittatas, pastries, and antipasti platters perfect for leisurely weekends—or for hosting events like birthday bashes and baby showers. ‘The space was ripe for expansion,’ Francesco explains, ‘so we decided to claim it ourselves rather than let someone else. It’s ideal for celebrations or that indulgent brunch experience.’

On a personal note, Francesco beams with pride over feedback from patrons who frequented his parents’ original Bella Roma, which stood at the junction of Hall Street and George Street in the 90s. It’s a touching reminder of how legacies endure. And this is the part most people miss—building and nurturing a new business is exhausting, from the late nights to the constant hustle, but those appreciative nods from customers, especially those echoing his childhood memories, make it all worthwhile. As a local guy in his mid-30s who learned the art of Italian cooking from his dad, he treasures these connections: ‘We’ve welcomed back regulars from Mum and Dad’s era; even though I was just a toddler then, some faces are familiar. It’s incredibly rewarding.’

Looking ahead, the long-term viability of Bella Roma—and St Helens’ burgeoning food quarter, home to gems like 36 Bridge Street, La Casa Vieja, and Balti Spice that often get overshadowed amid town center critiques—hinges on the success of a massive £100 million regeneration initiative. Key elements include a modern transport hub and a Hampton by Hilton hotel tailored for business travelers, both conveniently close to Francesco’s doorstep. If everything aligns, high-quality spots like Bella Roma could thrive from the influx of visitors and economic buzz.

Francesco remains cautiously optimistic, preferring to witness the project’s full rollout before celebrating prematurely. For now, his energies are channeled into enlarging the premises and boosting the restaurant’s reputation in the community.

But let’s stir the pot a bit—some might argue that rapid expansions like this could dilute the authentic, intimate feel of a small eatery, turning it into just another chain-like operation. Is growth always a good thing for independent businesses, or does it risk losing the personal touch that initially draws crowds? What do you think: Does Francesco’s story prove that quality and heritage can triumph in a regenerated town, or is the town’s future more dependent on external investments than grassroots efforts? Do local revivals truly level the playing field for family-run spots, or do they sometimes favor bigger players? We’d love to hear your take—agree, disagree, or share your own experiences in the comments!

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