I would strongly advise anyone thinking of coming here to reconsider.
From the very beginning, the experience was offensive. We called ahead just half an hour before arriving, simply to ask if there were available tables. The man who answered was abrupt, dismissive, and couldn’t even manage a basic “hello.” It already felt wrong, but what happened at the door was worse.
When we arrived, an older man in wrinkled black t-shirt began shouting at us, saying we looked like “kids” and that my clothing was “inappropriate” (stylish white tank and jeans shorts). For the record, we are both adults in our early twenties, dressed in elegant, respectable clothing. Meanwhile, the person throwing insults at us looked far less presentable than any guest ever should.
The restaurant itself was completely empty — which makes perfect sense now. With this kind of behavior, no one in their right mind would want to sit down and eat here. There was no courtesy, no professionalism, no sense of hospitality at all.
This was not just poor service — it was aggressive, humiliating, and unacceptable. A restaurant that treats guests like this does not deserve to stay in business. Avoid at all costs
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Egor Belykh
I rarely write reviews, but this experience was beyond unacceptable.
We called the restaurant 30 minutes before arriving just to check availability. A man answered in the rudest manner possible — no “hello,” no courtesy, just plain arrogance. I thought maybe he was busy and decided to give them a chance.
When we arrived, we were “greeted” by an older man in a dirty, wrinkled t-shirt, who immediately started yelling at us and literally tried to throw us out. His reason? He said we “looked like kids” and were “dressed inappropriately.” I am 27 years old and was wearing elegant, expensive clothing. Meanwhile, the man judging our appearance looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
The restaurant was completely empty — not a single guest inside — and yet this is how they treat potential customers. I’ve dined all over the world, from high-end establishments to casual spots, and I have never been spoken to with such hostility and disrespect.
This was not just poor service, it was outright humiliation. No professionalism, no basic manners, no respect for guests. With this kind of attitude, it’s no wonder the place is empty — and it will likely stay that way.
This is not a restaurant, it’s a disgrace. Keep out!!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
All Out Pest Control
A nice place to have a casual dinner at, great food and atmosphere. When the weather is nice the lakefront tabes are nice too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
V M
Needs renovations on all fronts. Place has lots of potential just owner doesn’t care. Sooo outdated falling apart. Shame
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
Rachel B
This is our favorite spot to dine! The food is amazing, the service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is perfect for both important events and weekday family dinners. We love Bella Vista!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Knick
We met friends here. It's a wonderful place for dinner. This time of year the lake is beautiful for outside dining. The food is always good and the .service is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew DeFede (The Realtor)
I love it there, always a good meal I find it fascinating that the building used to be used to feed the giraffes for the circus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Crozier
Excellent food, Italian cuisine in a rather tired location with slow service. A full bar is on-site but don't expect high end cocktails
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Laura Anne
Simply OUTSTANDING!! From start to finish Bob is friendly and extremely helpful with planning our event! Our guests are still commenting on how amazing the food was! The view is beautiful and the service fantastic! Our daughter’s baby shower was a hit and all our future events will be held here!! Definitely best restaurant around!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Iacovelli
Outstanding cuisine at an old school Italian spot with about as good a view you'll get anywhere in the area.
Delicious food with a lovely service and perfect view
Morgan Meyers
my absolute favorite place to eat. the vibes are so positive, cozy, and the lake is mesmerizing. drinks r the best ever!! the staff is like family. love it
Jeffrey Corbran
Finally had the Sirloin Steak. Yummmmmy! Very good.
What an amazing experience!! Bobby at the front was a great guy and the chef really knows how to work a kitchen. The food was absolutley outstanding and I can’t wait to come here again. Stuffed artichoke, penne Ala vodka and don’t even get me started on the veal rollatini. I try ordering a little bit of everything and I’m glad I have the leftovers. Best Italian food in Jefferson !!! Fuhgeddaboudit !!
I would strongly advise anyone thinking of coming here to reconsider.
From the very beginning, the experience was offensive. We called ahead just half an hour before arriving, simply to ask if there were available tables. The man who answered was abrupt, dismissive, and couldn’t even manage a basic “hello.” It already felt wrong, but what happened at the door was worse.
When we arrived, an older man in wrinkled black t-shirt began shouting at us, saying we looked like “kids” and that my clothing was “inappropriate” (stylish white tank and jeans shorts). For the record, we are both adults in our early twenties, dressed in elegant, respectable clothing. Meanwhile, the person throwing insults at us looked far less presentable than any guest ever should.
The restaurant itself was completely empty — which makes perfect sense now. With this kind of behavior, no one in their right mind would want to sit down and eat here. There was no courtesy, no professionalism, no sense of hospitality at all.
This was not just poor service — it was aggressive, humiliating, and unacceptable. A restaurant that treats guests like this does not deserve to stay in business. Avoid at all costs
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I rarely write reviews, but this experience was beyond unacceptable.
We called the restaurant 30 minutes before arriving just to check availability. A man answered in the rudest manner possible — no “hello,” no courtesy, just plain arrogance. I thought maybe he was busy and decided to give them a chance.
When we arrived, we were “greeted” by an older man in a dirty, wrinkled t-shirt, who immediately started yelling at us and literally tried to throw us out. His reason? He said we “looked like kids” and were “dressed inappropriately.” I am 27 years old and was wearing elegant, expensive clothing. Meanwhile, the man judging our appearance looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
The restaurant was completely empty — not a single guest inside — and yet this is how they treat potential customers. I’ve dined all over the world, from high-end establishments to casual spots, and I have never been spoken to with such hostility and disrespect.
This was not just poor service, it was outright humiliation. No professionalism, no basic manners, no respect for guests. With this kind of attitude, it’s no wonder the place is empty — and it will likely stay that way.
This is not a restaurant, it’s a disgrace.
Keep out!!!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A nice place to have a casual dinner at, great food and atmosphere. When the weather is nice the lakefront tabes are nice too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Needs renovations on all fronts. Place has lots of potential just owner doesn’t care. Sooo outdated falling apart. Shame
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 4
This is our favorite spot to dine! The food is amazing, the service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is perfect for both important events and weekday family dinners. We love Bella Vista!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We met friends here. It's a wonderful place for dinner. This time of year the lake is beautiful for outside dining. The food is always good and the .service is excellent
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love it there, always a good meal I find it fascinating that the building used to be used to feed the giraffes for the circus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food, Italian cuisine in a rather tired location with slow service. A full bar is on-site but don't expect high end cocktails
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Simply OUTSTANDING!! From start to finish Bob is friendly and extremely helpful with planning our event! Our guests are still commenting on how amazing the food was! The view is beautiful and the service fantastic! Our daughter’s baby shower was a hit and all our future events will be held here!! Definitely best restaurant around!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Outstanding cuisine at an old school Italian spot with about as good a view you'll get anywhere in the area.
Restaurantji Recommends
Bar tender , excellent 👌
Delicious food with a lovely service and perfect view
my absolute favorite place to eat. the vibes are so positive, cozy, and the lake is mesmerizing. drinks r the best ever!! the staff is like family. love it
Finally had the Sirloin Steak. Yummmmmy! Very good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Broiled Veal Chop, Clams Casino
What an amazing experience!! Bobby at the front was a great guy and the chef really knows how to work a kitchen. The food was absolutley outstanding and I can’t wait to come here again. Stuffed artichoke, penne Ala vodka and don’t even get me started on the veal rollatini. I try ordering a little bit of everything and I’m glad I have the leftovers. Best Italian food in Jefferson !!! Fuhgeddaboudit !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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