Bella's Italian Cafe   

We have been going to Bella's for years and have been going more in the past year. The service is pretty consistently good and the food is delicious. Great sangria and calzones as well. Atmosphere is great. The only downside is there is sometimes a long wait. Try the lasagna napoletana or the pollo milano. Both are great!

Our Party of 6 dined at Bella's on 6-11-08. It was a birthday dinner for one of the girls in our party. We were sat outside at the last table which we liked. What we did not like was the SERIOUS lack of attention form our server. I myself received only one glass of water throughout the entire meal, even after two requests. At one point, one of the men in our party actaully got up and went to the little service area and grabbed a pitcher of water (unfortunately it was empty). Refills orders for martinis and beer were never able to be placed since no one came to our table again once the food was dropped. The WORST PART of the experience was that I went inside to track down someone to order three slices of Tiramisu, one with a candle in in so we could sing her happy birthday. The two servers I spoke with asked where we were sitting and even visually identified the birthday girl in the "middle wearign the jacket." We waited, and waited but... it never came. Half of our part had been to Bella's before. We have all loved the food in the past and were so excited to take her there for her birthday. We drove over from down town St. Pete, where we have great italian like Bella Brava and Bastas. How dissapointing.

As someone who waited tables there for several years, I take exception to several of the Bella Bashing reviews I have read on this site. Bella's has always been a great place to enjoy a great meal. Unfortunately, in this economy, they can't afford to give their food and wine away for nothing. As for the service, I may be biased, but for all of you who complain about Bella's being pretentious, are confusing the restaurant with some of the South Tampa clientele who truly are.

If tyou are looking for adequate food that is moderately priced, this might be for you. They have great oven pizzas. However, anytime a server gives you authentic grated cheesed, they have a tendency to get it all over the table and you. The food is adequate. The bar area has a old odor that you can smell throughout the restaurant. They definetly have cut down on their portions and the shrimp are very small, almost popcorn size. The wine is way overpriced, and make sure you look at your check. I know many people who have been double charged for many items. If you want good Italian food, visit CDB'S on Westshore, or even Maggiano's. Again, location, location, location is its saving grace. The new parking lot is also a nightmare.