02/15/09

Disappointing

by ajkalli

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.

• Pros: Nice dining area.
• Cons: Food, wait time, parking

01/19/09

Don't Bother

by MisterEm

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.

• Pros: Food is still good.
• Cons: Service and prices are not good.

06/02/08

A shame

by Gonzalon

This used to be a reliable place for food. We were served stale bread, and soggy and rubbery pizza. When we asked about the bread, the service was too arrogant to apologize, and just gave a lame reason why it was stale. If the establishment has no pride in what it serves, then you can't trust anything else. A real shame, we used to like this place.

• Pros: Ambience
• Cons: Service, Food

05/06/08

I feel sorry about being italian

by giuseppeverdi

Sometimes you feel sorry to be italian when you find these people out of italy.

I am Italian and I went to have a pizza with my fiancee and a friend. I must say that the food we tried was good, the antipasto was good, and the pizza seemed like an italian real pizza, but I have to complain the horrible service, very cold and rude. People that pretend to be italian when they are not even if there's somebody that look like Mussolini, not only the aspect, but the manner and behavior too.

For a couple of pizzas, one antipasto and drinks you aspect to pay around 30-40 dollars. We paid 92.

7.50 for a little shot of cheap limoncello that seemed medicine for cough.

Absolutely crazy.

Avoid this, italian people are different than those I met there.

• Pros: good food
• Cons: service and prices

02/01/08

Worth Another Try

by hubriis

We enjoyed dinner at La Vita E Bella after a show at the Big Picture recently. There were four of us; we walked in on a Friday evening and were seated immediately.

It was the first time dining here, and it was enjoyable. The service was good and the food delicious, but there was nothing that really stood out and made the taste buds sing, hence the three stars. We started with the Braccio di Ferro salad, which included spinach, Gorgonzola and walnuts drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The simple preparation allowed the fresh flavors to come through; the only drawback was the rather small amount of Gorgonzola - the absence made the salad a little bland. Next, I ordered the Vitello Saltimbocca. I tend to order veal when trying an Italian restaurant for the first time, and while this was delicious, it didn't really speak to me (I guess in a literal sense that's a good thing). It was an interesting preparation, the chef draped the prosciutto over the veal so that when cooked, the prosciutto almost "shrink-wrapped" to encase the veal on top. This came with a side of polenta which didn't have an excess of flavor.

All in all, we will try La Vita E Bella in the future, perhaps for pizza next time. The atmosphere is lovely, and it's a great space.

11/18/07

Love this place!

by bafox

What a great place for dinner and a bottle of wine! The service was excellent from the wine suggestion to the detailed description of the specials to the upbeat , welcoming attitude. Thin crust and simple, exquisite flavors made the pizza appetizer a table favorite. The pasta entree was excellent as well and the portions were just right. When we were done with dinner, the General Manager ran outside to hail down a cab for us. I highly recommend La Vita e Bella and will be back soon.

• Pros: Cozy, lively atmosphere, Menu Selection, Service, Amazing Pizza and Pasta

09/30/07

Atrocious Service!

by jcwaggoner

We have been to this restaurant several times before and thought the food was pretty good. So, it's very unfortunate that I feel compelled to write in my very first poor review. My fiance and I went in for dinner on a Sunday evening and were made to wait so long that we both got that terrible "let's-get-the- hell-out-of-here-because- we're-not-even-being -acknowledged" feeling. Right as we were about to leave (Which we should have done, but hindsight is 20/20, blah!), the manager finally came over...He neglected to take our drink order, he neglected to let us know what the specials were, and he walked off, never coming back or even sending anyone over to check on how we were doing. I then had to yell to him to bring us our check. This is totally unacceptable service, the manager is ridiculously rude, and we will definately not be returning.

09/25/07

I don't condone this treatment of staff.

by cocmele

Although the food and ambiance were wonderful, I will not go back to this establishment. Our server was wonderful, but as we took our first bite, we noticed the manager or owner was loudly criticizing the hostess. The things he was saying were very inappropriate and unneccesary. We then heard him snapping at another female employee. If this happens in the short time we were there as patrons, I can't possibly imagine how it is on a day to day basis. I would NEVER patronize an establishment that publicly humiliates its staff to the point of tears. There is a time and a place to correct mistakes and the dining room is NOT it. It doesn't matter how great the food is, I can't condone abuse of staff.

09/06/07

such good bruschetta!

by lalaraven

I've been to this restaurant twice and I can't wait to go back! I have never had any of the problems the other reviewers had with the service. I was always treated politely and promptly. The bruschetta options they have are awesome. I've tried the funghi and eggplant and I'm excited to try the others. The bread is nice and light and crunchy. Also, if you are looking for a wine and don't see it on the list, don't be afraid to ask. I wanted a muscato d'asti, but didn't see it on the wine list, however the waitress knew they had a some and didn't even require me to get the whole bottle. This place is a must try for Belltown Italian.

• Pros: everything!
• Cons: i don't go there often enough!

08/23/07

Great food, great service

by joelotz

I love this place! We are always welcomed warmly when we arrive and the staff is great. The owner has even stopped at our table and shared wine with us.

There is a covered patio outside for summer evenings but the inside has a nice out-world feel. The food arrives quickly and our meals have been great. The chef has specials for seasonal items and prepares them well.

I recommend this place for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary as well as a Thursday dinner. Check it out!

• Pros: Nice location, nice ambience, romantic setting
• Cons: Downtown restaurant so parking is not free.