If you were to list the essentials of the ideal Italian meal, they would include not only delicious food and drink, but also a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy them. Bella Mia supplies all of these ingredients with its warm atmosphere, group-friendly facilities, and fresh take on California-Italian cuisine.

Set inside an historic building in downtown San Jose, Bella Mia, which translates to “my beautiful,” has two spacious main dining areas and a patio for outdoor seating on the first floor, supplemented by elegant banquet facilities on the second floor. The décor is tony, with dark-wood furniture and wainscoting, brick walls and cushy green banquettes, but don’t let the genteel appearance deceive you into thinking you need to dress up to dine here. The restaurant is noted for its casual, friendly atmosphere.

Bella Mia has been a go-to place for dining and events since 1985, and it’s not just the atmosphere that draws people in: The freshly prepared food, using local and seasonal ingredients, is the main draw, abetted by the impressive wine list. An attractive feature of the latter is the Wine Station, a convenient machine that dispenses glasses from a wide variety of selections, letting you sample several different vintages without the expense of ordering full bottles.

As you sip your vino and enjoy an appetizer—the polenta-stuffed mushroom caps, topped with melted gorgonzola cheese is a deservedly popular choice—your eyes may be pulled in different directions by the expansive menu.

Feeling indecisive? Try the dinner special, which allows you to customize your meal by combining small portions of two or three entrées at once. One failsafe combination is the delectable oven-baked lasagne layered with ground beef, along with Italian sausage and three kinds of cheeses, plus the rich and buttery fettuccine Alfredo.

Those looking for lighter options won’t be disappointed, either. The avocado and prawns entrée is always a good choice, as the savory flavor of the shrimp and tomatoes complement the velvety avocado and the delicate white wine sauce perfectly.

It takes a strong will indeed to resist the siren call of Bella Mia’s most popular sweet treats: the light-as-air tiramisu and the house-made white chocolate cheesecake, whose cookie-crumb crust, white chocolate shavings and luscious cream cheese create a symphony of flavor.

When your meal finally winds down, the last thing the hospitable staff would do is rush you out the door. Feel free to linger over a cappuccino or glass of Courvoisier for a candlelight conversation with your companions in true Italian style.  Good food, drink and friendship make life worth celebrating, and Bella Mia is always a fine place to enjoy them. –Stephanie Soong

When: Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11:30-4. Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 4-9; Fri-Sat, 4-10; Sun, 4:30-8
Where: 58 S. First St., San Jose
More info: 408/280-1993; www.bellamia.com. Parking validation available for up to two hours. Live entertainment and specials available.