Bulgarini Gelato Vino Cucina

I recently visited Bulgarini Osteria e Gelato and left feeling thoroughly disappointed. The restaurant's entrance was difficult to locate, and as a first-time guest, I was unsure of the correct entry point. Upon arrival, I stood unacknowledged for about ten minutes while the owner/chef engaged in a conversation. Eventually, I approached another staff member to inquire about seating, questioning why I had to initiate this instead of being welcomed. Menu lacked variety, offering no chicken dishes, and although swordfish was listed, it was unavailable that day. The only protein options were beef and prime rib, which was disappointing for those who don't consume beef. Additionally, there were no diet beverages available, and the chef's demeanor was notably unfriendly. No substitutions allowed and no sides to add-on. Ordered bread as an appetizer, we waited 40 minutes without receiving it. To our astonishment, the owner was inside the restaurant, leisurely eating gelato with someone, seemingly indifferent to the service issues. Our dinner was served before the appetizer, disrupting the meal's flow. Adding to the discomfort, our heater was moved to another table without rebalancing the remaining one between me and my friend. When the bread finally arrived—late into the meal as I was nearly finished with my pasta—there was no apology for the delay. The couple next to us, who ordered bread as an appetizer, received it within seven minutes, while we waited over 45 minutes. The manager or chef took no accountability, neither acknowledging the oversight nor offering an apology. To conclude the disappointing experience, the owner swiped the card and placed it back on the table instead of handing it to me directly, which felt discourteous. Overall, the combination of poor service, limited options, and inattentiveness from management make for an unpleasant dining experience. I would not recommend Bulgarini Osteria e Gelato to others seeking a satisfactory meal.

Food is amazing. We had spaghetti with meat sauce, Margherita pizza, arugula salad, and gelato. Pasta was chewy/al dente and the meat sauce was the perfect accompaniment. Pizza crust was very light, sauce and cheese were very flavorful. Salad was topped with really good parmesan cheese. The gelato was the perfect ending. Everything tastes homemade with love. Although Italian food can be heavy, this meal left us feeling satisfied, but not overly full (which is perfect). We have lactose and gluten sensitivities, so I was prepared to not feel great later, but I had no bad affects from the meal. Service was great! Very friendly and personable. Definitely recommend Bulgarini if you want an authentic Italian meal that won't leave you feeling heavy.

Owner and chef Leo serves Michelin-star quality! His pastas and sauces, not to mention his pizza and focaccia bread, are so uniquely delicious that your food quickly becomes the topic of conversation at the table. Consider ordering family style. This is a neighborhood gem that is not  to be missed.

Wonderful little restaurant in an unexpected place. Food was delicious, gelato was amazing! Definitely going back soon.

This is slow food. Good food. We were here for 3 hours, and it was expected. The owner, Leo, cannot be rushed, and has taught his cooks well with every detail of pasta making, tomato difference and sauce sweetness. Come here to relax and savor. His gelato is magnificent. Don't miss it.

Really a bummer. Took my daughter there on a daddy/daughter date. Was excited as she really wanted Italian food and I had seen this place recommended on Instagram. Made a reservation and when we arrived the owner was not nice and said he didn’t have a table and sat us inside at a long communal table. It was not crowded and it never got crowded as we were the only two people inside. It was outrageously expensive and then he overcharged us by at least $30, but there was no “bill” to even question. It was a $200 meal after tip and I had one glass of house Chianti, we shared a small appetizer of calamari, we both had small servings of pasta and we shared a gelato. I don’t often write reviews, and I never write negative reviews. But this was a huge disappointment as it was a special night I don’t get often and we were treated poorly and then charged $100 per person for it. What a shame. The food was ok but I could never recommend this place.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

I came to this place on a Wednesday night because I wanted to try a new place. Right off the bat, the only server /owner was too busy chatting to get us a table. We waited almost 20 minutes to have our order taken. One hour almost to get our food. I observed the owner continuously ignore other tables and even sat down to have dinner himself inside while other customers waited unattended. When the food finally arrived, it was a very small portion for the price. I had to get up and ask him for my check. When we got the check I believe the prices were slightly higher than the prices adverstised and like someone said before, he writes down the check on a piece of paper. When I asked for a printed receipt, he refused because he was out of paper. He was rude and was flustered that I asked for a receipt. First and last time, it was a very big disappointment and frustrating experience. Never again !!!!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

I will never go back. Dramatically overpriced, the owner/server could not be more unpleasant (if he doesn't know you as he was nice to some regulars), the portions are very small and so-so tasting, and he makes up the bill and just gives you a huge random number with nothing itemized and no connection to the prices on the menu. Just an expensive crappy experience. I would usually not write anything but he was not pleasant at all and I was on a daddy/daughter date with my 11 year old. Total bummer.

Outdoor seating in Altadena! Wonderful homemade pasta (I had Putanesca) and gelato (pistachio). Highly recommend this local Italian spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Hello Lauren, I happened to be there that night. Unfortunately the guitarist had to cook because there was nobody in the kitchen and the owner had to go out to play the guitar. Every time I come here it's like going to Italy.

XOXO Jason

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gnocchi

My aunt and I were really looking forward to our dinner here for “authentic, artisan” Italian food. What a disappointment! No ambience and terrible service. You order is taken by the rude owner or kitchen staff, the dishes were salty, no complimentary bread, unless you want to pay almost $8 for a couple pieces, and no grated Parmigiano offered at the table (which the dishes really could use). The gelato was icy and bland and you don’t get a receipt at the end of your meal. The owner just adds up the prices and takes your card, and looking at many other reviews we believe we were overcharged as well. For $140 for two people ( 1 appetizer, 2 small portioned dishes and 1 small cup of gelato) never again. The guitarist on the patio was nice though.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Expensive for what you get. $143 + tip for 2 small pasta-only entrees ($88), 2 glasses of wine ($31) and 2 small portions of gelato ($24). The pasta and gelato tasted good. Wish entrees included sides but you only get a ball of pasta/sauce. Had nice guitarist for music. Service was veeeerrrrry slooooooooow...1 guy (owner) servicing the entire restaurant on a Sat. night.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Went here after getting a recommendation. Place is filthy, paperwork everywhere, plates with food left on the counter. And when we finally saw a man, he gave me attitude as if it asked for his service two times over already. Told him to not bother and left.Severely disappointed.This stuff happens way too often in socal, overpriced but no one wants to deliver.If you fail at human decency and common sense, please don’t have a business.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

After all the hype, I had to try this place to compare it to my all time favorite place Gelupo (London, UK). Verdict; an unassuming place with mediocre service. Our top choice was the blood orange granita, probably the best we have had anywhere. The orange and chocolate, almond, chocolate chip were very good but not the best in the world. The goat milk gelato was interesting…:. They were out of the pistachio, so can’t compare. An excellent choice for Gelato in LA area.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Best pistachio gelato I've had outside of Italy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5