Bella Notte Chicago

The food was good, fairly expensive, some of our silverware was dirty and the staff is very snotty & rude. A group of us went so that 2 of us could redeem our Internet coupons. The manager/owner? (a italiano prince wannabe) told us one per table and clearly not interested in offering a solution (computer won't divide it or give to separate bills, etc.) The whole time he was very rude and we were clearly wasting our time bothering him. Then he said, you could sit at 2 tables jokily. I don't think he expected us to say OK. After that, our group got nasty stare downs from the entire staff, some shook they're heads and the bartender made a point to walk past our tables and make a nasty comment! It was very uncomfortable and really unnecessary to be that petty-I mean really?! Clearly the resented the coupon usage, but then why offer it if they were going to treat clientele like they're insulted they used them?? None of us will go back there since there are better, friendlier, cleaner and more reasonably priced Italian restaurants all over Chicago. more

I really loved this place. we sat outside. I love the location. great food and service! more

After a relaxing experience at a local spa, we went to Bella Notte because it was close by. Immediately upon entering the establishment, my mood turned sour. Rather than a ""good evening"" or a friendly gesture from the guy at the host desk (likely the manager or owner), he asks us ""What's up guys?"" as though we stopped in to ask for directions or something. Hmmm...what else would we be doing there other than eating?? I had an inkling of the reason for his rudeness, but I continued to watch him closely throughout the evening (with a scathing look, btw) to confirm my suspicions. Turns out, my inkling was pretty accurate. It became apparent that we were the only minority couple in the establishment and the other patrons received far different and friendlier treatment from this gentleman. How, in the midst of a recession, can a restaurateur afford to treat anyone poorly? There are thousands of other places in the city people can have far better food and a more pleasant dining experience. They try to appear upscale with the white table cloths and staff uniforms, when it reality I've had a better experience at IHOP (seriously). Oh and the food... large portions but the taste was marginal at best. more

Rude owners, if you are looking for hospitality this is not the place. The food is ok, but only if you like mexican- italian with bad service. The place is so loud in there you cannot even hear the person next to you. If you are looking for a smile, good food, good service do not waste your time here, go down the block to la scarola for real Italian with great service! Cons: way too loud cannot hear your company, service is awful and everyone is rude more

Awful, awful service, thanks to the ?owner? Ramon Aguirre who I earlier thought was the manager. I took my husband there to celebrate his 40th birthday. Upon arriving I asked the person who I thought was the manager if they could do something special. He mentioned adding a candle to my desert of choice. After getting the bill there was stinking $5 charge. I questioned Ramon about the charge very nicely, (thinking it was an honest mistake) only to have him respond very rudely without even looking at me ?I run an establishment and we are not in the business of giving away ANYTHING free.? He went on to ask what I did for a living and if he came into my business and said it was his birthday, would I give him something free. Oh, did I forget to mention my bill was well over $200. He was EXTREMELY rude, condescending & mean. I tried to explain that he should change his response so customers would know there will be a charge. He then replied ?I?m sorry YOU assumed you would get something free.? He didn?t understand that at the end of the day it?s not about $5, but about how you respond to customers. He didn?t care about my business Pros: Remote Location Cons: Owner is EXTREMELY rude more

The best food in the city. Not cheap, but it shouldn't be at this quality. Service is well above average, but again it's about the food.\r Mussels/red sauce!! Shrimp Scampi!! Marsalla Sauce!!! Whitefish Velasco is unbelievable - a vesuvio styled sauce with jalapenos!!! All of the fish I have had is prepared well. I agree the house salad is great and for a salad/appetizer the asparagus salad with balsamic sauce is awesome. The other remarkable food comment on this resturant I have is an opposite complaint that I have at most others. THE FOOD IS HOT! From the bread basket to the entree it's always HOT! To go or dine in the details are done. The last comment on this restaurant is that it is managed and owned by a family. A family that gets it - from the front of the house to the back!! Congratulations Bella Notte more

I love this place. Great food and good service. Everything is fresh. The house salad is a must as well as the Italian steak. Reservations recommened. Price is also good not expensive. Pros: Food, price, service more

The food is absolutely fabulous. The atmosphere however is a little poorly lit, dingy, and sometimes smoky (there is not truly separate smoking area.) The whole restaurant borders on cheesy, but I have to tell you, the food is truly amazing. The appetizers are minimalistic and change frequently depending on the season and availability of fresh ingredients. The dinners are consistently mmmmmm. Pros: Fresh ingredients, Authentic, Off the beaten path Cons: Atmosphere, Smoky occasionally, Lmtd wine selectio more

This is one of the best restaurants in Chicago for the price, service and food. The ambiance is wonderful, as it is a small cozy setting and the wait staff is wonderful. The prices are reasonable especially if you consider the portions. Half portions are plenty for most people but my wife and I generally order full portions and eat them again the next day. I recommend it to anyone who likes smaller more intimate meals. Pros: Great Food, Great Value, Great Staff Cons: very few tables, sometimes noisy more