Bellis House of Pizza — Greek Pies and Pasta in Columbia

What Bellis House of Pizza Serves

Bellis House of Pizza is a Greek-owned pizzeria in Columbia that builds its menu around wood-fired pies, Greek pasta dishes, and traditional Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant makes its own dough daily and tops pizzas with ingredients like feta, spinach, olives, and lamb — departures from the American pizza standard that reflect the owner's heritage. Beyond pizza, the kitchen turns out saganaki (fried cheese), Greek salads with real Kalamata olives, and pasta dishes that lean toward olive oil and herbs rather than heavy cream sauces.

The space itself is casual and family-friendly, with a bar area and dining room that fill up quickly on weekends. Service moves at a relaxed pace, which fits the Mediterranean approach to eating — the restaurant is built for lingering, not rushing. Prices sit in the mid-range for Columbia dining: a large specialty pizza runs roughly $18 to $22, and entrees with sides land in the $14 to $18 bracket.

Key Takeaways

• Bellis makes its dough fresh daily and fires pizzas in a wood oven, giving the crust a char and chew you won't find at chain locations.
• Greek toppings like feta, spinach, lamb, and Kalamata olives appear on signature pies alongside more familiar options.
• The menu includes Greek appetizers, salads, and pasta dishes that round out a meal beyond pizza alone.
• The restaurant is walk-in friendly but fills quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, so arriving early or calling ahead helps avoid a wait.

Signature Pizzas Worth Ordering

The Athena combines spinach, feta, tomatoes, and olives on a thin crust — a straightforward Greek approach that lets each ingredient speak. The Lamb and Feta brings ground lamb, caramelized onions, and crumbled feta into play, creating a savory depth that separates it from beef-based pies. Both are available in small and large sizes, and both benefit from the wood-fired heat that crisps the edges while keeping the center tender.

If you want to stay closer to American pizza territory, Bellis offers pepperoni, sausage, and vegetarian options alongside the Greek-leaning specials. The crust quality — charred outside, airy inside — improves every pizza on the menu, even the familiar ones. Customization is standard; the kitchen will build a pie to your specifications if none of the named options appeal.

Greek Appetizers and Sides

Start with saganaki, a wedge of fried cheese that arrives hot and squeaky, often finished with a squeeze of lemon. It is a traditional Greek appetizer that tastes nothing like what most American diners expect from cheese, and it pairs well with a beer or wine. The Greek salad uses real Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed simply with olive oil — a baseline version that shows why the combination has lasted centuries.

Dolmades (grape leaves rolled with rice and herbs) and spanakopita (spinach and feta in phyllo pastry) round out the appetizer list when available. These are not everyday items at most Columbia restaurants, which makes them worth trying if you are curious about Greek food beyond pizza.

Pasta and Other Entrees

The pasta menu leans toward Mediterranean preparations: olive oil-based sauces, fresh herbs, and seafood or lamb rather than cream. A shrimp saganaki pasta brings fried shrimp into a light tomato sauce, while lamb-based dishes often feature the same caramelized onions and feta that appear on the pizzas. Portions are generous, and most entrees come with a side salad and bread.

These dishes sit outside the pizza-focused ordering pattern most customers follow, but they offer a way to explore the kitchen's range if you are dining with someone who does not want pizza or if you want a second course. Prices are reasonable for the portion size and ingredient quality.

Drinks and Dessert

The bar stocks beer and wine, with a focus on Mediterranean options — Greek wines, Italian reds, and European lagers that pair naturally with the food. The wine list is short but thoughtful, and staff can point you toward something that works with what you are ordering. Beer is the more casual choice and works equally well with pizza and appetizers.

Dessert options typically include Greek pastries like baklava (phyllo, nuts, and honey) and loukoumades (fried dough puffs with honey and cinnamon). These are richer than American desserts and meant to be shared or eaten in small portions. Coffee — Greek coffee, if you want the full experience — pairs well with either.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Bellis operates as a casual walk-in restaurant with no reservations, so timing matters on busy nights. Friday and Saturday evenings draw crowds, particularly between 6 and 8 p.m., and waits can stretch to 30 minutes or longer. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 5:30 p.m.) move faster. If you are planning a weekend visit, calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth the minute it takes.

The restaurant is family-friendly and welcomes children, though the casual pace means it is not ideal if you are in a hurry. Groups larger than six should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up. Takeout is available and works well for pizza; appetizers and fried items travel less gracefully.

Location and Hours

Bellis House of Pizza sits on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with other restaurants, shops, and bars nearby. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours; a small lot behind the building offers additional spaces. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week — calling or checking their social media before visiting ensures you do not arrive to a closed door.

The Five Points location puts Bellis within easy reach of downtown Columbia and the neighborhoods around the University of South Carolina, making it accessible whether you are a local or passing through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No — Bellis operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations. On busy Friday and Saturday evenings, waits can run 20 to 30 minutes. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times helps you plan, and arriving before 5:30 p.m. or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.

Can I order takeout?

Yes. Pizza and most entrees travel well. Fried appetizers like saganaki are best eaten fresh in the restaurant, but if you want to take them home, the kitchen will pack them. Call ahead if you are ordering for a group or want to pick up at a specific time.

What if I do not like Greek food?

Bellis offers traditional American pizzas — pepperoni, sausage, cheese — alongside the Greek-inspired options. The wood-fired crust quality makes even a simple cheese pizza worth trying. You can also build your own pizza with any toppings the kitchen has on hand.

Is there outdoor seating?

Bellis has limited outdoor seating depending on the season and weather. Call ahead if outdoor dining is important to you, as availability varies. The indoor dining room is the primary seating area.

What is saganaki, and should I try it?

Saganaki is a wedge of cheese (usually halloumi or feta) that is fried until the outside crisps and the inside stays creamy. It arrives hot and squeaky, often finished with lemon. It is a traditional Greek appetizer and worth trying if you are curious about Greek food — the texture and flavor are unlike most American cheese dishes.