Andy Devaney
If you thought Bella Italia had run out of ways to make pasta interesting, think again. This autumn, the high-street favourite has decided to give tradition a cheeky slap on the back and introduce its boldest experiment yet: the Katsu Carbonara. Yes, you read that right.
On the menu until 12th October, Bella Italia’s new creation takes the cream-laden comfort of a classic Carbonara and spikes it with the unmistakable kick of Japanese katsu curry.
The result? Spaghetti lounging in a silky sauce that’s part Roman trattoria, part Tokyo backstreet, topped with golden slices of breaded chicken that look like they wandered in from another cuisine entirely—and decided to stay for dinner.
A Pasta Revolution in the Making
This isn’t just a passing flirtation with fusion cooking; Bella Italia is calling it the start of a “Pasta Fusion” revolution. A spokesperson for the chain said: “Our guests love us for our Italian classics from creamy Carbonara to oven-baked Lasagne and fresh Margherita Pizza. The new Katsu Carbonara brings something exciting and unexpected to the table, blending the best of Italian comfort food with bold Japanese flavours.
As part of our pasta revolution, we’re continuing to make pasta the star of the show, from time-honoured favourites to daring new creations like this one. And with £1 Katsu Day, there’s no better time to give it a try.”
It’s not often a restaurant admits to spiking Nonna’s recipe with curry powder, but Bella Italia seems to be relishing the rebellion.
£1 Katsu Day – A One-Off Invitation
To mark National Katsu Day, Bella Italia will serve up this limited-edition dish for just £1 on Wednesday, 24th September. That’s right—what’s usually £17.49 can be yours for pocket change, provided you dine in at a participating restaurant.
Just don’t expect to waltz into every branch; Center Parcs, London Paddington, Leicester Wigston, and Dover are sitting this one out.
For the rest of us, it’s a chance to try a pasta plate that could either be a mad scientist’s experiment or the culinary equivalent of Rory McIlroy finally sinking that four-foot putt—unexpected, but absolutely glorious when it works.
Why Bella Italia Keeps Winning Fans
With more than 70 restaurants scattered across the UK, Bella Italia has long been a crowd-pleaser for hearty lasagne, seafood pastas, and pizzas you can actually fold without breaking a wrist.
They’ve always leaned heavily into pasta as the heart of the operation—whether it’s an old-school ragù or a new-age twist like this Carbonara detour into Japan.
So, will the Katsu Carbonara become a future staple, or is it destined for the “what were we thinking?” shelf of menu history? That’s for diners to decide, fork in hand. But for one day only this September, Bella Italia is offering the chance to cast your vote for just a quid.
