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Bella Ristorante Italian Cuisine
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
Clayton Valley Shopping Ctr5458 Ygnacio Valley Rd
Concord, CA 94521
(925) 524-0733
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
63 reviews for Bella Ristorante Italian Cuisine
Review Highlights
"Penne Pomodoro olive oil, garlic, basil and fresh tomato."
(in 10 reviews)
"We ordered the Tiramisu (of course) & Crème Brulee."
(in 3 reviews)
"Right up there with luna, which in my opinion has the best..."
(in 11 reviews)
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63 reviews in English
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Review from OkieSmokie C.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/10/2011
My wife and I caught them when they opened at 4:30 on a Tuesday - nice to have the place to ourselves. Seemed like it'd be a bit tight if it was packed, but we didn't have to worry about that.
Started with the Bella bread dip - highly worth it! I know you normally get bread and olive oil/balsamic for free, but the unique flavor of this dip is worth the 4 bucks.
I had the Fettuccini Con Gamberi with the Spinach Cream Sauce. Just a heads-up, the sauce had a healthy dose of dill, so if you aren't a fan steer clear. My meal was excellent! My wife had the ravioli - delicious!
My wife and I will go back even though it is out of the way. The wait staff was very friendly and the food was reasonably priced. Next time I plan on exploring the wine list.
Enjoy! -
Review from Rachel G.
East Bay, CA
The two stars are solely for the salad & the bread. I figured 1 star is a little harsh.
Keep in mind...I absolutely LOVE Italian Food..it would be my last meal on earth if I had a choice.
So how do I feel about this place...I DID NOT care for it!!! There was so much mixed reviews on this place that I figured why not....let me just try it out. I took my BFF here for her birthday. Let's begin by saying this is not close to Hwy 680 or 4. It's a drive into town if you're coming from another city. From outside it looks like a really big restaurant, but it really isn't. The seating there is very close together. You can hear other people's conversations next to you. They give you bread and this oil/balsamic/garlic dip...it was very good. We split the Fresco salad and it was delicious. So to the main dish...since I don't eat meat (with the exception of seafood). I ordered the Linguine Frutti Dimare and my BFF ordered the Linguine Siciliana. The Frutti Dimare was so bland. I had to add salt and pepper just for taste. It still didn't help. There is definitely more seafood/shellfish in this meal than Linguine...I think I probably got less than a cup of pasta. As for the Siciliana...this was definitely more flavorful than mines, but you can see all the oil oozing out of this meal. As if the oil was separating from the sauce. Not good. BTW- when our meal came...they didn't even offer us parmesan cheese or cracked pepper..what's up with that.
Let's move on to dessert, because you know I have to order it. We ordered the Tiramisu (of course) & Crème Brulee...I have nothing to say about this except... it wasn't good. I've had way better dessert at other Italian restaurants...as a matter of fact, I had better at a deli. We also ordered coffee and the guy said they are brewing us a fresh pot. I was totally excited. HOLY CRAP!!! That coffee tasted horrible. I think they put the whole freakin can inside that pot. It was sooo strong...that I asked the waiter for hot water so I can dilute it and he brought me this mini pot (1 cup worth), I added half of it to the half of the coffee and it was still bitter.
This whole food experience was not good. I need to take my BFF to another restaurant just to make it up to her. -
Review from Angela A.
Clayton, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I had gone here when it first opened. We liked it then, but kind of forgot about it. Went tonight and remembered how good it was! For being located in a strip mall, the food is exceptional! So full of flavor! A great rediscovery!
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Review from Keri F.
Clayton, CA
1/23/2012
Excellent waitress tonight (sat night)
(and every time we've been here ) , great food , great service ! Thank you ! -
Review from Mel L.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011
I finally tried this restaurant. I went in with my mom for dinner. It is great that they have outdoor sitting. We started the night with Bella white wine. Food was great. I had linguine carbonara and mom had seafood.. Service was excellent! we ended the meal with a slice of tiramisu and spumone :) Cant wait to go back to try different dishes.
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Review from Jordan D.
7/13/2011
Wow really whats with all the haterish reviews here? This place on a bad day is at the very least a 4 star rating. Im sorry I like to take reviews seriously from yelpers that have more than 1 review and take their own reviewing seriously, not someone who signs on just to bash places. Sorry this is just one of my favorite places to eat when i' m back at home and its ironic how all "eliters" and people who review regularly seem to love this place. I dont know you guys be the jduge.
LOL ok enough of my little venting rant. This place hasn't been around for a long time now and is the sister restaurant from my long time favorite luna ristorante. I actually had my college graduation luncheon here and once again Abdel, the owner, never fails to amaze me with the food.
The ambiance is very romantic and a perfect place to go with your partner for an Italian dinner and a glass of wine or a place to go alone to get away from the worker bee lifestyle and relax. The decorations are very nicely placed.
The waiters here are top teir. Very well trained. Taught to open a wine bottle properly and always tend to your needs. A very professionally run restaurant. Anyone who judges a waiter needs to be one and see how hard it is, not at olive garden or applebees, but at a nice restaurant.
Food here is amazing. Right up there with luna, which in my opinion has the best italian food in the bay area. Carbonara is hot and creamy, bread is warm and a little crunchy. Its all amazing. Here I suggest you try their melt in your mouth tiramisu... BOMB DOT COM!
I honestly love this place and will continue coming here.
xxxx.
|(o)(o)|
( (__) ) BOMB.COM
| ( ) |
\__/
Jordan -
Review from N J.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011 2 photos
Wow. Just had a fabulous lunch at Bella. When I realized it was opened by the same owners as Luna, I will admit my expectations were very high. And boy were they met!
Nice yet comfortable ambiance. Attentive but not overbearing service. Delicious butternut squash soup. Beautiful and scrumptous roasted beet & orange salad. My dining companion had the pollo parmigiana.
It is so nice to have an actual restaurant out in the almost Claytonish part of Concord.
Thank you, Bella! You will be seeing us often..... -
Review from Stephanie A.
San Francisco, CA
9/18/2011
I went there the first time with a group of colleagues for lunch. The bread was piping hot with great olive etc dip. The pear salad was wonderful and big enough to share. My pasta puttanesca was delicious and so was the creme brulee. All of my five friends enjoyed their entrees and desserts.
The second time I went there was tonight for dinner. The eggplant appetizer was delicious. The crab ravioli with dill sauce and smoked salmon was great. The fettuccine Siciliana with eggplant sauce was divine. We shared the molten chocolate cake for dessert. It was delicious. The chianti and Merlot were very decent for the price.
This place is a gem. Nice setting. Relaxed enough for going out with friends, romantic enough for a dinner with a special someone. Service was excellent: Friendly, cheerful, and efficient. The food (from my own and my friends' experiences) is consistently great. All at very reasonable price.
Look forward to visit this place regularly in the future. -
Review from Amy S.
Concord, CA
2/2/2011
My parents were recently in town, so we made reservations on a weekend night. We got to the restaurant on time, but had to wait about fifteen minutes. The staff was so nice and apologetic, they comped us each a glass of wine and had complimentary appetizer waiting for us at the table as soon as we sat down!!
Bella continues to impress us each time we go! -
Review from Christopher B.
Concord, CA
8/27/2011
I'm going three stars, for the simple fact that we demo'd Bella tonight w/ all four bruschetta appetizers, a crab salad, and a fresca salad. Gotta say, if the rest of the menu is as good as these takeout "samplers" were, then it's going to be an easy 4-star choice for me! Excellent!
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Review from Marge H.
San Ramon, CA
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food was just okay, service was so bad that I will never return.
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Review from Lari B.
Concord, CA
7/1/2011
I admit, I am an 'ambiance snob' when it comes to restaurants and I normally steer clear of restaurants in strip malls. Silly me. I've apparently been missing out on a good local place.
My parents were visiting and since they're not up for traveling around as much anymore, I looked for something nearby. After checking out their online menu and getting 'clearance' from the folks, we went.
Right away, I liked how they used the space. Nicely decorated and tables were placed wisely. Once inside, you don't feel you are in a strip mall. Our server had just the right amount of attentiveness and knew what he was talking about. He was also Italian. A plus for my Dad when we're in an Italian restaurant.
I liked the mix of people here, too. A solo diner, enjoying her book and sipping her wine after her meal; a big family get-together of about 13; and several couples on a 'date' night.
The appetizers were very tasty, as was the olive oil, balsamic and cheese mix for the fresh, warm bread. Now, main courses were really excellent. I had a stuffed Petrale sole (stuffed with crabmeat and topped with prawns), roasted potatoes and fresh veggies, all perfectly cooked. The sauce - don't even remember what it was - but wow. My mom enjoyed her veal (it also came with the roasted potatoes and veggies, like mine) and my Dad had some kind of linguine with seafood. He's hard to please, but he said he enjoyed it .
For dessert, my mom ordered the tiramisu and said it was the best she ever had. My Dad had a raspberry sorbet that was beautifully presented on a plate with swirls in the sauce. Our espresso drinks were perfect, too.
I'd need to go a few more times and get more dishes before I give it five stars. NOTE: They also have a place, Luna Ristorante, in Todos Santos Plaza/Concord. I've been a few times and love the ambiance there, always enjoyed my food. So, since we enjoyed Bella so much, we decided to go to Luna, this time with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. Hmmm...food was OK, not stand-out as Bella, and the service was truly lacking (maybe because we came in late?). My Dad left unhappy because there was no espresso (it was broken). "What kind of Italian restaurant does not serve espresso," he huffed as we left (to the chagrined server, by the way). That's my Dad! -
Review from Darius M.
San Bruno, CA
6/21/2011
They had the best Lasagne, delicious salad and the oil/vinaigrette dip was awesome. I only wish they were closer, but it would be worth the drive.
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Review from Matt S.
Concord, CA
6/19/2011
Love this place! Servers are nice/polite and the food is delicious. My wife laughed the first time we went because she rarely sees me mop up my plate with the bread. My favorite is the pumpkin ravioli when in season. Yum!
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Review from Angel I.
Clayton, CA
8/5/2010 4 photos
I was starving this afternoon and I was crabbing something special so I stoped by Bella Ristorante. It was the my best part of my day so far. I had a great YUMMY lunch and I enjoyed so much!
Thank you guys. It was a great meal -
Review from Joe W.
West Sacramento, CA
7/24/2011
Great food! From presentation to taste and customer service this restaurant was a nice stop in Concord. Ask for Gabby. She was a fantastic host
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Review from H. G.
Walnut Creek, CA
5/11/2011
I've been here twice and had good service and good food. The ambiance is just okay (it's in a strip mall). But, I'd dine here again.
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Review from Astrid L.
Concord, CA
8/7/2011
Last night me and my husband and son had dinner here. LOVED the bread and dipping again. This was our third visit, so we skipped the starters since we know the entrees are large. waitress was very knowledgable and friendly. Food was yummy, nice and hot served. We will definitely come back!
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Review from Scott W.
Lafayette, CA
5/14/2009
I came here for Valentine's Day and anytime that I go out on a night like that I have lower expectations which Bella met and was slightly above.
The food was good but like others have said it wasn't quite as good as Luna or Fiore. The restaurant is a little small and I think that because me and my fiance are younger we were given a less than desirable table even though we had made reservations.
The service from our waiter was excellent but the hostess was definitely flustered with it being a busy night.
I think that it will be worth while to try to make a return trip to this restaurant on a non special night. -
Review from Kathleen P.
Santa Clara, CA
1/5/2009
Unfortunately, I can't give this restaurant as high a review as I've given Luna and Fiore. Don't get me wrong...the food was fine; it just wasn't as good as the other two restaurants. Granted, the restaurant is still new, and I will probably try it again, but I went to Fiore for a second visit last night for a birthday dinner, and, in my opinion, it far outshines Bella.
The mixed salad at Bella is almost a direct copy of the mixed salad at Luna, but it wasn't nearly as fresh, and our two main courses had similar looking sauces to dishes I've seen at both Luna and Fiore, but they weren't as tasty. My chicken was good, but a bit over-done.
The service was fine and friendly, but not spectacular, and the wine menu looked fine.
Like I said, I'll try this place again, but I can't give this restaurant more than three starts at this point. -
Review from Carolyn G.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/20/2009
Came here with my mom and my great aunt, and we were pleasantly surprised. We hadn't been back to Concord since the center was remodeled, and so everything was very new. We arrived a bit before the dinner rush, and there were only a couple other parties seated for dinner, but we were given a smaller table in the back because we only had three people. But the food totally made up for it. My carbonara was delicious (with plenty of leftovers), and Mom loved her salmon. Our waitress was really nice (her name might have been Kristina? Can't quite remember) and service was prompt. We were stuffed after dinner, but we'll definitely go back some time to try the desserts.
Only other hitch that knocks this down a notch was that when we ordered, our waitress asked for our choice of soup or salad in such a way that we thought it came with the entree. It turned out that they were actually extra, which luckily my mom discovered before we finished ordering. -
Review from Chris C.
Concord, CA
8/28/2010
Went to Bella Ristorante for date night w/my husband, as I'd read Yelp reviews that it was less-than-kid-friendly. We love our kids, but when we go out for date night, the last thing we want is to be seated next to yours. And the reviews are correct, it's *not* a kid spot: glass tables, very small, and all tightly packed into a smallish room (despite the high ceiling.) We learned that adult-friendly doesn't necessarily mean date-friendly. The tables are so close together, and the acoustics so bad that I could hear the man at the table next to me better than the man across from me. This is the perfect restaurant to go to with a friend when you feel like getting a little tipsy and having the most ridiculous conversation you can think up just to freak out the people eavesdropping at the tables nearby. Not that I've ever done that...
Anyway, about the food. We had the fungi bruschetta to start, it was delicious, and followed up with two entrees from the specials: gnocchi for me, ravioli for him. Both were very good, and garnished with what I think was fried carrot strings - nice touch! My wine pour was HUGE, nice touch #2.
Our server was friendly and funny, and everything was brought out timely and as ordered. The reason I've given Bella only 3 stars is because it wasn't a pleasant dining experience. If I'm paying $40 for a sitter, and $50 for a romantic meal with my husband, I don't want to share that meal w/loud strangers practically sitting on top of us on both sides. I wouldn't go to Bella with the kids, and I'd never go back on a date, so really, I'll probably never go back. -
Review from Marla M.
Livermore, CA
Updated - 5/4/2009
Just so everyone knows...
This review was written by my mom, Grammy B., a fellow yelper, somewhat challenged by the logging in out on her computer. I stayed at her house after being released from the hospital.
Yes, I was Yelping, or at least yelping/ lurking/ sick at her house.
Anyway, she says it is great, and I would love to try it, but, alas I am gluten free now, so I don't know how they accommodate that.
I do know that there are some great pastas out there that I can eat. Too bad Italian places don't catch on to this..1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/2/2009
Ok, I'm new at this....
Bella Risaurante is an Italilan restaurant tucked away in a "strip mall"...… Read more »
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Review from kathy b.
Concord, CA
1/8/2010
I hate the eat-ting right next to people I don't know... I got stuck sitting next to a unhappy drunk couple dropping f bombs and fighting..
I ordered my food, she said salad or soup.. I said salad, since she asked me one would think it came with the meal. It did not... My meal was okay I could have made it at home. My boyfriends was really good he got the lamb.. The service sucked, no refills on water or bread..
The salad was $7.00 I think our bill came to $65.00 for something now worth the price.. I will never ever go back or recommend anyone to go deal with that.. I don't have an extra $65.00 to be pissed after I ate, when you go out you should be happy. -
Review from Tod S.
Concord, CA
9/22/2010
Ok we've been here four times already and I like the place. The place is a little tight and not too private. However, if the weather is good I suggest you sit outside where the atmosphere is a little better.
The staff there is great. Very friendly and on every occasion the owner (?) has come addressed us personally. On our first visit he even gave us a complimentary glass of after dinner wine.
The food is slightly heavy in sauces' but prepared very well and tasty. -
Review from Johnny H.
Pleasant Hill, CA
4/21/2010
I had to write a review because this is something that I think people should see. When we got here, the place looked clean, but not child friendly. Wine glass, table top glass, ceramic, water glass already set up. It's ok thought because I asked to have it cleared. Bathroom is clean and smells ike cinnamon.
To the food:
Bread came out warm and crusty. The olive oil dip was decent, but to have another they will charge $4 extra. We ordered Cioppino, steamed mussels and zuppa (green peas and spinach).
Cioppino-I was disappointed it didn't have any crab meat, only mussels, clam, shrimp and small scallops. The flavor wasn't overpowering with spices, very mild and I think they used a bit of cream in it.
Steam Mussles-cooked well, but really lacking in flavor. We had to add salt to each bite.
Zuppa-I could have passed on that. Creamy pureed peas and spinach...when it got cold, it lumped up in oil clumps...yuck.
Anyways, don't think I'll explore there again for Italian. -
Review from Jamie K.
Clayton, CA
1/12/2009 2 photos
Go for an earlier dinner ...
the restaurant can get crowded and loud ...
but at the 4:30/5:00 O'Clock hour ... it's dark, and quite ...
even at an earlier dinner the services was a bit slow ... but that's OK, we weren't in a hurry ...
the food was great !
I had the Chicken marasala with a ceasar salad ...
the french bread is fabulous !!!
hubby had the Seafood Risotto ... and loved it !!!!
the soup was good, the wine was good ...
and the tart for dessert was over the top !!! -
Review from Trang W.
Pittsburg, CA
3/21/2010 5 photos
Finally a good Italian eatery in Concord/Clayton area! I happen to be in the area and decided to check out the place. It was a lovely sunny spring day..so I was in a good mood anyway. It was around 12noon on a Friday when we got there and there was only one other table being serve..which made me hesitate a little --but great for getting serve right away.
First the waitress we had was GREAT! She was charming without being pushy. We asked for outside patio seating since it was so lovely outside. Love our water/bus boy!--think he was an authentic Italian..cause I think he had some issue understanding my request for a non-glass container for my toddler's water. He was great though..always came back to re-fill my water glass...and I needed it since the glass was small and the day was getting warmer.
Kay back to the food--when ever I got to a new place and I can't decide...I always ask the waiting staff what they like since I would hope they have tried their own food. My waitress recommend the meatball sandwich. While my toddler and I were waiting for my sandwich, we were given fresh warm bread..yummie!
When I got the meatball sandwich dish.. I was in awe at the presentation.. it was like a piece of art--almost too pretty to eat. I was amazed that this dish, which came with a lovely side salad was only $10 bucks!?? What a deal! The best part was.. it was SOOO good. I normally don't eat everything on my dish..especially during lunch..but if I could..which I almost did...I would had licked the plate afterward. It was that good! Don't know about the rest of the menu but if you like meatballs..order this dish!
My only reason for giving this place 4 stars is cause I only had one dish and I tend to be a hard reviewer. I am eager to go back to see if the other items on the menu is as good. You got to check out this place...and if it's nice outside, eat outside! -
Review from Jennette B.
Pittsburg, CA
1/25/2010
I was a bit worried about how our experience was going to because of the some of the reviews on Yelp - but, to my surprised we had a wonderful romantic evening. I made reservation for 6:30 on a Sunday night and were seated right away. We were promptly given our water and menus as well as bread with seasoned olive oil.
We ordered:
Fungi Bruschette w/ wild mushrooms, black truffle oil and gorgonzola
Roasted Beet Salad goat cheese w/ arugula in an orange vinaigrette
Penne Pomodoro olive oil, garlic, basil and fresh tomato
Fettuccini Puttanesca garlic, olives, capers, herbs and fresh tomatoes
Everything was really yummy and the service was so pleasant and fast we had an awesome time. I will definitely go again! -
Review from Ivan P.
San Ramon, CA
I heard that this place is a spin off from the folks from Luna over at downtown Concord and Fiore as well. I was told that this was supposedly more of a family friendly restaurant unlike Luna and Fiore, but I didnt see anything that made it more family friendly other than the decor being a bit more casual. The prices seem to be the same as to the other two restaurants.
The food was great. We had the Penne pasta that had sun dried tomatoes, broccoli, chicken, garlic, mushrooms with olive oil. This was very similar to Luna's version.
The service was friendly but not as attentive as we'd hoped. Had to look around a few times to get our water refilled or to ask for more bread as well as the check.
Overall, a good experience and will definitely be back again for the great food. -
Review from craig c.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/17/2008
Located in the new 'yardbirds' shopping center and on the way to the "pavillion'.
Not a destination resturant but one to remember if ever in that area.
Pleasing resturant and very attentive service.
Busy...good to see local patrons on a warm thursday evening.
Warm rosemary buns with virgin olive oil and sweet balsamic on the table started off the menu reading.
The pastas are all very good and the sauces were sop-it-up with bread good.
I had the jumbo prawns in the red sauce...it is also offered in a cream sauce.
That is good execution...keeps the neighborhood folks coming back to try the variations.
Very creative wine list with good values.
For a new resturant this place hit the ground running...very experienced staff and chef. -
Review from Colleen M.
Clayton, CA
12/3/2008
My husband and I have been waiting for this place to open since we saw the sign go up. We even tried to go there when it was still being worked on not knowing!
We finally made it there. I read some of the reviews before hand and was happy to see that most people had liked it. When we walked in, we were both shocked about the size of the restaurant, very small. But quaint. Simple decore with pictures of Italy and cloth napkins, making you think you are going to be paying a lot but you aren't.
The servers were always near by to fill the water and ice tea. I didn't have wine but the list looked like they had some good choices and I will order some next time. I had fetuccini with salmon in a champagne cream sauce which was SO good. My husband had penne with a pesto sauce and chicken, which was also great.
The menu had a good variety of simple to more gourmet dishes. I loved the decorative fried carrots that were served over the top of everything and they tasted fantastic! We also ordered a bread dip which consisted of oil & vinegar, gorgonzola cheese, and other various seasonings. The gorgonzola cheese made the dip, if you like this kind of cheese I highly recommend it.
All and all we loved the place. I cannot give it 5 stars because I didn't have dessert or wine. Highly recommend if you live in the area but also agree that it's not a destination restaurant. -
Review from Jessica B.
Martinez, CA
1/24/2010
Came here last night with friends. Like someone else mentioned, I hadn't been to this shopping center since it was remodeled and its nice new and shiny.
I ordered the cannelloni off their specials menu. It was pretty good. Next time I'll order something different though. During the meal the owner came around to check on how everyone was doing, nice touch.
It's not cheap (my meal was $14.95 and glass of wine was $8.50) and for the whole party of four (including 2 glasses of wine and 4 beers) the total was $105, so its not awful either.
Now what took this restaurant from 3 stars to 4 came at the end of the meal. We'd already paid and were chatting about our next move for the evening when the waitress came over with four glasses and a bottle of dessert wine. We stared at her blankly since we hadn't ordered this and she told us it was a complimentary glass (each!) It was SO good!! What a wonderful way to end the meal.
I don't live too close to this restaurant but know I will be returning thanks to good food and amazing service! -
Review from Patricia B.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/23/2010
Bella is my neighborhood restaurant. After reading some of the reviews it amazes me that people would rate a restaurant lower because it is not kid friendly. News Flash Parents: Us grown ups like to go to a restaurant and have a nice meal without Little Johnny throwing food or banging on the table with his silverware. I you want kid friendly Chuck E Cheese is on Willow Pass Road. The owner always makes us feel welcome just like your at home having dinner. My food was fresh and hot and the service was great! I appreciate having a nice intimate restaurant in my neighborhood. I also like that the menu is more of a fusion than just Italian food. Some reviewers complained about portion size. Are you kidding me? It's insulting to pay money and only 1/4 of the plate is full with a piece of bread and a radiccio leaf. Pile it up for me Bella! What I don't eat I can always take home.
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Review from Potato D.
Concord, CA
12/23/2008
I've seen the sign up for awhile and can't say I was sad at all to see Pickup Sticks closed - and I finally went into Bella Ristorante just a few days ago. My husband and I love Luna and recently tried Fiore (loved that too) so we were so pleased to open up our menus and find the specials scrawled in familiar handwriting! We live in Clayton so it's fantastic to have a new great place to go for really good Italian food.
The service was great even though we came in pretty close to closing time. The food was excellent - seems to be about the same prices as Luna, although I noticed there were definitely a couple of lower priced items as well as some of the higher priced items were left off the menu.
A must-try is the bruschetta (doesn't matter which flavor - trust me, I've tried them all and even made a meal out of just bruschetta!). My husband loved the veal marsala as well. We will definitely be back! -
Review from Kymberli C.
Concord, CA
Had dinner with my bestie here. She was craving risotto and there aren't many places around our area that has risotto to offer. The few other places that we had tried had failed. One was just okay and the other failed miserably, but Bella brought back our trust in risotto in the area. They brought out not just a plate of risotto it was a PLATTER of risotto! The platter was covered with all the best fruits of the sea! Mussels, clams, crab, fish... yum! It was definitely an abundance of risotto that we had to bring the leftovers home to my hubby who also enjoyed it. Craving satisfied. I had the lobster ravioli with lemon dill sauce which was very tasty. It had fresh salmon on the plate too... it was also served on a huge plate/platter. I was stuffed after devouring it. Usually places serve a few pieces of ravioli but Bella served enough for two people I would say. If we had known the size of the portions, I don't think we would have ordered the salmon bruschette which was also very delish! They also serve you bread with a olive oil/balsamic/cheese mixture that is really good too. After this meal, we were too full to even eat any dessert or look at the dessert menu. The service is also very friendly. The waitresses seem to know most of the customers by name. The decor is also really nice on the inside. I never would have expected what it looked like on the inside from the outside. They also have patio seating outside with heat lamps, which would be nice on a spring or summer evening.
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Review from Richard A.
Sacramento, CA
7/24/2011
This place is amazing. Not being from Concord I had no idea what was good, but this place ended up being a great surprise. Ask for Gabby. She's a great hostess, but will be leaving soon. :-(
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Review from debi L.
Stockton, CA
2/24/2011
2-14-2011
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful pre-valentine day celebration at Bella on Saturday. The meal was fabulous. We enjoyed a complimentary dip, a wonderful mixed green salad with apples and pears and an amazing linguine in saffron sauce with crab and asparagus. This is some of the best Italian food we've eaten and we were married in Italy! The atmosphere was inviting and relaxing and the staff was attentive and accommodating. We ended the evening with gelato and a sip of port. We were so excited by the experience; we are bringing his parents back for their 80th birthdays! -
Review from wendy r.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/24/2011
Went there with a friend and just loved it! where do I star, Bella is a nice cozy place.......I love the atmosphere the food is excellent, it goes hand and hand with their generous glasses of wine!!!!! we started off with Quatro formagio appetizer, followed by the baby spinach salad topped with dried cranberry and fetta cheese. I had the carbonara! OMG it was delicious, great portion!!!!! I have never had a carbonara as good as the one they serve here. My friend had the scampi rissoto, it was sooooooo goood! the prawns were FRESH and a good serving as well! by the time we were done we had no room for dessert, we will def try some next time.
Their stuff was friendly and very attentive, reasonable price....... I will be coming back sooner than I think......Enjoy. -
Review from donna d.
Concord, CA
2/18/2010
We ate here last night on a whim, not sure what to expect. We walked in before 5 pm on a Wednesday. The service was good, not outstanding. We ordered the small dinner salads, which was fairly bland. Our main courses were ordered off the specials menu which was very large for a "special" menu. I never know what to do when I see a special menu like that. I wonder if the regular menu is not good enough or what! My dh ordered the halibut, which he liked but said he had a similar dish somewhere else and it was better before. It had a caper sauce. I had the mushroom ravioli which was sooo good! I am glad I tried it. We shared a pear tart which was good, but I would not order again. Why is it that the Italian resterants these days never have a cannoli offered for dessert?
I think that given the proximity to Fiore, these two restaurants are similar, and I would prefer Fiore to Bella.
