Busy, but you can tell why
28 Aug 08, 16:06
Above expectations
At 7:00 on a Wednesday night, you wouldn't expect a restaurant which is tucked out of the way to be overly busy. Ciao Bella was, and the 2 of us only just managed to get a table. The atmosphere is lively and communal, something helped by the proximity of tables to each other, and the staff only add to this.
A huge menu with almost endless varieties of pizza and pasta, as well as various meat dishes left us spoiled for choice, and we eventually decided on a pizza and veal. Both were well worth the money, and large enough portions to satiate us -- almost enough to resist the desserts!
A meal for 2, including wine was £50, although you could easily dine for £10 each if you skip the booze.
Kyra K.
Nunhead
41 reviews
Bellissima!
15 Aug 07, 11:57
Above expectations
I discovered Ciao Bella when looking for a place to have a birthday dinner and I have enjoyed many a long, lively dinner there with friends as well as smart, efficient business lunches and intimate tete-a-tetes. Upon arrival everyone gets a bowl of marinated queen olives, a small packet of grissini, and a plate of parmesan chunks. This immediately swayed me, and I was destined to adore this place forevermore. Despite the freebies, the prices don't go up with a ridiculous 'cover' charge, nor is the menu expensive. Most pasta and pizza dishes stay firmly in the £7 and under category. The food is top-notch: hearty Italian trattoria fare with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, and particular attention to Italian specialities not usually available in bog-standard pizzerias- bresaola,rucola, and parmesan salad; prosciutto crudo- and the service is second to none.
I always see the same smiling faces there and they are very accomodating, with a personal touch. They're always ready with a quip or comment, even for large groups. I went for lunch yesterday and was persuaded, nay, cajoled even, to finish the last mouthfuls of my panna cotta. 'Go on,' my waiter said, smiling cheekily. 'You can do it'. Of course I did, and I left happy and with some of my lunch money still in my pocket. Che bella.
