1st visit - will not be the last!

   JParrinoMD - 06/09/2008

After reading some of recent reviews on line I had the impression that with a change in chefs, the restaurant had gotten away from its Tuscan-Italian roots. Though this was my first visit, I was impressed with the mostly Italian menu with a variety of pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. They even had "Bucatini a la Amatriciana" one of my favorite dishes I discovered during my last trip to Italy that I never see on menus in Italian restaurants in this area. We were 5 people and 4 of us were very pleased with what we ordered. The one exception was a seafood dish that was one of the specials of the day-not on the regular menu- and was not what what had been expected, but the execution of the dish was not to be faulted. Desserts were excellent and ample enough for 2. Overall we had an excellant dining experience, celebrating 3 birthdays, but we won't wait for the next birthday to be back for a repeat visit.

Used to be THE Best

   Tela Laura - 05/30/2008

Since letting Chef Mario go, the place has gone...down the tubes! Chef Mario WAS Bella Brava! He had a flair with the food and the customers. What a terrible shame; there was so much potential to help turn around the Down Town area. I say, pass on this one because the new chef is not in the same league. Shame on the owners for trying to cut costs by hiring an inferior replacement. We used to eat at Bella 2x a week. We won't return!

Fine Dining?

   TG4X4 - 05/16/2008

I can't believe that this is in this category. Service was fair, wine list was decent, and food was nothing to write home about. But, to be conidered fine dining....thats funny.

Great View

   welive2eat - 03/09/2007

The balcony view is great!
Of course if you want to see the "big city" you may be disappointed. It isn't NY, but it is a great location.
We had a 1 hour wait, which is fine because they offer a magnificent menu and you can munch at the bar until you are seated.
Our service at the upstairs bar was superb! And the food was too!
However, once downstairs and seated for dinner our waiter was M.I.A!! He had a table of 7 he was catering too and wasn't much interested in a 2-top. We saw him twice. Once with the drinks and once with our check.
We did comment ot the manager on our way out.
We will RETURN because one bad apple won't spoil our appetite for good eats!