Possibly the worst place to eat on the Royal Mile. Service was markedly subpar. Long wait with open tables available, then was usurped by a group of 5 that came in behind my partner and me. Such a shame because there are so many other wonderful places to eat within a short distance. read more

Not really sure on how to best describe this restaurant. It's very basic, nothing unique about it if you would compare it to other Italian restaurants. The services was great (basically the majority of the rating was because of the service). The man who served us was very kind and generous and couldn't have done a better job. Food :- A friend had ordered for me as I was getting ready in the hotel room so by the time I arrived it was slightly cold, the waiter offered to heat it up for me, which he did. Upon tasting the food the mushrooms were slightly burnt - the chicken was fine and nothing special. The potatoes tasted as if someone had thrown a heap of salt on them which wasn't that good. Quite hard to judge this restaurant as I was pretty jet lagged and very hungry!! So I will probably give it another chance before I leave. read more

The hours listed on their website state the restaurant opens at 9:00. They have - what looks like a great breakfast deal so I was wanting to go here and try it. I went three times all after 9:00 - between 9:00 and 10:00 and they were never open. Staff would just give me blank looks as I tried the locked doors. Come on, guys. At least update your hours online if you've changed them. read more

I've already reviewed another branch of Bella Italia, and while I'm loath to reference a previous review in my musings on this branch, it's perhaps quite telling about Bella Italia as a whole that I really can't think of anything else they do worth commenting on. Decent but dreary Italian food "jus like-a mamma use-da make eh", assuming your mamma is a 20 stone welder from Pilton, you know exactly what to expect from here. What you won't expect though, is penne with duck, spring onions and plum sauce. I'm assured it's fantastic, but I've never been brave enough to try the most bizarre food combination I've seen since Asda did Ninja Turtles branded chocloate and marshmallow pizza. read more

Walked in after looking for food on a Sunday evening around 9 pm when most places were closed or closing. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere and the staff were very friendly. We ordered a calzone and the pollo lasagna. Both dishes were great. The calzone was huge with a great tomato sauce and flaky crust, while the pollo lasagna was thin, but had a great cheese sauce along with grilled chicken and pancetta. Overall positive experience. read more

Bella Italia - The pollo lasagna- very good! - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

See all

Bella Italia is a reasonably good chain of Italian restaurants which you'll find dotted around big cities like Glasgow and here in Edinburgh. One thing you can say about Bella is that it is usually busy and the staff are more than accommodating. We visited on a bank holiday and the place was packed, but the waitress went out of her way to move a table for two for us and seat us in less than ten minutes which was really nice. This restaurant is a chain, so don't expect anything out of the ordinary or anything too authentic. It kind of reminds me of Frankie and Bennys or DiMaggio's which kind of leave me a bit deflated, although I will say that Bella Italia is one of the better chains I have visited. I had spaghetti Gamberi (which to me and you is spaghetti with prawns, tomato, chili and garlic) I usually get this in every Italian I go to so I'm quite a good judge of it, and I have to say this was one of the nicer ones I have had! My friend went for lasagne which looked very nice, and I tried a wee sneaky bit. It was lovely too! The bill for two with wine came to just under £30 which was pretty good going. I was impressed and would certainly go there again. read more

Bella Italia - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Came here for lunch. The pasta dishes were done perfectly and their special ricci pasta, made specially for the restaurant, was the perfect pasta to pick up and hold all the wonderful flavors in the sauces! Service was good. Interior was bistro looking. Nice! read more

See all

A nice place with a good selection but I feel they could do with updating their menu more often. Go here with your Tesco vouchers and it makes it a bargain! read more

We were looking for lunch and our little girls were asking for pizza. The pizza hut on Cockburn Street and Pizza Paradise on North Bridge were both closed on the Sunday after Christmas, so our options were limited. It worked to our advantage. Located at the intersection with High Street about halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, it is an excellent stopping point if you are making a day of walking the 'Royal Mile' Our family of 5 was taken in immediately and given a seating area where there was space for our pram as well as a high chair. The children were given place mats to color on and do activities. Two of the girls shared the pizza meal off the children's menu. This came with vanilla ice cream and when they served it each child received a full portion. They were elated and took all the time they needed to finish it off. My wife and I shared a Bruschetta and then a vegetarian pizza with all the fixings. The glass of Pinot Griggio washed it all down very nicely. Our window seats gave us the opportunity to people watch in between tending to the children. I really enjoyed the way the server did not rush us. He gave us the time we needed to get through each stage of our meal. With three young children we tend to move at a different pace. The one down side is the location of the toilet rooms-located 1 1/2 stories down. It makes it a bit difficult with small children, especially babies. read more

Highly recommended although the staff not very friendly. Good food and reasonable price: rucula salad with parmesan is delicious. We were welcomed by a polite, smiling and GORGEOUS waiter ... so, I would like to return again ! lol read more

I had the worst pizza in the UK here. I have been travelling in UK for 2 months. If you "create your own pizza, the base is supposed to be the Margarita pizza plus 2 more ingredients. I got a burnt pizza with no tomatoes or basil and limited burnt red onions and sad olives. Don't eat here. read more

Well,Italy was found at this busy restaurant.Meats from one Italian family,pasta from another,what deliciousness.The Mozarella Carozza with chili sauce,was to die for.My Limoncello spritzer was refreshing,and our CarnaMista pizza was a pleasure for these American taste buds.All of these were served with a smile by our waitress Ingrida......she truly loves her job.The manager bused tables,served food ,made drinks,and was truly doing a great job on a restaurant filled with tourists. read more

This is a good place if you can't be bothered cooking. It's a very unpretentious, no fuss, nice but not fancy, restaurant. The food is nothing special- the garlic bread is dry and you get the impression a lot of it is heated in a microwave, but this is reflecte din the prices and laid back atmosphere- it's very fmaily friendly. read more

Actual trash. Waiter can't do simple math and scammed us 10 pounds. At one point there was hair in my seafood pasta. Later that night with awful stomach pains I physically got sick. I thought the seafood in my pasta smelled bad but didn't think anything of it till later that night. Here's a tip besides the one I should not have left because I felt like the poor man who can't do math could use a pound, fix your service, fix your attitude, and use only fresh products so you aren't poisoning the people of Edinburgh. read more

The staff manager Mr. Lee was extremely rude, offensive and outrightly racist. Our server, Ms. Engrid, didn't serve any water to us on our arrival and even after finishing our starters and half way through our entrees, when my wife asked for water she didn't serve it while she served another table water immediately on the arrival. When we tried to ask her repeatedly for water that Mr. Lee came to our table and in a threatening voice said, she is working hard and will get us the water when she will be able to get to it. His tone was like he is doing charity on us by providing water. When my wife told him that he needs to serve people with same attitude irrespective of the skin of the color. He shouted 'You be careful' in a loud intimidating voice like threatening to physically harm us. We had to leave the restaurant after paying without completing our meals as we were so disgusted with the behavior of the staff in such a cosmopolitan tourist area where you can find people from all walks of life. We have travelled to 45 countries including Italy but have never felt threatened while eating in an establishment by the serving staff. It was totally unacceptable and we will never recommend anyone to 'Bella Italia' chain of restaurants. Please boycott such a racist restaurant chain. read more

So this was my first time in Edinburgh and we ate here the other day and it was pretty good. We came back later the next night because they had good desserts and they were open. After we waited for 15 minutes for a table for 6 we asked to order dessert and drinks. The waiter was the rudest person I've ever met!!! He said that we couldn't order just dessert and drinks because it wasn't worth holding the table for us. He said it like our money wasn't worth his time, even though with 6 of us it would have costed the same! At first I honestly thought he was kidding and joking with us but then we was like you need to leave. He then came after us when we left and told us to go somewhere else. Why would he want us to spend our money somewhere else. I will always remember this and tell everyone about my awful experience and I will NEVER be going back!!!! read more

This is a very nice italian restaurant.I visited this restaurant several times while visiting Edinburgh. You can enjoy warm and friendly atmosphere there. Their food is really quality and delicious. They offer a good variety of different kinds of food. But I think they had better change their menu or add something new.Their prices are fairly resonable. Service is perfect and very fast. Staff are polite and friendly.They are always ready to solve any problem. You can use your Tesco's vouchers there It is very suitable place to have meal with your children. But sometimes this restaurant is very busy and you need to wait for a table for a while. read more

The food here is very good value for money with a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes on offer together with some less known courses. The atmosphere was pleasant and the staff were helpful. We arrived quite early & by the time we left it was really filling up so booking in advance is recommended. A thouroughly enjoyable evening. read more

The Bella Italia restaurant chain is efficient in carrying out its services to you; quickly providing you with large quantities of filling Italian-style food. Some of the pizzas are quite nice, but I couldn't eat a whole one. read more

When I stayed in Edinburgh we had a meal at Bella Italia. I have been to Bella Italia before and thought it was mediocre but this time I thought it was a bit better. Service was great and food was really nice and seemed high quality-last time I ate there it just seemed really average for the price. I was pleased with the one I had it Edinburgh and it made me like the chain a little more. Also the restaurant itself was really nice inside, I like the decor and music. read more

We went here for dinner on Boxing Day, and I'm really glad we did. All of the waiters were so friendly and we talked to them for a long time. My pasta was a lacking a little in seasoning, but the pizza bread with caramelized onions and mozzarella was amazing! I recreated it as soon as I got back home to the US. read more

Terrible! Over priced food with terrible service to go with it. Ordered the food and literally 4 minutes later it arrived. I asked if it was fresh or was it just tossed in a microwave as there's no way freshly made food to order would be that quick! I ordered a tomato pasta and It tasted worse than an Asda ready meal. The sauce was watery and the pasta was mushy, bland & tasteless. I took two bites then left it. The older Italian waiter (or whatever he was) asked what was wrong and I said I don't like it, he just looked at me and turned his nose up at me, grunted then walked away. Didn't ask me why I didn't like it, nor what was wrong with it. Wasn't asked again about how our food was. The Mocktails were full of ice, lucky to get 5 sips from them. Over priced iced juice basically. The staff hovered round the bar talking about customers and just staring at people coming in. Not welcoming in the slightest and a horrible atmosphere! Asked for the bill and then asked if it could be split up as I was there with others, this seemed to be a problem so just paid all our money on to it! I was still charged for the food and still no apology or question as to why I left it. Didn't bother asking to speak to a manager as I could tell they didn't care. I read a few other reviews on here saying it is not child friendly, and I can tell you that it definitely isn't! Watched a couple come in with their child and a buggy, and one of the young guys who I presume is a manager (wore a different shirt and clearly loved himself) didn't seem too happy when they asked for a high chair and then he proceeded to ask if "IT" was in the pushchair to take "IT" up the stairs! Speechless. Couldn't wait to leave, I will never return to a Bella Italia again. read more

Service/hospitality is the first (in fact the most important) factor I consider before rating a restaurant. I must say Bella Italia sucks big time in that department. We were there for an early dinner and it took them about 15 mins to get us seated. No biggie right, considering the tourist rush in Edinburgh. Wait till you read further. We were in a bit of a rush, so when the host arrived to take our order, we asked him what their turn around time was after an order has been placed. When he said that it's gonna take around 25 - 30 mins, we inquired politely if there was anyway to expedite. We were about to ask if there are items on the menu that might take less preparation time, when he cut us off with the most absurdly arrogant statement I ever heard from a server "This is a restaurant and not a fast food joint. It is going to take that time (Not to mention the attitude he was sporting on his face while uttering this)". It took my wife and I(Unanimously) all about 2 secs to get up and leave the place after hearing that. I am still unable to believe the kind of arrogance this man showed and the negligence that this business carries towards their patrons. If I am ever back in Edinburgh, I will make sure to NOT visit this place again - EVER! Folks at Bella Italia - Remember, you are not running a charity here. People pay for your service and the survival of your business lies entirely at the mercy of your patrons. Enough with the attitude already. read more

I had a very nice lunch here. It was chicken salad with delicious chicken. The staff were very friendly, and my waiter was gorgeous. He made me wish I was about 30 years younger. read more

The menu had a pretty good selections, and at one point I was torn between two very good sounding dishes. I ended up going with a pasta dish, spaghetti with prawns in a tomato sauce. The wait for the food wasn't that long, so that's a plus. They offered parmesan and pepper right after they brought in the food, that was nice. We finished up, they boxed up our food for us, and we got some takeaway desserts. Great place overall. If you're looking for a good sit down eat and all, this is a good place to do it. read more

Great location for people watching along Royal Mile. Homemade pasta was delicious and my husband really liked his calzone too.

We usually avoid food places on the tourist strips. But we are glad we stopped here. The pizza as wonderful. The spaghetti was perfect. The chicken salad was another hit. Easy access. Good service. Fairly priced for being on the Royal mile. read more

This place was open late when others were closing up for night. And with two little ones in toe we thought this was our only option for a late dinner. What a great surprise. Kids got fresh homemade soda...quite good. We got beer and cocktails which were nice. Kids had pasta and ribs, both of which they finished so much have been good. I had the Carbonara pasta, which I have to say I am a very highly critical off...it was okay, which is not bad....again highly critical...my point of comparison is a mom and pop Resturant in Italia where a grandmother made it for me....not fair but this is life. Wife had a sausage Stromboli....she was quite impressed and finished it all to my surprise. Overall night recommend, service was pretty good, noting the place was packed with folks waiting for a table at 10:30pm. If you in area and want a good spot...this is am option for sure! read more

we ordered the turkey, sirloin steak and the chicken breast and waited over one hour. It was a terrible experience. The turkey was so dry tasted like fabric, I felt like I was chewing my sweater. And the chicken breast was also very dry and I am pretty sure they literally used a entire bottle of salt. The steak was suppose to be medium and it looked and tasted like it was well done. read more

Bella Italia - Turkey - Italian Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Pizza was great. Ordered the Margarita pizza with extra basic and the waiter delivered. Very friendly staff. My husband order ravioli and he said it's okay. But the lava cake (pizzooki) was to die for. Nice ambiance too. read more

Convenient on the Royal Mile and South Bridge junction. Was to be honest expecting a rip off but was pleasantly surprised . We had three courses for less than £50 . what's more the food was pretty good and the service was even better . The place however does get a lot of customers and is a little cramped but get there early and it will be good . read more

Best pizza ever tasted! My husband tried different types of food here, both meat and pasta, and was very satisfied with everyone of the dishes he tried. I ate pizza. 3 days in a row... Crowded in the evening, but the waiters was very serviceminded, and smiled, made us feel seen and special, althoug they almost ran their feets off. read more

The food was average (not hard when cooking pasta!) but the waiting staff ruined our visit entirely. Our waiter was rude and ignorant. It was difficult to get any service from him, I was pressured to give a tip, and when (unsurprisingly) I chose not to tip I received verbal abuse as I left! Disgusted and I won't be back. There are plenty other Italian restaurants in Edinburgh that are more welcoming and/or have better food. read more

i went here in June of this year and coming from me, an Italian, this food was amazing. the food and service was spectacular, the staff was very respectful and kind. it tasted exactly like my grandmas homemade Italian. it was remarkable. i'm definitely coming back whenever i'm back in Edinburgh! read more

Great place for a nice meal , food is generally very good quality but can be a bit slow at times but given it's location can't complain. Can get very busy with people waiting on tables to be vacated but overal great food , only flaw was no draught lager when i was there. Has good lunchtime deals on meals. read more

The food was delicious . However we were seated right by the steps where a lot of workers liked to put their rear end near my husbands shoulder. Sitting almost on the next guest! If you are directed to that 2 person table by the steps...... decline it!!! read more

I've been living in Edinburgh for months now and this is the worst customer experience I've ever had here. The waiter was condescending and simple rude. I saw the table next to us complain about him as well. We felt forgotten and left unsatisfied. Will not be returning. read more

We stumbled upon Bella Italia after emerging from the underground ghost tour! It was 10:30pm and we were starving and this seemed to be the closest place on the Royal Mile that was still open! It fit all of our criteria so in we went for it. We had not realized that this was a chain, so the food is that more impressive. I can't say that I've dined at many chains and had really delicious food. The menu was pretty extensive, from numerous pasta bowls to the selection of pizza, there was something for everyone and the prices were pretty reasonable, so that was another selling point. Our waiter was really nice, and made great recommendations, albeit the service was a tad slow. We started off with the Mozzarella Pomodoro which came out crispy and fluffy. I had the Agnello Tagliatelle, which was a heaping bowl of pasta and they didn't go light on the lamb either, the flavors were great, a very rich dish. I was starving and by the end of the meal, it didn't even look like I made a dent in the plate at all! My husband had the Carne Mista pizza and raved about it being one of the better pizzas he's had in a while. The restaurant was very intimate at that time of night and the people watching was fantastic, it really added some interesting entertainment for the night. There was a taxi stand across the street so it was very easy to get back to our hotel afterwards. We were pleasantly surprised with our random pick, we were weary that it would be a tourist trap, it probably was, but we really had a great time, it was well past midnight when we left and never once felt rushed despite the hour of the night. read more

Family-friendly, serves food late, and the pasta/pizza/garlic bread is delicious. Our kids loved there food, and the location is handy, too.

The guys were great and friendly, but the women was terrible. Terrible manners and looked at us like we were crazy when we ordered. Wanted to walk the f*ck out of there. She was so rude and her face said we were a hassle. Never going back. read more