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Ciao Bella offers 4 course dinners for $25, 7 days a week. Over a 120 pasta combinations.
Wow! We had the Dining out Vancouver menu. It was incredibly good value for the money. $28.00 - 3 course menu. The restaurant has a lovely ambiance. It is much nicer inside than I had expected. The interior is softly lit and there was nice Italian music playing quietly in the background. Later in the evening there was live piano music. It was terrific.
For appetizers my husband had the buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad with balsamic vinegar. It was very good. I had the bisque with lobster and crab. It was very tasty and there were generous shreds of crabmeat and lobster in the soup. My husband sampled it and he was very impressed. For main courses we both had veal chop. We had the option of either pasta or vegetables with the entrée. We both opted for the pasta and we received a generous portion of penne pasta with marinara sauce. Again a decent size portion and very well prepared. For dessert we both had cheesecake. Mine was triple berry and my husband opted for caramel. The value was exceptional as the food was well prepared and very tasty. The portion sizes were also a decent size so I don’t think they cut back on the portions because of the dining out promotion. Regular menu prices for entrees are $16.95 to $24.95 so the prices are not outrageous.
The service was very good. When we arrived at 6:00 it was already very busy and it seemed like there was just one waiter for about 10 tables. Our waiter said that someone was supposed to be coming in but he did an exceptional job under the circumstances. He even topped up our wine once and was just so cheerful and pleasant and consistently did quality checks during the evening. We were most impressed and would definitely return.
Very very bad food - absolutley no quality here. The appetizer salad was salty and watery. The pasta tasted like it came out of a can and the salmon main was tough and dry. I have no idea why there were people in the place. The server did not care that we left most of our food. We were not quality checked and who can blame them. The ambiance was 1960 pseudo Italian. I do not perceive value in low prices when you can't eat the food.
I've been wanting to try this place out for awhile and was REALLY disappointed at the service. I came here with a friend on an early Sunday evening hoping to grab a light bite before a concert. We were in a good mood and ready to start a great night. Unfortunately, that was tainted by the unprofessional service.
The place was quite empty when we got there with two other tables that were waiting for their food. Our server, an Asian man who seemed to really know what he's doing, seated us and got his busser to get our water. My friend decided to order an appetizer first as I was still taking some time to look at the menu. When the man came back, I tried ordering the 3-course meal and said that was all because we wanted to share. He swiftly said no sharing allowed and I was a bit taken back by his bluntness but totally understood that it was a pre-set deal. I then ordered a regular pasta bowl. When I finished, he then turned to my friend, further pressuring him that he had to order a MEAL on top of our appetizer. The vibe he was giving off was really uncomfortable and uncompromising. I've been to restaurants (with servers that could barely speak a complete sentence of English) that explained the policy in a much more mannered way. Is sharing that forbidden in an "authentic" Italian restaurant for first-timers on an empty night?
Food was mediocre. Cold and jagged bread that looked re-used came after when my platter came out. I was asked if I wanted pepper after I started eating. I really wanted to like the place but I was appalled by the rudeness. Start treating people like customers... then the restaurant wouldn't need 50% discounts every lunch and Mon/Tues nights.
I went with some friends out of the blue. I had never heard of this place before, but the sign said salmon, so we went in. The service was prompt and friendly, the meals were absolutely perfect - salmon and vegetables done just right, and the price was right. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I will go back anytime.
I have never been so disappointed in a restaurant. I went on a Monday with 10 friends. It happened to be 50% off on that night. I ordered the 4 course meal for $30. It was a good way to check out the quality of the menu and seemed like a good deal,
First course was shrimp cocktail. tough and rubbery. Next I had what was supposed to be lobster and crab bisque. It tasted like canned tomato soup with some crab thrown in for texture. There was not a hint of lobster flavor and it was not a bisque. Entree was Veal steak with pasta. There was absolutely no flavoring on the meat, it was simply grilled and put next to cooked penne with a thin sauce on it. I have had better pasta sauce in a jar! Lastly, I had the Tiramisu for dessert. Once again it lacked flavor and after such a dissapointing meal I never finished the dessert. I also never finished the entree.
As there were 10 of us who went to this restaurant we called and specifically asked if they could do separate bills for the table over the phone and we were informed That that would be no problem. our waiter/owner? was a complete dud who couldn't get anyone's order correct and twice I reminded them at the table about seperate bills. When it came time to pay, the waiter/owner appeared after we had finished and told us that he couldn't do seperate bills for us. He also put on an 18% gratuity for the table.
Several of the people at our table seemed to be given random numbers for the amount to pay as some payed with credit card or debit. After being challenged on wrong prices, he would make up a new number for the person to pay. My meal came out to $ 42.90 and as there was already tip included, I payed and still did not get a receipt for my meal. I have not worked out if I was charged correctly, but it doesn''t matter as the bitter taste left in my mouth still lingers as I write this review.
Here is the kick of the matter, there was a lineup out the door, because people thought they were getting a good deal with 50% off. It did not seem to matter that the quality was sub standard, his formula seems to be working and he is doing a booming business, but if you like good food and care about your restaurant experience, I would advise you to keep clear of this restaurant. I will never reccommend this restaurant and I will never go back.
I went for a meal here with my boyfriend for Valentine's day. The interior was nicely decorated and overall looked appealing. High hopes quickly changed when we had to wait 20 mins to be served, when we had already booked a table. After finally sitting down in the nice patio area, the service was good and the food was very nice and well cooked. No problems there.
However, during our meal, the ambiance changed considerably when we could hear and was close to a very serious argument from another table; they were considerably drunk and kept causing trouble in and outside the restaurant. This made us very uncomfortable and threatened. The big issue is that the restaurant failed to take action. At the end of the meal, we tipped a good amount but was taken aback when the restaurant demanded more money from us when we had already gave them $154 plus tip from the both of us. We felt disgusted and that, as well as the change in ambiance beforehand, ruined my valentines and birthday.
Very cozy and cramped restaurant, but it's saved by 50% off pastas on Tuesdays. We went on a late Tuesday evening and was seated at a very small table for 6 people. Most of my party ordered a pasta dish with the exception of 2 regular entrees. The pasta portions are huge and yummy. We even got to use our ebook card and the waitress ended up taking off most of the pasta costs, so it was a great deal especially with the Tuesday promotion. Yay! =)
Mrs. C and I were inspired by the previous esteemed reviewer and decided to give this place a try along with a couple of friends. The restaurant was nice enough but the tables were jammed together and it was a little too crowded for my taste. Despite the congestion everything was clean including the w/c.
Service was a bit slow, but our server tried valiantly to keep up with the traffic, much to her credit. I was surprised when I advised another server that we were ready to order and he rudely declared it was not his table and then scampered away.
As for the food, I had the Bolognese with meatballs, and my beloved had the Sicilian, also with meatballs. Our guests had Alfredo and di Frinzi. All were okay but nothing spectacular. Oddly, some of my pasta was al dente and some was mushy. The bread was quite nice, as was the house red wine that we had, although the wine was rather pricey. The only real downside was that there was an insect in Mrs. C's cola, but the server comped us and seemed genuinely distressed. Of course so was Mrs. C, since she had finished half the beverage...
As for value, half price pasta was a good deal, but the meatballs were full price, as was everything else. I think the regular prices are a little steep for what you get, but on cheap Tuesdays it works out okay.
Not sure if I would return.
Although my rating for value stands any other day of the week, on Tuesday's I would rate them a 5. Tuesday's are 50% pasta days - For under $8, you get a healthy portion of pasta along with 3pcs. of house bread, even if you get it "to go"! An incredible deal.
I ordered the "Siciliana" which was super delicious in all its garlicky glory.
Expectedly, it was super busy, but the server I ordered my take-out through, remained calm and very pleasant. I'm sure he had explained the pasta special millions of times, but he did not look at all agitated while explaining it to me.
Although I did not dine-in. I waited inside for my order. It's a very charming atmosphere, but really tight also. They are also known as a "piano bar", but no live pianist that evening. :(
I expect to return soon and maybe even try their $20 3-course meal that they offer nightly.
To our server's credit, she did try real hard. Unfortunately the restaurant was understaffed and overworked. The food took too long to be served, was mediocre and overpriced. Drink orders were slow to be delivered. The bill even took 20 minutes. I will not return with so many other dining options in town.
So great that yesterday was my second visit. Mom and I had the 3 course meal - at $19.99, it's an amazing deal. On the first visit before the food arrived, we thought that the portions were going to be small but nope, they were pretty decent sizes, and both times we had leftovers to take home. We had the lobster and tomato bisque, seafood pasta and tiramisu. All courses were really yummy and far exceeded my expectations. My boyfriend had the 4 course meal for $29.99. He enjoyed his meal just as much as we did. It was also a pleasure to hear the piano playing during dinner (wasn't too loud at all). I took the leftover pasta to work the next day and it tasted just as good, if not better. I will definitely be coming back to "ciao" down more of their delicious creations.
My friend and I went here on Friday night and were very impressed. We learned about the place vis Opentable and while I had walked by it many times the statute of the Italian cook outside screamed cheesey so I had avoided it. The food is very good traditional Italian at very reasonable prices. Large portions of pasta for $17, 3 course for $20 and 4 course for $30. The wine was well priced. A bottle that we had was $40 but retailed at the LCB at $27 so the mark up was very reasonable. It was Friday so they had a piano player which added a nice touch. The crowd was a nice mix of young couples and older people and the ambiance was a nice place to talk or have a date. My only knock would be, our server was terrific and attentive but after we had eaten he just disappeared (as though he went off shift) and never told us. The other servers served us but it was a bit odd as we weren't told. If you are looking for a party restaurant like the Italian Kitchen this is not the place but if you are looking for great food, no pretention and very good value this is a place worth trying.
I have been to this restaurant 4 times and all have been great. This was my first time on a Monday for their "50 % off on all pasta" day, but I found out that the 50% discount does not apply to all of their pasta items on the menu. Only on the Lasagnas and the choose your pasta items on the back of the menu. Dinner entres are not part of the discount. Their sign is totally off.... Also if you make a reservation via online from their website, you will get a email confirmation but it might not go through to their system. We showed up with a party of six and they didn't have our reservation. Best to call.
We were in the area of Denman and saw Ciao Bella. I recalled it was in our entertainment book, so we decided to check it out.
The atmosphere was nice and cozy as we walked in. Our waiter was very polite and friendly. He always filled our water just on time and had a smile on his face. After we ordered, the piano player sat down and began playing. What a talented guy! He was definitely the highlight of the evening.
However it went a bit downhill from there. We got our food promptly enough. I ordered steak and two of my friends had veal. The steak was really underwhelming. Even the likes of Cactus Club and Sammy J. Peppers make a much better steak. The white wine sauce it came with tasted funny, so I left that alone. One of the veals (the Osso Bucco) tasted quite good. The other (Vitello Del Cielo) was a bit of a let down. It's supposed to be their house specialty too! The pasta sides that came with their dishes tasted like something you could make at home yourself with canned tomato sauce. I expected more for dishes that are around $20.
I don't think I would recommend this place to friends. Although the ambiance and service are great, the food just isn't up to par for the price.
I agree with a couple of the other postings that the service is snotty.
"We are choosing not to honour 1/2-price Tuesday pasta tonight - it's a holiday," we were told with an air of "if you don't like, then you can just piss-off." We were cool with their "rules" - why did they have to be like *that*?
The food took FOR-EV-ER, let me emphasize that, though the place was pretty empty when we arrived.
The pasta was ho-hum. Not offensive, just not memorable.
The bill was too high to put up with the service, the wait, and the mediocre food.
No worries - we'll spend our cash elsewhere. And I recommend you do, too.
We may never have tried this small west end Italian spot if I hadn’t received a GC at a local golf tourney.
At first glimpse the restaurant comes off as cozy and authentic, Italian decor and music etc. We chose to sit on the patio as it was nice night (this is where it gets good); when I attempted to sit down, the plastic patio chair collapsed underneath me, FUN. In their defense the manager and servers did however show genuine concern and offered to buy us drinks; well done (they just forgot to take them off the bill).
The food was simply sub par. The antipasto platter consisted of 2 meats, a capicoli and salami, one cheese which was marble I believe (not very Italian) a couple olives, a hard boiled egg, melon, and some pickled veg.
I can never pass up a good bowl of linguini and clams, so for the main I opted for the vongole. The pasta was bland, and boring, more like noodles and butter. Final bill was an even $100 with tip for 2, so value was poor in my eyes.
I will congratulate them on having a full dinning room when we left, but I don’t think I will be back anytime soon.
Best of luck
It was like walking back in time, some people may think that a positive, but in this changing world it was horrible that something was this bad. The pizza was cold and hard and outrageously priced. I wish we had gone somewhere else so we could get all our pizzas there! Didnt tip of course.
... and were really disappointed... slow, apathetic service from two disintereted young servers mid-day on a holiday. Yes, they were open; yes, other diners were in the restaurant. Food, when it arrived was marginal... Small salads, unadorned pasta with meatballs with a sprinkle of parsley and pepper and not even an offer of paremesan...
What has all the fuss been over? Truly a disappointing venture out... and no one there noticed or seemed to care.
My partner and I had the 3 course meal for 29.99. This seemed like a good offer however the standard of food for an Italian restaurant was well below par. The staff were initially friendly but after we ordered our meal and wine they lost interest in our table.
We got bruschetta for starter which was tiny and burnt. I had salmon with pasta. The tomato sauce was tasteless and the salmon did not taste fresh at all. I ate the meal but had to think nice thoughts to keep it down. I walk by this restaurant every day and it's often busy so I can only assume it's tourists keeping it going. I would not recommend it or would I return. 29.99 each plus 35 bottle of wine came to over a hundred dollars. This is a lot of money for cheap bad food. The word that best describes their food is 'junk'
The piano player was very good and made us feel a bit better about the experience as it was an anniversary meal. I find this sort of restaurant very frustrating. It has all the makings of a great local restaurant until you find out the expensive way, that it's just another tourist trap
My date and I went to that place for lunch. After wait for 15 min a server came to greet us and give us some water, left again. More 10 minutes and came to order. The menu very poor, we asked for baked eggplant as appie and pasta after that. Everything came at the same time. The eggplant was OK the rest URGGH, but the service was the champ. The most horrible that I've seen. No refils for water, my wine, I had to serve myself and my date everytime, when the bottle was emptied no one offers another one. The bill took forever, etc. I'll not come back.
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