Bella Vita Italian Restaurant
(650) 917-0300
376 1ST St
Los Altos,
CA
94022
37.3756
-122.116
Neighborhood: North Los Altos
What People Are Saying About Bella Vita Italian Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
"Silan" is a Kurdish word for rose hips—a real red herring as the name of a new bistro at the site of the now defunct Black Forest in Los Altos. Silan is pure "cucina mamma," hearty, moderately priced Italian classics that don't tax anyone's suspension of disbelief. Penne with fragrant basil pesto, linguine with clams, and veal scallopine ladled with porcini mushroom-red wine sauce are executed with aplomb at a fraction of the cost of Prima Strada up the street. Service is unfussy and neighborhood-friendly, and the wine list is similarly no-nonsense, with lots of California bottlings under $30. The only incongruous part of Silan is the decor. Positively rococo with Italian pottery gewgaws and gimcracks, floral painted walls, hanging herbs, and ropes of garlic make the interior somewhat frenetic and overly busy. With a little wear and tear, however, the overzealous decorating may mellow into a more comfortable, idiosyncratic charm.—Laura Reiley (7/99)
User Reviews
Anonymous
November 02, 2008
Had dinner for the first time at Bella Vita last night. The decor is lovely, but the rear dining area was very loud. Before our waitress arrived to take our order I noticed a very bad body odor. So bad I considered asking to be moved to a different table, the the odor quickly disappeared so I figured the offender must have been one of the guests that had just left. After the waitress took our order another server, or waiters assistant, arrived with the bread basket. It became instantly clear he was the person with the offensive odor. It was so bad that I had to use the napkin to cover my face until he left the area. A young man (in his mid-twenties to early thirties) should know better. Not even in a gym full of sweating bodies have I ever smelled something this bad. It was to the point of causing a gag reflex. I then noticed him using the hand cheese grater while stretching his upper body across another table. Instantly I knew I would not be asking for grated cheese, even though it is favorite of mine. Having him that close to the table again just would not be worth it. The rest of the evening I made an effort to cover our empty bread basket, hide my empty drink glass, and not require anything for fear he would come near our table. Everything else that was great about this place could not overcome this mans body odor. I can't understand how the other employees could work beside him and not say something. I'm sure they were being polite, but they should not be forced to work under those conditions. Better yet, how a manager could allow he to work a shift in this condition. I hope management reads this and implements a smell test for all employees before they clock-in.
read full reviewAnonymous
August 14, 2007
Bella Vita has a beautiful atmosphere has a very rich European feel. The cuisine is simply Superb. I had the beet salad and halibut, it was fantastic, the dish was presented elegantly, the taste, Bella. My son had the pizza, he described as delicious the best he has tasted. The service was also outstanding. You can not go wrong. Highly recommend. Bon Apetite
read full reviewAnonymous
March 09, 2007
The atmosphere is wonderful, the waiters are very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and add to the relaxation and peacefulness of enjoying a wonderful meal. The food is exceptional, from your appetizers all the way through to your dessert! For those who like wine with your meal, they have a wonderful selection. Recommend Bella Vita highly! You will always enjoy.
read full reviewThe Details on Bella Vita Italian Restaurant
Etymology::
"Silan" is a Kurdish word for rose hips.
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