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Bella Bru Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Mediterranean Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Coffee & Tea, Mediterranean, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
5038 Fair Oaks BlvdCarmichael, CA 95608
(916) 485-2883
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 6 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 6 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
53 reviews for Bella Bru Cafe
Review Highlights
"...after a nice morning run on the American River trail."
(in 3 reviews)
"...like going here and so far have not been disappointed."
(in 3 reviews)
"...solid large plate of french toast with fresh strawberries..."
(in 3 reviews)
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53 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah G.
12/13/2011
How have I never written you up until now? Bella Bru, you have been a staple in my life. You are literally around the corner from my house and during my high school years and even now when I come home to visit my family, I know you will always be there offering some pretty good coffee and some pretty tasty food too.
They have their outdoor tables and tons of tables inside too, and all of their food is made fresh and for some reason it seems so relaxing to just come here and hang out with friends either just for some coffee or a glass of wine, or to share some of their sandwiches or breakfast items. Mmmm Bella Bru is always a good way to start your day or week, and they stay open late enough too for you night owls out there like myself who truly enjoy a late night cup of joe.
I sincerely hope that Bella Bru is always in this location forever, because I think without out, my little neighborhood wouldn't be the same. It is always packed with customers, so clearly a lot of people in this area have great taste. So hats off to you Bella Bru, for your amazing bacon, tasty coffee, cheesy flatbreads, fresh sandwiches, and of course those random glasses of wine that seem to find their way to my table. -
Review from Robb M.
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the perfect spot to kick back with a cup of joe! Their patio is especially nice with plenty of room, quiet, and clean. I really like coming here during the warm months to get my coffee fix and a little sun.
I have never had their food on my visits, but from the looks of it maybe worth a try. -
Review from Tricia A.
Roseville, CA
I was very satisfied by the service at this location last night. The house was packed -my water was never empty, there was someone always available to answer a question, the food was amazing, and everyone seemed to flow with traffic.
My polpettini was delish; however, the last meatball was uncooked inside. Already happy and ready to ask for a box, my friend brought it to my attention. I asked one of the bussers if thats normal, who was wide-eyed in shock and without question took it away. 20 mins go by. Ok... is she coming back to replace the one meatball? NO. SHE CAME BACK WITH A BRAND NEW DISH. Cooked through. Melted cheese. In a to-go box (that I'm about to eat for breakfast). And, we got a desert on the house. I LOVE THIS PLACE. -
Review from Joanne L.
9/19/2011
Awesome selection of sandwiches and drinks
This Bella Bru has a fantastic outdoor patio for you and your friends to enjoy. The breakfast and lunch is really good and has lots of healthy and tasty options for foodies.
I loved the salmon salad with the salmon cooked perfectly to my liking. The cookies were delightful and the iced soy chai latte was not too sweet, just perfectly spiced.
Also, bonus points for super clean bathrooms!
Love! -
Review from Molly B.
6/21/2011
I enjoyed my stop at Bella Bru. It's in the middle of suburbia and stuck in a strip mall next to a gym, but once inside you can easily forget about that.
I was meeting a friend for coffee and the first to arrive. Having just come in from the 100° heat I stood in line at the counter, melting. When it was my turn to order I noticed the cashier/barista looked like he was melting, too. That didn't stop him from being friendly, polite, and helpful, though. I ordered a special mocha they had on the menu that came with almond flavoring and topped with shaved almonds - iced. Looking around I spotted a booth and sat down to wait for my friend.
While nibbling the yummy little slices of almonds I enjoyed the AC and took in my surroundings. There were a lot of older people - seniors sipping wine and eating cake, middle aged couples having what looked like boring conversations in low tones over salads and coffee, and random men and women on laptops or with file folders spread out before them. I could see there was a hallway leading to a bar (Luna Lounge?) which seemed to be the place for cougars to prowl (nothing wrong with cougars - you go, Ms Thang!).
Behind the counter I could see what looked to be quite a selection of wine, and if I read the menu board correctly eight beers on tap. I also noticed the many salads and other dishes on the board. There was a dessert case with cakes, pies, cookies, etc. I was still full from lunch, though, and managed to avoid temptation.
My friend arrived and we chatted, sipped our drinks, and had some laughs for about an hour. It was pretty relaxed and no one gave us the stink eye. I noticed they started prepping the room for dinner at around 5pm. Judging by the cloth napkins and silverware they were putting on the tables I assumed evening meant it went from typical cafe to wait-service restaurant. Time for us to go.
I doubt I will come back to meet a group, or bring one of my brothers here, but it's a nice place to relax and have a quiet drink with a friend.Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Julie E.
2/23/2011
I'm really conflicted here because this place totally switches gear throughout the day.
Breakfast and lunch are ordered at the register and then you sit down to eat. They have pretty good food, but it drives me nuts when places add on the tip line when paying at the register for food. A tip is for service, meaning I'm sitting down and you're serving me. Anywho, back to the food - they have a pretty good selection, and most stuff is darn good. I've had some killer food here, and some is just meh... Poached eggs are not their forte (taste like they were cooked in nothing but vinegar) and the potatoes are boiled and slightly pan fried, but never for long enough. Tasty bacon and excellent toast. Always awesome sandwiches and salads. Still, I think it's highly overpriced for breakfast and lunch.
Dinnertime is where the money is here - the food is way better, and I'm getting served while I'm sitting down! That I will gladly tip for. They have a Two for Tuesdays - a big pizza and bottle of wine for $25! I LOVE their Mediterranean appetizer with the grilled flatbread, hummus, olives, etc - I mistakenly ordered the entire thing as a meal and it was HUGE. I was breaking my own heart by cutting myself off, since there was no way I could finish it and not be in pain from overeating. Again, a little pricey, but YUM. A lovely selection of desserts tops off a yummy night here.
Service is always so-so. I never wait too long for a menu, drinks, or the food, but I've never had really personable or cool service here. The food has to speak for itself, and typically it does. -
Review from Marsh W.
2/23/2011
I'll meet you there!
Just up the street from an American River access point, this is a great gathering spot for cyclists both before and after rides.
With an excellent breakfast selection and good espresso drinks you can fuel up before the ride. Then with burgers, fries and beers you can wind down after the ride.
Plenty of parking and lots of spandex. This is a great place for socializing. They have wine and beer tastings regularly too.Listed in: Can I get a beer over here?, Bike Trail Eats!, Breakfast!
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Review from Eric H.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2011
Best Breakfast, Best sandwiches! I can't even tell you how many times I've been to this place!!! Such a great vibe too!
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Review from Adam K.
Carmichael, CA
6/17/2011
Breakfast is great here. Never too crowded, decent omlettes, and espresso that a crazed coffee snob like me can stand to drink.
The breakfast menu is a little small. Add some more variety and I'll come more often. -
Review from Joe K.
10/19/2010
Why should Bella Bru be famous for their pastrami sandwich? Maybe it is because it is so bad that they should be in the Guiness Book of World Records for the world's worst pastrami sandwich. A minute sandwich consisting of a half ounce of low grade pastrami, on a dry white roll with a pickle smashed in it. All right, I should be happy that it came with a side salad consisting of nothing but lettuce. I am sorry but I do not find any humor in this, especially after waiting a half hour for it. Maybe it was because they only charged me $10.00 for this meager, ridiculously lacking meal that they thought they did not owe me much. The sandwich was smaller than what I could get in a Vietnamese place for under three dollars.
However, I must admit the frozen coffee concoctions I had with it was pretty tasty.
I have wanted to try Bella Bru for a number of years and I finally made it. Now I know I have not been missing anything. -
Review from Coral H.
10/7/2010 ROTD 12/2/2010
Went to a 2K dog walking event at the Sheriff's K9 center which is close by. Needed to find a dog friendly spot for breakfast. This place was perfect. Large patio with umbrellas.
There was even a communal dog dish which I filled with fresh water.
The line was long on a Saturday morning but efficient. The regulars seemed well cared for. Lots of smiles. Breakfast was fine not great but hit the spot and enough to share with my big Black Russian Terrier.Listed in: Dog Friendly Restaurants
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Review from Jana S.
Updated - 9/11/2010 3 photos
Place was abuzz!!!! with clientele, locals, happy folk with positive energy!
Brought my Mom and Dad here and treated them to breakfast... whatever they wanted. Time was 1020. Dad orders a turkey sandwich... I stopped, gave him this quizzical look and said, "for breakfast? Really?" Yup; well okay then, give the man what he wants then!
My Mom got their always-solid large plate of french toast with fresh strawberries, and I ordered the potato bowl with peppers, onion, cheese.
Coffee was lovely; what great aroma and bouquet. Dad large drip, mom nf latte, and myself a soy latte.
Kept us quite full for many hours....I think Bella Bru is pretty darn awesome. They sell loaves of bread, extremely fresh, piled-high pie, cakes, pastries, traditional breakfast and breakfast specials, lunch....
and just down the street from the house. Perfect!
PS docked a star because one can't be charging (in good conscience, anyway) $8.25 for a sandwich that is more bread and lettuce than any of the star attraction. RIP OFF
PPS Had no idea, but just spotted a Bella Bru Express inside of Pavilions' swank shopping plaza on FO Blvd.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/1/2010
Great place to come for fresh coffee and brunch! Next to 24 Hour Active Sport in 5… Read more »
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Review from Johnna B.
9/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wow, I remember this place being very overrated.
But I went back tonight with my husband after a two year hiatus, and I have to say that Bella Bru has vastly improved. I have all of these unfinished reviews from our last vacation, and I try to keep things chronological (as a good bachelor of History should) but the rest of those reviews will have to wait! I have to tell you about Bella Bru.
Now let me add a little disclaimer. My husband is a traveling man. He's been to many restaurants, and he's a smart orderer. He always knows what's not going to suck. So, often I let my little soothsayer influence my menu choices not only because of his witch-like abilities but also because he usually ends up eating half of my dinner anyway. I could care less usually, as long as his choice doesn't include mayo, raw fish, fungi or any vegetable of the squash-like variety. Tonight I let him do the ordering.
Long story short, either Bella Bru is slinging some outstanding food or my guy has really honed his ordering-for-Johnna skills. I didn't know Bella Bru did full service, first of all. I always hated ordering at the counter here, paying 10-20 dollars for entrees. Seriously, that shit is ridiculous. You're really going to make me wait in line to order at the counter with entrees ranging from 10 to 25 dollars? This place is easily on the verge of spendy. With that classification, you're not allowed to make me order at the counter.
Ready to get pissed off about that, I sat down with a menu and baby Z to figure out what I wanted before approaching the counter to order. Much to my surprise, a lady came up to our table to let us know she'd be right with us. Way to circumvent my plan to get pissed off, BB!
My husband ordered the veal and mushroom meatloaf and chose this really interesting meatball and tuscan bean dish for me, since I just couldn't pick anything-there were too many great options. We split their spinach salad to start, and ended with a slice of OTT chocolate decadence cake.
Everything we ordered was fantastic. My husband pouted about the rest of his meatloaf being in the kitchen, it was so good. I hate mushrooms but I tried it anyway, and it was pretty good. My meatballs were really special too, and perfectly seasoned on the inside and out. Maybe there was a little too much salt, but eh. It was tasty.
The spinach salad was the most remarkable thing we ordered. Spinach, garbanzos, shaved red onion, hard-boiled egg, tofu and huge chunks of bacon could very well be my favorite salad concoction ever. It was dressed with a very appropriate vinaigrette. I will be back for this salad.
The chocolate decadence cake was also a hit. But their espresso was bitter, I'd definitely do coffee only next time
The service was OK. It was a little slow, but nice enough. The crowd is definitely WASP-y. Lots of BMWs, Mercedes, and other bratmobiles in the parking spaces. And the parking lot demeanor is atrocious. Grown-ass men and women ready to kill you and yours to get a front row spot in front of the gym. What's wrong with that picture?
But I can see past the human ineptitude because, to be honest, I just expect to be treated like shit in public nowadays. I'm usually more surprised if people are nice than if they're rude. I guess I'm just aging or turning into a angry-ass woman.
But the food was great, much better than I expected, and thank goodness for that! I talked my husband into coming here to avoid a nearby Mongolian BBQ joint with warnings on the windows, "PREMISES UNDER CONSTANT VIDEO SURVEILLANCE." These dives just aren't acceptable anymore with baby Z in tow. I gambled that he might like this better, and we ended up having a very pleasant night out with our baby daughter. Five stars, we'll be back, especially for the spinach salad. -
Review from Loren L.
12/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
This makes me sad. I like Bella Bru..I really do. I have received bad service here when I was sitting down having a meal...twice in a row.
I was ignored the first time and had bread and water thrown on the table and was ignored most of the time after that. I had to get up and go to the counter to have my water and ice tea refilled. The gal at the counter didn't even bother to ask me why I would be doing that myself.
I am not a fancy person so maybe the staff is wowed by the fancy clientele? Anyways, it sure didn't feel good to be treated like that. I have to say the food is what saved them for me. The Mahi-Mahi and Tuna/Avacado sandwiches were sooo good!!
Ironically I met the chef guy at a Yelp Elite event and he was really nice. I have stopped by other times for some to-go fare, and things were ok so I would like to try the sit down service maybe again.
Update to follow... -
Review from Robert J.
Carmichael, CA
5/20/2010
Chef David Boswell may be the best kept secret in Sacramento County. Week after week he's been producing classic yet creative bistro cooking at the Carmichael Bella Bru/Luna lounge. Chef Boswell, former Marine and Alaska guide, came to the food industry the old fashioned way: dedicated hard work. His cooking is forthright, creative, and informed.
On a recent evening I took advantage of his house made duck confit. The dish was executed perfectly, the duck meat rich and falling off the bone, the skin crispy and delectable, presented with braised beet greens and lentils. I squinted my eyes, thought of diesel fumes, and imagined I was in Paris. Adventurous eaters will be well pleased by ordering whatever Chef Boswell is recommending.
On Tuesday night, May 18, I was lucky enough to be able to attend one of Bella Bru's wine dinners upstairs in their intimate private dining space. The featured wines were from Lodi based Draconis, and set Chef Boswell a real challenge- an all red wine evening. Matt Powell, Draconis owner and winemaker, provided wonderfully detailed and humorous descriptions of his Zinfandels and Syrahs.
The menu took risks and made a statement: creative cooking overcomes outmoded assumptions every time. The star pairing was salmon and Zinfandel, not often thought of as a match made in heaven. But Chef Boswell found the twist, topping the salmon with a chorizo brioche butter. Each element helped the dish stand up to the Zinfandel; the spice of the chorizo, the richness of the butter and the brioche atop the perfectly executed salmon. Wine and food were each better for having the other, what more could one ask?
There is always a danger in trying to be all things to all people. The uneven, sometimes odd, reviews here on Yelp about Bella Bru in Carmichael point this up clearly. Patron expectations play hugely into patron satisfaction. Bella Bru is trying to keep it's coffee house patrons happy while continuing to become a classic French bistro. It isn't easy, but everyone in the neighborhood should be rooting for them. -
Review from Teresa K.
Sacramento, CA
1/1/2011
Decided to try a new place for breakfast so we headed to Bella Bru.
It was really crowded on a Friday morning, but it was New Year's Eve. It's super casual, seat yourself, and you have to order at the counter.
Their breakfast selection is pretty standard, omelets, french toast, pastries. I got a bagel with eggs, cheese, and bacon and a white mocha. My parents got a couple of the specials, mom got the chicken apple scramble, and dad got the Greek omelet.
My bagel was really good, nice and toasty on the outside and soft on the inside. The cheese was nice and melty. The mocha was super delicious. Dad's omelet looked good, but I didn't try it, I'm not a fan of feta cheese and tomatoes. Mom's scramble and potatoes had good flavor, but everything was stone cold. Not ok, plus it took forever to get the food in the first place, hence the three stars.
Their pastries and cakes looked good and there were some interesting things on their lunch menu, so will probably go back eventually for lunch. -
Review from Diana E.
Sacramento, CA
2/21/2010
MORNING REVIEW ONLY -
There is a lot to love about this place, but -- WARNING -- the coffee is consistently disgusting. The kids working there have no idea how to pull a decent shot and keep it from turning bitter. Owners: Train them! It's not that difficult. Seriously, I go there all the time because I like (some of) the food, the vibe and the atmosphere and I want to like the coffee, but it's terrible. The lattes, anything with espresso in it -- YUCK.
There is no wireless signal because they don't want people camping out on their laptops, but I take mine in anyway with my handy-dandy Sprint USB Internet thingy and it works just fine. So there.
Great bartender next door at the Luna Lounge, BTW. He really rocks! -
Review from Stephanie L.
Sacramento, CA
4/10/2010
I love this place! Everything is so good. From the fresh baked sweets from their own bakery, to the delicious food I just love it!
They have changed chefs a few times in the past few years, but now that they have David Boswell there as their chef, the food has become top notch. Have you tried their soup? I come here as often as I can just for that! Well, not just for that, but I always look forward to seeing what soup the chef has for the day, since it changes almost daily. And is always something AMAZING!!!
Last time I had the spring garlic soup. It was a puree, so soft and creamy. Maybe you'll get lucky and he'll have the fennel puree soup.
The menu prices are unbeatable for the quality and flavors of the food, and by this I mean DINNER!!! You must try any of the specials that are always changing. Risotto with short ribs for like $12. And not skimpy on the portions either. I love the Pinot Grigio Braised Chicken with orchiette pasta. And the handmade Polpetini with white beans.
And even though I don't like clams, I do like the Cherrystone Clams dish. You can eat the clams, and I'll have the broth that they reside in when served mixed with chorizo, tomatoes, toasted garlic, basil and accompanied with bread. So good!!!
I have been a fan of Boswell's cooking since he was the executive chef and original creator of the menu at Lounge on20 when they first opened and he opened their kitchen. So I was excited to learn he came here to do his magic once again and make the food awesome!. And rumor has it that he plans on starting a charcuterie program in the near future, with house cured meats. Yummy!
The breakfast and lunch menus here have not changed too much since the regulars that have come here for years like the breakfast and lunch options., but again, TRY THE SPECIALS!!! If you want to eat here for a memorable meal, or haven't already tried the new dinner choices, have dinner. Your pallet will thank you. Or if not hungry for dinner, have cocktails in the Luna Lounge and order something delicious off the small plates menu. -
Review from Andee V.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2008
Sometimes I do stupid things and I am not really sure why.
Been to Bella Bru in the past for breakfast and was always satisfied with my meal. Lunch is a different story however. Stopped in here and didn't see any salads that sounded good to me. So in keeping up with my current sandwich kick, I browsed the sandwich selections.
Turkey........eh boring, BLT.......not trying to get salmonella, Croque Monsieur.........good idea. Never had it, but remember seeing it in my French books from high school. Why not? Might as well give it a shot right? WRONG. It was gross. They put this creamy brownish/whitish sauce all over it. I have no idea what to compare it to. I don't remember seeing that in the pictures of my French book. I tried to scrape the most off of it so I could at least eat the rest but it was a false hope. The side salad with vinaigrette was good though.
Basically, go to Bella Bru for breakfast, but if you go for lunch DO NOT wear your Bad Idea Jeans. -
Review from Tammy S.
2/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have to say, I was really impressed by the breakfast I had here. I got the Greek Omelet - it was a special and it came with home fries and some interesting type of toast. The omelet itself was full of olives, spinach and had a generous topping of feta. The potatoes were cooked really well too - a perfect ratio of soft potato to crispy crusty fried on goodness. The toast was kind of weird. Still not sure what type it was - it may have had figs in it?? It was good - more butter slathered on than I would have preferred, but still good. The price was reasonable and service was quick - really quick. I would definitely come here again! I'd give it 4 1/2 stars if I could, but alas...
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Review from Lester R.
Cupertino, CA
4/5/2008
I was killing some time before an appointment and wanted to park myself somewhere other than Starbucks and maybe hijack some free Wi-Fi and so I ended up here.
It was around 8:45am on a Friday morning and all the old pretentious gang were here. The American River bicyclists were hanging out before their ride in the full Tour de France gear, the doctors wives without their husbands planning their tennis dates, the dads with their young kids before dropping them off at school, the retired with time and money along with the ever present Rio kids doing their homework before class.
I ordered a coffee and hesitantly ordered a scone for breakfast and was pleasantly surprised that is was delicious and did not have that hard dry chalky in the mouth feel I get with the Starbucks scones.
The only downside of my experience here is that unlike the Bay Area where it seems almost everyone has their laptop out at Peets, I was conspicuously the only one with a laptop here. I opened mine and tried to see if there was any Wi-Fi but no networks were easily identifiable except for Willie's across the street. It wasn't that important anyway so I discretely closed my laptop and proceeded to flash my Blackberry to pretend that maybe I was part of the leisure class too. -
Review from caryn g.
Carmichael, CA
2/17/2011
The food is pretty good but the service is TERRIBLE! Also, the majority of the time that I have picked up food, the order is incorrect... no exaggeration. (Mega-frustrating because I have food allergies.) The manager kindly offers free entrees the next time I go in, every time. The trouble is that I want the orders to be correct, I don't want free entrees. I won't go anymore because I am sick of driving back to get what I ordered.
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Review from Christopher W.
Sacramento, CA
11/29/2011
this restaurant is situated in the middle of some of the wealthiest neighborhoods/homes in the entire sacramento area, and it has survived this recession by means of proximity more than its actual cuisine which is, in a word, bland. inspired only by the notion of upscale-ness rather than international epicureanism of any sort- when i found rombauer on the menu i knew i wasn't in for a gourmet dining experience. not that i loathe rombauer, it's okay. i guess i could say that about bella bru as well. it's EXCELLENT for breakfast!!!! hip joggers, bicyclists and families with children alike stop in for excellent lattes/coffee, pastries, and selected entrees of fresh fruit and eggs. again i would go here for breakfast anyday, it's just that for dinner this place attempts to be upscale/fancy, and it's not. rigatone with bolognese is nice, i guess, if it were truly authentic bolognese which it wasn't it was more like something someone would improvise at home- you'll find the typical cut of steak or a salmon fillet with veggies/potatoes ($18-25)- not badly done but i'm going to speak favorably for american cuisine when i say that this isn't what america calls fine dining. the luna lounge brought a nice bit of plasmas and pints amidst dimly lit calamari with mayonnaise aoli sauce drenched in lemon ($12). i guess i'm just a little put off by what this place thinks it is for dinner, as opposed to it's lovely breakfast, because i see their dinner menu and i immediately realize there are several MUCH better options down on the other end of fair oaks blvd.
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Review from Max B.
Carmichael, CA
12/5/2009
Thanks Andy! We appreciated the very kind gesture, after our service debacle. Expect us tomorrow a.m. for breakfast during the marathon.
-The Berkowitz Family -
Review from Nina Q.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2009
I love the desserts at this place. Their fruit tarts are insanely good. I also love their fruit bowl with granola. Its a great place to get brunch as well. Perfect outdoor seating and great friendly service. THeir breakfast selection is decent. It has an upscale cafe feel but offers some diner classics. Its a little pricey but nothing tooo out of hand.
I have never eaten dinner here before so I can not offer advice on the nighttime selection of food although I have heard very good things from my mother. Recently they have added the Luna lounge in the back which I heard is a hip spot for the older crowd.
It does not have Wifi- or didnt last time I went so not a good place if you are looking for a cafe to study at.
Basically its a prime location for a juicy hungover brunch with friends or a nice lunch with mom -
Review from Chez R.
Sacramento, CA
2/23/2009
Coffee was pretty good. I had the Italian roast. They change it up day-to-day, that's chill. Not really all that impressed with the spot. I had a pizza bagel, but really, its kinda not all that hard to do. All the cycling guys...old guys in spandex and "Real Housewives of the O.C." type clientele was creeping me out. And there was a lot of them on a Saturday morning.I'm gonna say this place was miss for now or incomplete because I only been there once and really didn't have an entree. So, for now 3 stars:
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-Good coffee
-Teen Staff
-Loud, busy, crowded
-Creepy people go there? -
Review from James B.
Elk Grove, CA
9/3/2011
Every time I come here I am never disappointed. The staff is wonderful, the servers friendly and attentive and the food excellent.
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Review from Nate Q.
Carmichael, CA
3/14/2011
Absolutely a fan! We try to make it in every Friday night. Their standard menu is good, The bolognese is by far the best thing on it. Deserts are all very good, coffee is great. But, The specials menu is why I go back. Excellent, fresh local ingredients. Everything seems to be made in house, which I am a huge fan of. Love this place
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Review from Annie B.
Carmichael, CA
11/14/2010
I keep trying to like this place but can't. It is near by my house and serves the things I like but they can't seem to get it right. Every time I have come, they have always messed up my order or forgotten to make it. Once I ordered a cappucino and it took them 15 minutes to make it even though they weren't busy at the time. I think they forgot about that I ordered it. Another time I came in to order dessert and they left the clear divider wrapper on the strawberry cake slice I ordered and forgot to bring my tea out until I reminded them. The food is ok but the service really needs to be improved.
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Review from Kristina M.
Sacramento, CA
I love coming here, especially after a nice morning run on the American River trail. My fave is the breakfast bagel with cheese & veggies. It is HUGE too, so it's very satisfying after a long run.
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Review from carrie c.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2007
Bella Bru: the place where distracted teens refuse to take your order. They are very busy talking to each other.
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Review from Robert P.
Sacramento, CA
5/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
good place to see friends and for business meetings
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Review from Michelle B.
Long Beach, CA
4/22/2009
Really 2.5 but giving it a 3 because the food and service is good.... but come on, no wifi? Would've had working breakfast through lunch there with a group.
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Review from natalie r.
Sacramento, CA
12/3/2007
we like to come here for brunch and a mimosa on sunday's. it does get crowded and the service is walk-up to order, so it is possible to order and then not have a table...sitting outside is a plus!
biggest gripe: their potatoes are consistently terrible (every every time we have been)...they are boiled and then barely BARELY fried up in a pan (we had to pick through an entire serving to find 2 pieces with a bit-of-browning) with bell peppers and perhaps some onion, but they are basically like a flavorless boiled potato and they are super disappointing. -
Review from Chris L.
Rancho Cordova, CA
5/1/2011
I love this place. The coffee is okay, but the breakfast is delicious. I love the spell of the coffee and food when walking in. The staff are very friendly and fast. It's definitely a great neighborhood hang-out. Prices are more than reasonable.
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Review from Vanessa G.
Denver, CO
8/30/2006
Back when I was in high school this was the ultimate hang out because they were open until 11 p.m. and you could loiter in the parking lot afterwards. It has since then become one of the places where I go with friends from high school to relive the "glory days." It now closes at 10 which sort of sucks, but they still have delicious coffee. They also have great food and do catering. This particular location even has a table that is a checker board and you can play. Back in the day they had bands play there, but I don't think they do that anymore. It's a little more quiet now. Still, I gotta say, I love this place. And I usually run into someone I know from the past here.
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Review from Melissa L.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2008
My teeth could have lived without my visit Bella. My macaroon was so hard I had to break it apart with my hands first, then chew it. My vanilla latte was terrible - I'm not even a huge fan of coffee but I know how it should taste. I resorted to the coffee because the tea selection was dismal and to add, the service were very disenchanted high schoolers. Lackluster sums up my visit.
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Review from Kristen W.
Carmichael, CA
4/25/2009 102 Check-ins Here
Good restaurant, excellent breakfast. They are really pet-friendly, and have great service. Some things are a little overpriced, but nothing disappoints. Good muffins, bread, and cakes!! Best breakfast bagels in town!!
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Review from Nicole P.
12/16/2009
I give them 4 stars just because their strawberry smoothies are so dang delicious!! I haven't tried anything else but I'll go out of my way just to have one if I get a craving and they come pretty often.
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Review from Mcneal T.
Sacramento, CA
7/14/2010
Great coffee, i would rather make some on my new expresso machine at the office!
