Doesn't Recommend

caffeinegirl

Joined 6 years ago

Over-rated. We recently went to Ciao Bella for lunch, and were excited given the reputation and reviews. However, we were thoroughly disappointed by the quality of food. The bruschetta was soggy, the pastas were average at best, and the creme brulee was cold! The service and ambiance were nice, but the food quality is sub par for the location and the price.

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Ceo08

Joined 5 years ago

Pretty good. Good, but nothing to write home about. Like every Newbury st. venue, the food is decent, very cramped seating, and it's kinda overpriced. Ciao Bella is not as overpriced as most, but the food is also slightly less good. The pasta itself is good, but the sauces are pretty average. I wouldn't be against eating here again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go, either.

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Alessandria4

Joined 5 years ago

great experience. Extraordinary dining rooms, front was very hip and chic and the back was very cozy and friendly. Even on a Friday night after 10, when the dining rooms were still full, we had fabulous service, and the food could stop traffic. There was such fantastic and exciting entertainment when the manager led a Boston Red Sox player and friends into the back dining room. (Although living in New York City, and being a loyal Yankees fan, I still was impressed at the sight- it really is a place to see and be seen!) Cocktails were fabulous, try any of the martini's, you will not be let down. If you are in Boston, and want to experience the fabulous life, then I would recommend dining here! If not, then you will truly miss out on a great experience!!!!

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maxxie

Joined 9 years ago

Small,busy and no parking. We had early reservations on a Sunday night. We were seated promptly in the window. The waitress was polite, but not too knowledgeable about the wines. She brought over two sample sips of 2 different wines for us to help make our decision. She recited the specials and took our order quickly. After the appetizers, we had to ask for bread. My husband had the veal chop-it was large, tender and cooked to order. My pasta with shrimp was run of the mill. The dessert menu was plentiful and we were told that all desserts were homemade on the premise. The tiramisu was very disappointing-mostly whipped cream instead of mascapone and not much kaluha. Our waitress had all but disappeared when we wanted our check. All in all it was ok-we wouldn't rush back any time soon.

Doesn't Recommend

colee83

Joined 6 years ago

Complete Joke. You must be joking. My boyfriend and I live in the area and we have been to almost every restaurant in the city of Boston, at least two per week, it is our hobby. This place is a complete joke, it?s way too expensive for the service, atmosphere and the food you receive. $18 for a small cereal bowl of Bolognese pasta, not an appetizer but an entree! As I was reading the menu I noticed the entree prices were from $29 to $45. Ended up paying $55 for soup and pasta, no alcohol. Don?t waste your money, for a complete dining experience for that kind of money try Icarus, Grotto, Excelsior, Meritage or Lucca. You will enjoy your dining experience and food for the same money. So next time your walking by on Newbury just keep walking.

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docm24

Joined 7 years ago

Good Food - Uncomfortable Experience. I was in the restaraunt for the second time this weekend. We were seated promptly without a reservation on a Saturday night. Although pricey, the food was above average and the atmosphere was rather romantic for myself and my girlfriend...however there was one rather large 'hitch' in the evening...it made for an interesting time. You see when my brother was married the weekend before the wedding his friends threw him a bachelor party complete with 2 strippers sent to a hotel suite, rather explicit. I was shocked to see that our waitress was one of the exotic dancers! Different name but I wouln't forget her unique face, I asked a friend to email some of the pictures to me and it was confirmed, definitely her! Kind of funny, but at the same time it was very uncomfortable to see her in a normal setting with my girlfriend ordering a meal from her. But I guess it is good to see her doing something better with her life. Nevertheless, the Penne Bolognese was great and the small rasberry ice cream ball for dessert was tasty. I would reccomend ciao bella to anyone spending an evening out on newbury.

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jfs9686

Joined 8 years ago

Not too hot. I went with two friends for my birthday and i would not reccommend it. We had reservations, but the staff really hurried us along in our meal. I ordered a salad with goat cheese, and it was about 3 bites worth of food. It had way too much salad dressing on it, and the lettuce was wilted. For desert, both my friend and I ordered this sort of ice cream ball type thing. It didnt come with everything listed on the menu and wasnt very good. I was expecting this to be a great place, because celebs eat here, but it wasnt good.

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Eric Grossman

Joined 10 years ago

Stellar outdoor seating and frequent celebrity sightings draw the masses to this Newbury hot spot.. The Scene
Long a favorite of celebrities and professional athletes, Ciao Bella also attracts a steady stream of tourists and Euro-types. The interior is surprisingly casual, save for the black-clad waitresses (some of whom moonlight as models) who add a bit of style to the proceedings. The dining room's window tables afford good street views, while the large sidewalk patio is one of the city's top spots for people-watching.

The Food
A lengthy menu of familiar Italian favorites provides plenty of options. Hearty veal chops and plates of rich chicken Parmesan keep the Celtics and Bruins happy, while aspiring starlets can opt for a plethora of fresh salads and appetizers--try the Portobello mushrooms marinated in wine, garlic, and lemon. Classic desserts like tiramisu and gelato prove satisfying closers.

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echo4c2000

Joined 8 years ago

What a treat.. I've been eating at Ciao Bella for a few years, now, and it's honestly one of the best Italian restaurants in town. The food is always good, and the service is generally exceptional with the waitstaff being very attentive and polite. If you're looking for sub-par, generic taste, and disgustingly enormous portions, Ciao Bella is not for you. The portions are larger than average and made with excellent products, so you certainly won't walk away unsatisfied. The drinks are also very well made. You won't be disappointed. Trust me.

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robyn12

Joined 8 years ago

WONDERFUL food. This is my favorite restuarant in Boston -- the food in yummy, the atmosphere is nice (especially if youget a window seat), and the service is good to. I highly recommed this restaurant to anyone.