Unimpressed. This restaurant is nicely lit and welcoming. The staff was friendly enough. I ordered the gnocchi and grilled vegetable "salad." The flavor was pleasant and enjoyable enough. I simply found the prices to be too high for the kind of fare that was on offer. In particular, for $14 I would have expected more than an appetizer's worth of sliced vegetables.…
Pretty restaurant, BAD food.
I have been here one other time in the past couple of years and each time has disappointed. My most recent (and last) adventure was with a group of 12 on a Sat night when there were about 4 other
small parties in the entire establishment. While the servers - I'm guessing the owners - were accommodating and very friendly, they were slow and forgetful. I was never asked what I would like to drink so I had to eventually flag someone down to get a beverage - and then remind them to get my beverage - twice. Several others had this experience upon being seated and two others were never brought bread/appetizer plates. Throughout our entire meal, the servers were slow in coming around our table and could have sold a lot more cocktails if they had. I know service can be a little spotty when you have a large group in a crowded restaurant but this place was otherwise close to empty.
On to the food....What looks like a pretty appetizing menu, is not. I ordered the pappardelle with wild boar ragu. The pasta tasted fresh and well-cooked but the boar ragu was sparse, tough and bland. I could have made a better roast in my crock-pot. Several of my fellow diners ordered the spinach and ricotta ravioli special of which everyone remarked that each of their dishes were cold and that the cheese tasted freezer-burned. The pizza review from those who ordered it was, in one word, bland.
I rarely get to go out without the kiddos or to a nice meal so I was irritated that I spent my time and money on such bad food and service. That certainly won't be happening at this place again.…
Italy in Portland. If you like your pasta al dente then eat here. Everything comes from Italy... even the employees :) The food is terrific as well as the service and atmosphere.
Put this on the top of your list!. Bella Gioio is the place to eat great food, enjoy pleasant atmosphere and surround yourself with good people. We picked this restaurant to celebrate my birthday with friends and was not disappointed. Don't forget to try the wine and a couple desserts...a must have.…
A Love Letter To Authentic Milanese Fare. You would be hard pressed to find a more authentic love letter to Italian food than that being served at Bella Gioia. Owners Fabio Cappuccini and Altea Marin spare no attention to detail in the preparations. One needs only close their eyes to believe they are back in Milan for a joyful feast. Just about every ingredient is either grown locally or imported from the Old Country. Even the wines are secured through personal relationships with the Italian producers, and although the list is not as extensive as many of their competitors, the selections are sure to please and the prices are reasonable considering the high quality. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation in advance for the seven-course pairing of wine and food; you will be treated to several entrees, depending upon the whims of the staff, that are not available on the standard menu. The food here is hands down some of the best I’ve tasted in Portland, and that’s no small compliment.…
