Ciao Bella Ristorante and Pizzeria, one of Northwest Indiana's premier Italian restaurants, shuttered this week after 16 years in business.

The fine-dining Italian eatery, whose name translates to "hello beautiful," served elegant versions of pasta, steak and seafood at 1514 U.S. 41 in Schererville. It also made wood-fired Italian versions of pizza, including margherita.

The trattoria was known for a romantic ambiance, live piano music, Tuscan cuisine and refined dishes like risotto, gnocchi and rigatoni. Reservations were strongly recommended.

During the pandemic, it scored a hit by selling make-your-own pizza kits that let people roll the dough and construct the pizzas themselves at home.

"From the very beginning, your support, friendship, and loyalty have made our journey possible,"

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