Bella Bella
123 E 5th Ave, Tallahassee, FL, 32303
Bella Bella Menu
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Great Beginnings
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Sandwiches
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Homemade Soups
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Hot & Hearty
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Salads
Diabetics at Taco Bell
The biggest concern for diabetics is to find healthy food with less sugar at restaurants. The hunt for the right food becomes even more challenging for diabetics when dining at a fast food restaurant. Well, Taco Bell changes that with Fresco style. Simply ask or order an item from the Taco Bell menu in Fresco Style.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Fresco Steak Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 4g Fat (1.5g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 17g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco – Shredded Chicken
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco Beef
Nutrition Fact: 160 calories, 6g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 480mg sodium, 18g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Bean Burrito
Nutrition Fact: 380 calories, 11g Fat (4g Sat. Fat), 1060mg sodium, 55g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 9g Fiber, 14g Protein
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:
You must avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes at Taco Bell if you have diabetes. Almost every beverage offered at Taco Bell contains high sugar content.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Healthy Meal suggestions for Bella Bella
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Great Beginnings
-
Sandwiches
-
Homemade Soups
-
Hot & Hearty
-
Salads
High Blood Pressure at Taco Bell
People with high blood pressure must avoid food with high sodium levels. You can either ask the people at Taco Bell to add less salt in your food or choose the food items with less sodium content or customize your order using Taco Bell's own nutrition calculator.
Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Grilled Breakfast Burrito - Sausage
Nutrition Fact: 340 calories, 17g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 730mg sodium, 36g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 11g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:
Taco Bell offers a wide range of Grande Scrambler Burritos, Crunch wraps, and Quesadillas which are high in sodium. It is important to limit the sodium intake at Taco Bell and avoid any meal with over 750-800mg sodium.
Visit below restaurant in Tallahassee for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Visit below restaurant in Tallahassee for healthy meals suggestion.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a haven for Mexican delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and other specialty items. Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell is one of the fastest growing American chains of fast food restaurants. The restaurant operates from 7,072 different locations which are mostly run by independent franchisees and licensees.
The background story of Taco Bell is interesting and inspiring for budding entrepreneurs. The fast-food brand is the brainchild of Glen Bell, who started his first food venture as a hot dog seller in San Bernardino, California. The year was 1948. After witnessing long queues outside a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Café across the street, Bell saw the opportunity and demand for hard-shelled Tacos. He reverse-engineered the recipe and later started selling Tacos and called the venture Taco-Tia.
Later, the name changed from Taco-Tia to El Taco. Eventually, Glen Bell sold the company to his partner and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey in 1962. By 1964, the restaurant also got its first franchise in Torrance. The 100th Taco Bell restaurant was opened by 1965. PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 and the restaurant brand is currently a subsidiary of Yum! Brands which looks after the restaurant business of PepsiCo.
Healthy Food Options at Taco Bell
You may believe that a healthy lifestyle doesn't go well at a fast food restaurant. Well, that's not the case with Taco Bell. Surprisingly Taco Bell offers a variety of healthy options, thanks to the in-house registered dietician who monitors the whole menu. The dietician ensures that each item on the menu is free from additives and preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors. The dietician also ensures that the food served at Taco Bell doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, low sodium levels, and reduced use of partially hydrogenated oil.
More than 75% of food items served at Taco Bell falls under 500 calories. Taco Bell also features the Fresco Style option which helps the customers to maintain healthy diet plan without missing out on taste. In Fresco style option, Taco Bell switches pico de gallo with cheese, sour cream, guac, and mayo-based sauce. Taco Bell takes care of almost every health preference of its customers.
Tips for Dining at Taco Bell
Diabetics can also try other Fresco styled Taco items such as Fresco Crunchy Taco, Fresco Grilled Steak, and Fresco Soft Taco Beef. These are other healthy alternatives of Tacos for diabetics which contains an adequate amount of starch and minimum or no fat content. Switch the regular sauce or cheese with pico de gallo and you can easily reduce the sodium intake and fat content for your body. It will help maintain blood pressure levels and control high cholesterol.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
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Address :
123 E 5th Ave
Tallahassee, FL, 32303 - Phone (850) 412-1114
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Sherry T.
As big as Tallahassee has gotten, our local places are still the right eateries and Bella, Bella proves it. We started with an app of stuffed mushrooms. Buttons of flavorful delights with an extraordinary creamy center. Oz, the on duty mixologist, delivered a bourbon cocktail, "Annie's drink" muddled mint, St. Germaine, Woodford Reserve and lemon juice and agave. Don't try this at home...Bella Bella has the secret and it is worth the trip. A basket of bread was crispy, warm and the butter was cold and yummy. My companion chose a great red wine recommended by Oz. He nailed it again. It paired perfectly with an outstanding baked Ziti. My chicken Piccata was a toothsome blend of wine, spices and capers over smashed garlic yukons. Boxes, please, we had lunch for the next day. On a recent previous visit, we devoured a shared piece of flourless chocolate cake. It absolutely melted on the tongue, dancing in chocolate revelry. Pair it with a red wine for gastrogasms; yes, gastrogasms.
(5)John S.
I love Italian food. Bella Bella really has incredible food. I had their shrimp scampi and I loved it. The butter and lemon sauce was perfect for the pasta and it blended perfectly with the breaded shrimp. The French Onion soup was also the best I've ever had. My wife and I will definitely be going back. The service was incredible. They were very friendly and quick to serve us. Didn't get to try the bubble bread but will definitely do that next time.
(5)Maya B.
Decided to go here last night with my boyfriend and had a fantastic time. I've been to Bella Bella many times over the years and consistently come back because of many great factors: 1) The wait staff. Extremely attentive and on the ball. Last night, Jason was our waiter and I have to emphasize that he was amazing. He checked on us often, was personable and charming, and timed our food and drink orders perfectly. 2) Fantastic food and drinks. We treated ourselves to the Bubble Bread (which you will never regret ordering) and then moved on to the Ziti (one of their specials) and the Eggplant Parmesan for our entrees. All very delectable, cheesy, and filling. I also indulged in their Lychee Mojito and loved it. 3) The atmosphere. Rustic and cozy interior with aesthetically pleasing art pieces on the wall. If you're ever wishing for some amazing Italian food, head to Bella Bella and prepare to be completely satisfied.
(5)Rachel P.
My bar for good Italian is fairly high. Growing up an hour from New York City spoiled me for good Italian forever. That said, Bella Bella provides a fair Italian fix in the Capital City. If you have never been to Bella Bella, the first item to order is bubble bread. You can thank me later. No, don't talk with your mouth full! Finish the bread and then thank me. Bella Bella has a clever hand with cocktails. The daily specials offer enticing flavor combinations. The regular menu options are solid choices. My husband's go to dish is the chicken parmigiana. One of my table mates ordered it last night. She restrained herself and took half home. Not sure how that was possible. I, on the other hand, wanted to lick the plate that cradled my eggplant rollatini. There are two eggplant dishes on the daily menu. I prefer the rollatini to the regular parmigiana. For my taste, the flavor of the eggplant really comes through in this dish. The eggplant is sliced thin, lighted breaded, and just a touch crispy around the edges. So delicious! We did not order dessert last night but I can say from experience that the tiramisu is on point. In Tallahassee, I am still on a quest for a good version of chicken piccata. I am looking for a piccata sauce that I will want to drink right off the plate. That said, Bella Bella does offer a decent cannelloni. That dish is not commonly found on Italian menus in Tallahassee. On the lighter side, Bella Bella offers toothsome salads with house made and noteworthy dressings. The gorgonzola dressing on the house salad is a particular favorite. For lunch, share bubble bread with a friend. Order one of the salads and a cup of the soup of the day. This spot may become a weekly lunch tradition for you. Say hi if you see me!
(4)Daniel P.
Five stars in class. Bella Bella is very likely the most fun Italian restaurant in town - and offers solid value. I've seldom come to a 1/2 full room. Often, there's a wait at the "heavy" times, but I've found the wait to always be merited. Tonight's reservation for 8 placed us in the "west wing" (1/2 bench, 1/2 chairs). Our server (Oz) was exceptional. He knew the tenets of top-flight service and was invisible yet everywhere at the same time. This restaurant takes the proven team approach to running dishes to the table, so getting served was a positive experience and plates were dropped synchronously so that there was less than 30 seconds between the first and the eighth (I didn't stopwatch this - it just seems like the right metrics!). Every time I come, the conversational din and clatter is substantial - a sign of merriment - that the bon vivants are partaking among themselves. Eggplant Rollatoni was everything you'd expect. Served in its baking dish - piping hot. Quite nice. Came with a choice of soup or salad. My Caesar was great. Finished off with a 2x espresso.
(5)Ali C.
This place has fresh made amazing Italian food. It's been around for a while and they have quite the following. It is just off of Bayshore in Tampa and near Bern's. If you want to get their updates they send specials via email every Fri and send you coupons on your birthday and through out the year. Just reading the emails and I gain 2lbs - lol. The prices are not sky high and you get quality food for the price. A lot of the dishes are not things you can get at other places. The pear sachet's are sooo good. The salmon alforno has a sweetness from the maple, but also a smoky from the wood fired plank it is cooked on. Don't wait for a special occaission, go now!! Enjoy!!
(4)Ivan B.
A hands down solid Italian spot in Tallahassee. It is one of those cozy and homey little spots that you would not expect such a greatness from. I took my mom and sister here when they were visiting since they wanted some pasta. I have only heard great things of this place. When we drove up we had to park in this funky little lot and so many people waiting were dressed very fancy. Inside is dimly lit with local artwork on the wall and candles to set the mood. Definitely a cute date spot and for cocktail hour time. Now the food was totally on point here. Bubble bread was the bomb Cheesy warm goodness that melted in my mouth. I tried not to eat it all since I needed room for the actual meal. I got the lasagna and the sauces with the strong meaty taste was so hearty. I wanted more and more! The glass of Cabernet I paired with it was also an excellent choice. My mom had a shrimp scampi that just oozed with the wonderful smell of garlic. Then my sister had her Cannelloni that disappeared quickly off the plate. Each entree also came with a salad or soup. The salad was pretty basic, but my mom loved her broccoli cheddar soup. Service was actually surprisingly fast and the waitresses were all very kind and sweet. My only little nit picky thing is that the prices are a little high for the small portion size you get. Great quality food otherwise! Will definitely be returning here in the future!
(4)Matthew C.
The quaint, Italian restaurant left me and my valentine completely satisfied. Although a lengthy wait, we were served attentively by the wait staff who had their hands full on a busy Valentine's Day evening. The Caprese salad, the appetizer special, was fresh and delicious - bright tomatoes and salty mozzarella cheese balls made for a balanced first course. (Also we were comped for the appetizer because it took "longer than usual" for it to come out). Up next for me was the Sicilian Lasagna filled with hearty Italian sausage. Coming from a heavy-handed Italian household, I can speak from a privileged expertise that this dish was on point. Included with entrees are choice of soup of the day or house or Caesar salad, and fresh bread. A fairly cheap beer menu forced me to indulge in a cold one at dinner. Bella Bella is a wonderful restaurant, excellent for dates and/or large parties. Come hungry and leave stuffed, the way Italians intended.
(4)Geo G.
Our party of 6 had an excellent time at Bella Bella. It truly is a beautiful and delicious restaurant. The food is very fresh and tasty with LARGE portions for everyone to share. Great family restaurant AND also a great date night spot, as we saw many couples. The service was quick and friendly, we had zero complaints. Such a great find!
(5)Russell B.
Great food and atmosphere. Staff were attentive. Would recommend!
(4)Rob L.
Very good. Nice bar area. Good selection from the menu. Really good specials. Service was adequate. Best Italian in Tally!
(4)Tiffany B.
So good! Absolutely one of the best italian restaurants in town. Service was great, food excellent and prices very reasonable. Had the chicken parm and chicken piccata at our table and both were great! Can't wait to return!
(5)Gordon C.
Seriously the best italian in town. This is real food.I found a little piece of foodie heaven in lil ole tally florida.
(5)Mackenzie M.
Bella Bella is a Tallahassee favorite and I can definitely see the appeal. The service was polite and fast, the setting was cozy, and the food had enough cheese to satisfy any Wisconsin native. The parking was a little awkward to navigate and very dark as there are no lights in the back so I suggest getting there before sunset if possible (or parallel parking on the street if you are able - both physically and by availability). We shared the infamous bubble bread and I must say that was my favorite part of the whole meal. The bread was warm, soft and fluffy on the inside, and slightly crunchy on the outside. The cheese atop the bread was perfectly prepared as well. Everything I was hoping for. I had cannelloni filled with cheese and covered in a red sauce while Victor had manicotti with veal covered in Alfredo sauce. They were both yummy, but nothing mind blowing here. The salads, however, were awesome! The Caesar salad had fresh house made croutons that were to die for and the mandarin oranges and walnuts in the House salad were delectable. Perfect combination of flavors in both. I had a glass of Italia Ruffino Moscato d'Asti which was light, sweet, and amazing (forgive my poor wine grammar). Victor had the Hoddy Toddy which was a surprisingly palatable apple, green tea, and bourbon mix. Very strong though and served warm. We finished off the night with creme brûlée that was great! I was kind of hoping it would still be warm, but I'm not sure what the typical serving style is supposed to be. Overall a great experience, but pretty pricey. It was a nice date night but I will probably not frequent Bella Bella based on entrees alone. I'm sure the specials had more to offer (but carried a heavier price tag, too).
(4)MICHELLE C.
A very good Italian restaurant in Tally. I so approve of this great restaurant. My daughter and I came for after her friend the night before told us we have to give it another chance. I had never been there but my daughter did not like her first visit. They have outside seating on their porch which is very cute. This day is was hot and muggy so we dined inside. They have several rooms for dining and the decor is fabulous. Dark, soft lighting, fish tanks, fireplaces, so cool inside. They have a beautiful bar where we sat across from. Our server was wonderful throughout our entire meal. Constantly checking on us and refilling our water and wine. We started with yes of course their famous bubble bread which comes with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Oh yes it was delicious and addicting. The wine list is quite lovely. I ordered a bottle of Cesari Amarone and accidentally picked out the wrong bottle so when I got my bill I was shocked. Ha ha being a wino I did not mind because it was a fabulous bottle that I have always enjoyed. It paired beautifully with what we ordered. My main entree was Spinach Ravioli, the pasta was cooked great, the flavor of the sauce was excellent and the portion was a good size. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My daughter ordered the Eggplant Rollatini and after I tasted one bite I was jealous I did not order this dish, that's how awesome it was. Going in with such low expectations and leaving so full and happy we were so glad we chose to come here. Truly a fun atmosphere, with excellent food and service. Prices are average to above average. Great Italian food, see you on our next visit. For all the FSU students, please take your parents here when they visit you. Well of course they pay the bill n ot you, LOL so yes they will be happy to have such great food.
(4)Daryl C.
Maybe it was a bad night or I am just too picky, but this place is very average. The bubble bread is plain with cheap cheese and sauce. Def not worth the price. The fish was overcooked, and the french soup was a bit strong and salty for me. I didn't even finish it. I hear a place called ricardos is way better value but I haven't gone yet. It's also a bit noisy.
(2)Chelsea C.
Ordered the chicken Alfredo and wasn't satisfied. Honestly best part of the meal was the bread. The Alfredo sauce was OK, but the overall meal was bland. The chicken clearly had no spices. It tasted terrible.
(2)tiffany w.
Bella Bella is a local staple of Tally. If you are looking for good Italian food and a nice atmosphere then this place is for you. The Bubble Bread is the best thing on the menu. The portions are a little small for their prices. I was disappointed with the size of the Spaghetti and Marinara. The Chicken Parmesan is pretty good. The wine menu is nice, but pricey, go with the house wines to save money. The creme brulee is a large portion, would have liked it better if it had been hot. The servers are mainly college students. All in all, an average place with a nice ambiance.
(3)Brian C.
I enjoyed an unexpected evening out with my mom and sister at Bella Bella after using Siri to search for a place to eat nearby FSU's campus. The atmosphere is casual, and diners ranged from couples out sharing a semi-romantic dinner to a group of young professionals socializing over dinner and drinks. I showed up in athletic clothes after a day attending a track meet, but didn't feel out of place. Our sever, Jason, was fairly new to the place but was very attentive and pleasant to speak with. I ordered the Red Snapper entree from the nightly specials menu. It was pan-seared in a lemon-garlic sauce and served with a deliciously crispy skin over a bed of creamy risotto and spinach. My entree was excellent! I was very satisfied especially after stumbling upon this place after a recommendation from Siri. My mom and I shared the Tiramisu for dessert, which was just slightly above average in flavor but priced moderately enough to make me feel it was a good value. I recommend this place to those looking for a tasty "American" Italian meal in Tallahassee.
(4)Nancee M.
It was a very nice restaurant with an interesting and eclectic layout. Our server Oz was very attentive. My friend had the classic lasagna and it was delicious. I had the chicken parmesan sandwich. I enjoyed the fresh italian bread and the marinara but the chicken reminded me of airline chicken. If I am back in the area in the future I will return and try something else. Probably the buble bread as others have suggested.
(4)Asher W.
Went for the first time and was very impressed. The food along with the service was fantastic. I liked that the menu wasn't overloaded with 100 options. Had the chicken parm which was very good, and my wife enjoyed her ravioli. Cocktails are a little pricey imo. I ordered a coffee, it was awful. However, if that's the only knock I can come up with then I'd say that's a win. Strongly recommend going if in the mood for Italian.
(4)Patricia B.
Its a nicely designed place and all, but I just don't get the hype on this food. Bubble bread is just bread with garlic and cheese. Eggplant was fine, but nothing spectacular. Meh!
(2)Dena G.
I had not been to Bella Bella for years, and happened to go back on a girl's night with a good friend and her posse. Bella Bella has expanded since I was last there, and now has a good bit more space since the tiny hole-in-the-wall place with which they began. The parking lot is not exactly paved, consisting of crushed rock and grass, it articulates down a hill, so watch your ankles and toes. They have an outside dining porch for cooler weather and those who are willing to brave the heat. I arrived first, and was greeted promptly by the Hostess, who gave me a table for our group. The waitress came out quickly and offered to start drinks or food for me. My first observation was that the noise level in the place was high, and as the evening wore on, it became even louder. So if you can't handle extremely high noise levels, this is not the place for you. Once our party arrived, we were given our menus and the waitress took drink orders. She detailed the specials for the evening with a good detailed description, and knew how the food was prepared, including what spices were involved and what bases were used. Service was very good throughout our meal. I selected the eggplant rollatini, a favorite. My appetizer was the cream of zucchini soup, which had a chicken stock base. It was served warm, and was savory, smooth and very good. I could have made a meal of this and the crusty bread that was brought to the table. We also had the signature bubble bread, which was as good as I remembered. My eggplant dish was perfectly done, the eggplant thinly sliced, cooked to tenderness, then rolled and stuffed with ricotta and mozarrella cheeses. Topped with just the right amount of marinara sauce, it was a delicious meal, and I had leftover as it was a generous portion. It also came with a side of pasta, but I was not even able to finish the eggplant, let alone the pasta. One of our party had the Bella Bella salad, which consisted of beautiful fresh greens, fresh seasonal fruit and topped with toasted walnuts. The salad was huge and two of the ladies shared it and a dish of chicken parmesan. The evening was a success, the meal was very good, and service was great. Prices for dinner were moderate to moderately high, but service was very good. As mentioned earlier, this environment is extremely loud. I will go back to Bella, and take The Boy, who loves Italian food.
(4)Cesario M.
This restuarant is trying to be in the "best" catagory. I have gone there several times but not yet have i had the best. Pricey but good atmosphere, sexy, chic. But i will continue to go there because i usually am somewhat satisfied when i leave. I would recommened this place.
(3)Laurie K.
I went with a large group from work, and loved this place. We pretty much tried every appetizer they had - and loved them all. But, the bubble bread is ridiculously delicious. We didn't have to wait because we had a reservation for a large group, but there were lots of people waiting. Parking can be challenging - give yourself a few extra minutes. The server was phenomenal. If I go back to Tallahassee, I will definitely visit again.
(5)Danielle C.
OK, let me begin with a story. I lived in Tallahassee for 4 years. I came here once and it was atrocious. I don't know if they changed owners, chefs, or what, but this place really turned around!!! I was on a road trip with my mother not to long ago, and on our last night in town, we wanted a relaxing, filling dinner. Obviously, the options in Tally are never great, so I decided to give this place another go! Now I wish I had gone here more often! We were sat at a nice table close to the bar. The decor in the restaurant was so cool! Lots of different light fixtures, colored lights, dark wood tables. And it was clean! Our waiter was so nice and friendly and gave us some recommendations! We ordered a bottle of wine (albeit, mom pointed to the wrong one and ended up ordering the most expensive wine on the menu--IT WAS PHENOM). We also started with the cheese bread that everyone on Yelp raved about. Oh man, were they right. The bread was delicious and cheesy and so flavorful! The dipping marinara was very good too! For our entrees, mom ordered a ravioli dish. It was just ok, but she enjoyed it. I ordered this Spinach and Ricotta cannolinis and it came with a side of spaghetti and marinara. The marinara was different from the cheese bread dipping sauce and wasn't as good, but the spaghetti was cooked well. The cannolinis were SOOOOO GOOOD! Oh my goodness I ate every last bit, I was so embarrassed! Mom was jealous of my dish, she talked about it for a week! We couldn't make room for dessert! Will definitely have to go back next time we are in town. But if you're looking for a cool place to check out with Italian food (better than Olive Garden) definitely come here!
(4)Cassie G.
Bella Bella is our favorite Italian in town, the food is consistently tasty, the portions are huge and the specials are always good. I prefer to sit in the original part of the restaurant, rather than the front part, but we recently sat out on their patio and it was super cute!
(4)Jonathan K.
Great Experience Best Italian cuisine in Tallahassee. Excellent wait staff, reasonable prices, local Proof Brewing beer on tap. Very good appetizers and specials. This was a really good experience. No reservations required, great ambiance. They have an outdoor eating area that would be great when the weather permits. I would definitely go back!
(5)Anna S.
Nothing earth shattering, but a nice, decent homey Italian joint. Beers by the pitcher and some nice local beer on tap too. Had the eggplant rollatini and meat lasagna. Meat lasagna was deelish and though the eggplant was good, I kind of wished that I had the lasagna (fiancé ordered it). Service was quick and efficient. Nice place, but not sure if I would because the restaurant scene in Tallahassee is growing quickly and I felt that this establishment was just mediocre.
(3)Mary Ann T.
Great service, food, and atmosphere! ! You can smell the fresh garlic in the food !! A must try!!!!
(5)Juancho V.
Our dining experience at Bella Bella is so consistently great. We occasionally spend more at other notable restaurants, then find ourselves missing the warmth and flavor of the people and food at Bella Bella. The fish special runs out early on the weekends, and for good reason. Nobody handles fresh fish better. Redfish, Snapper, Cobia, just order it and relax. It is a sure thing. For those that truly know, the jalapeño sweet potato bisque is worth the visit itself. Best value and experience in town for food and service.
(5)Elizabeth S.
Had a great dinner with friends. Waitress was really sweet and had good suggestions for wine. She let me taste three before I decided. I had the mushroom ravioli special which was delicious. Highly recommended.
(5)Denise S.
Loved this place, got the bubble bread, cannelloni and house salad, was delish!! Priced reasonably. Only problem was we parker next to Music Masters at 8:30 (it was closed) and came out to find that our car had been towed across town. Thumbs up to Bella Bella for the warning on the front door, however we were visiting and didn't realize we parked there...
(5)Tom M.
Incredibly loud; impossible to talk, think, or enjoy the meal, which was average at best. The "rock concert" atmosphere made for a very uncomfortable meal. In contrast, there was an intimate and QUIET bar lounge where one could have drinks and appetizers but not dinner. Definitely NOT RECOMMENDED for a date. Thomas L.
(1)Cory H.
If you want to go to a place with good food, this is the place for you. Their food is delicious! My favorites are the bubble bread and the manicotti. I love their dessert options as well. This place is a little pricy, but the portions are good. This place is great for parties and gatherings. I would definitely come back!
(5)Kelsey D.
The food is awesome. The wait staff is very good. Make sure to order the bubble bread. There is usually a long wait on a Friday or Saturday night but they have a nice lounge waiting area to order drinks and appetizers. Great for date night.
(5)Christopher H.
This is the place you take someone for a date night. It just exudes that vibe so perfectly and almost guarantees a great time. The talked about bubble bread is well worth the price. So is the chicken gnocchi soup. It is a little darker than I would have liked it to be, but the candle light suffices and really makes that atmosphere.
(4)Roland W.
A great experience. We had an after Thanksgiving family get together; Some of which, came in from Jacksonville. The service was great. The menu was excellent. We were even able to accommodate the vegan of the group. See you guys again, real soon.
(4)Sammy S.
Another strong value in Tallahassee. Great food at decent prices. Why don't other restaurants get it?? I love this place and the people that work there.
(5)PriscillA R.
My absolute fav restaurant ever. I have loved every single item I've ever had here. I love the atmosphere, the BUBBLE BREAD, the Bella Bella salad! When I moved to California, I would always crave Bella Bella. Great place for a date, or a night out with the girls.
(5)Scott H.
Very good little Italian joint in Tallahassee. About 5min off FSU campus. Very neat decor (trendy but casual). Food was above average but about what you would expect from a small (Non-Chain) establishment. Crowd and Operators seem young. The "Bubble Bread" is their headline starter and is VERY GOOD! Basically Hot Dog Buns covered in tons of Cheese, Garlic and Herbs and browned up until the cheese is golden brown and "Bubbly". Comes with a great marinara sauce. They have a cocktail called the ABC that is supper good if you like whiskey. Their Chicken Parmesan is very good.
(4)Katherine M.
This is a date sort of restaurant, or at least something more of a fancier affair. I say this because I had just gotten out of work and was starving after a loooong Friday so a Co-worker and I decided to check it out. Not super appropriate for what we had been looking for at the moment but I'd much rather eat delicious food and word later about what i'm talking about with my friends at a restaurant. The menu doesn't have a lot of variation but from all of the tips for the Bubble Bread I could not resist and gave it a try. What a fantastic idea that was! (thanks again fellow yelpers). Basically if I could vote for most delicious cheesy garlic heaven bread, this takes the cake, and I don't mean just Tallahassee, I mean everywhere in the United States. It's heavenly. Besides that i had chicken parmesan and my friend had the shrimp alfredo. I was happy with my chicken parmesan, but the pasta that came with it, I felt like it was a much smaller serving than I had thought, which makes me feel like it's better suited for when i'm hungry but want the right amount of food instead of i've been at work all day and just want to eat everything because I skipped lunch to make a deadline sort of thing. I think the Shrimp alfredo was excellent though because that is what my friend kept raving about later. The food is simple, but with Bella Bella, simplicity at it's finest.
(4)Cindy P.
Excellent food and service tonight! Bubble bread is a must have. All of our entrees were so yummy. The chocolate caramel moose was delicious. Best restaurant I've been to in Tallahassee . Will definitely go back soon!!!
(5)Nancy T.
Love this place!! The staff and owners are so nice and knowledgeable about the menu. The specials change daily and are always fabulous and they have a good wine list. Love the ambiance...very comfortable and inviting. Definitely one if our favorites. Amazing food!!
(4)Jessica L.
Best bread ever!! And the Grecian Turkey sandwich is one of the best sandwiches in Tallahassee!!
(4)Emans E.
What an excellent meal! I had the fish over the gnocchi with the tiramisu for dessert (damned good). The bubble bread was also a hit. I highly recommend this place. You won't be disappointed.
(5)John D.
We absolutely love this place. I had the trout special and it was wonderful!! Make sure to start off with the Bubble Bread!!! Highly recommended!! The service and atmosphere is great!!
(5)Barry L.
Good Italian food - the sauce is not over sugared. I found the prices to be high for the value but then again this is a college town. Overall good food, it gets busy but the staff is great. Definitely recommend.
(4)Sarah S.
I was craving Italian last night and knew Bella Bella would be the perfect place to go. It was only my second time going and for the second time, I was completely satisfied! Me and my boyfriend split the bubble bread, because HELLO, who goes to Bella Bella and doesn't order bubble bread!? And it was phenomenal, as always. Right out of the oven and still bubbling! For my main meal I always order one of the specials. Which happened to be seared Pork Chops with Fried Rice and some type of greens that tasted just like asparagus ( I honestly do not remember the name). And my boyfriend ordered the other special of Red Fish over a type of rice pudding ( of which I cannot remember the name) and sautéed spinach. As we waited for our entrees, we munched on the bubble bread and then moved onto our salads. I had Caesar and he has the House. Both of us cleaned our plates! Including the plate full of bubble bread ;P Right before our entrees were served they offered us regular baked bread with some butter, which neither one of us ate very much of because we didn't want to spoil our dinner. So by the time dinner arrived neither one of us were starving anymore and we enjoyed a few bites of our meal and our server boxed the rest up for us to take home for later. Both of us really enjoyed our meal and the atmosphere was perfect for an early dinner. My only complaint is that it was freezing in there! It definitely could have been just a touch warmer and it would have made our experience a little more comfortable. TIP: bring a coat!
(5)Abigail K.
Had a group of 7 of us. Very nice and accommodating for us walking in last minute! I had my usual bubble bread and roasted garlic ravioli with Gorgonzola cheese. It was to die for as usual. I have been there multiple times but tried the Caesar salad for the first time and it was the best Caesar salad that I have had in Tallahassee!
(5)Robin B.
I recently went there with a large group. The food was excellent. I had the eggplant parmigna...it was delish ! The bubble bread is so addictive. The service was amazing especially for such a large group ( 20 ). I would definitely recommend.
(5)Jeffrey T.
The bubble bread was AMAZING! Service was friendly and quick, the only reasons why this establishment has been cut short of 5 stars, drink price and food was slightly colder then it should of been. It was still an amazing time at Bella Bella!
(4)Justin F.
I spent my first date here with the love of my life. It has a great atmosphere, great wine, and authentic Italian food. The prices are reasonable compared to the number of Italian chains in Tallahassee. Everything is good so go with intent of going back! I come back time after time.
(5)Matt W.
Very tasty Italian fare in Tallahassee. I have been to Bella Bella twice now, and both times I thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the service. Both times were on weekend nights, however, and the place was crazy busy! First, Bella Bella has a decent amount of ambiance, I suppose, as the lights have been dimmed low during both of my visits. I really don't care to eat in the dark, but I guess I'm just used to the sterile fluorescent light of a 24-hour McDonald's. In any case, there can be a bit of a wait, but I've personally been lucky in that regard and was seated quickly during both visits (small parties). My dish of choice here is the Lasagna. I've always found Lasagna to be very hit or miss at restaurants, and fortunately Bella Bella's is a definite hit! It is a generous portion, very rich, with the perfect combination of pasta, cheese, and meat. Most of the dishes are in the $14-$20 dollar range, with the Lasagna being at the low end of that. They bring out complementary bread and butter (which is very good) and with the meals you get your choice of soup or salad. I have chosen the Caesar salad and theirs is a very good iteration! Of course, as the other reviews mention, you can also get a variety of appetizers, including the apparently famous "bubble bread." It is quite good, and you get a decent amount for $7. It is essentially cheesy bread with a side of marinara for dipping. The bubble bread is perfectly delightful, but honestly tastes about the same as the cheesy bread at Hungry Howie's (which I also like). Finally, Bella Bella has a small but decent wine list and selection of high end beers, which are all the rage right now. I wish I could tell you which beer I had, but I can't remember. Must have been one of those potent IPAs!
(4)Cee G.
Awesome food and atmosphere but a little pricey. Good quality though so you get what you pay for! Amazing Italian! Love this place!
(5)Sebastian L.
Great place for a date or for an intimate dinner setting with friends. They don't take reservations on weekends, but they have a nice lounge area where you can order drinks and appetizers while you wait for your table. Food is delicious and service is outstanding. Several staff members make sure you have a nice experience, and the drinks are good as well.
(5)Annie D.
I went on a Saturday night celebrating my friends' birthdays. The ambiance was nice, however, there was no place to wait for a table. You either had to stand in the hall of the door, where every person going in and out of the restaurant would be face to face with you, or stand in the awkward area where servers and hostess would run food also forcing them to be face to face with you. Once we sat, our server was nice; made sure we got everything we needed. Food was decent, definitely didn't think it was worth the price. I ordered the Spinach and Roasted Garlic Ravioli while my husband ordered the Chicken Parmesan. The chicken was very juicy and tasty but mine fell flat. It was dry and the sauce was way wrong. It should have either been served with a white, rosa, or pesto sauce. The red tasted like it was out of a can. However, the bubble bread is as delicious as they say and recommend it. You really can't go wrong with bread, cheese, and butter!
(3)David P.
This is mine and my wife's go to spot. I'm sure there is better Italian restaurants in NYC, CHI, or Jersey.lol But in Tallahassee choices are slim and good restaurants are hard to find. Appetizers: obviously the bubble bread is good, but the stuffed mushrooms are the best I've ever had, but they are expensive for 6-7 little caps...step it up Bella I want more caps on my plate for $7. This food is consistent. They have the best Ceaser salad I have ever tasted but I usually opt out and get a soup special, the soup is always pretty good, if they have a beer soup get it, you will love it. My favorite entree is the Eggplant Rolatini and anything with shrimp is good, they have good shrimp not sure why, I would think it is frozen but maybe not. Two things I have wanted to complain about: First is the cold butter they serve you with your bread, come on cold butter how annoying to break my bread into crumbs trying to spread that cold stuff. Second I am sick of hearing about the delicious sides you serve with your fish specials, but will not allow those sides to be served with entrees...not everyone likes fish. I just ask that you please offer those yummy risottos and macaroni and cheeses as a side, that I am always willing to pay extra for. You allowed me twice to get it as a side and then I have been turned down twice, that made me want to walk out but my wife would not let me. Other than that inconsistency of side item requests I will return as always and I will ask the waitress not to waste her breath with the fish special and yummy sides that I am not allowed to have or buy.
(4)Sara L.
Incredible. Great service and handmade dishes. Strongly recommend the hummus appetizer and meatball entree.
(5)Tristan H.
All I had was the tiramisu and a cup of Joe (first time I visited). Tiramisu was delicious, definitely will get again. Coffee, just Community Coffee - nothing too special. Nice service though. Came again to have dinner and oh yea... Good good good. All around good. Service. Food. BUBBLE BREAD!
(4)Danielle E.
Let me just start off with..as you walk through the front door you are greeted by a huge specials board and if you peer to the left, into the kitchen, you'll be impressed by dueling microwaves tirelessly working to bring your soon to be dinner to piping hot perfection. This place is a joke! Go buy some Barilla and Prego sauce and you've had the equivalent to Bella Bella. And for the really adventurous, try the famed "bubble bread" - gobs of cheese, oily garlic butter substance all a top a (more then likely) microwaved hoagie roll! Now on to my entree. Lasagna with Italian sausage. Sounds good right?! Try layers of slippery noodles and a heaping of ricotta cheese...with Italian sausage lightly sprinkled on top. Not within each layer...only on top! ... At least the wine and beer selection was good!!
(1)Erin K.
I came here with a good friend and let me just start out by saying...bubble bread is 100% made with fairy dust. Like WHAT IS IN THAT!? Our waitress asked if we wanted it and I had never been to Bella Bella before so I asked what it entailed and obviously she had me at bread and cheese but it. is. so. much. more. The prices are great for what you get- we split a bottle of cab, had bubble bread, 2 chicken parms (which come with a side salad, zing!) and dessert and both spent about $40 including tip! Not too bad, y'all. Not too bad at all. However, my only complaint is that our waitress seemed really...bored? Cavalier? I don't know what she was but she was not excited about being our server. I am a server myself so I understand that sometimes we have off days where we fail tests, break up with boyfriends, or what have you, but...I think she was just like that all the time. Kind of off putting. I felt like I was annoying her. If i was, sorry boo boo. I would definitely eat here again- the prices are excellent as is the food. And the manager is very nice and seems like she really knows what she's doing.
(4)Gareth C.
This is the best Italian food in Tallahassee. They have a great wine selection, and I recently discovered that their craft beer selection is almost as good. Their "Bubble Bread" appetizer is a tradition for those that come here regularly so I strongly encourage trying it! I have yet to have anything on this menu that wasn't quality. My sister, who spent a semester in Italy, has said this place is high quality for America.
(5)Valerie G.
Like someone else said, the bubble bread alone is good enough to give them 5 stars - and indeeed, the bubble bread and service are the sole reasons why I'm writing a 4 star review. Having lived immediately next to a quaint authentic Italian restaurant in NYC, I know homemade pasta when I see it and that's not what you'll find at Bella Bella. Additionally, their drinks are, in my opinion, extremely overpriced. However, I would meet someone up for some bubble bread before a night out drinking on the town because it is THAT good (and reasonably priced). Also, kudos to our server Sarah and her coworkers, who did everything they possibly could to ensure we were satisfied with our meal - if you know anything about me, you know service is probably 80% of my entire dining experience so there you have it! Try the bubble bread or kick yourself in the butt later :)
(4)Stella H.
The Bubble Bread is to die for!! Food is super good! It does get a little loud when it is prime dining time due to the hardwood floors. Not much to look at on the outside but the bubble bread is worth stopping for everytime I come to town!!!
(5)Melissa B.
I was disappointed. Yes, the bubble bread was delicious, but the Veal Parmesan special was disappointing, and the service was not very good.
(2)V G.
It's because of places like this, that I'm so grateful for Yelp. We were in town for a race weekend and didn't know anyone around who could recommend a fantastic dinner spot. Cue Yelp. Mixed reviews, but I'm not sure as to WHY. This restaurant was excellent. We walked right in on a chilly night, no wait. It was a big-game weekend (FSU vs. UM) and we were adorned in UM gear while in hostile territory. That didn't mean a thing here. Everyone was nice to all five of us, very attentive. The food was excellent. We had the chicken parmesan and the manicotti. Bubble bread as an appetizer (which was delicious) and the delectable tiramisu to finish it all off. Absolutely NO complaints. Our server was Bruce and he made sure we always had our drinks topped off and that everything was to par. They surpassed our expectations and we could not have been happier to have found this little place in the middle of a tiny, hilly town. It's just one of those places you wouldn't bump into unless you Yelped it. I wish there was a Bella Bella in Miami, although Miamians would ruin that cozy feel for certain. We'll see you again for next year's race, Bella Bella! Keep up the great work!
(5)Karl W.
Had dinner at Bella Bella for the first time tonight. I have to admit being an Italian restaurant and my pickiness when it comes to Italian food I was not sure. I ordered the special and it was excellent, stuffed ravioli with portabella mushroom and chicken. Also had a Shutaki Mushroom soup. It was also quite good. What really brought themealtogether was a cheese board. Had a great selection of cheeses meats.and Presuto stuffed vinegar peppers. Worth going again. Service was attentive and good.
(4)Renee C.
Ate here this weekend for the first time. Service and atmosphere was very nice. Young and hip and very friendly and professional. I had the house salad with gorganzola dressing-YUMMY! We shared the bubble bread which really is bread with sauce and cheese-good. I had the special meatballs and spaghetti. The meatballs were good but fell apart and crumbled as soon as you stuck your fork in them. The pasta was so obviously old. It was in no way freshly made. The sauce was good but way too much for the pasta and meatballs. The sauce should coat the pasta not drown it in. I lived in Italy for 4 years and they should not serve shaved parm for pasta. It should be grated and goes better than big chunks of it. Overall it was a 7 out of 10. I will go back again and try another dish just so I can say I gave them a chance.
(3)Phillip W.
Service was fine, but for the price, the food did not live up to the value for the price. I've had better food at lesser priced establishments. This next part is really not related strictly to Bella Bella, but I have never understood a restaurant's propensity to rape people for a bottle of wine. A bottle of White Zinfandel, that can be purchased at any grocery store for $3 should not cost $24 at a restaurant. Restaurants insult my intelligence when they do this.
(3)Matt M.
I really wanted to like this restaurant with it's cool interior and hip vibe. But alas, service was just okay and the food was really nothing special. My daughter loved the stuffed mushrooms and bubble bread, although I did not get a chance to try them. My ravioli was prepared well, but the gorgonzola completely overwhelmed the spinach it was supposed to compliment. Everyone else said their food was good, but not great, about the sane as nine. Parking was also an issue, which is not surprising for that area. To end on a good note, the desserts were fantastic although I forgot to ask if they were made there are bought. I would guess they were bought elsewhere. Oh, and make sure you order the Bubble Bread!
(3)Catherine H.
So, the Bubble Bread. Yup. Garlicky cheesy goodness. Went for dinner last Friday, kind of pricey but worth it. I had spinach and garlic ravioli - it was amazing but super filling. Even Tristan was full, and he is usually my own personal human food vacuum. Decent wine selection, quality service. We didn't have enough room for dessert, but I've been for dessert once before - incredible tiramisu and good coffee. We came home stinking of garlic, but all in all I'd say that's not really a bad thing.
(4)Evelyn B.
The food was very good. My mom and I got the chicken lasagna special and bubble bread appetizer. We only had water to drink and it was $43. So a little pricier than I usually enjoy, but not too bad and the food was excellent.
(5)Mark T.
Outstanding service and meal. Could not believe I was dining in tallahassee. Requested a spinach salad which was not on the menu and they made it great ! Also had the artichoke soup which was wonderful ! The food was expensive and worth it but at the price for me it is a special occasion resturaunt.
(4)Anne P.
I've heard a lot of rave reviews for Bella Bella, so I decided to try it out on my date tonight. The restaurant itself is very charming and parking wasn't too bad (although we were there right at opening time). However, the food was pretty disappointing overall. The caesar salad lacked the richness and umami I usually long for in a caesar (way too much lemon in the dressing). The bubble bread was good until I recognized the secret ingredient - and it subsequently overwhelmed each bite I took. For entrees, I ordered the special - smoked chicken ravioli with a rosemary cream sauce. The ravioli were very flavorful but the sauce was like water. I had to be careful in eating my ravioli not to splash the milky substance everywhere. It was definitely not a cream sauce and could have stood much more reduction. My companion ordered the spinach and garlic ravioli. Similarly, his ravioli were good but his sauce was disappointing. It was basically flavorless and was served lukewarm. Overall, the food seemed decent but lacking that certain something that would elevate it to being delicious. The service was also adequate but was certainly nothing to rave about. We received our bread at an awkward time (right as I was finishing my entree, I was thinking it was dessert bread for a second..) and our waitress barely checked in with us during the evening. At the end of dinner, my companion and I both decided that the food was adequate, but hardly worth the elevated price tag. Most likely we won't be returning in the future.
(2)Jim M.
Excellent locally owned Italian eatery. While not quite a regular due to retail wages when I have a special meal I almost always choose Bella Bella. Their regular meals are fantastic and their specials are always a delight. And bubble bread is an addiction unto itself. Beer selection (for a hophead) is always good with Magic Hat, Sierra Nevada and other microbrews (the more prevalent names) on the list. I'm not a wine fellow but have been assured by my girlfriend and her family that its top notch at Bella. And while slightly pricier in the college town of Tallahassee, I've walked out with a much smaller bill than many chains like Carrabba's and the rest of their ilk.
(5)Keagan W.
I've gotten take out from here once. Was pretty good.
(4)Emily P.
My goodness gracious....where to begin... mmm.....mmmmmmmmmm....mmmmmm probably with the bubble bread....holy bejeezers this stuff is so cheesy and tasty....and their marinara sauce may be my all-time favorite. everything is just full of flavor.... we sampled the baked tortellini and a chef salad....and the portions are outrageously big. I mean, we barely put a dent in it. I love the location and the decorations....great place to go for some good italian food! the service was also wonderful. I don't even remember which one was our server really....they kind of tag team the room....so we never went without anything.
(5)AaronErin D.
While visiting friends that live in Tallahassee they recommended we go to Bella Bella for dinner our first night in town... Very busy spot! We waited for our table while enjoying drinks in the back lounge area which was very cozy. The place was packed, not sure if they take reservations or not but I strongly recommend trying. Once sat in the dining room we were immediately noticed by a very friendly waitress. When given specials and asked if the dishes were made there the waitress told us she had no idea. Kind of odd not to know the menu or product? I personally ordered the Veggie lasagna and a house salad with the Gorgonzola dressing, that dressing was the best part of my meal. My fiancé ordered the French onion soup with was nothing exciting, not enough flavor or cheese. He also ordered a seafood ravioli special and he said it was okay at best, wouldn't order it again. Our friends ordered the fish special that evening and enjoyed it very much. We enjoyed the atmosphere very much, loved the unique tables and decor. Overall a okay time, would come back just for that amazing salad dressing!
(3)Chef S.
On the way to Orlando we stopped here. Beside yelp 3.5 star review we decided to give it a shot. Since most of the 4-5 star reviews seemed very convincing. I will have to say we had the best experience in a long time. The whole experience was great. Te hostess was very warm and welcoming, loved her smile, checked on us after seating a sign of taking pride in your work and confidence. The waitress was right on the mark she knew to give us space and making excellent recommendations. All the reviews are right on it was noisy in the bar side or the seating area, but in my opinion it was a plus to ambiance. Me, wife and two little ones had great time. On the way back to Austin, We are definitely driving by there to try them on more time. Oh yes live the chandeliers and theme they have, very Austin like place.
(5)Ted M.
Pretty simple Italian food. Bubble bread was a unique dish and worth a try. Basic atmosphere with a basic Italian menu. Meh.
(3)Lady D.
I'm not sure if it was the wonderful company, the atmosphere or the food but I enjoyed my evening at Bella Bella's! I started with sin zin and an order of bubble bread. Yelpers were right- this was good stuff! Don't count fat grams or calories when ordering. The cheesey bread had a wonderful light flavor and it was accompanied by a light marinara sauce. After tasting the bubble bread, I did not even want to try my friend's bruchetta. Hubby ordered a number 9 pale ale and he loved it. His house salad was a spring green mix with croutons, cheese and balsamic. I chose the side of French onion soup. Oh my God- what a flavor rich broth!! Beefy, onionie, and wonderful. Perfect balance of bread, cheese and soup. I will order this again! It was flavor heaven. Now for the meals. Friend ordered spaghetti and meatballs. Huge portions of meatballs and he said they had a great flavor. There were a lot of leftovers for him. Friend 2 ordered chicken parm. Out came a large flattened Chicken served over angel hair pasta. It must have been wonderful because the entire dish was licked clean. Hubby ordered the sicilian lasagna and was pleased even though it wasn't quite as good as his own cooking. It had sweet Italian sausge, riccotta, and sauce with a layer of mozzarella on the top. He would have liked each layer to have mozzarella. Now for my dish- eggplant rollatini. Five stars. Five!! Fried eggplant rolled around a cheesey flavorful concoction, baked - hot loving goodness. It was good the next day for breakfast! I am going to compare this to Rocco's Italian restaurant in Crystal River. I thought their eggplant rollatini was the best. We'll see. Oh, their house Cabernet was good as was the white- so I was told by those white wine drinkers. So why only 4 stars? The sauce on the spaghetti was - uninspired. I loved the marinara on the bubble bread and I'm not sure if it was the same sauce but I don't think so. It just needed something but I'm not sure what. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Steve R.
I just got back from eating at Bella Bella and i thought it was really awesome. Probably one of the best restaurants in TLH. We started off with the stuffed mushrooms which were dripping in melted cheese and garlic. They were absolutely delicious. My house salad was really good and i had the creamey garlic dressing which i could tell was homemade. It didnt come from a bottle. The french onion soup was next and was bursting with flavor. I didnt think i liked french onion soup but this was bursting with flavor and had tons of cheese. My entree was spinich and garlic stuffed ravioli. It had a very herbey, leafey taste to it. It was different but i completely enjoyed it. The meal was perfect from start to finish. Our waitress was really good too. She was knowledgeable about the dishes on the menu and really seemed to enjoy her job. I'll most definitely go back here.
(4)Lia P.
Bella Bella is small and cute and has great Italian food. Parking is tricky but not impossible, you just have to walk a little bit. Seating can be a little awkward because of the size of the restaurant. The food is really good though. Definitely get the bubble bread, the canneloni, the house salad, and usually whatever fish special they have is good too. The tiramassu is the best way to end your meal.
(5)April K.
I live in Orlando but sometimes have horrible cravings for Bella Bella's Gorgonzola pasta dish, bubble bread, and a glass of wine. Super cute atmosphere, superior service, and great pasta dishes. What more could you ask for, ever? Several of my friends order their baked pastas on a regular basis and love them. Now if I could convince the owners to open a second location in Orlando...
(4)Awesome 8.
Being a native New Yorker, I am naturally skeptical of any Italian place outside the NY/NJ area. But since my mom was in town and wanted Italian I decided it would be a good place to check out since I had heard it was pretty good. It was definately better then I expected and I was very happy with my pesto chicken melt and my moms taragon chicken salad was fresh and delicious as well. The service was good and the place itself is nice. Overall a pretty good dining experience and one that I definately recommend.
(4)Krystal T.
I've been taken here for lunch twice by work colleagues and have loved it each time. You MUST have bubble bread if you come here - cheesy, delicious bread served with marinara sauce that I could probably just eat two orders of and be happy. I've tried several of their sandwiches and have loved them. Neither was so large and overstuffed you couldn't bite into it but were just the right size. I'm always urged to try the Bella Bella Salad but haven't yet - it always looks impressive when it arrives for a fellow diner! The staff are always friendly and helpful even during the busy lunch hours when I've visited. The dining room is noisy though so if you're looking for a quiet place for lunch either choose an outdoor table or go another time.
(4)Robin E.
Ok, first time here in 7 years. Greatly improved. I was surprised by the lack of a children's menu. They said we could order an appetizer like mozzarella sticks or cocoanut shrimp for her. Not really what I wanted for my 2 1/2 yr old. I ended up getting a side of pasta with red sauce. They gave her a huge helping pasta and maybe 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce. I just asked for some parmesan cheese and then she was happy. The bubble bread appetizer was good flavorful cheesy garlic bread. I recommend it. The Torpedo beer was very good similar to an IPA (not nutty as waiter described). My husband says the cauliflower cheese soup is good. The pasta Alfredo with chicken is ok too. I had an eggplant dish and I forget the name, but it was really good. The eggplant was rolled and stuffed with a ricotta mixture and topped with a red sauce, it came w a side or angle hair pasta and marinara sauce (very garlicky sauce). Over all we enjoyed the meal and our waiter was friendly, helpful and attentive. I'd give them a five if they had a kid friendly selection, like spaghetti and meatballs or grilled cheese and fruit.
(4)Enrique V.
There are so many mixed reviews on this place, so I'm going to put in my two cents. Another couple and us went to Bella Bella just for desert. I have never been there for anything else so I can't judge the food. Our friends ordered an almond cream pie. We had a couple of bites and it was very good. We ordered the coconut cream cake and it was exquisite. We also ordered a couple of espressos that we very good. Overall the place is very romantic and cozy. There was a guy there playing the guitar which was very nice. We thought the place was great and so was the service. I look forward to having a more extensive meal there.
(4)Ed K.
Again, I'm left with an experience in Tally that leaves me wanting so desperately to leave a glowing review, but just can't. The feel of the place is GREAT! It even reminded us of a swanky wine bar in Manhattan, and the service we got as we ordered dinner at the bar was also great (I think Cara was her name and we couldn't ask for a better experience. She was attentive, friendly and capable but unobtrusive.) The food though... It came out quickly even while the restaurant was packed...but maybe they should've taken just a few more moments. My risotto was undercooked - crunchy in spots - and way too cheesy. It overwhelmed the grouper which in contrast was done well and subtly flavored. The baked ziti was edible, but tasted like they had gotten too many of their ingredients from a can. Tally, what is it about you that makes it acceptable for restaurants to be just "ok??" WHY?!?!?!?!?!! Arg.
(2)Kenneth M.
Bubble bread is a must order! I had seared grouper with rosemary lemon risotto, which was EXCELLENT! I ate, started to hurt, but kept eating. The service was polite but slow, so this is not the place to go, if you're in a hurry.
(4)Christie S.
Yes, the Bubble Bread is fantastic. However, if it is a salad that you want, the Bella Bella salad is the best salad on the Planet--mixed greens and fruit with Gorgonzola dressing. The servers are friendly and efficient. A great place to meet friends for lunch, which I do a lot.
(5)Olena M.
The place is awesome! The famous bubble bread is to dye for. Wanted to go to Clusters&hops at first but when we got there didn't feel like going in. May be their food is good, but the ambiance isn't there. Bella Bella looked a lot better and we didn't regret for a second our decision to go there. I had a grouper with rice and pineapple which was fantastic, my husband was hungry after his 69 miles bicycle ride today, so he got himself a lasagna and wasn't disappointed either. I would definitely go there again next time we're in town!
(5)Lu R.
Not sure why everyone in town seems to love this place. It's okay. Have tried a few things for lunch (bubble bread, red pepper hummas, fried cheese, soups, chicken, greek, and caesar salads, lasagnas, melts, etc.) and dinner (cannelloni, raviolis, and fish) and have never walked away craving to go back for seconds. The service has been hit or miss. The owners/managers (I'm guessing they are they owners because of the pride they take in the place and effort they give) are awesome and bend over backwards to try and ensure you have a great experience. But we've been disappointed with both members from the waitstaff and bartenders. A nice layout and ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Unfortunately the food keeps one wanting for more.
(2)Crispian G.
i only come here for the salad which is really good but everything i see on other peoples tables looks really good. look forward to trying one of their pasta entrees in the near future
(4)Dana T.
Food is generally pretty good, though I've had better (and cheaper!). The best thing here is the bubble bread. They put gorgonzola cheese on it along with the mozzarella, which gives the flavor a wonderfully sharp bite that can only come from moldy, stinky cheese :) If it weren't for the bubble bread though, I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to eat here that often, but it is certainly decent.
(3)m d.
Heard so much about this place but when I went it was just a "meh". Average, sort of bland Italian fare. Bubble Bread was good though. Wait staff was good, if a little unfriendly but I hate overly friendly servers, so I can overlook that. Maybe I went on an off night? I'll try again sometime, but really... Tally's not really known for excellent, authentic Italian food (or anything else besides outrageously crooked politicians) is it?
(3)Phyllis S.
Valentine's Night 2011. YES goodness the place was packed! However my date and I sat at the bar ordered a bottle of wine and chatted as if one one else was there. Cool looking bar and good bar guy. An hour later as promised we got our table. We were in no hurry. We had Veal Osco Bucco ~ yummy dinner enough for two with Risotto. Tapa with Smoked Salmon, good salad, tasty Cream of Tomato soup. The meal was evenly paced. The place was busy as heck. We enjoyed. You will too. If on Valentine's Day you can enjoy, just imagine what it would be like on a "regular" day
(4)Rodney H.
2 nights in a row and I may come back tomorrow. Chillin at the bar with a nice glass of read and the food is awesome! Service is great and I look very much forward to many meals here after I move down from Birmingham!
(4)FromScratch M.
They have expanded and they are really trying - just not that exceptionally interesting. The service was great. A little more lighting (so that you can read the menu) and something to absorb the sound would be nice. I enjoyed by oysters on spinach with melted cheese and the salad was good for pre-mix. I'd go back and would give it another 1/2 star if I could. I went there when it first opened some years ago and was extremely impressed but I guess it just wasn't sustainable and saleable.
(3)Amanda C.
Fantastic. Food, service, and atmosphere was great. Try the mushroom ravioli!
(5)Jerry H.
Everytine I go to Bella Bella I always expect more. It I am always diappointed with the menu. The entrees are pretty much the same. Cheesy, Italian-American crusine and the fact that everything comes with a side of spaghetti is slightly boring. Buy some peas or something. The salads are good though, try the house dressing.
(1)Michael P.
Best italian restaurant in Tally IMO. It's all about the atmosphere. Some of the dishes are so-so, but it's just a really cool place. The bubble bread alone makes this place a 5! Just go and check it out if you haven't been. The only bad thing I can say about this place is that it is not open on Sunday and it seems everytime I get a bubble bread craving...it's Sunday. The wine list is not the best either.
(5)Rick P.
Went back for lunch and had a better experience. I still didn't like their salad dressings (do they have to put mustard in everything, even their balsamic dressing and their gorganzola dressing?), but I liked the salad otherwise and I gotta say the bubble bread is pretty darn tasty. I also like all of the different seating choices (up front, in the back, outside on the porch, outside on the deck, etc). I'll try them again for dinner.
(3)Karlos W.
Many reviewers use the word "cute" because the place was really small, but it has now expanded a bit. It is still a "chick" dining experience. "Jim Bobs" would feel out of place. The food is quite good and very reasonably priced. Service is enthusiastic and attentive. Our Red Pepper Hummus this evening was served with plenty of perfect pita bread chips, but the red pepper dip was a tad bland. It needs a dash of cumin. The Cannelloni was perfect - just the right amount of basil and cheese in a tender cannelloni. The staff will do their best to recommend a wine that fits your fancy for your meal. Parking on the side of the building and around the back is a problem. There is not much the owners can do about it. This is a great place for those small office lunch celebrations of birthdays and farewells.
(4)Ashley A.
Great atmosphere, great food, even better wine! I really enjoyed going here when I was in Tallahassee. The only downside was that the place is very small and there isnt an area to wait. Also the parking lot is very dark and a little spooky. All worth it becuase the food is good!
(4)Patty M.
What a wonderful find. Food was wonderful. Service was quick and professional. Overall great dinner and dining experience. I can't wait to go back again!!
(5)Whitney S.
This place is so cute! I absolutely love the atmosphere, dimmed lighting and comfy. The food is okay, just not my favorite italian cuisine. It gets pretty packed for dinner, and the dining area is really small. The last time I went was maybe a year ago during winter, so it was too cold to eat outside and I think the bigger room is for reservations? Anyway, cute place, decent food.
(3)Jesse F.
I had lunch there with a friend and business colleague. It was among the best lunches I've ever had in Tallahassee. It was a Tuesday (that's traditionally a slow day for restaurants, no?) and the place was packed and bustling with activity, which I always take as a good sign. (If you want a quick lunch, by all means, stop by Sonic; it's a couple blocks north of Bella Bella.) We shared the appetizer -- fried ravioli with marinara sauce for dipping -- outstanding. I had a cup of Navy Bean and Kale soup, which may sound gross, and I actually ordered it to "be healthy" but later, I wished I had ordered a bigger bowl so that I could have whole my whole face in it. t was smoky, buttery and the beans and greens were ideally tender. Next was Tarragon Chicken Salad over Spring Greens with House Vinaigrette, which was perfect in every way: the chicken salad, moist, creamy and savory; the greens, fresh and crispy (which is amazing, because it was an extremely humid day); and a sous-chef-perfect dressing that I'm sure earns constant comment. For dessert I had black coffee and Ricotta Cheese Pie which was lemony and only semisweet, as it is supposed to be, and tasted as good as my mom's (which she learned from her Italian mother). I would put this place on par with the best lunches I've had in Rome or Florence, Italy. I'd recommend Bella Bella to anyone wanting a leisurely lunch of delicious, chef-quality choices in a busy, bistro-type atmosphere.
(5)Christie S.
Yes, the Bubble Bread is fantastic. However, if it is a salad that you want, the Bella Bella salad is the best salad on the Planet--mixed greens and fruit with Gorgonzola dressing. The servers are friendly and efficient. A great place to meet friends for lunch, which I do a lot.
(5)Olena M.
The place is awesome! The famous bubble bread is to dye for. Wanted to go to Clusters&hops at first but when we got there didn't feel like going in. May be their food is good, but the ambiance isn't there. Bella Bella looked a lot better and we didn't regret for a second our decision to go there. I had a grouper with rice and pineapple which was fantastic, my husband was hungry after his 69 miles bicycle ride today, so he got himself a lasagna and wasn't disappointed either. I would definitely go there again next time we're in town!
(5)Jerry H.
Everytine I go to Bella Bella I always expect more. It I am always diappointed with the menu. The entrees are pretty much the same. Cheesy, Italian-American crusine and the fact that everything comes with a side of spaghetti is slightly boring. Buy some peas or something. The salads are good though, try the house dressing.
(1)FromScratch M.
They have expanded and they are really trying - just not that exceptionally interesting. The service was great. A little more lighting (so that you can read the menu) and something to absorb the sound would be nice. I enjoyed by oysters on spinach with melted cheese and the salad was good for pre-mix. I'd go back and would give it another 1/2 star if I could. I went there when it first opened some years ago and was extremely impressed but I guess it just wasn't sustainable and saleable.
(3)Amanda C.
Fantastic. Food, service, and atmosphere was great. Try the mushroom ravioli!
(5)Daniel P.
Five stars in class. Bella Bella is very likely the most fun Italian restaurant in town - and offers solid value. I've seldom come to a 1/2 full room. Often, there's a wait at the "heavy" times, but I've found the wait to always be merited. Tonight's reservation for 8 placed us in the "west wing" (1/2 bench, 1/2 chairs). Our server (Oz) was exceptional. He knew the tenets of top-flight service and was invisible yet everywhere at the same time. This restaurant takes the proven team approach to running dishes to the table, so getting served was a positive experience and plates were dropped synchronously so that there was less than 30 seconds between the first and the eighth (I didn't stopwatch this - it just seems like the right metrics!). Every time I come, the conversational din and clatter is substantial - a sign of merriment - that the bon vivants are partaking among themselves. Eggplant Rollatoni was everything you'd expect. Served in its baking dish - piping hot. Quite nice. Came with a choice of soup or salad. My Caesar was great. Finished off with a 2x espresso.
(5)Sherry T.
As big as Tallahassee has gotten, our local places are still the right eateries and Bella, Bella proves it. We started with an app of stuffed mushrooms. Buttons of flavorful delights with an extraordinary creamy center. Oz, the on duty mixologist, delivered a bourbon cocktail, "Annie's drink" muddled mint, St. Germaine, Woodford Reserve and lemon juice and agave. Don't try this at home...Bella Bella has the secret and it is worth the trip. A basket of bread was crispy, warm and the butter was cold and yummy. My companion chose a great red wine recommended by Oz. He nailed it again. It paired perfectly with an outstanding baked Ziti. My chicken Piccata was a toothsome blend of wine, spices and capers over smashed garlic yukons. Boxes, please, we had lunch for the next day. On a recent previous visit, we devoured a shared piece of flourless chocolate cake. It absolutely melted on the tongue, dancing in chocolate revelry. Pair it with a red wine for gastrogasms; yes, gastrogasms.
(5)Gordon C.
Seriously the best italian in town. This is real food.I found a little piece of foodie heaven in lil ole tally florida.
(5)Rachel P.
My bar for good Italian is fairly high. Growing up an hour from New York City spoiled me for good Italian forever. That said, Bella Bella provides a fair Italian fix in the Capital City. If you have never been to Bella Bella, the first item to order is bubble bread. You can thank me later. No, don't talk with your mouth full! Finish the bread and then thank me. Bella Bella has a clever hand with cocktails. The daily specials offer enticing flavor combinations. The regular menu options are solid choices. My husband's go to dish is the chicken parmigiana. One of my table mates ordered it last night. She restrained herself and took half home. Not sure how that was possible. I, on the other hand, wanted to lick the plate that cradled my eggplant rollatini. There are two eggplant dishes on the daily menu. I prefer the rollatini to the regular parmigiana. For my taste, the flavor of the eggplant really comes through in this dish. The eggplant is sliced thin, lighted breaded, and just a touch crispy around the edges. So delicious! We did not order dessert last night but I can say from experience that the tiramisu is on point. In Tallahassee, I am still on a quest for a good version of chicken piccata. I am looking for a piccata sauce that I will want to drink right off the plate. That said, Bella Bella does offer a decent cannelloni. That dish is not commonly found on Italian menus in Tallahassee. On the lighter side, Bella Bella offers toothsome salads with house made and noteworthy dressings. The gorgonzola dressing on the house salad is a particular favorite. For lunch, share bubble bread with a friend. Order one of the salads and a cup of the soup of the day. This spot may become a weekly lunch tradition for you. Say hi if you see me!
(4)Daryl C.
Maybe it was a bad night or I am just too picky, but this place is very average. The bubble bread is plain with cheap cheese and sauce. Def not worth the price. The fish was overcooked, and the french soup was a bit strong and salty for me. I didn't even finish it. I hear a place called ricardos is way better value but I haven't gone yet. It's also a bit noisy.
(2)Chelsea C.
Ordered the chicken Alfredo and wasn't satisfied. Honestly best part of the meal was the bread. The Alfredo sauce was OK, but the overall meal was bland. The chicken clearly had no spices. It tasted terrible.
(2)Ali C.
This place has fresh made amazing Italian food. It's been around for a while and they have quite the following. It is just off of Bayshore in Tampa and near Bern's. If you want to get their updates they send specials via email every Fri and send you coupons on your birthday and through out the year. Just reading the emails and I gain 2lbs - lol. The prices are not sky high and you get quality food for the price. A lot of the dishes are not things you can get at other places. The pear sachet's are sooo good. The salmon alforno has a sweetness from the maple, but also a smoky from the wood fired plank it is cooked on. Don't wait for a special occaission, go now!! Enjoy!!
(4)John S.
I love Italian food. Bella Bella really has incredible food. I had their shrimp scampi and I loved it. The butter and lemon sauce was perfect for the pasta and it blended perfectly with the breaded shrimp. The French Onion soup was also the best I've ever had. My wife and I will definitely be going back. The service was incredible. They were very friendly and quick to serve us. Didn't get to try the bubble bread but will definitely do that next time.
(5)Maya B.
Decided to go here last night with my boyfriend and had a fantastic time. I've been to Bella Bella many times over the years and consistently come back because of many great factors: 1) The wait staff. Extremely attentive and on the ball. Last night, Jason was our waiter and I have to emphasize that he was amazing. He checked on us often, was personable and charming, and timed our food and drink orders perfectly. 2) Fantastic food and drinks. We treated ourselves to the Bubble Bread (which you will never regret ordering) and then moved on to the Ziti (one of their specials) and the Eggplant Parmesan for our entrees. All very delectable, cheesy, and filling. I also indulged in their Lychee Mojito and loved it. 3) The atmosphere. Rustic and cozy interior with aesthetically pleasing art pieces on the wall. If you're ever wishing for some amazing Italian food, head to Bella Bella and prepare to be completely satisfied.
(5)tiffany w.
Bella Bella is a local staple of Tally. If you are looking for good Italian food and a nice atmosphere then this place is for you. The Bubble Bread is the best thing on the menu. The portions are a little small for their prices. I was disappointed with the size of the Spaghetti and Marinara. The Chicken Parmesan is pretty good. The wine menu is nice, but pricey, go with the house wines to save money. The creme brulee is a large portion, would have liked it better if it had been hot. The servers are mainly college students. All in all, an average place with a nice ambiance.
(3)Brian C.
I enjoyed an unexpected evening out with my mom and sister at Bella Bella after using Siri to search for a place to eat nearby FSU's campus. The atmosphere is casual, and diners ranged from couples out sharing a semi-romantic dinner to a group of young professionals socializing over dinner and drinks. I showed up in athletic clothes after a day attending a track meet, but didn't feel out of place. Our sever, Jason, was fairly new to the place but was very attentive and pleasant to speak with. I ordered the Red Snapper entree from the nightly specials menu. It was pan-seared in a lemon-garlic sauce and served with a deliciously crispy skin over a bed of creamy risotto and spinach. My entree was excellent! I was very satisfied especially after stumbling upon this place after a recommendation from Siri. My mom and I shared the Tiramisu for dessert, which was just slightly above average in flavor but priced moderately enough to make me feel it was a good value. I recommend this place to those looking for a tasty "American" Italian meal in Tallahassee.
(4)Nancee M.
It was a very nice restaurant with an interesting and eclectic layout. Our server Oz was very attentive. My friend had the classic lasagna and it was delicious. I had the chicken parmesan sandwich. I enjoyed the fresh italian bread and the marinara but the chicken reminded me of airline chicken. If I am back in the area in the future I will return and try something else. Probably the buble bread as others have suggested.
(4)Asher W.
Went for the first time and was very impressed. The food along with the service was fantastic. I liked that the menu wasn't overloaded with 100 options. Had the chicken parm which was very good, and my wife enjoyed her ravioli. Cocktails are a little pricey imo. I ordered a coffee, it was awful. However, if that's the only knock I can come up with then I'd say that's a win. Strongly recommend going if in the mood for Italian.
(4)Patricia B.
Its a nicely designed place and all, but I just don't get the hype on this food. Bubble bread is just bread with garlic and cheese. Eggplant was fine, but nothing spectacular. Meh!
(2)Dena G.
I had not been to Bella Bella for years, and happened to go back on a girl's night with a good friend and her posse. Bella Bella has expanded since I was last there, and now has a good bit more space since the tiny hole-in-the-wall place with which they began. The parking lot is not exactly paved, consisting of crushed rock and grass, it articulates down a hill, so watch your ankles and toes. They have an outside dining porch for cooler weather and those who are willing to brave the heat. I arrived first, and was greeted promptly by the Hostess, who gave me a table for our group. The waitress came out quickly and offered to start drinks or food for me. My first observation was that the noise level in the place was high, and as the evening wore on, it became even louder. So if you can't handle extremely high noise levels, this is not the place for you. Once our party arrived, we were given our menus and the waitress took drink orders. She detailed the specials for the evening with a good detailed description, and knew how the food was prepared, including what spices were involved and what bases were used. Service was very good throughout our meal. I selected the eggplant rollatini, a favorite. My appetizer was the cream of zucchini soup, which had a chicken stock base. It was served warm, and was savory, smooth and very good. I could have made a meal of this and the crusty bread that was brought to the table. We also had the signature bubble bread, which was as good as I remembered. My eggplant dish was perfectly done, the eggplant thinly sliced, cooked to tenderness, then rolled and stuffed with ricotta and mozarrella cheeses. Topped with just the right amount of marinara sauce, it was a delicious meal, and I had leftover as it was a generous portion. It also came with a side of pasta, but I was not even able to finish the eggplant, let alone the pasta. One of our party had the Bella Bella salad, which consisted of beautiful fresh greens, fresh seasonal fruit and topped with toasted walnuts. The salad was huge and two of the ladies shared it and a dish of chicken parmesan. The evening was a success, the meal was very good, and service was great. Prices for dinner were moderate to moderately high, but service was very good. As mentioned earlier, this environment is extremely loud. I will go back to Bella, and take The Boy, who loves Italian food.
(4)Cesario M.
This restuarant is trying to be in the "best" catagory. I have gone there several times but not yet have i had the best. Pricey but good atmosphere, sexy, chic. But i will continue to go there because i usually am somewhat satisfied when i leave. I would recommened this place.
(3)Laurie K.
I went with a large group from work, and loved this place. We pretty much tried every appetizer they had - and loved them all. But, the bubble bread is ridiculously delicious. We didn't have to wait because we had a reservation for a large group, but there were lots of people waiting. Parking can be challenging - give yourself a few extra minutes. The server was phenomenal. If I go back to Tallahassee, I will definitely visit again.
(5)Danielle C.
OK, let me begin with a story. I lived in Tallahassee for 4 years. I came here once and it was atrocious. I don't know if they changed owners, chefs, or what, but this place really turned around!!! I was on a road trip with my mother not to long ago, and on our last night in town, we wanted a relaxing, filling dinner. Obviously, the options in Tally are never great, so I decided to give this place another go! Now I wish I had gone here more often! We were sat at a nice table close to the bar. The decor in the restaurant was so cool! Lots of different light fixtures, colored lights, dark wood tables. And it was clean! Our waiter was so nice and friendly and gave us some recommendations! We ordered a bottle of wine (albeit, mom pointed to the wrong one and ended up ordering the most expensive wine on the menu--IT WAS PHENOM). We also started with the cheese bread that everyone on Yelp raved about. Oh man, were they right. The bread was delicious and cheesy and so flavorful! The dipping marinara was very good too! For our entrees, mom ordered a ravioli dish. It was just ok, but she enjoyed it. I ordered this Spinach and Ricotta cannolinis and it came with a side of spaghetti and marinara. The marinara was different from the cheese bread dipping sauce and wasn't as good, but the spaghetti was cooked well. The cannolinis were SOOOOO GOOOD! Oh my goodness I ate every last bit, I was so embarrassed! Mom was jealous of my dish, she talked about it for a week! We couldn't make room for dessert! Will definitely have to go back next time we are in town. But if you're looking for a cool place to check out with Italian food (better than Olive Garden) definitely come here!
(4)Cassie G.
Bella Bella is our favorite Italian in town, the food is consistently tasty, the portions are huge and the specials are always good. I prefer to sit in the original part of the restaurant, rather than the front part, but we recently sat out on their patio and it was super cute!
(4)Jonathan K.
Great Experience Best Italian cuisine in Tallahassee. Excellent wait staff, reasonable prices, local Proof Brewing beer on tap. Very good appetizers and specials. This was a really good experience. No reservations required, great ambiance. They have an outdoor eating area that would be great when the weather permits. I would definitely go back!
(5)Anna S.
Nothing earth shattering, but a nice, decent homey Italian joint. Beers by the pitcher and some nice local beer on tap too. Had the eggplant rollatini and meat lasagna. Meat lasagna was deelish and though the eggplant was good, I kind of wished that I had the lasagna (fiancé ordered it). Service was quick and efficient. Nice place, but not sure if I would because the restaurant scene in Tallahassee is growing quickly and I felt that this establishment was just mediocre.
(3)Mary Ann T.
Great service, food, and atmosphere! ! You can smell the fresh garlic in the food !! A must try!!!!
(5)Juancho V.
Our dining experience at Bella Bella is so consistently great. We occasionally spend more at other notable restaurants, then find ourselves missing the warmth and flavor of the people and food at Bella Bella. The fish special runs out early on the weekends, and for good reason. Nobody handles fresh fish better. Redfish, Snapper, Cobia, just order it and relax. It is a sure thing. For those that truly know, the jalapeño sweet potato bisque is worth the visit itself. Best value and experience in town for food and service.
(5)Elizabeth S.
Had a great dinner with friends. Waitress was really sweet and had good suggestions for wine. She let me taste three before I decided. I had the mushroom ravioli special which was delicious. Highly recommended.
(5)Denise S.
Loved this place, got the bubble bread, cannelloni and house salad, was delish!! Priced reasonably. Only problem was we parker next to Music Masters at 8:30 (it was closed) and came out to find that our car had been towed across town. Thumbs up to Bella Bella for the warning on the front door, however we were visiting and didn't realize we parked there...
(5)Tom M.
Incredibly loud; impossible to talk, think, or enjoy the meal, which was average at best. The "rock concert" atmosphere made for a very uncomfortable meal. In contrast, there was an intimate and QUIET bar lounge where one could have drinks and appetizers but not dinner. Definitely NOT RECOMMENDED for a date. Thomas L.
(1)Cory H.
If you want to go to a place with good food, this is the place for you. Their food is delicious! My favorites are the bubble bread and the manicotti. I love their dessert options as well. This place is a little pricy, but the portions are good. This place is great for parties and gatherings. I would definitely come back!
(5)Kelsey D.
The food is awesome. The wait staff is very good. Make sure to order the bubble bread. There is usually a long wait on a Friday or Saturday night but they have a nice lounge waiting area to order drinks and appetizers. Great for date night.
(5)Christopher H.
This is the place you take someone for a date night. It just exudes that vibe so perfectly and almost guarantees a great time. The talked about bubble bread is well worth the price. So is the chicken gnocchi soup. It is a little darker than I would have liked it to be, but the candle light suffices and really makes that atmosphere.
(4)Roland W.
A great experience. We had an after Thanksgiving family get together; Some of which, came in from Jacksonville. The service was great. The menu was excellent. We were even able to accommodate the vegan of the group. See you guys again, real soon.
(4)Sammy S.
Another strong value in Tallahassee. Great food at decent prices. Why don't other restaurants get it?? I love this place and the people that work there.
(5)PriscillA R.
My absolute fav restaurant ever. I have loved every single item I've ever had here. I love the atmosphere, the BUBBLE BREAD, the Bella Bella salad! When I moved to California, I would always crave Bella Bella. Great place for a date, or a night out with the girls.
(5)Scott H.
Very good little Italian joint in Tallahassee. About 5min off FSU campus. Very neat decor (trendy but casual). Food was above average but about what you would expect from a small (Non-Chain) establishment. Crowd and Operators seem young. The "Bubble Bread" is their headline starter and is VERY GOOD! Basically Hot Dog Buns covered in tons of Cheese, Garlic and Herbs and browned up until the cheese is golden brown and "Bubbly". Comes with a great marinara sauce. They have a cocktail called the ABC that is supper good if you like whiskey. Their Chicken Parmesan is very good.
(4)Katherine M.
This is a date sort of restaurant, or at least something more of a fancier affair. I say this because I had just gotten out of work and was starving after a loooong Friday so a Co-worker and I decided to check it out. Not super appropriate for what we had been looking for at the moment but I'd much rather eat delicious food and word later about what i'm talking about with my friends at a restaurant. The menu doesn't have a lot of variation but from all of the tips for the Bubble Bread I could not resist and gave it a try. What a fantastic idea that was! (thanks again fellow yelpers). Basically if I could vote for most delicious cheesy garlic heaven bread, this takes the cake, and I don't mean just Tallahassee, I mean everywhere in the United States. It's heavenly. Besides that i had chicken parmesan and my friend had the shrimp alfredo. I was happy with my chicken parmesan, but the pasta that came with it, I felt like it was a much smaller serving than I had thought, which makes me feel like it's better suited for when i'm hungry but want the right amount of food instead of i've been at work all day and just want to eat everything because I skipped lunch to make a deadline sort of thing. I think the Shrimp alfredo was excellent though because that is what my friend kept raving about later. The food is simple, but with Bella Bella, simplicity at it's finest.
(4)Cindy P.
Excellent food and service tonight! Bubble bread is a must have. All of our entrees were so yummy. The chocolate caramel moose was delicious. Best restaurant I've been to in Tallahassee . Will definitely go back soon!!!
(5)Nancy T.
Love this place!! The staff and owners are so nice and knowledgeable about the menu. The specials change daily and are always fabulous and they have a good wine list. Love the ambiance...very comfortable and inviting. Definitely one if our favorites. Amazing food!!
(4)Jessica L.
Best bread ever!! And the Grecian Turkey sandwich is one of the best sandwiches in Tallahassee!!
(4)Emans E.
What an excellent meal! I had the fish over the gnocchi with the tiramisu for dessert (damned good). The bubble bread was also a hit. I highly recommend this place. You won't be disappointed.
(5)John D.
We absolutely love this place. I had the trout special and it was wonderful!! Make sure to start off with the Bubble Bread!!! Highly recommended!! The service and atmosphere is great!!
(5)Barry L.
Good Italian food - the sauce is not over sugared. I found the prices to be high for the value but then again this is a college town. Overall good food, it gets busy but the staff is great. Definitely recommend.
(4)Sarah S.
I was craving Italian last night and knew Bella Bella would be the perfect place to go. It was only my second time going and for the second time, I was completely satisfied! Me and my boyfriend split the bubble bread, because HELLO, who goes to Bella Bella and doesn't order bubble bread!? And it was phenomenal, as always. Right out of the oven and still bubbling! For my main meal I always order one of the specials. Which happened to be seared Pork Chops with Fried Rice and some type of greens that tasted just like asparagus ( I honestly do not remember the name). And my boyfriend ordered the other special of Red Fish over a type of rice pudding ( of which I cannot remember the name) and sautéed spinach. As we waited for our entrees, we munched on the bubble bread and then moved onto our salads. I had Caesar and he has the House. Both of us cleaned our plates! Including the plate full of bubble bread ;P Right before our entrees were served they offered us regular baked bread with some butter, which neither one of us ate very much of because we didn't want to spoil our dinner. So by the time dinner arrived neither one of us were starving anymore and we enjoyed a few bites of our meal and our server boxed the rest up for us to take home for later. Both of us really enjoyed our meal and the atmosphere was perfect for an early dinner. My only complaint is that it was freezing in there! It definitely could have been just a touch warmer and it would have made our experience a little more comfortable. TIP: bring a coat!
(5)Abigail K.
Had a group of 7 of us. Very nice and accommodating for us walking in last minute! I had my usual bubble bread and roasted garlic ravioli with Gorgonzola cheese. It was to die for as usual. I have been there multiple times but tried the Caesar salad for the first time and it was the best Caesar salad that I have had in Tallahassee!
(5)Robin B.
I recently went there with a large group. The food was excellent. I had the eggplant parmigna...it was delish ! The bubble bread is so addictive. The service was amazing especially for such a large group ( 20 ). I would definitely recommend.
(5)Jeffrey T.
The bubble bread was AMAZING! Service was friendly and quick, the only reasons why this establishment has been cut short of 5 stars, drink price and food was slightly colder then it should of been. It was still an amazing time at Bella Bella!
(4)Justin F.
I spent my first date here with the love of my life. It has a great atmosphere, great wine, and authentic Italian food. The prices are reasonable compared to the number of Italian chains in Tallahassee. Everything is good so go with intent of going back! I come back time after time.
(5)Matt W.
Very tasty Italian fare in Tallahassee. I have been to Bella Bella twice now, and both times I thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the service. Both times were on weekend nights, however, and the place was crazy busy! First, Bella Bella has a decent amount of ambiance, I suppose, as the lights have been dimmed low during both of my visits. I really don't care to eat in the dark, but I guess I'm just used to the sterile fluorescent light of a 24-hour McDonald's. In any case, there can be a bit of a wait, but I've personally been lucky in that regard and was seated quickly during both visits (small parties). My dish of choice here is the Lasagna. I've always found Lasagna to be very hit or miss at restaurants, and fortunately Bella Bella's is a definite hit! It is a generous portion, very rich, with the perfect combination of pasta, cheese, and meat. Most of the dishes are in the $14-$20 dollar range, with the Lasagna being at the low end of that. They bring out complementary bread and butter (which is very good) and with the meals you get your choice of soup or salad. I have chosen the Caesar salad and theirs is a very good iteration! Of course, as the other reviews mention, you can also get a variety of appetizers, including the apparently famous "bubble bread." It is quite good, and you get a decent amount for $7. It is essentially cheesy bread with a side of marinara for dipping. The bubble bread is perfectly delightful, but honestly tastes about the same as the cheesy bread at Hungry Howie's (which I also like). Finally, Bella Bella has a small but decent wine list and selection of high end beers, which are all the rage right now. I wish I could tell you which beer I had, but I can't remember. Must have been one of those potent IPAs!
(4)Cee G.
Awesome food and atmosphere but a little pricey. Good quality though so you get what you pay for! Amazing Italian! Love this place!
(5)Sebastian L.
Great place for a date or for an intimate dinner setting with friends. They don't take reservations on weekends, but they have a nice lounge area where you can order drinks and appetizers while you wait for your table. Food is delicious and service is outstanding. Several staff members make sure you have a nice experience, and the drinks are good as well.
(5)Annie D.
I went on a Saturday night celebrating my friends' birthdays. The ambiance was nice, however, there was no place to wait for a table. You either had to stand in the hall of the door, where every person going in and out of the restaurant would be face to face with you, or stand in the awkward area where servers and hostess would run food also forcing them to be face to face with you. Once we sat, our server was nice; made sure we got everything we needed. Food was decent, definitely didn't think it was worth the price. I ordered the Spinach and Roasted Garlic Ravioli while my husband ordered the Chicken Parmesan. The chicken was very juicy and tasty but mine fell flat. It was dry and the sauce was way wrong. It should have either been served with a white, rosa, or pesto sauce. The red tasted like it was out of a can. However, the bubble bread is as delicious as they say and recommend it. You really can't go wrong with bread, cheese, and butter!
(3)David P.
This is mine and my wife's go to spot. I'm sure there is better Italian restaurants in NYC, CHI, or Jersey.lol But in Tallahassee choices are slim and good restaurants are hard to find. Appetizers: obviously the bubble bread is good, but the stuffed mushrooms are the best I've ever had, but they are expensive for 6-7 little caps...step it up Bella I want more caps on my plate for $7. This food is consistent. They have the best Ceaser salad I have ever tasted but I usually opt out and get a soup special, the soup is always pretty good, if they have a beer soup get it, you will love it. My favorite entree is the Eggplant Rolatini and anything with shrimp is good, they have good shrimp not sure why, I would think it is frozen but maybe not. Two things I have wanted to complain about: First is the cold butter they serve you with your bread, come on cold butter how annoying to break my bread into crumbs trying to spread that cold stuff. Second I am sick of hearing about the delicious sides you serve with your fish specials, but will not allow those sides to be served with entrees...not everyone likes fish. I just ask that you please offer those yummy risottos and macaroni and cheeses as a side, that I am always willing to pay extra for. You allowed me twice to get it as a side and then I have been turned down twice, that made me want to walk out but my wife would not let me. Other than that inconsistency of side item requests I will return as always and I will ask the waitress not to waste her breath with the fish special and yummy sides that I am not allowed to have or buy.
(4)Sara L.
Incredible. Great service and handmade dishes. Strongly recommend the hummus appetizer and meatball entree.
(5)Tristan H.
All I had was the tiramisu and a cup of Joe (first time I visited). Tiramisu was delicious, definitely will get again. Coffee, just Community Coffee - nothing too special. Nice service though. Came again to have dinner and oh yea... Good good good. All around good. Service. Food. BUBBLE BREAD!
(4)Danielle E.
Let me just start off with..as you walk through the front door you are greeted by a huge specials board and if you peer to the left, into the kitchen, you'll be impressed by dueling microwaves tirelessly working to bring your soon to be dinner to piping hot perfection. This place is a joke! Go buy some Barilla and Prego sauce and you've had the equivalent to Bella Bella. And for the really adventurous, try the famed "bubble bread" - gobs of cheese, oily garlic butter substance all a top a (more then likely) microwaved hoagie roll! Now on to my entree. Lasagna with Italian sausage. Sounds good right?! Try layers of slippery noodles and a heaping of ricotta cheese...with Italian sausage lightly sprinkled on top. Not within each layer...only on top! ... At least the wine and beer selection was good!!
(1)Erin K.
I came here with a good friend and let me just start out by saying...bubble bread is 100% made with fairy dust. Like WHAT IS IN THAT!? Our waitress asked if we wanted it and I had never been to Bella Bella before so I asked what it entailed and obviously she had me at bread and cheese but it. is. so. much. more. The prices are great for what you get- we split a bottle of cab, had bubble bread, 2 chicken parms (which come with a side salad, zing!) and dessert and both spent about $40 including tip! Not too bad, y'all. Not too bad at all. However, my only complaint is that our waitress seemed really...bored? Cavalier? I don't know what she was but she was not excited about being our server. I am a server myself so I understand that sometimes we have off days where we fail tests, break up with boyfriends, or what have you, but...I think she was just like that all the time. Kind of off putting. I felt like I was annoying her. If i was, sorry boo boo. I would definitely eat here again- the prices are excellent as is the food. And the manager is very nice and seems like she really knows what she's doing.
(4)Gareth C.
This is the best Italian food in Tallahassee. They have a great wine selection, and I recently discovered that their craft beer selection is almost as good. Their "Bubble Bread" appetizer is a tradition for those that come here regularly so I strongly encourage trying it! I have yet to have anything on this menu that wasn't quality. My sister, who spent a semester in Italy, has said this place is high quality for America.
(5)Valerie G.
Like someone else said, the bubble bread alone is good enough to give them 5 stars - and indeeed, the bubble bread and service are the sole reasons why I'm writing a 4 star review. Having lived immediately next to a quaint authentic Italian restaurant in NYC, I know homemade pasta when I see it and that's not what you'll find at Bella Bella. Additionally, their drinks are, in my opinion, extremely overpriced. However, I would meet someone up for some bubble bread before a night out drinking on the town because it is THAT good (and reasonably priced). Also, kudos to our server Sarah and her coworkers, who did everything they possibly could to ensure we were satisfied with our meal - if you know anything about me, you know service is probably 80% of my entire dining experience so there you have it! Try the bubble bread or kick yourself in the butt later :)
(4)Stella H.
The Bubble Bread is to die for!! Food is super good! It does get a little loud when it is prime dining time due to the hardwood floors. Not much to look at on the outside but the bubble bread is worth stopping for everytime I come to town!!!
(5)Melissa B.
I was disappointed. Yes, the bubble bread was delicious, but the Veal Parmesan special was disappointing, and the service was not very good.
(2)V G.
It's because of places like this, that I'm so grateful for Yelp. We were in town for a race weekend and didn't know anyone around who could recommend a fantastic dinner spot. Cue Yelp. Mixed reviews, but I'm not sure as to WHY. This restaurant was excellent. We walked right in on a chilly night, no wait. It was a big-game weekend (FSU vs. UM) and we were adorned in UM gear while in hostile territory. That didn't mean a thing here. Everyone was nice to all five of us, very attentive. The food was excellent. We had the chicken parmesan and the manicotti. Bubble bread as an appetizer (which was delicious) and the delectable tiramisu to finish it all off. Absolutely NO complaints. Our server was Bruce and he made sure we always had our drinks topped off and that everything was to par. They surpassed our expectations and we could not have been happier to have found this little place in the middle of a tiny, hilly town. It's just one of those places you wouldn't bump into unless you Yelped it. I wish there was a Bella Bella in Miami, although Miamians would ruin that cozy feel for certain. We'll see you again for next year's race, Bella Bella! Keep up the great work!
(5)Karl W.
Had dinner at Bella Bella for the first time tonight. I have to admit being an Italian restaurant and my pickiness when it comes to Italian food I was not sure. I ordered the special and it was excellent, stuffed ravioli with portabella mushroom and chicken. Also had a Shutaki Mushroom soup. It was also quite good. What really brought themealtogether was a cheese board. Had a great selection of cheeses meats.and Presuto stuffed vinegar peppers. Worth going again. Service was attentive and good.
(4)Renee C.
Ate here this weekend for the first time. Service and atmosphere was very nice. Young and hip and very friendly and professional. I had the house salad with gorganzola dressing-YUMMY! We shared the bubble bread which really is bread with sauce and cheese-good. I had the special meatballs and spaghetti. The meatballs were good but fell apart and crumbled as soon as you stuck your fork in them. The pasta was so obviously old. It was in no way freshly made. The sauce was good but way too much for the pasta and meatballs. The sauce should coat the pasta not drown it in. I lived in Italy for 4 years and they should not serve shaved parm for pasta. It should be grated and goes better than big chunks of it. Overall it was a 7 out of 10. I will go back again and try another dish just so I can say I gave them a chance.
(3)Phillip W.
Service was fine, but for the price, the food did not live up to the value for the price. I've had better food at lesser priced establishments. This next part is really not related strictly to Bella Bella, but I have never understood a restaurant's propensity to rape people for a bottle of wine. A bottle of White Zinfandel, that can be purchased at any grocery store for $3 should not cost $24 at a restaurant. Restaurants insult my intelligence when they do this.
(3)Matt M.
I really wanted to like this restaurant with it's cool interior and hip vibe. But alas, service was just okay and the food was really nothing special. My daughter loved the stuffed mushrooms and bubble bread, although I did not get a chance to try them. My ravioli was prepared well, but the gorgonzola completely overwhelmed the spinach it was supposed to compliment. Everyone else said their food was good, but not great, about the sane as nine. Parking was also an issue, which is not surprising for that area. To end on a good note, the desserts were fantastic although I forgot to ask if they were made there are bought. I would guess they were bought elsewhere. Oh, and make sure you order the Bubble Bread!
(3)Catherine H.
So, the Bubble Bread. Yup. Garlicky cheesy goodness. Went for dinner last Friday, kind of pricey but worth it. I had spinach and garlic ravioli - it was amazing but super filling. Even Tristan was full, and he is usually my own personal human food vacuum. Decent wine selection, quality service. We didn't have enough room for dessert, but I've been for dessert once before - incredible tiramisu and good coffee. We came home stinking of garlic, but all in all I'd say that's not really a bad thing.
(4)Evelyn B.
The food was very good. My mom and I got the chicken lasagna special and bubble bread appetizer. We only had water to drink and it was $43. So a little pricier than I usually enjoy, but not too bad and the food was excellent.
(5)Mark T.
Outstanding service and meal. Could not believe I was dining in tallahassee. Requested a spinach salad which was not on the menu and they made it great ! Also had the artichoke soup which was wonderful ! The food was expensive and worth it but at the price for me it is a special occasion resturaunt.
(4)Anne P.
I've heard a lot of rave reviews for Bella Bella, so I decided to try it out on my date tonight. The restaurant itself is very charming and parking wasn't too bad (although we were there right at opening time). However, the food was pretty disappointing overall. The caesar salad lacked the richness and umami I usually long for in a caesar (way too much lemon in the dressing). The bubble bread was good until I recognized the secret ingredient - and it subsequently overwhelmed each bite I took. For entrees, I ordered the special - smoked chicken ravioli with a rosemary cream sauce. The ravioli were very flavorful but the sauce was like water. I had to be careful in eating my ravioli not to splash the milky substance everywhere. It was definitely not a cream sauce and could have stood much more reduction. My companion ordered the spinach and garlic ravioli. Similarly, his ravioli were good but his sauce was disappointing. It was basically flavorless and was served lukewarm. Overall, the food seemed decent but lacking that certain something that would elevate it to being delicious. The service was also adequate but was certainly nothing to rave about. We received our bread at an awkward time (right as I was finishing my entree, I was thinking it was dessert bread for a second..) and our waitress barely checked in with us during the evening. At the end of dinner, my companion and I both decided that the food was adequate, but hardly worth the elevated price tag. Most likely we won't be returning in the future.
(2)Jim M.
Excellent locally owned Italian eatery. While not quite a regular due to retail wages when I have a special meal I almost always choose Bella Bella. Their regular meals are fantastic and their specials are always a delight. And bubble bread is an addiction unto itself. Beer selection (for a hophead) is always good with Magic Hat, Sierra Nevada and other microbrews (the more prevalent names) on the list. I'm not a wine fellow but have been assured by my girlfriend and her family that its top notch at Bella. And while slightly pricier in the college town of Tallahassee, I've walked out with a much smaller bill than many chains like Carrabba's and the rest of their ilk.
(5)Keagan W.
I've gotten take out from here once. Was pretty good.
(4)Emily P.
My goodness gracious....where to begin... mmm.....mmmmmmmmmm....mmmmmm probably with the bubble bread....holy bejeezers this stuff is so cheesy and tasty....and their marinara sauce may be my all-time favorite. everything is just full of flavor.... we sampled the baked tortellini and a chef salad....and the portions are outrageously big. I mean, we barely put a dent in it. I love the location and the decorations....great place to go for some good italian food! the service was also wonderful. I don't even remember which one was our server really....they kind of tag team the room....so we never went without anything.
(5)AaronErin D.
While visiting friends that live in Tallahassee they recommended we go to Bella Bella for dinner our first night in town... Very busy spot! We waited for our table while enjoying drinks in the back lounge area which was very cozy. The place was packed, not sure if they take reservations or not but I strongly recommend trying. Once sat in the dining room we were immediately noticed by a very friendly waitress. When given specials and asked if the dishes were made there the waitress told us she had no idea. Kind of odd not to know the menu or product? I personally ordered the Veggie lasagna and a house salad with the Gorgonzola dressing, that dressing was the best part of my meal. My fiancé ordered the French onion soup with was nothing exciting, not enough flavor or cheese. He also ordered a seafood ravioli special and he said it was okay at best, wouldn't order it again. Our friends ordered the fish special that evening and enjoyed it very much. We enjoyed the atmosphere very much, loved the unique tables and decor. Overall a okay time, would come back just for that amazing salad dressing!
(3)Chef S.
On the way to Orlando we stopped here. Beside yelp 3.5 star review we decided to give it a shot. Since most of the 4-5 star reviews seemed very convincing. I will have to say we had the best experience in a long time. The whole experience was great. Te hostess was very warm and welcoming, loved her smile, checked on us after seating a sign of taking pride in your work and confidence. The waitress was right on the mark she knew to give us space and making excellent recommendations. All the reviews are right on it was noisy in the bar side or the seating area, but in my opinion it was a plus to ambiance. Me, wife and two little ones had great time. On the way back to Austin, We are definitely driving by there to try them on more time. Oh yes live the chandeliers and theme they have, very Austin like place.
(5)Ted M.
Pretty simple Italian food. Bubble bread was a unique dish and worth a try. Basic atmosphere with a basic Italian menu. Meh.
(3)Lady D.
I'm not sure if it was the wonderful company, the atmosphere or the food but I enjoyed my evening at Bella Bella's! I started with sin zin and an order of bubble bread. Yelpers were right- this was good stuff! Don't count fat grams or calories when ordering. The cheesey bread had a wonderful light flavor and it was accompanied by a light marinara sauce. After tasting the bubble bread, I did not even want to try my friend's bruchetta. Hubby ordered a number 9 pale ale and he loved it. His house salad was a spring green mix with croutons, cheese and balsamic. I chose the side of French onion soup. Oh my God- what a flavor rich broth!! Beefy, onionie, and wonderful. Perfect balance of bread, cheese and soup. I will order this again! It was flavor heaven. Now for the meals. Friend ordered spaghetti and meatballs. Huge portions of meatballs and he said they had a great flavor. There were a lot of leftovers for him. Friend 2 ordered chicken parm. Out came a large flattened Chicken served over angel hair pasta. It must have been wonderful because the entire dish was licked clean. Hubby ordered the sicilian lasagna and was pleased even though it wasn't quite as good as his own cooking. It had sweet Italian sausge, riccotta, and sauce with a layer of mozzarella on the top. He would have liked each layer to have mozzarella. Now for my dish- eggplant rollatini. Five stars. Five!! Fried eggplant rolled around a cheesey flavorful concoction, baked - hot loving goodness. It was good the next day for breakfast! I am going to compare this to Rocco's Italian restaurant in Crystal River. I thought their eggplant rollatini was the best. We'll see. Oh, their house Cabernet was good as was the white- so I was told by those white wine drinkers. So why only 4 stars? The sauce on the spaghetti was - uninspired. I loved the marinara on the bubble bread and I'm not sure if it was the same sauce but I don't think so. It just needed something but I'm not sure what. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Steve R.
I just got back from eating at Bella Bella and i thought it was really awesome. Probably one of the best restaurants in TLH. We started off with the stuffed mushrooms which were dripping in melted cheese and garlic. They were absolutely delicious. My house salad was really good and i had the creamey garlic dressing which i could tell was homemade. It didnt come from a bottle. The french onion soup was next and was bursting with flavor. I didnt think i liked french onion soup but this was bursting with flavor and had tons of cheese. My entree was spinich and garlic stuffed ravioli. It had a very herbey, leafey taste to it. It was different but i completely enjoyed it. The meal was perfect from start to finish. Our waitress was really good too. She was knowledgeable about the dishes on the menu and really seemed to enjoy her job. I'll most definitely go back here.
(4)Lia P.
Bella Bella is small and cute and has great Italian food. Parking is tricky but not impossible, you just have to walk a little bit. Seating can be a little awkward because of the size of the restaurant. The food is really good though. Definitely get the bubble bread, the canneloni, the house salad, and usually whatever fish special they have is good too. The tiramassu is the best way to end your meal.
(5)April K.
I live in Orlando but sometimes have horrible cravings for Bella Bella's Gorgonzola pasta dish, bubble bread, and a glass of wine. Super cute atmosphere, superior service, and great pasta dishes. What more could you ask for, ever? Several of my friends order their baked pastas on a regular basis and love them. Now if I could convince the owners to open a second location in Orlando...
(4)Awesome 8.
Being a native New Yorker, I am naturally skeptical of any Italian place outside the NY/NJ area. But since my mom was in town and wanted Italian I decided it would be a good place to check out since I had heard it was pretty good. It was definately better then I expected and I was very happy with my pesto chicken melt and my moms taragon chicken salad was fresh and delicious as well. The service was good and the place itself is nice. Overall a pretty good dining experience and one that I definately recommend.
(4)Krystal T.
I've been taken here for lunch twice by work colleagues and have loved it each time. You MUST have bubble bread if you come here - cheesy, delicious bread served with marinara sauce that I could probably just eat two orders of and be happy. I've tried several of their sandwiches and have loved them. Neither was so large and overstuffed you couldn't bite into it but were just the right size. I'm always urged to try the Bella Bella Salad but haven't yet - it always looks impressive when it arrives for a fellow diner! The staff are always friendly and helpful even during the busy lunch hours when I've visited. The dining room is noisy though so if you're looking for a quiet place for lunch either choose an outdoor table or go another time.
(4)Lu R.
Not sure why everyone in town seems to love this place. It's okay. Have tried a few things for lunch (bubble bread, red pepper hummas, fried cheese, soups, chicken, greek, and caesar salads, lasagnas, melts, etc.) and dinner (cannelloni, raviolis, and fish) and have never walked away craving to go back for seconds. The service has been hit or miss. The owners/managers (I'm guessing they are they owners because of the pride they take in the place and effort they give) are awesome and bend over backwards to try and ensure you have a great experience. But we've been disappointed with both members from the waitstaff and bartenders. A nice layout and ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating. Unfortunately the food keeps one wanting for more.
(2)Crispian G.
i only come here for the salad which is really good but everything i see on other peoples tables looks really good. look forward to trying one of their pasta entrees in the near future
(4)Dana T.
Food is generally pretty good, though I've had better (and cheaper!). The best thing here is the bubble bread. They put gorgonzola cheese on it along with the mozzarella, which gives the flavor a wonderfully sharp bite that can only come from moldy, stinky cheese :) If it weren't for the bubble bread though, I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to eat here that often, but it is certainly decent.
(3)m d.
Heard so much about this place but when I went it was just a "meh". Average, sort of bland Italian fare. Bubble Bread was good though. Wait staff was good, if a little unfriendly but I hate overly friendly servers, so I can overlook that. Maybe I went on an off night? I'll try again sometime, but really... Tally's not really known for excellent, authentic Italian food (or anything else besides outrageously crooked politicians) is it?
(3)Phyllis S.
Valentine's Night 2011. YES goodness the place was packed! However my date and I sat at the bar ordered a bottle of wine and chatted as if one one else was there. Cool looking bar and good bar guy. An hour later as promised we got our table. We were in no hurry. We had Veal Osco Bucco ~ yummy dinner enough for two with Risotto. Tapa with Smoked Salmon, good salad, tasty Cream of Tomato soup. The meal was evenly paced. The place was busy as heck. We enjoyed. You will too. If on Valentine's Day you can enjoy, just imagine what it would be like on a "regular" day
(4)Rodney H.
2 nights in a row and I may come back tomorrow. Chillin at the bar with a nice glass of read and the food is awesome! Service is great and I look very much forward to many meals here after I move down from Birmingham!
(4)Robin E.
Ok, first time here in 7 years. Greatly improved. I was surprised by the lack of a children's menu. They said we could order an appetizer like mozzarella sticks or cocoanut shrimp for her. Not really what I wanted for my 2 1/2 yr old. I ended up getting a side of pasta with red sauce. They gave her a huge helping pasta and maybe 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce. I just asked for some parmesan cheese and then she was happy. The bubble bread appetizer was good flavorful cheesy garlic bread. I recommend it. The Torpedo beer was very good similar to an IPA (not nutty as waiter described). My husband says the cauliflower cheese soup is good. The pasta Alfredo with chicken is ok too. I had an eggplant dish and I forget the name, but it was really good. The eggplant was rolled and stuffed with a ricotta mixture and topped with a red sauce, it came w a side or angle hair pasta and marinara sauce (very garlicky sauce). Over all we enjoyed the meal and our waiter was friendly, helpful and attentive. I'd give them a five if they had a kid friendly selection, like spaghetti and meatballs or grilled cheese and fruit.
(4)Enrique V.
There are so many mixed reviews on this place, so I'm going to put in my two cents. Another couple and us went to Bella Bella just for desert. I have never been there for anything else so I can't judge the food. Our friends ordered an almond cream pie. We had a couple of bites and it was very good. We ordered the coconut cream cake and it was exquisite. We also ordered a couple of espressos that we very good. Overall the place is very romantic and cozy. There was a guy there playing the guitar which was very nice. We thought the place was great and so was the service. I look forward to having a more extensive meal there.
(4)Ed K.
Again, I'm left with an experience in Tally that leaves me wanting so desperately to leave a glowing review, but just can't. The feel of the place is GREAT! It even reminded us of a swanky wine bar in Manhattan, and the service we got as we ordered dinner at the bar was also great (I think Cara was her name and we couldn't ask for a better experience. She was attentive, friendly and capable but unobtrusive.) The food though... It came out quickly even while the restaurant was packed...but maybe they should've taken just a few more moments. My risotto was undercooked - crunchy in spots - and way too cheesy. It overwhelmed the grouper which in contrast was done well and subtly flavored. The baked ziti was edible, but tasted like they had gotten too many of their ingredients from a can. Tally, what is it about you that makes it acceptable for restaurants to be just "ok??" WHY?!?!?!?!?!! Arg.
(2)Kenneth M.
Bubble bread is a must order! I had seared grouper with rosemary lemon risotto, which was EXCELLENT! I ate, started to hurt, but kept eating. The service was polite but slow, so this is not the place to go, if you're in a hurry.
(4)Ivan B.
A hands down solid Italian spot in Tallahassee. It is one of those cozy and homey little spots that you would not expect such a greatness from. I took my mom and sister here when they were visiting since they wanted some pasta. I have only heard great things of this place. When we drove up we had to park in this funky little lot and so many people waiting were dressed very fancy. Inside is dimly lit with local artwork on the wall and candles to set the mood. Definitely a cute date spot and for cocktail hour time. Now the food was totally on point here. Bubble bread was the bomb Cheesy warm goodness that melted in my mouth. I tried not to eat it all since I needed room for the actual meal. I got the lasagna and the sauces with the strong meaty taste was so hearty. I wanted more and more! The glass of Cabernet I paired with it was also an excellent choice. My mom had a shrimp scampi that just oozed with the wonderful smell of garlic. Then my sister had her Cannelloni that disappeared quickly off the plate. Each entree also came with a salad or soup. The salad was pretty basic, but my mom loved her broccoli cheddar soup. Service was actually surprisingly fast and the waitresses were all very kind and sweet. My only little nit picky thing is that the prices are a little high for the small portion size you get. Great quality food otherwise! Will definitely be returning here in the future!
(4)Matthew C.
The quaint, Italian restaurant left me and my valentine completely satisfied. Although a lengthy wait, we were served attentively by the wait staff who had their hands full on a busy Valentine's Day evening. The Caprese salad, the appetizer special, was fresh and delicious - bright tomatoes and salty mozzarella cheese balls made for a balanced first course. (Also we were comped for the appetizer because it took "longer than usual" for it to come out). Up next for me was the Sicilian Lasagna filled with hearty Italian sausage. Coming from a heavy-handed Italian household, I can speak from a privileged expertise that this dish was on point. Included with entrees are choice of soup of the day or house or Caesar salad, and fresh bread. A fairly cheap beer menu forced me to indulge in a cold one at dinner. Bella Bella is a wonderful restaurant, excellent for dates and/or large parties. Come hungry and leave stuffed, the way Italians intended.
(4)Geo G.
Our party of 6 had an excellent time at Bella Bella. It truly is a beautiful and delicious restaurant. The food is very fresh and tasty with LARGE portions for everyone to share. Great family restaurant AND also a great date night spot, as we saw many couples. The service was quick and friendly, we had zero complaints. Such a great find!
(5)Russell B.
Great food and atmosphere. Staff were attentive. Would recommend!
(4)Rob L.
Very good. Nice bar area. Good selection from the menu. Really good specials. Service was adequate. Best Italian in Tally!
(4)Tiffany B.
So good! Absolutely one of the best italian restaurants in town. Service was great, food excellent and prices very reasonable. Had the chicken parm and chicken piccata at our table and both were great! Can't wait to return!
(5)Mackenzie M.
Bella Bella is a Tallahassee favorite and I can definitely see the appeal. The service was polite and fast, the setting was cozy, and the food had enough cheese to satisfy any Wisconsin native. The parking was a little awkward to navigate and very dark as there are no lights in the back so I suggest getting there before sunset if possible (or parallel parking on the street if you are able - both physically and by availability). We shared the infamous bubble bread and I must say that was my favorite part of the whole meal. The bread was warm, soft and fluffy on the inside, and slightly crunchy on the outside. The cheese atop the bread was perfectly prepared as well. Everything I was hoping for. I had cannelloni filled with cheese and covered in a red sauce while Victor had manicotti with veal covered in Alfredo sauce. They were both yummy, but nothing mind blowing here. The salads, however, were awesome! The Caesar salad had fresh house made croutons that were to die for and the mandarin oranges and walnuts in the House salad were delectable. Perfect combination of flavors in both. I had a glass of Italia Ruffino Moscato d'Asti which was light, sweet, and amazing (forgive my poor wine grammar). Victor had the Hoddy Toddy which was a surprisingly palatable apple, green tea, and bourbon mix. Very strong though and served warm. We finished off the night with creme brûlée that was great! I was kind of hoping it would still be warm, but I'm not sure what the typical serving style is supposed to be. Overall a great experience, but pretty pricey. It was a nice date night but I will probably not frequent Bella Bella based on entrees alone. I'm sure the specials had more to offer (but carried a heavier price tag, too).
(4)MICHELLE C.
A very good Italian restaurant in Tally. I so approve of this great restaurant. My daughter and I came for after her friend the night before told us we have to give it another chance. I had never been there but my daughter did not like her first visit. They have outside seating on their porch which is very cute. This day is was hot and muggy so we dined inside. They have several rooms for dining and the decor is fabulous. Dark, soft lighting, fish tanks, fireplaces, so cool inside. They have a beautiful bar where we sat across from. Our server was wonderful throughout our entire meal. Constantly checking on us and refilling our water and wine. We started with yes of course their famous bubble bread which comes with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Oh yes it was delicious and addicting. The wine list is quite lovely. I ordered a bottle of Cesari Amarone and accidentally picked out the wrong bottle so when I got my bill I was shocked. Ha ha being a wino I did not mind because it was a fabulous bottle that I have always enjoyed. It paired beautifully with what we ordered. My main entree was Spinach Ravioli, the pasta was cooked great, the flavor of the sauce was excellent and the portion was a good size. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My daughter ordered the Eggplant Rollatini and after I tasted one bite I was jealous I did not order this dish, that's how awesome it was. Going in with such low expectations and leaving so full and happy we were so glad we chose to come here. Truly a fun atmosphere, with excellent food and service. Prices are average to above average. Great Italian food, see you on our next visit. For all the FSU students, please take your parents here when they visit you. Well of course they pay the bill n ot you, LOL so yes they will be happy to have such great food.
(4)Rick P.
Went back for lunch and had a better experience. I still didn't like their salad dressings (do they have to put mustard in everything, even their balsamic dressing and their gorganzola dressing?), but I liked the salad otherwise and I gotta say the bubble bread is pretty darn tasty. I also like all of the different seating choices (up front, in the back, outside on the porch, outside on the deck, etc). I'll try them again for dinner.
(3)Michael P.
Best italian restaurant in Tally IMO. It's all about the atmosphere. Some of the dishes are so-so, but it's just a really cool place. The bubble bread alone makes this place a 5! Just go and check it out if you haven't been. The only bad thing I can say about this place is that it is not open on Sunday and it seems everytime I get a bubble bread craving...it's Sunday. The wine list is not the best either.
(5)Karlos W.
Many reviewers use the word "cute" because the place was really small, but it has now expanded a bit. It is still a "chick" dining experience. "Jim Bobs" would feel out of place. The food is quite good and very reasonably priced. Service is enthusiastic and attentive. Our Red Pepper Hummus this evening was served with plenty of perfect pita bread chips, but the red pepper dip was a tad bland. It needs a dash of cumin. The Cannelloni was perfect - just the right amount of basil and cheese in a tender cannelloni. The staff will do their best to recommend a wine that fits your fancy for your meal. Parking on the side of the building and around the back is a problem. There is not much the owners can do about it. This is a great place for those small office lunch celebrations of birthdays and farewells.
(4)Ashley A.
Great atmosphere, great food, even better wine! I really enjoyed going here when I was in Tallahassee. The only downside was that the place is very small and there isnt an area to wait. Also the parking lot is very dark and a little spooky. All worth it becuase the food is good!
(4)Patty M.
What a wonderful find. Food was wonderful. Service was quick and professional. Overall great dinner and dining experience. I can't wait to go back again!!
(5)Whitney S.
This place is so cute! I absolutely love the atmosphere, dimmed lighting and comfy. The food is okay, just not my favorite italian cuisine. It gets pretty packed for dinner, and the dining area is really small. The last time I went was maybe a year ago during winter, so it was too cold to eat outside and I think the bigger room is for reservations? Anyway, cute place, decent food.
(3)Jesse F.
I had lunch there with a friend and business colleague. It was among the best lunches I've ever had in Tallahassee. It was a Tuesday (that's traditionally a slow day for restaurants, no?) and the place was packed and bustling with activity, which I always take as a good sign. (If you want a quick lunch, by all means, stop by Sonic; it's a couple blocks north of Bella Bella.) We shared the appetizer -- fried ravioli with marinara sauce for dipping -- outstanding. I had a cup of Navy Bean and Kale soup, which may sound gross, and I actually ordered it to "be healthy" but later, I wished I had ordered a bigger bowl so that I could have whole my whole face in it. t was smoky, buttery and the beans and greens were ideally tender. Next was Tarragon Chicken Salad over Spring Greens with House Vinaigrette, which was perfect in every way: the chicken salad, moist, creamy and savory; the greens, fresh and crispy (which is amazing, because it was an extremely humid day); and a sous-chef-perfect dressing that I'm sure earns constant comment. For dessert I had black coffee and Ricotta Cheese Pie which was lemony and only semisweet, as it is supposed to be, and tasted as good as my mom's (which she learned from her Italian mother). I would put this place on par with the best lunches I've had in Rome or Florence, Italy. I'd recommend Bella Bella to anyone wanting a leisurely lunch of delicious, chef-quality choices in a busy, bistro-type atmosphere.
(5)