<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

The motto of Bella Luna Cafe is “Nella vita ci e alimento, in alimento la e amore!” which translates from Italian to “In life there is food, in food there is love!” And any diner can tell that the food here is so good because it is prepared with care from fresh, quality ingredients.

[caption id="attachment_11012" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0228.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-11012" alt="Soft Shell Crab slider special." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0228-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Soft Shell Crab slider special.[/caption]

Kim ordered a daily special of Soft Shell Crab Sliders. The whole crabs were fried and served on little buns topped with cole slaw. This is a local delicacy for a reason and Kim thought her dish was outstanding, so get to Bella Luna while the crabs are still in season.

Buck tried the Italian calzone, a colossal sandwich stuffed with salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato and onions, and served warm and toasted. He could only finish one half it was so big, but he said it was really yummy.

Our guest Lunch Buncher and former Island News saleswoman Nancy Gregory ordered the

[caption id="attachment_11013" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0232.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-11013" alt="Stuffed calzone" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0232-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Stuffed calzone[/caption]

Caesar salad topped with grilled local shrimp. I also chose a healthy meal in the form of the Chopped Salad. Made with lettuce, tomato, turkey, salami and Mozzarella cheese, this salad is so delicious because all the pieces are chopped up super small; I topped mine with ranch and gobbled the whole bowl.

[caption id="attachment_11014" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0234.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-11014" alt="Chopped salad" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSC_0234-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Chopped salad[/caption]

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves a variety of gourmet specialties, classic Italian entrees, appetizers and homemade desserts.

Bella Luna Cafe is located at 859 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday. Call 843-838-3188 or email bellaluna@embarqmail.com.