Delicious food, beautiful restaurant, great staff! Loved my whole experience here! A must go to!
Jennifer T.
Another great GR restaurant. We've been in twice now. If you find seats at the bar while waiting for your table expect prompt friendly service. They are definitely on top of things. Table service has been a bit mixed. Sometimes it's great sometimes you wait 15 min for salt and pepper when it's not busy enough to warrant that. On our first visit we had a delightful server, Jordan. She was a great help to me communicating with the kitchen and exploring some dinner options that I could have with my allergies. We started with the Focaccia. For dinner I decided to go with the Rigatoni w/the sauce from the Ravioli as it was allergy friendly. The sauce was nice and not sweet thankfully. I've had this dish a few times and the only thing I can say is that the Pasta is a little too Al Dente even for this Italian girl. My husband went with the Rustica Pizza. He liked it but wasn't blown away. He also ordered the Bolognese on a different night. He thought it was more of a meat sauce than a traditional Bolognese which has less tomato to it. He did enjoy it though. Cocktails and Wine selection are good. Definitely going to keep this in our rotation
K D.
Good cocktails. Nice service. Interesting private room in the back. Food generally good, however, the filet had a burnt hamburger odor that was less than appealing.
Jerman J.
Last time I've made a trip here it left me in shock. I've been here many times and have always thought it was an okay restaurant. My girlfriend complained about the gnocchi being weird in taste and appearance. I had an exceptional burger and from the first bite I couldn't put it down. Something I didn't know bistro Bella vita had under their sleeves. Ambiance is nothing crazy. We did however receive a lovely anniversary card that said happy 50th anniversary, which made us laugh and chuckle a bit since my girlfriend and I are in our mid twenties.
Rebecca G.
Food so tasty, local and sometimes unexpected. Service is consistently welcoming, accommodating and friendly.
Craig O.
The brisket bourguignon was great. Good atmosphere and service. Didn't have reservations and walked in on a Tuesday evening to a great meal.
Marie R.
The black spaghetti is chock-full of the most sweet and delicious seafood. I would recommend this dish over and over again. Come with an empty stomach as the portions are generous. My companion had the saffron risotto and expressed a similar satisfaction. Chef's kiss!
Anne A.
What a fabulous place- creative, great energy and vibe with impeccable service. The drinks were delicious as was the food. We drove in from Holland and will be back.
Austyn O.
I've visited Bistro Bella Vita a handful of times and have never been disappointed. Great service and consistently good food. Love the rotini con pollo.
Michael S.
Very good food, busy every time we've been, but waits are reasonable. Very close to local comedy club, arena so it's convenient for pre event dining. Most of the food has been good, but the fries were a miss for me. Would recommend. Good date night spot
I have had this review in my draft for some time but with Valentine's Day rolling around, now may be the time. I set up a dinner with my wife here last Valentine's Day and it felt like we were in some sort of assembly line. The food was basic and we'd were rushed out like cattle. I once worked in the industry so I understand the day and the urgency but we are also not people who eat up table time for no reason, but I like to actually finish my meal. Maybe I would give them a shot again but honestly only if was a last resort. I have them two stars because I have a hard time giving someone only one!
Kelly D.
Great food , great service. Ambiance is Olive Gardenish. Not sure of Valet Parking hours
Erin M.
I cannot recommend this restaurant anymore than I already am. It is expensive, but you are paying for the food and the ambience and the brilliant and beautiful atmosphere. I love tapas.
Jessica O.
I've only been here a few times, but it has been a good experience each time. My husband and I really like coming here for celebratory meals, too. They have really nice cocktails, and an ok beer selection. Parking can be tricky if there is a hockey game or a concert at Van Andel, but we've never had longer than maybe a 5 minute walk. On our most recent visit my husband ordered the filet mignon and I had the Faroe Islands salmon. Both were cooked well, and were filling portions. The sides that come with each are really tasty, and really highlight the protein. I've also had the pizzas before, and have no complaints!Overall I think it's a nice date place or celebratory spot. If you want somewhere you can get a bit dressier and have some really good food they are definitely one to check out! There are a bunch of other entrees on the menu that I'm looking forward to trying, so I can't wait to go back soon!
David M
Never been to the Bistro Bella Vita - got lost trying to find it once, but decided to hunt for it for my wife's birthday. (Did have three GPS working to find it - but rather easy). It was Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids, and after a quick scan of the menu - we went with the Restaurant Week special - figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, a delightful salad, and potato gnocchi with duck. Tiramisu for dessert. Service was great, as was the food. Glad we finally found this place! We will be back.
Delicious food, beautiful restaurant, great staff! Loved my whole experience here! A must go to!
Another great GR restaurant. We've been in twice now. If you find seats at the bar while waiting for your table expect prompt friendly service. They are definitely on top of things. Table service has been a bit mixed. Sometimes it's great sometimes you wait 15 min for salt and pepper when it's not busy enough to warrant that. On our first visit we had a delightful server, Jordan. She was a great help to me communicating with the kitchen and exploring some dinner options that I could have with my allergies. We started with the Focaccia. For dinner I decided to go with the Rigatoni w/the sauce from the Ravioli as it was allergy friendly. The sauce was nice and not sweet thankfully. I've had this dish a few times and the only thing I can say is that the Pasta is a little too Al Dente even for this Italian girl. My husband went with the Rustica Pizza. He liked it but wasn't blown away. He also ordered the Bolognese on a different night. He thought it was more of a meat sauce than a traditional Bolognese which has less tomato to it. He did enjoy it though. Cocktails and Wine selection are good. Definitely going to keep this in our rotation
Good cocktails. Nice service. Interesting private room in the back. Food generally good, however, the filet had a burnt hamburger odor that was less than appealing.
Last time I've made a trip here it left me in shock. I've been here many times and have always thought it was an okay restaurant. My girlfriend complained about the gnocchi being weird in taste and appearance. I had an exceptional burger and from the first bite I couldn't put it down. Something I didn't know bistro Bella vita had under their sleeves. Ambiance is nothing crazy. We did however receive a lovely anniversary card that said happy 50th anniversary, which made us laugh and chuckle a bit since my girlfriend and I are in our mid twenties.
Food so tasty, local and sometimes unexpected. Service is consistently welcoming, accommodating and friendly.
The brisket bourguignon was great. Good atmosphere and service. Didn't have reservations and walked in on a Tuesday evening to a great meal.
The black spaghetti is chock-full of the most sweet and delicious seafood. I would recommend this dish over and over again. Come with an empty stomach as the portions are generous. My companion had the saffron risotto and expressed a similar satisfaction. Chef's kiss!
What a fabulous place- creative, great energy and vibe with impeccable service. The drinks were delicious as was the food. We drove in from Holland and will be back.
I've visited Bistro Bella Vita a handful of times and have never been disappointed. Great service and consistently good food. Love the rotini con pollo.
Very good food, busy every time we've been, but waits are reasonable. Very close to local comedy club, arena so it's convenient for pre event dining. Most of the food has been good, but the fries were a miss for me. Would recommend. Good date night spot
Restaurantji Recommends
I have had this review in my draft for some time but with Valentine's Day rolling around, now may be the time. I set up a dinner with my wife here last Valentine's Day and it felt like we were in some sort of assembly line. The food was basic and we'd were rushed out like cattle. I once worked in the industry so I understand the day and the urgency but we are also not people who eat up table time for no reason, but I like to actually finish my meal. Maybe I would give them a shot again but honestly only if was a last resort. I have them two stars because I have a hard time giving someone only one!
Great food , great service. Ambiance is Olive Gardenish. Not sure of Valet Parking hours
I cannot recommend this restaurant anymore than I already am. It is expensive, but you are paying for the food and the ambience and the brilliant and beautiful atmosphere. I love tapas.
I've only been here a few times, but it has been a good experience each time. My husband and I really like coming here for celebratory meals, too. They have really nice cocktails, and an ok beer selection. Parking can be tricky if there is a hockey game or a concert at Van Andel, but we've never had longer than maybe a 5 minute walk. On our most recent visit my husband ordered the filet mignon and I had the Faroe Islands salmon. Both were cooked well, and were filling portions. The sides that come with each are really tasty, and really highlight the protein. I've also had the pizzas before, and have no complaints!Overall I think it's a nice date place or celebratory spot. If you want somewhere you can get a bit dressier and have some really good food they are definitely one to check out! There are a bunch of other entrees on the menu that I'm looking forward to trying, so I can't wait to go back soon!
Never been to the Bistro Bella Vita - got lost trying to find it once, but decided to hunt for it for my wife's birthday. (Did have three GPS working to find it - but rather easy). It was Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids, and after a quick scan of the menu - we went with the Restaurant Week special - figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, a delightful salad, and potato gnocchi with duck. Tiramisu for dessert. Service was great, as was the food. Glad we finally found this place! We will be back.