Was very disappointed by Bistrot Bella Vita.
It looks lovely from the outside, with starched white tablecloths and napkins on the little pavement tables, which is what induced us to book in the first place.
It was raining when we arrived, so we had to...eat indoors. We were introducing ourselves to the receptionist when we were rather brusquely interrupted by a Versace-bedecked lady who I assumed to be the proprietress. The receptionist broke off his conversation with us, to speak to - I imagine - his boss. Not a terribly friendly start.
The evening improved when we sat at out table. We placed our orders and then were presented with a plate of amuse-bouches and a mixed basket of some of the best bread I have ever tasted.
The first course, cous-cous arancini, was excellent. The lamb that followed was so-so. The creamed potatoes were too wet and the small selection of vegetables was overcooked.
Skipped the pudding, but one of my companions had a cannolo, which he said was ok, but not special.
Grillo accompanying was good.
The ambiance was, sadly, rather poor. There was very little atmosphere. The room was starkly furnished and the lighting was too bright. People spoke in hushed tones. It simply wasn’t fun.
Service was quite friendly but rather haphazard and sometimes rather slow.
There was nothing startlingly wrong with the evening’s experience, but, on the other hand, nothing memorable either.
Not really recommended, I’m sorry to say. There are many better restaurants in town.More
