Labella Italia

We visited the Laskin location on Friday 2/25/2011. This was our first visit. We did not have a reservation but they seated up anyway. At first I was a little shocked at the menu prices but figured it would be worth the cost based on the recommendations we had received. Also after living in Naples, Italy for three years we had high expectations. We had the eggplant appetizer, it was ok not near as good as Five01 City Grill's though. I ordered the special: grilled salmon with gorgonzola cheese melted over it. First the server did not check the order before bringing it out as it was missing the gorgonzola. After they corrected this, new plate with less sauce, I found that the salmon was not cooked all the way through, so back to the kitchen when my plate. So much for eating dinner with my wife. Not once did the manager/owner come by to apologize or try to make any concession for the poor performance thus far. My wife had a different dish, something with chicken and sun dried tomatoes on it, it was bland at best. You would figure for the crazy price of $75 dollars for three dishes (with water to drink) (including tip; it was not all the servers fault) this place would be awesome and the management would bend over backwards to make sure your visit was spectacular enough to bring you back. I expect a lot more for my money than what we got at this place. Not to mention that my wife and I ended up with upset stomachs that night. Our visit that night to La Bella Italia (Laskin) counted for two visits (our first and our last!). Hope your visit is much better. more

This review is for the La Bella Italia at 2133 Upton Drive, Virginia Beach - a sister restaurant I assume. What topped this experience off was being charged 2.00 additional for my lunch special than what was clearly printed on the menu. I noticed that another gentleman sitting in close proximity also had a problem with is bill. The menu and special board CLEARLY had a two course lunch special printed on the front of the menu with choices of salads and soups and entrees. And clearly had one price printed, 9.9X. Additionally, I checked the menu on the way out to see if I was mistaken or had missed some fine print. However, I was charged 11.9X and told by the waiter that the price varies and he wished they would update, acknowledging that there was some deception. I should have refused, but by that time I was late from the slow service and didn't have time to argue for 2.00. The decor was nice and the portion was generous. Other than that it was poor to mediocre. I had a greek salad and chicken parmigiana with an included side of pasta. The greek salad was the best part of the meal. The marinara sauce was pretty much tasteless. They had one waiter trying to manage the entire floor, make drinks, poor wine, etc. and as best I could tell two kitchen staff. I was there for well over an hour. I'm 53 years old. I waited tables and tended bar for over 10 years when I was younger and have dined out for more than 1/2 the meals I've eaten in my adult life. I've never had anything like this pulled on me before, anywhere. Pros: a decent salad Cons: scammed and the food and service were poor more

We are from Naples, Italy and know good Italian food. The food at Bella Italia is O.K. but the prices are ludicrous!! I can't believe American's pay these prices. Believe me when I tell you that you are all being taken advantage of!! Save yourself some money and learn how to make great food at home. It's not that hard. There is a big misconception that in order for something to be good to eat it has to be difficult to make....WRONG!! Italian food is some of the most simple and fun food to make. Make a night of making meatballs with the kids, have some wine, enjoy being with the family and eating genuine food that won't break the bank. That's what the Italian experience is all about...Dante Pros: Good Deli,, Cons: TOO EXPENSIVE!! more

By far the best I have had since being in Italy. The staff is friendly and the food even better. Much more contemporary looking than the one on laskin awesome look!!\r Highly recommended although the site has their numbers switched. The upton drive store is actually 301-3603. Oh and don't forget to save room for dessert Pros: Friendly staff Cons: There is a bit of a wait so be patient more

Nice homey atmosphere with great food. Among the best in Tidewater for Italian food. Multiple visits have only brought me to heap multiple praises on the quality of the food.\r Profiteroles are Bellisimo! Pros: Excellent food more

Closest thing to the real deal...it's consistently good and always a favorite of mine. A couple of recommendations: Always ask for the portobello mushroom with smoked mozzarella and roasted red peppers because it is VERY good and not always on their menu. My personal favorite is the Spinach Lasagna (however, sometimes they can skimp on the pink sauce, so you might want to ask for extra) and most of the pizzas, salads, and chicken dishes are very good. Gnocchi is right on point, I can't say that I've ever had a bad meal there. The wine list is pretty good, service can be slow, but typically pretty good. The only con I can think of is I know the hostess (I believe she is a family member) can be rude and people have had many a run-in with her. So be prepared, I would definitely make reservations just to be safe. But I highly recommend it! Pros: Good prices, grrrrrrrrreat food, check out the deli!! Cons: Hostess can be curt more

The wood fired pizzas are fantastic. If you want pepperoni, you have to ask for it. It's not on the menu, just like in Italy. all of thier pastas are fresh made and the sauces are incredible. My favorite (besides the pizza) is the Tortollini Bolognese. Can't go wrong with any entree. Pros: Great food Cons: Not the BEST service in town more

I came across La Bella Italia while doing a search for Italian baked goods. I read all the reviews but was worried it would be expensive so I held off on going to the restaurant. I should state that there is a bakery/deli and a restaurant. I have been shopping at their bakery/deli for a few months now and I love it! The prices cannot be beat and the quality is amazing. The staff is very helpful and very friendly. They make an effort to learn their customers. I finally tried the restaurant with my boyfriend the other day and we couldn't believe how good everything was. It's reasonable priced (a bit more than Olive Garden but so much more to choose from and SO much better, it's REAL Italian food!) We've been recommending La Bella Italia to everyone since. It is a must try. You're sure to love it!!! Pros: Friendly staff, Amazing food, Wide selection Cons: Enter through bakery more

Great Italian food, with a little Italy atmosphere, just a solid dinning experience. Should be experienced by all. Pros: tasty, comfortable, great deal more

If the deli doesn't impress you, you don't know Italian. The bar and cafe are pleasant but the dining area is my favorite. The food is excellent and the portions are large. No one can eat that much. I always have enough for another meal. Don't, I repeat DON'T go near the dessert counter in the deli! Tricia Pros: good food, authentic Italian, excellent deli Cons: Roadway in - a puzzle more

Best Italian food in the area. A wood fired pizza oven is the only way to cook a pizza. Try it, you'll like it. more