There were only 7 people in the restaurant, this includes myself and my 2 friends, and it took them an entire hour to offer us drinks and take our orders. Once the food got to us we’ve already been at the restaurant for over an hour and a half, it’s was horrible! I ordered some pasta that had mussels on it (I forgot what it was called) it was absolutely dreadful. This is the worst restaurant I’ve been to since I’ve been in Virginia, and I’ve been here for three years. All three of us did not enjoy our meals and didn’t pay because they were just genuinely disgusting.
Jonathan Smith
Their 72-ragout was amazing, the service was prompt and friendly, very nice!
Russell Cerro
As always, a great authentic Italian meal. Unfortunately, this was their last night after many successful years. I will miss them.
Jenn Moore
This restaurant was extremely empty for the rating it has there was only a two top. The rest the restaurant was empty. I stopped by here to pick up a salad to take to the brewery down the street. The gal that took my order was friendly and the salad came out fast. The negative which influenced my rating there were a bunch of flies in the restaurant which made me rethink my order once it was placed and then the actual meal. The goat cheese was sour and I found 2 short dart hairs mixed in. The salad and $15 bucks just went in the trash.
James U
Great service and wonderful food. Prices are high but deserved for the quality of food. Highly recommend.
Maria G.
La Bella has been a solid experience for me. The staff are always friendly and the food always delicious. My go to is their Lasagna. I love the béchamel on top, paired with sangria. The sangria is not too sweet and there's cut up fruits like apples in it. They do offer free bread before your meal comes out and I always opt for the gluten free bread. It's softer and it really have a good texture. You can dip it in the Olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture but be careful not to get full because it is tempting to keep eating it away! There's a space for big groups and I actually heard of people having their wedding reception here. There's homemade desserts, and great after dinner coffees too!
Deborah W.
I came here with high hopes as a friend had said it was amazing after her first visit. With anticipation we came back with a small group to celebrate her birthday. That was a couple of months ago and to be honest, I can't even remember what my husband and I even ordered. What stayed with both of us was that it wasn't good. Even my friend who originally loved the place, said this visit was disappointing. All we can think it that it must be a different cook. Unfortunately, with so many restaurants in Hampton Roads we won't be giving this place a second chance.
Misty Peters
Held a corporate dinner event here nearly a year ago. Working with Andrea and management was simple and straightforward. La Bella gave us the entire dining room to the right of the main entrance where they provided great food and beverages to make a memorable occasion for our diverse group of 50 attendees. In true Sicilian inspired fashion, to my delight, nearly everything was served family style.
Amira James
Loved it. Service was great. We ordered from the specialty menu, salmon w artichoke in a lemon sauce and swordfish w tomatoes, green and black olives, and something else I can't remember. Both came w traditional spaghetti noodles.
Retr0Domin0 .
Excellent food and presentation. We reserved this restaurant for our work party and were not disappointed! Very large portions and the staff was attentive but not overbearing.
Very good frute de mer (seafood) pasta and service.
Ashley T.
My husband and I had a reservation for 4:30 on a Thursday night. It was quiet when we got there, but business picked up really fast. Our server Courtney was very informative on the menu and made me an excellent dirty martini! I accidentally order the wrong thing and it was still fantastic! Portions were great, atmosphere was comfortable and service was fantastic. I highly recommend this place! Especially the Goat Cheese Salad and the Eggplant Parmigiana!
Chris J.
One of the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk. Unfortunately that's not as high praise as it sounds like. Bit expensive for the portion sizes, especially the noodles. Thought that would've been the place to pad the meal as they're cheaper than the protein. Pleasant staff though and Andrea is a good guy. I do miss the OG La Bella on Laskin. Just not the same now, his mother ran a tight ship.
Anthony Mortillaro
So delighted to finally try La Bella Italian Restaurant !! I've heard so much great feedback about this location.
John A.
Pasta was flavorless. Service was decent but felt like I was doing her a favor for being in the restaurant. Apparently the chef is kind of a proms dona because he does not like people changing his offerings (e.g. asking for fettuccine instead of spaghetti) and they won't allow a simple substitution. I won't be coming back.
There were only 7 people in the restaurant, this includes myself and my 2 friends, and it took them an entire hour to offer us drinks and take our orders. Once the food got to us we’ve already been at the restaurant for over an hour and a half, it’s was horrible! I ordered some pasta that had mussels on it (I forgot what it was called) it was absolutely dreadful. This is the worst restaurant I’ve been to since I’ve been in Virginia, and I’ve been here for three years. All three of us did not enjoy our meals and didn’t pay because they were just genuinely disgusting.
Their 72-ragout was amazing, the service was prompt and friendly, very nice!
As always, a great authentic Italian meal. Unfortunately, this was their last night after many successful years. I will miss them.
This restaurant was extremely empty for the rating it has there was only a two top. The rest the restaurant was empty. I stopped by here to pick up a salad to take to the brewery down the street. The gal that took my order was friendly and the salad came out fast. The negative which influenced my rating there were a bunch of flies in the restaurant which made me rethink my order once it was placed and then the actual meal. The goat cheese was sour and I found 2 short dart hairs mixed in. The salad and $15 bucks just went in the trash.
Great service and wonderful food. Prices are high but deserved for the quality of food. Highly recommend.
La Bella has been a solid experience for me. The staff are always friendly and the food always delicious. My go to is their Lasagna. I love the béchamel on top, paired with sangria. The sangria is not too sweet and there's cut up fruits like apples in it. They do offer free bread before your meal comes out and I always opt for the gluten free bread. It's softer and it really have a good texture. You can dip it in the Olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture but be careful not to get full because it is tempting to keep eating it away! There's a space for big groups and I actually heard of people having their wedding reception here. There's homemade desserts, and great after dinner coffees too!
I came here with high hopes as a friend had said it was amazing after her first visit. With anticipation we came back with a small group to celebrate her birthday. That was a couple of months ago and to be honest, I can't even remember what my husband and I even ordered. What stayed with both of us was that it wasn't good. Even my friend who originally loved the place, said this visit was disappointing. All we can think it that it must be a different cook. Unfortunately, with so many restaurants in Hampton Roads we won't be giving this place a second chance.
Held a corporate dinner event here nearly a year ago. Working with Andrea and management was simple and straightforward. La Bella gave us the entire dining room to the right of the main entrance where they provided great food and beverages to make a memorable occasion for our diverse group of 50 attendees. In true Sicilian inspired fashion, to my delight, nearly everything was served family style.
Loved it. Service was great. We ordered from the specialty menu, salmon w artichoke in a lemon sauce and swordfish w tomatoes, green and black olives, and something else I can't remember. Both came w traditional spaghetti noodles.
Excellent food and presentation. We reserved this restaurant for our work party and were not disappointed! Very large portions and the staff was attentive but not overbearing.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very good frute de mer (seafood) pasta and service.
My husband and I had a reservation for 4:30 on a Thursday night. It was quiet when we got there, but business picked up really fast. Our server Courtney was very informative on the menu and made me an excellent dirty martini! I accidentally order the wrong thing and it was still fantastic! Portions were great, atmosphere was comfortable and service was fantastic. I highly recommend this place! Especially the Goat Cheese Salad and the Eggplant Parmigiana!
One of the best Italian restaurants in Norfolk. Unfortunately that's not as high praise as it sounds like. Bit expensive for the portion sizes, especially the noodles. Thought that would've been the place to pad the meal as they're cheaper than the protein. Pleasant staff though and Andrea is a good guy. I do miss the OG La Bella on Laskin. Just not the same now, his mother ran a tight ship.
So delighted to finally try La Bella Italian Restaurant !! I've heard so much great feedback about this location.
Pasta was flavorless. Service was decent but felt like I was doing her a favor for being in the restaurant. Apparently the chef is kind of a proms dona because he does not like people changing his offerings (e.g. asking for fettuccine instead of spaghetti) and they won't allow a simple substitution. I won't be coming back.