Comella's Open for Business in Belmont Center

The ceiling-to-street front windows allow both light and a view of Belmont Center to filter into Comella's Restaurant that opened for business today, Monday, May 2. 

By 12:30 p.m., workers from the nearby banks are competing with a group of nine boisterous retirees who have taken over two tables while a mom and her mom corral two toddlers who had just finished a $5 cheese pizza. Strollers outside take a second glance, some stopping and several coming in to sample the menu.

In the former location of the at 43 Leonard St., the eighth and newest location in the family-owned restaurant is known for it casual climate: patrons order at the counter and either take out and have it served at the tables. 

Its menu is straight forward and reasonably priced. Comella's is best know for its "family messes": a pasta dish with marinara sauce and cheese with about 30 different variations from simple (Pa's Mess which adds meatballs) to extravagant (Uncle Butch's Mess with shells, lasagna, eggplant, chicken, veal, shrimp, meatballs, sausage and vegetables).

Comella's is the latest addition to the restaurants, eateries and beer and wine stores that run the length of Belmont Center. 

Comella's seats around 40 with beer and wine from the bar that is adjacent to the counter. 

The restaurant is opened seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.