08/23/09

Too many other great places to go out there

by shert

With so many great Italian places out there, we are throwing this one out. It was ok...just ok. It has a cute hole in the wall feel, but that's all it had. The food was mediocre, the service was slow, and the location was so close to the West Village spectrum of great restaurants it didn't really make sense to us to come back. We had the papparedelle and I can't even remember what else.

06/25/09

Always a source for great food

by Dirman

We've always found Bellavitae to be a reliable choice when in the mood for simple, authentic Italian dishes made with the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Fried Meatballs and crostoni with gorgonzola and honey are favorites. Figs are a must have when they are in season. Lots of small plates make up a wonderful meal and they have a pretty amazing wine list (again with small artisinal providers from Italy). We've always been guided to some new choices in wine whenever we go.

Looks like service is specifically designed to be casual and it seems that whoever is closest when the food is ready is the one to deliver it. Has been on our list of go to places for a while and recent visits have certainly not disappointed.

• Pros: Fresh and authentic food, cozy atmosphere
• Cons: Be prepared to pay for the quality

05/19/09

Good food, atmosphere ruined evening

by twarnerrx

My wife and I ate at Bella Vitae on the recommendations of our hotel concierge. The evening started out great. It is a small, intimate restaurant on a quiet street, we were greeted by staff and led to our table. After enjoying a glass of wine, we could not help but notice a group of 7 men two tables over that were enjoying themselves. Mind you, my wife and I are not opposed to noise, and enjoy restaurants that are "bustling". This table was downright obnoxious. Yelling at each other, telling each other to f*** off, using f*** every other work and yelling it like they were at a ballpark. It got so bad, the room we were in completely cleared out. It wasnt hard to overhear their conversation about the casinos, the limo outside, etc.

No joke, it reminded me of watching the Sopranos. The staff did absolutely nothing EXCEPT wait on them hand and foot, bringing them grappa, anisette, more wine. We were absolutely offended at the language and the manner in which they conducted themselves. The staff said nothing to us. No apologies, no "let me buy you a drink", nothing. A different waiter brough us our dinner (so ours could help take care of the Sopranos) and still another came over to clear and ask about dessert. Noone asked how the dinnner was, checked on us, etc. FINALLY after our check was being brought to us, we were asked how things were. I replied, well the FOOD was good, and nothing, just walked away.

$200 for two people down the tubes, and I feel like I wasted the opportunity to eat at other restaurants that could have been so much more enjoyable.

• Pros: Excellent food
• Cons: Limited menu, loud obnoxious guests, staff did nothing