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
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