I feel bad giving a less-than-stellar rating. We stopped here for drinks and a snack while waiting for our table at Carmelina's across the street. Pros: -The Bartender was awesome and made amazing drinks. They had a Happy Hour special - $10 for smaller drinks and the Paper Plane was divine. -She gave us a generous portion of crusty bread and butter pats. Cons: -Weird vibes and decor - seemed very off-brand from rustic, romantic, cozy Italian. Seems like they did a re-model recently that wasn't for the better. - $18.99 Caprese was in plain, not good. seemed like 4 thin slices of grocery store mozzarella on 4 slices of not very fresh tomato. No fresh basil or anything. Yummy olives though! With so many incredible Italian spots at North End I do hope this one steps it up soon. read more

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We were seated quickly and offered drinks. Water glasses were filled promptly. A nice basket of bread and butter was brought to the table. Wait time for ordering was a bit. We both ordered ravioli. My daughter really wanted manicotti but it was not on the menu. The ambiance is an upscale restaurant with subdued lighting. Sports were playing on both televisions. The music playing was a combination of country and Taylor Swift. Overall, a very good meal. read more

Bella Vista - Cheese ravioli with marinara. - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The place was so well decorated for the fall season, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly and the food was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend this place for a delicious meal with a cute environment for date night! read more

Bella Vista - Chicken Frances, beef Bolognese, and chicken Parmesan with a delicious bottle of Chianti - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Intimate atmosphere, great food, with nice touches. Service was spot on. Dishes were so fresh and creative. Veal with mushrooms, onions, artichokes & peas over angel hair was excellent. We shared a dinner so the photo is of half. We started with the seafood salad that was delicious. Again, fresh, wonderful flavors. read more

Bella Vista - Veal Verdicchio - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Wonderful experience last night! Food, service was amazing! We sat at the bar, Clodagh was our bartender/server. She made an amazing Amalfi martini! I had the escargots for an appetizer, delish! Had gnocchi & meatballs as entree, soft, light and fluffy! Meatballs were very good! At the end of the evening we meet the owners, wonderful people. We will absolutely be back! read more

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This food is amazing. I travel to Boston frequently for work, and try to eat here every time. My favorite pasta dish is the linguini with clams, however everything is wonderful. The owners are delightful and welcoming. If you want to have amazing Italian food in The North End, come to Bella Vista. read more

We walked Little Italy looking for a place to eat but all the restaurants were packed. A few steps further down we found a quaint little restaurant with an open face window and they had open tables! We took a chance and it did not disappoint. A little gem! read more

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Fantastic food with great service in a relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommended and I will be back!

BEST restaurant in RI although a bit pricy it was delicious i went there a few weeks ago and ordered the salmon, fried plantains, the seafood platter and it was phenomenal. The salmon was perfectly cooked and hit my mouth with crazy flavor, the fried plantains were just like how my mom cooks them crispy not very greasy and soft on the inside not grainy. the seafood platter was wonderful although it is the most expensive item on the menu it was great the lobster tail and crab legs were juicy and flavorful, the shrimp and oysters were also delicious. The servers were super nice. And the restaurants environment is wonderful. I DO RECOMMEND read more

Was a quiet night for Bella Vista but we were very cared for, service and food was incredible. I will be having my friends come back.

Bartender is one of the best in Boston. She was attentive, on point, and the her talent second to none. Should definitely get a drink her

Our dinner at Bella Vista was outstanding. Great wine with an excellent pour, caprese salad, delicious and tender veal Parmesan, and scampi. We finished with a tasty tiramisu. Lucia was such a terrific server and her attention to detail made our meal even that much more enjoyable. Can't wait to return next time we are in Boston. read more

Went there on Thursday for lunch with my family. The waitress/owner was pushy/impatient to order our food. The place was not busy at all; it took 30 minutes to bring out the food. We ordered pizza and pasta. The party of 3 came after us, and their food came out before ours. She never came to check on us nor thanked us for coming. The food quality was not good, even though my kids can cook better than they do. read more

Went here on a Thursday night. Needed to do a take out so sat at bar and had a glass of wine while I waited. Bar service was great. Got food home and it was SO Good! Got two specials....Sea Bass and lobster / scallop / scrimp special. Both were so good and so different. So much food we couldn't finish it all...I'm impressed! read more

If we could give zero stars, we would, the staff was super rude and very unprofessional. They were very upset that we only wanted to get drinks and appetizers and not order a full dinner. They weren't even busy. The staff was arguing in the back. The ambience was very basic with everything looking super cheap. There were many spots on the wall that needed to be patched. It honestly felt like the family was all their hanging out and they didn't care about the service they were giving. We ordered a martini and it was about 2 ounces. Avoid this place!!! read more

My husband and I saw a sign out front advertising $10 martinis so we stopped in for one, but stayed for two! The bartender was very busy and on top of things, also very friendly! The smell of garlic was amazing but we had just had a late lunch elsewhere....so we came back the next day for a light lunch! I love how small, intimate, and inviting Bella Vita is. The owner spoke to us and this place has been in the family for , I believe, 40 years! Great guy. We only ordered a Caesar salad that was flavorful with anchovies and garlic, plus some meatballs. The meatballs were very good, the tomato sauce was amazing! And the homemade bread- thick crust- yum! Wish I lived in Boston! read more

The food was fantastic. I would highly recommend stopping here for a meal. Morgan the bartender was a knockout as far as service is concerned. read more

Food is amazing. Authentic Italian you can beat it. Very flavorful and the portions are amazing. One of the best I've tasted here on the North End in Boston. Can't get better service anywhere. Kasey, the bartender is amazing and makes a great Porn Star Martini. When the weather is permitting, you get to sit with the windows open and the lights dimmed. Music playing in the background creating the best atmosphere. This is really the BEST place to Visit if you're on Hanover Street. Tell them Ken sent you!!! This place is so family oriented. Literally reminds you of a place in Rome. read more

The food was bland and service was just decent. The bread was stale/dry. We were able to get in quickly which was a plus for a Saturday night. read more

We were there for lunch today... the service was the worst we had in Boston. The server was rude, never took our drink order, didn't bring more bread, or ask how our food was and if we needed anything, and gave us our check without asking if we wanted dessert or coffee. The food was good but I would never go back because of the service. read more

Ordered the Calamari Marinaro over homemade linguine. They start you off with hot bread, butter and a hot. Pepper in olive oil. The bread was hot and toasted on the outside. The inside was soft and fluffy. Great was to start lunch. The Calamari was delicious over the pasta. It had a a few whole grape tomatoes and was loaded with fish. . The service was very good and you ate over a cloth tablecloth. This is a walking to Resturant, no parking. It is a the beginning of the North End. read more

Bella Vista - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The food was bland...expected spicier for all dishes severed to our group. Bread was like store bought and dry and not fresh. They left the shells on the shrimp in a dish with marinara sauce and for the shrimp scampi too. The lobster was cut longtime in half and in the marinara sauce but still in the shell, not easily removable. Very disappointed in the lasagna..tasted old and dry. The waiter was not professional..he was open and truthful but it came across as an intolerant person. The environment was chilly. We could take off our jackets. read more

Amazing food; best ever! Can't wait for them to reopen after their renovation. Closet food to my Italian grandmother's cooking I've ever found. read more

Came here on a visit to Boston. The restaurant was small and romantically lit. Service was fast and the food was decent, and on the cheap side for Italian. I enjoyed my food and service. read more

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Traditional Italian in Boston's North End, they were taking bookings on Open Table and that's a good thing. The warmer weather is bringing out the tourists and so these days, you'll likely want to book ahead. We were seated when we arrived on time, getting one of the tables in the window, which was open to the street. Motorcycles and firetrucks, but that's life int he big city. I chose the Chicken Villanese. I nice flattened piece of grilled chicken topped with shrimp and mushrooms and clams in white wine sauce. Served with broccoli and grilled potatoes. A large meal and delicious. Very, very nice. For dessert, a canoli. It was good though covered in powdered sugar and with canned whipped cream on both sides. Nice presentation but I just want the shell and the delicious filling, please. Yum! read more

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I was on my way to another restaurant, unfortunately they were Not properly social distancing. Luckily, I found Ristorante Bella Vista, which was abiding by social distancing measures that met my strict requirements. Wow! What a wonderful find. Delicious Italian home cooking and an awesome conversation with proprietress, Ms. Lucia Pezzano, I felt like I was having dinner with family. She graciously shared a heartfelt story of how her and her family serves the community. I will return from South Korea in June and plan to have my mother meet me in Boston to enjoy dinner here. Bella Vista, please continue to practice social distancing measures for your sake and the safety of your customers. We will get through this. read more

Bella Vista - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We ended up here because our preferred restaurant was busy. It was a pretty average experience. We split soup, salad and an entree and all were just OK. While the waitress (owner?) was attentive and helpful the young guy that brought out the food, etc. needs an attitude adjustment. There was only one other table of guests while we were there. Does not appear to be a popular place. I think if they want more customers they might work on some of their recipes (More flavor please) and their service. read more

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Bella Vista had good food and good service. The owner came to check on us several times and was very kind. The food was really good as well. I got the chicken Marsala which interestingly had ham in it as well. I think all or most of the main courses come with a side of spaghetti with tomato sauce; I was glad to be able to try some of the pasta. The atmosphere was a little fancier than I thought it would be with dim lighting, white tablecloths, and Italian music. Great choice for a date night in the north end, I will definitely come back! read more

Bella Vista - Chicken Marsala - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The food here is cheap and has large portions, but's is very generic/unremarkable. If you're hungry and just need a place to fill up, it would work. Menu is a bit limited, and they only offer tiramisu for dessert (which I haven't tried). The staff are attentive and helpful. read more

Got to say this was a great find..... had the minestrone.... Very good Wife had fried seafood and she loved every bit of it... and a very good sized portion I had chicken parm and very good, as well. Oh did I mention the bread..... like awwwwwesome.. Not as busy as the other places, but probably much better than the other places. read more

Freezing cold on a Saturday night on the North End and we popped in this place because it was the only one with open tables. (Which maybe should have been a good indicator, but like I said, we were desperate) The menu was pretty basic. The service was very slow despite the fact that it was pretty empty. When they finally did come to take our order, we asked some questions about the food and the waitress was generally unhelpful. I went safe with the chicken parm but my date ordered a meal with prosciutto in it. The food she got looked generally unappetizing and had the SMALLEST amount of prosciutto on the chicken. My meal was nothing unusual. So maybe this place would be a good place to stop if you are in a pinch on the North End, but it's much to pricey for a sub par Italian dish. read more

Bella Vista - Chicken with prosciutto - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The food and ambiance are wonderful. The family that owns Bella Vista are professional and very inviting. We had a wonderful experience at Bella Vista. Can't wait for a return visit. Thank you read more

Delicious classic old school Italian restaurant. So refreshing with so many restaurants changing there menus to trendy food instead of classic dishes yummy read more

This is the best Italian restaurant I've been to in a very long time. Family friendly, romantic and welcoming! You feel like family coming home for an authentic meal! Lucia is a doll!! There's no rushing you out the door... they want you to enjoy your meal and company. When in Boston, I will be returning to Bella Vista!! read more

Bella Vista - Chicken Verdicchio evah!!! - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Had dinner on a Wednesday night and it was wonderful. A very small, intimate setting with the charm of white tablecloths and great service. Tony, our waiter, spent some time talking to us about the neighborhood and growing up in the area. Food was really good. My Veal Pizzaiola was perfect (Tony's favorite) and my friend said her Eggplant Parmigiana was really good as well. Service was impeccable. It was a great experience. read more

Bella Vista - Veal Pizzaiola - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My daughter and I were visiting family in Boston for the holidays. We were on our way to Modern Pastry when we stumbled upon Bella Vista. Let me tell you we will absolutely be back. From the moment we walked in the door we were greeted with the most genuine and heartfelt greeting/service staff to finish. Our server Tony (who I assume is a manager of some sort) was the absolute best. I work in the service industry and it is very far and few between you find someone as real and amazing as this. He was so welcoming, even with the pandemic. We had wonderful conversation and I really felt like he cared for his business and the customers tremendously. The other employees though I don't know their names were phenomenal as well. Our waters were continuously filled without having to ask. The complementary bread was scrumptious. Our meals (which we ordered off the lunch special menu) was were an incredible value and outstanding portion. We had plenty of leftovers to take home. Even after we were finished with our meal my daughter and I were playing cards and we weren't rushed out of the building. They welcomed us with open arms. Can not wait to visit again. THANK YOU TONY AND STAFF FOR SUCH A SUPERB EXPERIENCE! read more

Bella Vista - Lasagna & chicken parm lunch special - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Excellent atmosphere, food quality and friendly chat with owner on Sunday morning. Can't get any better than this read more

Bella Vista - Chicken Saltimbocca - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Classic. This is not tweezerfood. You will not find kale massaged with anything. Their tripe lunch special probably isn't going to be featured on the Food Network tomorrow. They don't need any of that. We've been coming here for over 10 years, and we'll keep coming as long as the doors are open, because the hospitality and comfort Italian food can't be beat. I can count on Tony to dish my dad's sarcastic sass right back at him, tell my mother how lovely she looks, and ask my boyfriend what his intentions are -- somehow all at the same time, while also pouring us glasses of chianti. To go along with the chianti we always get the antipasti, and sometimes the fried calamari. At this point, we've sampled a large portion of the menu. Every single thing I've ever tried, I could describe with "classic." Their antipasti is perfectly balanced, the eggplant parm is light and never soggy, the Fra Diavolo is perfectly spicy whether you get it with lobster or with shrimp and scallops -- even the chicken piccata is good! (Also, they really do have a tripe lunch special. My dad gets it every time. You're not going to find that kind of authentic Italian meal just anywhere.) We always call ahead or make a reservation on OpenTable. It's a small restaurant, so accommodating larger walk-in parties isn't always possible. Inside it's cute, cozy, and charming. I love how they decorate for Christmas, and there are always fresh flowers around. If you snag a window table, you even have the added entertainment of watching the wandering masses of tourists. No matter where you sit, you're sure to leave full and happy. No other place will treat you like family the way they do at Bella Vista. read more

Saturday night at the North End -- lines and crowds as far as the eye can see, bumper to bumper traffic, a festival at the end of the street. All in all, a fairly typical weekend in this little Italian neighborhood. My boyfriend and I meant to grab a bite to eat at the Madonna Della Cava Feast, but weren't too impressed with the food vendors at this particular festival (it was a lot smaller and didn't have too much of a variety). So, at 7pm on a Saturday night, we decided to take our chances on the streets of the North End until we could find something that appealed to our appetites and wallets. It was a grueling quest -- from Hanover St. to Salem St. to North St., we walked until we came to a full circle. Every place we looked at, the line was at least an hour long or the prices were extremely extravagant. We honestly almost called it quits (especially since I needed a restroom at this point) when we found Bella Vista. This tucked-away little restaurant shone like a beacon (or maybe it was just my bladder rejoicing) in the night. Their menu looked delicious (if traditional) and their prices weren't half bad. Better yet, there was practically no line at all -- we were only behind one group of three. The hostess was an older Italian lady who was a little brusque, but pleasant overall, and we were seated in no time at all. I don't actually remember what my boyfriend ate, but I had the Linguine w/ Seafood and it was delicious; it was definitely comparable to the Spaghetti alle Vongole that I had in Italy this summer. If I remember correctly, he enjoyed his entree too (I think it was something with meat). The portions were generous and there was enough to take home. The interior can be described as intimate, if a little cramped. They managed to fit a decent amount of tables and seats in the space, but you do end up sitting elbow to elbow with other tables. If you have personal space issues, this may not be the restaurant for you. We sat next to a group of ten, so they can definitely accommodate slightly larger groups if necessary. I really liked the decor inside. The walls were covered in murals that aged the room and made it seem like we were in an Italian cafe. The large windows also helped displace any claustrophobic tendencies I had because they were so large and open. The lighting was a little low, but there wasn't any real visual difficulty. Service was pleasant. Like I said, the hostess was a little brusque, but she seated us and was perfectly pleasant throughout the evening. She felt more like a grandmother bustling about rather than a restaurant hostess though. The other waiters were very nice and polite. All in all, I'd definitely come back again and I do recommend Bella Vista for some good, traditional Italian cooking. read more

Bella Vista - Linguine w/ Seafood - Italian Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This little restaurant is excellent. We had calamari, fettuccine, and bread with great olive oil. Primo read more

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