Ciao Bella

10/27/2007 Posted by uradel

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!

Pros: Oh, do you want an answer now?

Cons: tacky decor, poor menu, NOT a genuine Italian place

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/06/2007 Posted by fengshui_room

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.

Pros: Service, High Quality Food, Ambience

Cons: I cannot think of any!

11/20/2006 Posted by thermil

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.

Pros: Ambience to spare

Cons: Bland food

11/19/2006 Posted by stephhtones

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.

Pros: Date spot

Cons: Bland food

10/24/2006 Posted by darluu

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!

Pros: Tomato basil soup

Cons: Crowded

10/24/2006 Posted by lejess

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.

Pros: Beautiful restaurant

Cons: Poor/Slow service, bland food

01/07/2006 Posted by weaves964

I went in for lunch and we were seated promptly. The service was very average and she wasn't friendly at all. The food was ok and the portions were very small. For 2 people with an appetizer, salad, lunch entree and dessert the bill was $80.00 after tip. Still sesarching for great Italian cusine.

10/12/2005 Posted by dhmusch

I have lunch a Ciao Bella at least a couple of times a month and they are good every time. The staff is great, always on top of it without being too overbearing. I have never had a bad meal out of my 50+ dining experiences there and the atmosphere is energetic without being too loud or rowdy. Great place for a business lunch or to get together with friends. I can't think of any other place on the Edina-Bloomington Strip that I would rather eat, including the overrated Kincaid's.

Pros: Great Service , Excellent Food

Cons: Reservations a must

08/04/2004 Posted by gmdavila4713

Ciao Bella has the potential to be a wonderful place to eat.... but truthfully this restaurant has no identity. Could it be that it is sandwiched between commercialism and office space galore? Or is it that the food itself is lacking a distinct identity/flavor? The truth of the matter is that the service staff is trained to make you feel that you are in a first rate restaurant, but truly you are in the middle of Edina, enjoying overpriced mediocre food. If the persons involved with the design concept of the restaurant would have had a clearer vision of what their benefactor (or head cheaf) wanted to expel then maybe the experience would have been more coherent and with a purpose. Suggestions: the Salmon was to die for. The Wasabi potatoes are amazing. Everything else at our very large table was just mediocre.

10/04/2003 Posted by Anon_Anon_TC

Although the location is not as glamorous as sister restaurants Zelo and Bacio. The seafood specials are great as are the pastas. Service can be a bit slow at times, but what's the rush anyway with the awesome atmosphere and decor. A quick note for those of you waiting for 1-2 hours to get into Maggiano's at Southdale ... drive another mile down France Avenue and you'll get a much better meal for the same price (likely without having to wait).

Pros: Seafood Specials, Pastas, Interior Decor