La Vita E' Bella Ristorante & Pizzeria
(206) 441-5322
2411 Second Ave
Seattle,
WA
98121
47.6148
-122.347
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Belltown
What People Are Saying About La Vita E' Bella Ristorante & Pizzeria
The Editor
Anna Roth
Citysearch
The Scene
Owned by a pair of Italian brothers and named for Roberto Bengini, with whom one of their cousins went to school, this comfortable Italian trattoria is perfect for rainy weeknights. The space, found at the bottom of Belltown condos, is actually divided into two connected restaurants: A casual cafe to the north serves panini, pasta dishes, soups and salads, while the slightly more formal restaurant to the south offers pizza and a full bar.
The Food
Though the emphasis is on the main course, don't skip the antipasti: Pulipo con patate, a cold octopus salad, will hit the spot for garlic lovers, and the calamari al pesto is brightened up considerably with the addition of lemon--as a bonus, there's no breading in sight. There are more than 20 choices for the unsliced, plate-size pizzas--the four cheese variety is simplicity in itself, a satisfying blend of mozzarella, Brie, gorgonzola and fontina.
User Reviews
ajkalli
February 15, 2009
We went to dinner here for Valentine's Day 2009. Excited about a night out and a good dinner, but the excitement soon led to frustration. We had a reservation, but were not seated until over 30 minutes after our reserved time. There was no place to wait, so everyone just stood in the front hoping to speak with someone who worked there. It took a very long time to get anyone's attention to let them know we were there. The first time our name was called, we didn't hear it because it was so loud. Once we were seated, we placed our order and our drinks came promptly, however we had to ask for bread (which all the other tables had). The bread came in a basket that looked less than appetizing. It appeared dusty or dirty, we couldn't tell. Our food did not arrive for an HOUR. We waited and waited and waited. We looked at the other diners and everyone appeared to have to wait an extremely long time for dinner. It seemed as though the kitchen and the staff were very unorganized. The food looked good, however neither meals were worth the price (or the wait). My ravioli was very undercooked and my husband's asparagus was mushy, while his polenta (which I usually love) was completely flavorless. So disappointing. Needless to say, we did not want dessert. Our bill was way too high for the meal we received and we ended up spending entirely too much time there. I will not be back.
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MisterEm
January 19, 2009
This place used to be one of our favorite eateries in Seattle...for years. Something definitely changed, and based on the bad reviews below I'm not the only one who noticed. We were nothing more than a distraction to our server, who I will say was friendly. But, he was clearly more interested in whatever else he was doing at the moment that attending to our table. The food is still very good, but also about 30% overpriced. The pasta dishes, bruschetta, and salads are very good. But, pizzas are nothing to think of and a bit soggy. When we used to go more often, the pizza was not nearly as featured on the menu as it is now. Stale bread for starters...I noticed that too. How could they think that would pass? There are too many choices in Seattle to go here anymore. Farewell to an old favorite.
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Anonymous
November 02, 2008
I've been in a couple times for lunch. I like the salads here - they are simple but well prepared. Also the panini that I have had were good. The only concern I have is that sometimes service can be a little sluggish, but I have not had what I would call a bad experience. I would go back.
read full reviewThe Details on La Vita E' Bella Ristorante & Pizzeria
What to Drink:
The wine list is all Italian, and there's a good list of affordable wines by the glass.
Look Good:
The restroom is accessed through a back hallway and shared with the rest of the building; make sure to ask your server for the code.
Know Before You Go:
One pizza is easily enough for two people with an appetizer or salad.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Outdoor Dining, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining
