10/06/09

Order the Blueberry Cobbler!

by ALKDDS

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.

• Pros: Great Service & Mgmt, Excellent Meals, Superb Dessert, Price

06/04/09

Superb service, so very delicious food

by Rose_Johnson

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.

• Pros: Service, quality and taste of food

10/27/07

Office park after thought

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

07/06/07

Beautiful Restaurant, Beautiful Food

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!

11/20/06

In a word: Blah

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

11/19/06

Good date spot

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

10/24/06

Best tomato basil soup

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

10/24/06

Beautiful restaurant doesnt live up to expectations

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

What armchair travelers would like Italy to be: sophisticated, welcoming and delicious--but not too different from home.

by Contributor

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.

01/07/06

Small portions but big price!!

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.