Bella Mia
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 280-1993
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Post Street
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-9pm , Sat 4pm-10pm, Sun 4:30pm-8pm
Editorial Review for Bella Mia – by Laura Reiley
The Scene
Plush leather couches rise luxuriously to meet the brick wall hung with black-and-white photos of old San Jose. Bella Mia is casual and sophisticated, beautiful and comfortable. The crowd is constantly changing, with business people, college students, or anyone else who wants to enjoy a drink somewhere with more class than the average pub. The bar can get a little loud between noise from the kitchen, music and TV, but it only lends to the feeling that it really is a bar.
The Food
Pick from a full menu of steak, lobster and fresh pasta. When you order at the bar, they'll still serve your food with a delicate purple orchid. Wine lovers will delight in the more than 25 wines available by the glass.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyThe restaurant will validate for Pavilion Garage, on Second, between San Fernando and San Carlos streets.
Know Before You GoBella Mia is one of the largest restaurants downtown, so don't worry if you forgot reservations, you'll still be seated promptly.
User Reviews for Bella Mia
05/01/2008 Posted by keplerg
Bella Mia is lacking overall not in any one area. Our waitress was very nice, but inexperienced. She was not able to describe the dishes at all and knew nothing of the wines. We ordered the Halibut special with artichokes. While the fish was not bad, it came with cold mashed potatoes and burned Swiss Chard (we think) instead. We asked for the artichokes that were supposed to come with it and got a large bowl with a small amount of the soggy artichokes - even the waitress said it was too small. The Duck dish was cold and asparagus was overcooked. But, the Risotto was wonderful! The bread is no longer the pie shaped style it used to be - this time it was cut into squares of fairly tasteless bread, served upside down on the plate by a fairly clueless busboy. The patio where we ate was littered boxes, unused fans and a hose left dripping by the fountain. Overall, for the price, the manager needs to understand what it is takes to play in the big leagues. Right now it is more like an overpriced Ruby Tuesdays. More attention needs to be paid to the details in order to make eating here enjoyable instead of amuzing.
Pros: The Risotto was great, could be a very nice location
Cons: Below average food for the price; poor attention to details
03/15/2008 Posted by chefmm
After years of great meals at Bella Mia I was shocked at how disapointing our meals were this evening. My Potato Crusted Halibut (reduntantly served w/ mashed potatoes!) was dry, overcooked and flavorless (clearly previously frozen). The side of vegetables (ordered extra) were very overcooked and uninteresting. The Grapefruit Beurre Blanc tsted "off".The other meal ordered, Pork Chop, was over sauced with an overbearing glop and served with Rissoto riddled with undercooked sweet potato chunks. Ugh! Our waitress, though trying very hard and sweet, lacked the polished service that Bella Mia was known for. In the old days the owner, Bill Carlson and Chef Gary craeated a favorite dining destination. I worried when Bill sold his jewel but was thrilled to hear Chef Miles Meal was at the helm. Now they are all gone and the place has gone way down the pits. What a shame for such a lovely property.
Pros: Poor food
Cons: Lovely building
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