Equal to C`DA without all the fuss. Go before everyone gets it !!!!
(5)
Jay N.
After dinner at Sette tonight, and seeing the two less than enthusiastic reviews for the restaurant so far, I felt lke it was the perfect time to pop my yelp cherry and toss in my own 2 cents. If you're in the market for an incredible Italian meal served in a comfortable and accessible setting by friendly and welcoming staff, then Sette Bello is the place for you. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall location on the corner of Cypress Creek and US-1 (home to an Outback as well), you might not think much of the place from the outside, but inside is a cute and well-thought-out space, and once you try the food you will be hooked. We started by ordering a very reasonably priced bottle of Lyeth pinot noir, which was outstanding. Very approachable wine for those who might just be getting into the red grape varietals. First up was a gorgeous plate of thin-cut and perfectly seasoned tenderloin carpaccio with shaved parmigiano-reggiano and arugula. we gladly accepted the waiter's offer of balsamic and olive oil on the side, which was great lightly drizzled over the tasty raw beef slices. Also really enjoyed the prawns wrapped in pancetta, with the real winner in this dish being the best garlicky escarole to ever pass my lips. Both the chopped salad and the green salad with gorgonzola and champagne viniagrette were right on point. My wife unabashedly exclaimed that her chicken marsala was the best she has ever eaten, and I will say that my Chicken Scarpariella was perfectly done in an extremely tasty red wine and balsamic sauce with great little slices of italian sausage and zesty pepperoncinis and olives completing the dish. a delicious tiramisu completed this amazing dinner, and by the time we finished we were already talking about when we could make it back to Sette. Negatives? The parking lot is a bit small, so you may need to stalk a bit for a spot on busy weekend nights. I honestly cannot think of another. So what are you waiting for???
(5)
Martin O.
On a Saturday night, this is a Fort Lauderdale Senior restaurant. I went there for a family birthday dinner. For starters I ordered a risotto mushroom appetizer, it was served on a flat plate rather than a small bowl and I consequently received a few comments about my order from the family food critics. I tend to like my risotto less watery. There was some very soft warm french bread on the table that I thought was one of the highlights of the evening. For a main course, I ordered a breaded Chicken Milanese, it was also just okay, a bit too tough. The W and I split an order of whole wheat penne with sauteed broccoli rabe ... which was a big nothing according to the W, and I agreed. However, her opinion might have been altered because her main course never arrived although the rest of our table of seven had their order. The order was finally canceled. For dessert, I ordered a chocolate ice cream. On this Saturday early evening, there was live entertainment in the corner including a female vocalist although from where we were sitting, you couldn't hear the lyrics. The parking lot is shared with The Outback restaurant so spaces in front are limited. There are spaces in the back. The side of the restaurant is the next door bank drive up window so be very careful when driving in the parking lot. Overall, not that great of an experience.
(1)
Brian K.
I first dined at Sette Bello approximately a year ago while vacationing in Fort Lauderdale - the overall experience was memorable enough that our group decided to return during a subsequent visit to the area. Unfortunately, the return visit was devoid of several of the qualities that I lauded in my initial review. I was told that the chef and owner was off site due to a familial circumstance, which is understandable - however, the fact that the restaurant is not capable of running on all cylinders in his absence is a glaring warning sign that there's a problem. First, multiple attempts were required in order to successfully obtain a reservation. The staff failed to respond to an initial reservation request left on their voicemail. Since the restaurant does not offer any form of online reservation system, a second phone call was required in order to finally reach a live person who could confirm available time slots. Second, the food lacked much of its original appeal and expert execution. The Chicken Milanese, which I had ordered during my initial visit, was too thinly sliced, overcooked, and as tough as shoe leather. I also ordered the ricotta cheesecake, which was unimaginative, not particularly flavorful, and poorly plated. Third, the specials menu was far too extensive - to the point where there was essentially the same number of specials as standard entrees. The waitress clearly had difficulty remembering all the specials, and the situation was compounded by the fact that a list of the options were not left at the table after she described them, which is typically standard procedure in most restaurants with a similar price point. Finally, the waitress was friendly and personable, but lacked several basic serving skills. She was not knowledgable with the menu, and in many instances, misrepresented the food offerings. She also refused to allow the check to be paid with more than five credit cards at the end of the meal. To make matters worse, she proceeded to lecture the table on why it was our responsibility to tell her in the beginning that we wanted separate checks and that figuring out the bill would take her at least 30 minutes to resolve. Aside from the fact that we weren't requesting separate checks and her unsolicited diatribe was completely unprofessional, her claim was also unequivocally false. I've dined in large groups in hundreds of restaurants across the world and have never been told that it would be a problem to list patrons' names on the back of the check with the amount to be charged on their credit card. A member of our group, who manages a restaurant with the same computer system used by Setto Bello, confirmed that separating the bill in this manner takes only a few minutes and that the system does not limit the number of cards that can be processed. In the end, our party ended up mustering together cash and paying for each other's meals, which was an inconvenience and a souring end to the dining experience. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with my return visit to Sette Bello and will need to reconsider whether I'll return during any future visits to the area. It appears that I'm not the only reviewer to note a decline in the caliber of this place over time, so hopefully the owner will take appropriate action to resurrect what was once an excellent dining destination. **Update: Following my second review, I received a message from the owner of sette bello, who made a good faith effort to resolve the deficiencies noted above. I consider it admirable when the owner of an establishment is both willing and able to acknowledge shortcomings and resolve them accordingly - many restaurant owners/managers could learn from this example. As such, I'm increasing the overall rating of this review by another star.**
(4)
Ron T.
Excellent Sunday night dinner with my wife and mother. I had been for lunch many times and dinner once, a long time ago. I thought it would make a great Sunday night dinner location for us last night. I was not disappointed. We arrived at 730 to a partially filled restaurant and left (by our own pacing) at 10:30 with one table remaining. After joking with Patrick, our server, about the $100 off deal on the Gaja Barolos they had in the cellar, we ordered a very relaxed pace meal of apps and mains with wine for dessert. The service was excellent and the food better. My wife, Kathy, ordered Burratta as her app and she loved it. My mother and I split a mixed field greens salad, which arrived at the table on separate plates. The gorgonzola cheese paired beautifully with the super Tuscan Patrick helped us select. I ordered the Bucatini Amatricaina which was beautifully flavored and the pasta perfectly cooked. Kathy and my mother split an order of mussels in a light red sauce which they both really enjoyed. Kathy ordered pappardelle pasta served with fresh tomatoes sauce, lightly flavored with garlic, wine and prosciutto. The flavors of the sauce were nicely balanced and the pasta was perfectly al dente. My mother ordered the truffle risotto as her main. Risotto is not my favorite as it is usually over cooked and served "slimy" when prepared in most restaurants. I hate that texture. I tried the truffle risotto and it too was perfectly cooked - not slimy. I ordered the meatball app as my entre. The two large meatballs were served over grilled eggplant and zucchini. The meatballs had been seared lightly and the cooked through in the tomato sauce and were super good. I ate one and took the rest home. Through the course of the meal we ordered a second bottle of wine which we finished as dessert while we enjoyed the atmosphere and pace of the dining experience. Don't take the length of time we were there as anything more than our choice. I have been for lunch and the staff can move through preparation and service very efficiently. We set the pace for dinner and the restaurant accommodated our pace without a hitch. There are lots of really good Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Add Sette Bello to your list.
(5)
CanDe S.
The food is truly amazing! I dined with a very large group and the waiter was very attentive and I never had to ask for anything. You can tell that they use the fresh and high quality ingredients to create authentic Italian specialties. The meatballs are to die for and dessert is a MUST! The owner is very passionate about his craft and it shows in every aspect of the restaurant.
(5)
joe r.
Last time I ate at Sette Bello the food was excellent. Last night both dishes served were awful. The seafood and pasta dishes were tasteless and overcooked. I asked the waiter if they hired a new chef he indicated that the owner/chef was off for a few days. That could have been the reason. They offered us a dessert after our complaint. We opted for a cannoli. That was no better. Filling was watery and tasteless as well. So Sette Bello is off our list. We cannot recommend after our experience last night. Oh but the service and wine was excellent!
(1)
Stacy H.
The food and service was meticulous! Each bite more flavorful than the previous! Carpaccio so delicate and flavorful with lemon truffle, fooled by the perfect grilled duckling and Mahi with brown butter capers and spinach risotto!! Even the tiramisu and espresso perfect! And amazing wine list!
(5)
Larry M.
Food outstanding very careful prep,Franco is the chef owner always a plus .this was My second time and BOTH times were perfect gnocchi lite as air great sauces, each individual to the dish, grilled calamari perfect tasted like lobster, chicken catch old world tomato, the best broc rab ever. now the best of all Joey Cadillac what a character the original soprano guy straight from the Bronx don'tforgetaboutit Only downsidecor needs refreshing a little tired but not distracting but remember you can't eat decor!!
(5)
Savanna M.
Every year at New Times Pairings I try some delicious food at Sette Bello and vow to pop in for a real meal.....which of course never happens. This year they were serving up an amazing eggplant taco (yes, the taco shell was deep fried eggplant) and I knew I HAD to make it in for lunch, especially after realizing exactly how close this place is to my work. After rounding up the work troops we arrived at ~11:45am on a Friday. The restaurant was dead, yes absolutely empty, so I'm thinking Sette Bello draws more a dinner crowd. As the time got closer to 12:30pm other tables did begin trickling in. The ambiance in here is absolutely beautiful, and I can only imagine how much prettier it is at night. As mentioned, we were the only table, so despite there only being one server, service was not an issue. Must note, however, that service did suffer at the end of the meal as the other tables were now present, and getting out of there became a challenge. This ended up being a VERY long Friday lunch "hour". Lunch options included paninis, salads and pizza, for ~$10 a selection, which isn't a bad deal for a Friday lunch. Also, worth noting, bread and complimentary soups were brought to the table as part of lunch. I'm not a huge fan of Italian style soups, so this wasn't that amazing, but I did eat it all lol. Specials of the day were mentioned and I ended up selecting one of them - a chicken, cranberry, lettuce, goat cheese wrap, which came with chips (homemade?) for $12. Honestly, this wrap was amazing, including the bread itself, which was more like a thinner, fluffy naan, and was HUGE. A dieting person could have turned this into 4 meals, a normal person could eat just half, but of course fatty Savanna had to eat all lol. Ok, truthfully, I was planning on just eating half, but I noticed the other half was already getting soggy, so it made sense to put on my big girl pants and chow down lol. You'll be happy to know I didn't eat much dinner later that night lol. Overall, the food was delicious, however, as a lunch I can't really recommend as it took too long (may have just been bad luck the day I was here), albeit, pricing was really good. I'd love to try them again for dinner, and will be recommending others do so :)
(4)
Michael S.
Overall it was okay but was not overly impressed. Went on a Saturday night and I have been to many expensive Italian restaurants in south florida. I feel that this one is trying to be more fancy than it is. Ambiance was not good, tables were too close. Waiter was fine and they had a lot of "specials" which sounded good. The bread was okay, the homemade gnocchi was excellent. I had one of the specials, the papardelle with shrimp and tomatoes and truffle oil. Portion size was average, shrimp wasn't so good. Lacked overall flavor. Stunned to see it was $34 when I got the check. There are better options around in my opinion.
(2)
Kyle K.
The saccatini was AMAZING. Not on the menu but they made an exception. Plus the owner and chef Franco treated us like family.
(5)
Steven M.
One of the better Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, if you can call this part of town fort lauderdale. The dining room is dark and somewhat gaudy, but they have a solid menu with professional service. Not "to die for" italian cuisine, but 3.5 stars in fort lauderdale.
(3)
Sonya F.
What a hidden gem this place is! We happily made the trek from West Broward to this far north Fort Lauderdale restaurant, and were rewarded at every turn. This was our third trip here - thanks to Groupon offerings - and our third magnificent experience. All dishes were cooked to perfection - chicken cacciatore, chicken scallopine, and a special seafood pappardelle. Almost as soon as we were seated we were served a delicious bruschetta. The server, Courtney, was very knowledgeable and personable, and everyone from the chef to the host checked in with us to see how everything was. Don't let the unassuming strip-mall exterior fool you - this is the real thing.
(5)
Mark M.
I do not understand why people hesitate to go to a restaurant in a strip mall. I have had many great experiences in small restaurants throughout the world located similarly. More important is the fact that this is a chef owned restaurant. Franco is an excellent chef who fortunately has had the staying power to also be a successful business man. I appreciate the white linen table cloths and attentive service. The food is consistently very good. Right now I am looking forward to the upcoming festive Feast of the Seven Fishes coming up on Christmas Eve. (I have a special wine I would like to bring and will have to ask their corkage charge). I particularly like the personable Maitre'D who has been with Franco many years. Happy holidays to all!
(4)
Marqus R.
I've been to Sette Bello...appropriately named after the coveted Seven of Gold in the Italian card game Scopa....at least a dozen or so times, hence have gotten to know the place, what it is about and its menu rather well. Though none of their dishes are all that unique there are several things about the meals I've had here that sets Sette Bello apart as well as heads and tails above most other area Italian restaurants. Those are: Taste, Flavor and Consistency. I may sound like I'm splitting fine line hairs and being overly picky (which I am) but bear with me on this. TASTE: Generally defined by that which is perceived by the tongue rather than by the nose, such Sweet, Sour, Bitter and Salty. Then there is the debatable one, "umami," or fat which food critics now claim to have been what secret behind the culinary artistry of Auguste Escoffier, though I'm sure he had neither heard of it nor had any idea about it or what it might be. Matter of fact, though I've read up on it, neither do I. Flavor: That which is predominately perceived by the nose or by combination of the nose and tongue or, as in Aroma, by the nose alone. Consistency: Anyone can come up with a spectacularly wonderful meal once in a while. It's in the law of averages, but to consistently come up with a really good meal, even for some professional chefs, can be somewhat of a challenge. The trick in delivering a fully flavorful as well as great tasting meal is obtaining a harmonious balance of taste and flavor where one never overpowers the other but wherein each add to a general enhancement or compliment of the other. Dishes such as pasta, octopus, and calamari are so neutral by themselves that, even if the texture is good, are generally nothing but a bore. It's the sauces, coatings, charring technique, taste or flavoring enhancements along with the ability to bring them about in a consistent manner is what makes it and this where Sette Bello excels.
Came in for lunch and had the Penne Bolognese. The food was excellent and truly lives up to authentic Italian cuisine. Jessica was my server and she did an excellent job!
(5)
Maryanne M.
Had yet another fantastic meal. Sette is just great Italian food You must visit, put it on your list for a great meal.
(5)
Taylor L.
Thank you for ruining my Valentine's Day. We had reservations and had to wait outside in the cold weather for over 30 minutes. The food was good but extremely overpriced for the quality and the service was horrible. Once we left and paid our bill they chased us down and accused us of dining and dashing and made us return to the restaurant to help them find our money. Turns out they misplaced the money. Possibly the most embarrassing moment of my life. I will never return to an establishment that treats its customers like that. Worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant.
(1)
George L.
Just came back from dinner at Sette Bello. I have to say that this place knocked my socks off. I had one of the nightly specials, Braised Short Ribs with a fig reduction sauce. It was out of this world. I'll be returning later in the week, to see if they can impress the heck out of me again. Service and food were great!
(5)
Marion F.
Great food but more expensive than it seems. Entrees on menu are priced $22-$30 but specials are up to $60 a plate. Nice waiter tempts you with descriptions but doesnt tell prices so a nice meal may cost twice what it seems. Don't be afraid to ask prices. I wish that they had specials- with prices- printed out. I would be happier returning if they did.
(4)
Nicole K.
Excellent hogfish, shrimp scampi over the homemade pasta and the sausage appetizer. Love the bruschetta The food is great not heavy at all. Staff is great love the Atmosphere. I always forget how great this place is. We will be back again.
(5)
S M.
Had dinner there on a weekday last week. Very good customer service and decent food. A little bit pricey and the food was a bit salty. I would have given them 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)
Jim R.
What a rarity! I almost never come across a wine list in Fort lauderdale that offers any half-bottles. Sette Bello has five reds. I had one of them yesterday with my pleasant lunch. And the wine was served the proper temperature. Another rarity in Fort Lauderdale
(3)
Samuel J.
Fantastic service and the food was great. However they are a bit pricey for where they are located.
(4)
Jenna R.
Delicious Italian food! The food fasted as if we were eating in Italy! We had the meatball app and it was fabulous! For the entree I had the broccoli rabe which was the most flavorful of its kind that I have ever had! My husband had the chicken which he also loved. The portions were generous and although we were full we had to try a dessert! Good thing we did- the Apple tart was amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Joey A.
Good Italian! Clean restaurant friendly staff. Lunch special are priced right. Can't go wrong with dinner either. Linguine and clams are the best you will find.
(5)
Holly S.
LOVED this place. I went on a Saturday night (6 pm) with my parents during September. It wasn't busy but a few people started trickling in after we got there. The food was amazing (I had ravioli, my mom had veal and my dad had salmon). The service was spectacular as well. I recommend 110%!
(5)
Fred P.
My husband and I took my mom there on Sunday night to celebrate her birthday, and we couldn't have asked for better service! Our waitress was so attentive and helpful. The food, absolutely delish! It was our first time at the restaurant having just moved down from NY a few months ago, what a delight! We will definitely be back, especially when family and friends visit from up north.
(5)
Paul C.
The $49.00 dollar Dove Sole special didn't net customer satisfaction. It would be easier, less painful and less costly to be displeased with a Gray or Lemon Sole prepared the exact same at half the price. I've had a fish dish once worth $49.00, it wasn't at this restaurant, it was less than $49.00 and was worth raving about. In my view, the $49.00 dollar Dove Sole special isn't something that should be ordered or served.
(2)
Jeff N.
I thought I'd try Sette Bello with my daughter and anticipated a good experience considering other reviews I'd seen. Our experience proves that every restaurant can have a bad night. We arrived Sunday evening about 730 without reservations. The dining room was 60% full. It seems a server was covering the door on an as needed basis so it took a minute or two to be greeted (although the door is in full view of the dining room and the kitchen). As we were seated we were asked "bear with us because we are a little slammed". To make a long story short, after approximately 10 minutes we received 2 pieces of bread from a silent waiter or busboy. After 15 more minutes ( I had started keeping track now), no one else had spoken to us or noticed our polite attempts to flag down whoever passed. We had finished our bread, so with nothing else to do, left. I suppose we may try again but really am surprised and disappointed that a restaurant rated so highly dropped the ball so badly.
(1)
H C.
I go there at least twice a month because both food and service have been consistent and always pleasant. This restaurant has been my favorite restaurant for the last 4-5 years. This place is good for family dining, romantic dinner, and any special occasions. You will get personal service and care at this restaurant. I am not a pasta person, but I love their vongole, flat pasta with shrimp, bolognese, etc. Their fish is always fresh and cooked perfect. I am particular about fish since I am from Japan but I think they do not freeze or do freeze & defrost the fish perfectly that the fish stays juicy. I do not eat much meat but the rack of lamb is the best. It melts in your month. I love the desserts, too because they are not sickening sweet. My favorite is the apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream and the cannolis! Lunch dishes are very reasonably priced but I noticed that the food is lighter than the dinner menu. Lunch dish comes with a bowl of soup and bread. I am giving 5 starts because food and service have been consistent in the last 4-5 years.
(5)
Debbie H.
Sette Bello is a neighborhood gem with all of the accolades to back up being one of the best Italian restaurants in Broward County. 5 Diamond star awarded, wine spectator awarded wine list, 27 rating for both food and service on Zagat all tucked away in a corner of old Ft Lauderdale. If you were not from the area and driving around looking for a place to eat, you might miss it and that might not be such a bad thing as this is a true local hidden gem. The restaurant is cozy and once the hour of 7 arrives on a Friday night, the place is in full swing. There is nothing pretentious about it yet the food would warrant it if the owner, staff and vibe invited it. We started with the gorgonzola salad with candied walnuts and pears that tasted of apple pie..a seemingly simple dish with explosive flavors that I could go back for on it's own with their freshly baked soft bread. We next had the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with 6 of the largest prawns I've seen in a very long time. As if that wasn't enough, we finished off the experience with a Tiramisu. I had heard mutterings of the cannoli being the thing to order but I beelined straight for the tiramisu and am so happy I didn't listen to anyone but my craving. The mascarpone cheese was the tastiest and most creamiest I've ever had!! I can't wait to return for more and will be back soon enough!
(5)
kevin m.
We ate here the other night and I have to say it was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The place is a little pricey if your having wine and dessert but if you stick to just the apps and entree it isn't that much more than mid range price restaurants. We will be back again.also some of the best service you will receive very professional servers.
(5)
Adam C.
A hidden jewel. Popular favorites and a selection of adventurous specials make it a good choice for a broad spectrum of diners. Add a great wine list and impeccable service and you'll know why neighbors try to keep this place a secret.
(5)
Richard S.
We had the most wonderful dinner. This was our first visit here. The grilled calamari appetizer was juicy and easy to chew with a light lemony flavor. The salmon with spinach dinner was quite delectable and moist. My wife always orders salmon and she mentioned that it was one of the best. My veal parmigiana was the best I have had since I can remember. The waiter and entire staff worked together and were very attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant atmosphere was very soothing and moderately decorated. The tables were not on top of each other. On this Friday night there was live music which added to the ambience. We met Uncle Joe, and the owner made it a point to assist the staff as though he was just another employee. I thought he was another assistant when he stopped by our table, only to find out he was the owner. This restaurant is of the same caliber as Casa D'Angelos which we love so much. I highly recommend Sette Bello to other aficionados of good Italian dinners.
(5)
Mitchell M.
Currently our favorite "high end" Italian restaurant in Broward County. Food is outstanding and service generally is excellent, although they have recently hired a waiter that does not fit in with the "team", and could understand more about Italian food. That said you can salivate over everything. We have had their burrata (good), fresh mozarella (very good), Caesar Salad excellent, Gnocchi (excellent), fettucini alfredo (not on menu) Ok, Meatballs (very good), chicken milanese OUTSTANDING! with salad, Chicken parmagiana (excellent), various Veal Chop dishes (EXCELLENT) , Ossu Bucco (OK) and excellent desserts. Love the maitre D' Johnnie Cadillac from the old Runway 84 days...BTW Great wine list on top of everything else. Only complaint is I would love them to offer more "pasta dishes".
(5)
Harry A. M.
A maitre 'd takes you to your tablecloth covered table. Very comfortable, Not too close to your neighbors-just right for conversation-- Wine list impressive but a little pricey. We settle for wine by the glass--waiter, Peter, a little too fawning for my taste, but otherwise fine, selects the reds and white for each of us and we're satisfied. We choose the veal Marsala; and it is very good. Bread was good. We skip dessert as the little woman has made a coffee cake at home. We'd come back. Oh, we had one appetizer, the anchovies, which were fine. It was, on the whole a good experience. $38.00 per person--without coffee and desert.
(3)
Myra S.
Fabulous...loved it...second time there, first time walked out because of anEXTREMELY grouchy old man as host, very rude!!! Finally tried it again one year later because of reviews we read...totally glad we did! It was fantastic
(4)
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Address :6241 N Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Bob B.
Equal to C`DA without all the fuss. Go before everyone gets it !!!!
(5)Jay N.
After dinner at Sette tonight, and seeing the two less than enthusiastic reviews for the restaurant so far, I felt lke it was the perfect time to pop my yelp cherry and toss in my own 2 cents. If you're in the market for an incredible Italian meal served in a comfortable and accessible setting by friendly and welcoming staff, then Sette Bello is the place for you. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall location on the corner of Cypress Creek and US-1 (home to an Outback as well), you might not think much of the place from the outside, but inside is a cute and well-thought-out space, and once you try the food you will be hooked. We started by ordering a very reasonably priced bottle of Lyeth pinot noir, which was outstanding. Very approachable wine for those who might just be getting into the red grape varietals. First up was a gorgeous plate of thin-cut and perfectly seasoned tenderloin carpaccio with shaved parmigiano-reggiano and arugula. we gladly accepted the waiter's offer of balsamic and olive oil on the side, which was great lightly drizzled over the tasty raw beef slices. Also really enjoyed the prawns wrapped in pancetta, with the real winner in this dish being the best garlicky escarole to ever pass my lips. Both the chopped salad and the green salad with gorgonzola and champagne viniagrette were right on point. My wife unabashedly exclaimed that her chicken marsala was the best she has ever eaten, and I will say that my Chicken Scarpariella was perfectly done in an extremely tasty red wine and balsamic sauce with great little slices of italian sausage and zesty pepperoncinis and olives completing the dish. a delicious tiramisu completed this amazing dinner, and by the time we finished we were already talking about when we could make it back to Sette. Negatives? The parking lot is a bit small, so you may need to stalk a bit for a spot on busy weekend nights. I honestly cannot think of another. So what are you waiting for???
(5)Martin O.
On a Saturday night, this is a Fort Lauderdale Senior restaurant. I went there for a family birthday dinner. For starters I ordered a risotto mushroom appetizer, it was served on a flat plate rather than a small bowl and I consequently received a few comments about my order from the family food critics. I tend to like my risotto less watery. There was some very soft warm french bread on the table that I thought was one of the highlights of the evening. For a main course, I ordered a breaded Chicken Milanese, it was also just okay, a bit too tough. The W and I split an order of whole wheat penne with sauteed broccoli rabe ... which was a big nothing according to the W, and I agreed. However, her opinion might have been altered because her main course never arrived although the rest of our table of seven had their order. The order was finally canceled. For dessert, I ordered a chocolate ice cream. On this Saturday early evening, there was live entertainment in the corner including a female vocalist although from where we were sitting, you couldn't hear the lyrics. The parking lot is shared with The Outback restaurant so spaces in front are limited. There are spaces in the back. The side of the restaurant is the next door bank drive up window so be very careful when driving in the parking lot. Overall, not that great of an experience.
(1)Brian K.
I first dined at Sette Bello approximately a year ago while vacationing in Fort Lauderdale - the overall experience was memorable enough that our group decided to return during a subsequent visit to the area. Unfortunately, the return visit was devoid of several of the qualities that I lauded in my initial review. I was told that the chef and owner was off site due to a familial circumstance, which is understandable - however, the fact that the restaurant is not capable of running on all cylinders in his absence is a glaring warning sign that there's a problem. First, multiple attempts were required in order to successfully obtain a reservation. The staff failed to respond to an initial reservation request left on their voicemail. Since the restaurant does not offer any form of online reservation system, a second phone call was required in order to finally reach a live person who could confirm available time slots. Second, the food lacked much of its original appeal and expert execution. The Chicken Milanese, which I had ordered during my initial visit, was too thinly sliced, overcooked, and as tough as shoe leather. I also ordered the ricotta cheesecake, which was unimaginative, not particularly flavorful, and poorly plated. Third, the specials menu was far too extensive - to the point where there was essentially the same number of specials as standard entrees. The waitress clearly had difficulty remembering all the specials, and the situation was compounded by the fact that a list of the options were not left at the table after she described them, which is typically standard procedure in most restaurants with a similar price point. Finally, the waitress was friendly and personable, but lacked several basic serving skills. She was not knowledgable with the menu, and in many instances, misrepresented the food offerings. She also refused to allow the check to be paid with more than five credit cards at the end of the meal. To make matters worse, she proceeded to lecture the table on why it was our responsibility to tell her in the beginning that we wanted separate checks and that figuring out the bill would take her at least 30 minutes to resolve. Aside from the fact that we weren't requesting separate checks and her unsolicited diatribe was completely unprofessional, her claim was also unequivocally false. I've dined in large groups in hundreds of restaurants across the world and have never been told that it would be a problem to list patrons' names on the back of the check with the amount to be charged on their credit card. A member of our group, who manages a restaurant with the same computer system used by Setto Bello, confirmed that separating the bill in this manner takes only a few minutes and that the system does not limit the number of cards that can be processed. In the end, our party ended up mustering together cash and paying for each other's meals, which was an inconvenience and a souring end to the dining experience. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with my return visit to Sette Bello and will need to reconsider whether I'll return during any future visits to the area. It appears that I'm not the only reviewer to note a decline in the caliber of this place over time, so hopefully the owner will take appropriate action to resurrect what was once an excellent dining destination. **Update: Following my second review, I received a message from the owner of sette bello, who made a good faith effort to resolve the deficiencies noted above. I consider it admirable when the owner of an establishment is both willing and able to acknowledge shortcomings and resolve them accordingly - many restaurant owners/managers could learn from this example. As such, I'm increasing the overall rating of this review by another star.**
(4)Ron T.
Excellent Sunday night dinner with my wife and mother. I had been for lunch many times and dinner once, a long time ago. I thought it would make a great Sunday night dinner location for us last night. I was not disappointed. We arrived at 730 to a partially filled restaurant and left (by our own pacing) at 10:30 with one table remaining. After joking with Patrick, our server, about the $100 off deal on the Gaja Barolos they had in the cellar, we ordered a very relaxed pace meal of apps and mains with wine for dessert. The service was excellent and the food better. My wife, Kathy, ordered Burratta as her app and she loved it. My mother and I split a mixed field greens salad, which arrived at the table on separate plates. The gorgonzola cheese paired beautifully with the super Tuscan Patrick helped us select. I ordered the Bucatini Amatricaina which was beautifully flavored and the pasta perfectly cooked. Kathy and my mother split an order of mussels in a light red sauce which they both really enjoyed. Kathy ordered pappardelle pasta served with fresh tomatoes sauce, lightly flavored with garlic, wine and prosciutto. The flavors of the sauce were nicely balanced and the pasta was perfectly al dente. My mother ordered the truffle risotto as her main. Risotto is not my favorite as it is usually over cooked and served "slimy" when prepared in most restaurants. I hate that texture. I tried the truffle risotto and it too was perfectly cooked - not slimy. I ordered the meatball app as my entre. The two large meatballs were served over grilled eggplant and zucchini. The meatballs had been seared lightly and the cooked through in the tomato sauce and were super good. I ate one and took the rest home. Through the course of the meal we ordered a second bottle of wine which we finished as dessert while we enjoyed the atmosphere and pace of the dining experience. Don't take the length of time we were there as anything more than our choice. I have been for lunch and the staff can move through preparation and service very efficiently. We set the pace for dinner and the restaurant accommodated our pace without a hitch. There are lots of really good Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Add Sette Bello to your list.
(5)CanDe S.
The food is truly amazing! I dined with a very large group and the waiter was very attentive and I never had to ask for anything. You can tell that they use the fresh and high quality ingredients to create authentic Italian specialties. The meatballs are to die for and dessert is a MUST! The owner is very passionate about his craft and it shows in every aspect of the restaurant.
(5)joe r.
Last time I ate at Sette Bello the food was excellent. Last night both dishes served were awful. The seafood and pasta dishes were tasteless and overcooked. I asked the waiter if they hired a new chef he indicated that the owner/chef was off for a few days. That could have been the reason. They offered us a dessert after our complaint. We opted for a cannoli. That was no better. Filling was watery and tasteless as well. So Sette Bello is off our list. We cannot recommend after our experience last night. Oh but the service and wine was excellent!
(1)Stacy H.
The food and service was meticulous! Each bite more flavorful than the previous! Carpaccio so delicate and flavorful with lemon truffle, fooled by the perfect grilled duckling and Mahi with brown butter capers and spinach risotto!! Even the tiramisu and espresso perfect! And amazing wine list!
(5)Larry M.
Food outstanding very careful prep,Franco is the chef owner always a plus .this was My second time and BOTH times were perfect gnocchi lite as air great sauces, each individual to the dish, grilled calamari perfect tasted like lobster, chicken catch old world tomato, the best broc rab ever. now the best of all Joey Cadillac what a character the original soprano guy straight from the Bronx don'tforgetaboutit Only downsidecor needs refreshing a little tired but not distracting but remember you can't eat decor!!
(5)Savanna M.
Every year at New Times Pairings I try some delicious food at Sette Bello and vow to pop in for a real meal.....which of course never happens. This year they were serving up an amazing eggplant taco (yes, the taco shell was deep fried eggplant) and I knew I HAD to make it in for lunch, especially after realizing exactly how close this place is to my work. After rounding up the work troops we arrived at ~11:45am on a Friday. The restaurant was dead, yes absolutely empty, so I'm thinking Sette Bello draws more a dinner crowd. As the time got closer to 12:30pm other tables did begin trickling in. The ambiance in here is absolutely beautiful, and I can only imagine how much prettier it is at night. As mentioned, we were the only table, so despite there only being one server, service was not an issue. Must note, however, that service did suffer at the end of the meal as the other tables were now present, and getting out of there became a challenge. This ended up being a VERY long Friday lunch "hour". Lunch options included paninis, salads and pizza, for ~$10 a selection, which isn't a bad deal for a Friday lunch. Also, worth noting, bread and complimentary soups were brought to the table as part of lunch. I'm not a huge fan of Italian style soups, so this wasn't that amazing, but I did eat it all lol. Specials of the day were mentioned and I ended up selecting one of them - a chicken, cranberry, lettuce, goat cheese wrap, which came with chips (homemade?) for $12. Honestly, this wrap was amazing, including the bread itself, which was more like a thinner, fluffy naan, and was HUGE. A dieting person could have turned this into 4 meals, a normal person could eat just half, but of course fatty Savanna had to eat all lol. Ok, truthfully, I was planning on just eating half, but I noticed the other half was already getting soggy, so it made sense to put on my big girl pants and chow down lol. You'll be happy to know I didn't eat much dinner later that night lol. Overall, the food was delicious, however, as a lunch I can't really recommend as it took too long (may have just been bad luck the day I was here), albeit, pricing was really good. I'd love to try them again for dinner, and will be recommending others do so :)
(4)Michael S.
Overall it was okay but was not overly impressed. Went on a Saturday night and I have been to many expensive Italian restaurants in south florida. I feel that this one is trying to be more fancy than it is. Ambiance was not good, tables were too close. Waiter was fine and they had a lot of "specials" which sounded good. The bread was okay, the homemade gnocchi was excellent. I had one of the specials, the papardelle with shrimp and tomatoes and truffle oil. Portion size was average, shrimp wasn't so good. Lacked overall flavor. Stunned to see it was $34 when I got the check. There are better options around in my opinion.
(2)Kyle K.
The saccatini was AMAZING. Not on the menu but they made an exception. Plus the owner and chef Franco treated us like family.
(5)Steven M.
One of the better Italian restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, if you can call this part of town fort lauderdale. The dining room is dark and somewhat gaudy, but they have a solid menu with professional service. Not "to die for" italian cuisine, but 3.5 stars in fort lauderdale.
(3)Sonya F.
What a hidden gem this place is! We happily made the trek from West Broward to this far north Fort Lauderdale restaurant, and were rewarded at every turn. This was our third trip here - thanks to Groupon offerings - and our third magnificent experience. All dishes were cooked to perfection - chicken cacciatore, chicken scallopine, and a special seafood pappardelle. Almost as soon as we were seated we were served a delicious bruschetta. The server, Courtney, was very knowledgeable and personable, and everyone from the chef to the host checked in with us to see how everything was. Don't let the unassuming strip-mall exterior fool you - this is the real thing.
(5)Mark M.
I do not understand why people hesitate to go to a restaurant in a strip mall. I have had many great experiences in small restaurants throughout the world located similarly. More important is the fact that this is a chef owned restaurant. Franco is an excellent chef who fortunately has had the staying power to also be a successful business man. I appreciate the white linen table cloths and attentive service. The food is consistently very good. Right now I am looking forward to the upcoming festive Feast of the Seven Fishes coming up on Christmas Eve. (I have a special wine I would like to bring and will have to ask their corkage charge). I particularly like the personable Maitre'D who has been with Franco many years. Happy holidays to all!
(4)Marqus R.
I've been to Sette Bello...appropriately named after the coveted Seven of Gold in the Italian card game Scopa....at least a dozen or so times, hence have gotten to know the place, what it is about and its menu rather well. Though none of their dishes are all that unique there are several things about the meals I've had here that sets Sette Bello apart as well as heads and tails above most other area Italian restaurants. Those are: Taste, Flavor and Consistency. I may sound like I'm splitting fine line hairs and being overly picky (which I am) but bear with me on this. TASTE: Generally defined by that which is perceived by the tongue rather than by the nose, such Sweet, Sour, Bitter and Salty. Then there is the debatable one, "umami," or fat which food critics now claim to have been what secret behind the culinary artistry of Auguste Escoffier, though I'm sure he had neither heard of it nor had any idea about it or what it might be. Matter of fact, though I've read up on it, neither do I. Flavor: That which is predominately perceived by the nose or by combination of the nose and tongue or, as in Aroma, by the nose alone. Consistency: Anyone can come up with a spectacularly wonderful meal once in a while. It's in the law of averages, but to consistently come up with a really good meal, even for some professional chefs, can be somewhat of a challenge. The trick in delivering a fully flavorful as well as great tasting meal is obtaining a harmonious balance of taste and flavor where one never overpowers the other but wherein each add to a general enhancement or compliment of the other. Dishes such as pasta, octopus, and calamari are so neutral by themselves that, even if the texture is good, are generally nothing but a bore. It's the sauces, coatings, charring technique, taste or flavoring enhancements along with the ability to bring them about in a consistent manner is what makes it and this where Sette Bello excels.
(5)Maryann C.
So enjoyed it so much the first time we decided to go back for a second. Unfortunately it was a very bad experience. Our waitress was almost rude not very helpful not very welcoming .. blond girl. Not the wonderful Italian we had before. We ordered the zuppa de Pesce and what we got was very mediocre lacked flavoring. we took it home and I doctored it up and it was much better the next day.considering the cost, which is expensive I probably won't go back again. Too many other good restaurants in Fort Lauderdale like Café Vico
(2)Eric M.
Came in for lunch and had the Penne Bolognese. The food was excellent and truly lives up to authentic Italian cuisine. Jessica was my server and she did an excellent job!
(5)Maryanne M.
Had yet another fantastic meal. Sette is just great Italian food You must visit, put it on your list for a great meal.
(5)Taylor L.
Thank you for ruining my Valentine's Day. We had reservations and had to wait outside in the cold weather for over 30 minutes. The food was good but extremely overpriced for the quality and the service was horrible. Once we left and paid our bill they chased us down and accused us of dining and dashing and made us return to the restaurant to help them find our money. Turns out they misplaced the money. Possibly the most embarrassing moment of my life. I will never return to an establishment that treats its customers like that. Worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant.
(1)George L.
Just came back from dinner at Sette Bello. I have to say that this place knocked my socks off. I had one of the nightly specials, Braised Short Ribs with a fig reduction sauce. It was out of this world. I'll be returning later in the week, to see if they can impress the heck out of me again. Service and food were great!
(5)Marion F.
Great food but more expensive than it seems. Entrees on menu are priced $22-$30 but specials are up to $60 a plate. Nice waiter tempts you with descriptions but doesnt tell prices so a nice meal may cost twice what it seems. Don't be afraid to ask prices. I wish that they had specials- with prices- printed out. I would be happier returning if they did.
(4)Nicole K.
Excellent hogfish, shrimp scampi over the homemade pasta and the sausage appetizer. Love the bruschetta The food is great not heavy at all. Staff is great love the Atmosphere. I always forget how great this place is. We will be back again.
(5)S M.
Had dinner there on a weekday last week. Very good customer service and decent food. A little bit pricey and the food was a bit salty. I would have given them 3.5 stars if I could.
(4)Jim R.
What a rarity! I almost never come across a wine list in Fort lauderdale that offers any half-bottles. Sette Bello has five reds. I had one of them yesterday with my pleasant lunch. And the wine was served the proper temperature. Another rarity in Fort Lauderdale
(3)Samuel J.
Fantastic service and the food was great. However they are a bit pricey for where they are located.
(4)Jenna R.
Delicious Italian food! The food fasted as if we were eating in Italy! We had the meatball app and it was fabulous! For the entree I had the broccoli rabe which was the most flavorful of its kind that I have ever had! My husband had the chicken which he also loved. The portions were generous and although we were full we had to try a dessert! Good thing we did- the Apple tart was amazing! I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Joey A.
Good Italian! Clean restaurant friendly staff. Lunch special are priced right. Can't go wrong with dinner either. Linguine and clams are the best you will find.
(5)Holly S.
LOVED this place. I went on a Saturday night (6 pm) with my parents during September. It wasn't busy but a few people started trickling in after we got there. The food was amazing (I had ravioli, my mom had veal and my dad had salmon). The service was spectacular as well. I recommend 110%!
(5)Fred P.
My husband and I took my mom there on Sunday night to celebrate her birthday, and we couldn't have asked for better service! Our waitress was so attentive and helpful. The food, absolutely delish! It was our first time at the restaurant having just moved down from NY a few months ago, what a delight! We will definitely be back, especially when family and friends visit from up north.
(5)Paul C.
The $49.00 dollar Dove Sole special didn't net customer satisfaction. It would be easier, less painful and less costly to be displeased with a Gray or Lemon Sole prepared the exact same at half the price. I've had a fish dish once worth $49.00, it wasn't at this restaurant, it was less than $49.00 and was worth raving about. In my view, the $49.00 dollar Dove Sole special isn't something that should be ordered or served.
(2)Jeff N.
I thought I'd try Sette Bello with my daughter and anticipated a good experience considering other reviews I'd seen. Our experience proves that every restaurant can have a bad night. We arrived Sunday evening about 730 without reservations. The dining room was 60% full. It seems a server was covering the door on an as needed basis so it took a minute or two to be greeted (although the door is in full view of the dining room and the kitchen). As we were seated we were asked "bear with us because we are a little slammed". To make a long story short, after approximately 10 minutes we received 2 pieces of bread from a silent waiter or busboy. After 15 more minutes ( I had started keeping track now), no one else had spoken to us or noticed our polite attempts to flag down whoever passed. We had finished our bread, so with nothing else to do, left. I suppose we may try again but really am surprised and disappointed that a restaurant rated so highly dropped the ball so badly.
(1)H C.
I go there at least twice a month because both food and service have been consistent and always pleasant. This restaurant has been my favorite restaurant for the last 4-5 years. This place is good for family dining, romantic dinner, and any special occasions. You will get personal service and care at this restaurant. I am not a pasta person, but I love their vongole, flat pasta with shrimp, bolognese, etc. Their fish is always fresh and cooked perfect. I am particular about fish since I am from Japan but I think they do not freeze or do freeze & defrost the fish perfectly that the fish stays juicy. I do not eat much meat but the rack of lamb is the best. It melts in your month. I love the desserts, too because they are not sickening sweet. My favorite is the apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream and the cannolis! Lunch dishes are very reasonably priced but I noticed that the food is lighter than the dinner menu. Lunch dish comes with a bowl of soup and bread. I am giving 5 starts because food and service have been consistent in the last 4-5 years.
(5)Debbie H.
Sette Bello is a neighborhood gem with all of the accolades to back up being one of the best Italian restaurants in Broward County. 5 Diamond star awarded, wine spectator awarded wine list, 27 rating for both food and service on Zagat all tucked away in a corner of old Ft Lauderdale. If you were not from the area and driving around looking for a place to eat, you might miss it and that might not be such a bad thing as this is a true local hidden gem. The restaurant is cozy and once the hour of 7 arrives on a Friday night, the place is in full swing. There is nothing pretentious about it yet the food would warrant it if the owner, staff and vibe invited it. We started with the gorgonzola salad with candied walnuts and pears that tasted of apple pie..a seemingly simple dish with explosive flavors that I could go back for on it's own with their freshly baked soft bread. We next had the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with 6 of the largest prawns I've seen in a very long time. As if that wasn't enough, we finished off the experience with a Tiramisu. I had heard mutterings of the cannoli being the thing to order but I beelined straight for the tiramisu and am so happy I didn't listen to anyone but my craving. The mascarpone cheese was the tastiest and most creamiest I've ever had!! I can't wait to return for more and will be back soon enough!
(5)kevin m.
We ate here the other night and I have to say it was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. The place is a little pricey if your having wine and dessert but if you stick to just the apps and entree it isn't that much more than mid range price restaurants. We will be back again.also some of the best service you will receive very professional servers.
(5)Adam C.
A hidden jewel. Popular favorites and a selection of adventurous specials make it a good choice for a broad spectrum of diners. Add a great wine list and impeccable service and you'll know why neighbors try to keep this place a secret.
(5)Richard S.
We had the most wonderful dinner. This was our first visit here. The grilled calamari appetizer was juicy and easy to chew with a light lemony flavor. The salmon with spinach dinner was quite delectable and moist. My wife always orders salmon and she mentioned that it was one of the best. My veal parmigiana was the best I have had since I can remember. The waiter and entire staff worked together and were very attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant atmosphere was very soothing and moderately decorated. The tables were not on top of each other. On this Friday night there was live music which added to the ambience. We met Uncle Joe, and the owner made it a point to assist the staff as though he was just another employee. I thought he was another assistant when he stopped by our table, only to find out he was the owner. This restaurant is of the same caliber as Casa D'Angelos which we love so much. I highly recommend Sette Bello to other aficionados of good Italian dinners.
(5)Mitchell M.
Currently our favorite "high end" Italian restaurant in Broward County. Food is outstanding and service generally is excellent, although they have recently hired a waiter that does not fit in with the "team", and could understand more about Italian food. That said you can salivate over everything. We have had their burrata (good), fresh mozarella (very good), Caesar Salad excellent, Gnocchi (excellent), fettucini alfredo (not on menu) Ok, Meatballs (very good), chicken milanese OUTSTANDING! with salad, Chicken parmagiana (excellent), various Veal Chop dishes (EXCELLENT) , Ossu Bucco (OK) and excellent desserts. Love the maitre D' Johnnie Cadillac from the old Runway 84 days...BTW Great wine list on top of everything else. Only complaint is I would love them to offer more "pasta dishes".
(5)Harry A. M.
A maitre 'd takes you to your tablecloth covered table. Very comfortable, Not too close to your neighbors-just right for conversation-- Wine list impressive but a little pricey. We settle for wine by the glass--waiter, Peter, a little too fawning for my taste, but otherwise fine, selects the reds and white for each of us and we're satisfied. We choose the veal Marsala; and it is very good. Bread was good. We skip dessert as the little woman has made a coffee cake at home. We'd come back. Oh, we had one appetizer, the anchovies, which were fine. It was, on the whole a good experience. $38.00 per person--without coffee and desert.
(3)Myra S.
Fabulous...loved it...second time there, first time walked out because of anEXTREMELY grouchy old man as host, very rude!!! Finally tried it again one year later because of reviews we read...totally glad we did! It was fantastic
(4)