Bella Mia Restaurant

04/21/09

EXPENSIVE & HORRIBLE FOOD

by simrankaur at Citysearch

We all went for group lunch and ordered all the orders in advance so we dont have to wait long... I ordered Lamonate which was good followed by Calamery (which was COLD and uncooked). In main course I ordered for Grilled Salmon with Rice (Extra well done). Food was cold.. instead of extra well done it was Raw .. completely disappointed... then group ordered different desserts like. Tiramisu (too sweet).. cheese cake and brownie...

I am happy that my company paid for the food else i would be very disappointed as my salmon was for about $18 bucks and very very small quantity...

If you go, please keep in mind portions are very small

• Pros: Nice size
• Cons: FOOD

05/01/08

Lots of better places to eat in dowtown San Jose!

by keplerg at Citysearch

Bella Mia is lacking overall not in any one area. Our waitress was very nice, but inexperienced. She was not able to describe the dishes at all and knew nothing of the wines. We ordered the Halibut special with artichokes. While the fish was not bad, it came with cold mashed potatoes and burned Swiss Chard (we think) instead. We asked for the artichokes that were supposed to come with it and got a large bowl with a small amount of the soggy artichokes - even the waitress said it was too small. The Duck dish was cold and asparagus was overcooked. But, the Risotto was wonderful! The bread is no longer the pie shaped style it used to be - this time it was cut into squares of fairly tasteless bread, served upside down on the plate by a fairly clueless busboy. The patio where we ate was littered boxes, unused fans and a hose left dripping by the fountain. Overall, for the price, the manager needs to understand what it is takes to play in the big leagues. Right now it is more like an overpriced Ruby Tuesdays. More attention needs to be paid to the details in order to make eating here enjoyable instead of amuzing.

• Pros: The Risotto was great, could be a very nice location
• Cons: Below average food for the price; poor attention to details

03/15/08

Save yourself

by chefmm at Citysearch

After years of great meals at Bella Mia I was shocked at how disapointing our meals were this evening. My Potato Crusted Halibut (reduntantly served w/ mashed potatoes!) was dry, overcooked and flavorless (clearly previously frozen). The side of vegetables (ordered extra) were very overcooked and uninteresting. The Grapefruit Beurre Blanc tsted "off".The other meal ordered, Pork Chop, was over sauced with an overbearing glop and served with Rissoto riddled with undercooked sweet potato chunks. Ugh! Our waitress, though trying very hard and sweet, lacked the polished service that Bella Mia was known for. In the old days the owner, Bill Carlson and Chef Gary craeated a favorite dining destination. I worried when Bill sold his jewel but was thrilled to hear Chef Miles Meal was at the helm. Now they are all gone and the place has gone way down the pits. What a shame for such a lovely property.

• Pros: Poor food
• Cons: Lovely building