3501 Minnesota Dr, Bloomington, MN | Directions 55435
44.862286 -93.324282 View WebsiteView More
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Great service, bland food!. On a recent trip to Ciao Bella, the service was great! However, my entree was a disappointment. I had the Chicken and Wild Mushroom Risotto. The chicken was so dry, as if it was pre-cooked, then reheated for my entree. Also, the entire dish was tasteless. I needed some fresh herbs or something to bring out the flavors. There were herbs in there, but my assumption is that they were dried herbs and not fresh, thus lacking any flavor.
Order the Blueberry Cobbler!.
My husband and I dined at Ciao Bella for the first time tonight before dropping him off at the airport. I ordered a pasta dish and he ordered a hamburger. The ingredients are fresh, the menu's unique, and the wait staff is phenomenal. I just about died in ecstacy over my pasta dish (prosciutto di parma) and almost licked the bowl. There was a minor snafu part-way through my husband's meal, and since we didn't have time to get a new one, the manager paid for our entire dinner, including drinks and dessert. It was completely unexpected, but very much appreciated.
You must try the Blueberry Cobbler with the Lemon Cheesecake Gelato. Quite possibly the best dessert I've had at any restaurant.
Superb service, so very delicious food. Every time I dine at Ciao Bella I am very pleased with the attentive service, unique dishes, and variety of quality choices. I love this restaurant and have always had a great experience. Everything is made fresh and the food quality is obvious.
Office park after thought. It's sad that a place that smells so good can be so disappointing. I don't know who owns it but I get the feeling it's rather euro-kitsch corporate pseudo-Italian wannabe. Actually, it looks like it might have been a burrito cave hide out in another life. I know how real Italian restaurant owners pile the food on (there is no skimping on their family recipes) so it's definitely not that. I don't mind paying a higher price for something when the food, service and atmosphere are wonderful, in fact I expect I should pay more, but this is just not up to par. In addition to sitting near people wearing blue jeans!? If this place wants to pretend to be upscale they should at least try to attract a crowd that isn't dressed for a hot dog stand. Just say NO!
Beautiful Restaurant, Beautiful Food. I love this restaurant!! I've been coming here for years and it's well worth it every time! The service is so impeccable that I feel like I've gone on vacation after going to Ciao Bella. The food is delicous and artfully displayed on the plate. I've tried a variety of things on their menus in all Seasons. They have seasonal menus, which makes it interesting. I love the seafood and fish cart specials the best! The interior decor is very gorgeous.
In a word: Blah. The atmosphere takes the cake, but if you actually have a palate, avoid this place. The sizes are small for American standards, but are actually what most people can eat. Pricy for the portions, though. I would not come here again, except maybe for a glass of wine, and only because I know the kitchen there didn't make it. The desserts are good, but again, the food lacks flavor and originality. I've had better food at Olive Garden.
Good date spot. If you're looking to impress this is a great place to go, without going downtown. Very quiet atmosphere. The food is kinda bland, but not horrible.
Best tomato basil soup. Stopped here for lunch and was glad we did! Very nice yet relaxed atmosphere, good service. Tomato basil soup was excellent and I am not even a fan of tomato soup. Very good pizzas as well. Must make reservations here, it is always busy!
Beautiful restaurant doesnt live up to expectations. I came to Ciao Bella for a Sunday evening dinner. Our server was not friendly at all, in fact he looked terrified to be working. The service was remarkably slow and the food was rather bland. I was impressed with the extent of the wine list however. We did not receive a clear indication of the difference in portion sizes as the menu offers two sizes in many of their pasta dishes. The ambiance is beautiful, but the service and food was poor.
What armchair travelers would like Italy to be: sophisticated, welcoming and delicious--but not too different from home..
In Short
This dramatic gem, located near suburban business towers, stands out with its glamorous bar, cappuccino-and-espresso color scheme and romantic lighting. Business buddies fill it for lunch; dates play footsie at night. Spicy fondata--a rich, melty dip with artichoke, crab and just enough kick--is a popular appetizer. Pasta lovers opt for creamy chicken risotto with mushrooms and thyme. For something more offbeat, there's creative chicken pizza with sweet balsamic barbecue sauce.
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