Bella Blu Restaurant

I had the branzino it was delicious. I also like the sauce they give with the bread. It has a fun atmosphere and interesting decor

Pros: Excellent food and service

Cons: can be crowded

I came here with my family (4) about a week ago and I almost didn't come because of the pretentiosness of the Italian restaurants on the upper east side. I was pleasantly surprised by the service, which was courteous and attentive. I was expecting good italian food and they met my expectations. i had the beef carpaccio and they certainly seem to take a little more time to prepare it than the other italian restaurants on th epper east side. All in all, a great place to take family, friends, or a group. The decor cetainly didn't hurt, either!

Everything about this genuine Italian hot spot is incredible.
You will be served the best pastas or appetizers in town, and the wine selection whoooo.
Our waiter was from tuscany and the young Manager was from Rome, and made us feel like being in Italy at our best friends house.
We really are glad there still are places like Bellablu.

Pros: Best Food ever

Cons: No reservations for two

Been here before and food was okay. Only prompted to write this review after stopping in 10 min before turning over to Dinner service today. Let me introduce the scene by saying a( we stayed in town because we had US open tickets and b) left a game viewing at a local bar looking to grab a good early dinner. Dressed in Jeans and a t (which is not uncommon for this establishment) We were told that "we do not open until 5 (again only ten minutes prior) to which the bus boy getting off duty and the person telling us (both dressed in jeans and t's) had a conversation in Spanish "who do these tourists think they are to eat here". I then said to the bus boy "we'll never eat here again" and to bad for them being I work in the restaurant industry and all of my friends live around in the neighborhood. Tragic that they are so judgmental of locals who frequent the place. It's only going to hurt their business...will be happy to see them close.

Pros: none

Cons: judgemental of locals when it's not their station to even pass judgement

Let me start of by saying that the food at Bella Blu is typical of a solid neighborhood restaurant. The pizza is delicious and most of the food is a pleasure to consume. I even like the decor, which for many is a sore point. The aptmosphere is cool and it is overall a fun place. But it is way overpriced. For another twenty bucks you could go to L'Impero and Babbo. If you aren't careful you will run up a huge tab. The food is worth paying for, but I have issues with paying $40 for a main course served in a loud room with screaming children. Plus, the service is horrendous. I stopped going to this restaurant after they gave away our reservations. I had been eating there a few times a month, but they treated me horribly and refused to give me a table, even though I was right ontime. I came back when I was invited to a large party gathering here, and they were as rude as always. They misplaced my friend's dish and it came out twenty minutes after we had all finished. Meanwhile, at the next table, a patron got into a fight with the waiter. He told the manager that he eats at the restaurant every week and that he would never return after being treated the way he was. I don't like people who throw tantrums in restaurants, but I wouldn't be suprised if this guy had a point. The service is always rushed and utterly chaotic. Come here for the food, but be prepared for a serious attitude and a huge bill.

Pros: Excellent Pizza, Good Food

Cons: Clueless Service, Overpriced Food

Repeatedly cheats customers in various ways. Stay away. Poor customer service. Lies to customers. Should be shut down.

the food is very creative,interesting,taste,delicious,the chef is really good who gives the best taste from the northern of Italy.the service and the ambient is ultra modern and very friendly.

The pro's: Good ambience,service
The Con's: For the 4 to 5 star price (200 dollars for 2 people which included 2 drinks each, an appetizer, main course, and a hsared dessert), the food and presentation was just average. If the price was 100 dollars for 2, I would receommend the place. Too many great places that are cheaper and better then this place, I would avoid.

Pros: Ambience, Service

Cons: Food, Price, Presentation of food

Bella Blu has delicous Italain cuisine and excellent specials to complement the menu. The wine list is solid as well -- and not excessively priced. All-in-all, it is a wonderful neighborhood restuarant with consistently good food.

Bad food, poor service and secret additional costs add up to an experience that will leave a bad taste in your mouth and your wallet. If this is your kind of thing enjoy! If not go elsewhere.

Pros: None

Cons: Service, Food, Cost

I've been three times in the past six months. Always a great time with excellent food and great service. At times it will get crowded, but we're not living in NYC for the quiet. They always have great specials and a lively atmosphere. Regarless of whether it is a group or just two, Bella Blu will not dissapoint.

Pros: Food, Service, Atmoshphere

Cons: Crowded at times

it's definitely a place to try! It's got a different, funky look and the food is terrific! After an excellent frisee and endive salad, we had the orichiette with brocoli rabe and sausage; great! And, something called casoncelli, a veal and raisin-stuffed ravioli-type pasta with prosciutto slices, absolutely fabulous! With a glass of barolo and dessert, it was $100 but, definitely worth it for Italian with a difference! Our waiter was friendly and professional, too. All in, a wonderful experience!

Pros: Colorful/funky look, Great food

Food was great at this restaurant! but seems like a lot of reviewers had complaints in pricing..yes it could be expensive.. service and price may not be not so great, but food was great! if u are in the neighborhood, doesn't hurt trying for the sake of FOOD. but i understand that service could be not so good..

Food/fine. Service/friendly/good. Atmosphere/very good. Now....cost!! At the bar, I asked for a 'Cab' , a mixed drink. and a glass of Italian red the bartender reccomended. Bill - $35.00!! If a glass of wine is going to cost $14/$13 respectively, it should be mentioned ahead of time! Dinner.... the pizza/delicious. Pasta dishes on the menu range around $18.00. I get my bill.....$35.00 for my pasta special!!!!!!! Again, when mentioning the daily specials, price should be mentioned if it is double the price of the average dish!! Three drinks, a soda, pizza and pasta = $100.00. Two food items and the bill was $100.00! The restaurant is nice, but please don't start your review by saying it won't break the bank. Imagine if we had salads and wine with dinner. Probably $200.00 for simple italian food. For that, I can go to some of the best Italian restaurants in the city!

Pros: nice atmosphere, good friendly service

Cons: expensive, 'sneaky' pricing

ok i am one of the only people in the world that really doesnt like pizza - this place has the best frigin pizza i have ever had! its small and intimate and great for a date. i went with others and we all shared food - everyones dish was different and amazing - prices are totally reasonable especially for what you get. i liked the vibe as well- very warm.

I really loved this restaurant. Great pulse, excellent food and selection, and would like to know from others who frequent NYC restaurants if they could suggest others like Bella Blu. The only negative was perhaps from indifferent waiters and service could have been a bit better. But the food and ambiance made up for that.

Pros: food, ambiance, pulse

Cons: service

My wife and I were in the city for the weekend on a job interview. We went out for a walk to find something to eat and we came across this nice little italian place. The meal at Bella Blu could have been the deciding factor in my decision to want to move to New York City. We both had the ravioli with the butter and sage sauce and it was one of the most fascinating tastes i have ever put in my mouth. I personally think it was the best meal i have ever had in my life. The service was great...the atmosphere was great and my wife loved the sorbet.

Pros: Outdoor tables