Not impressed by this place. We had to wait like 30 minutes outside to be seated which was fine, then when the table that was going to be ours was being cleared, we came back inside only to be rudely told that if we were "going to stand there we had to at least move out of the way." I understand the message, not the delivery of it though- very rude. We were seated and had horrendous service. One of our coffees never even came to us, not that our waiter cared. The food was ok, I ordered a sandwich and I wasn't impressed. Maybe it would have been better to order pancakes or something like that. Don't expect good service at this place. read more

Loved the tropical French toast..I'll definitely be going back here for more! Nice atmosphere and friendly waitstaff...very attentive.

Get the Shrimp and Grits. That's my biggest recommendation about this place - and also, it's fun to watch the OJ machine make freshly made juice at the countertop. This place is great for breakfast and brunch - the wait can be a bit long of weekends due to tighter space and popularity. Prices very reasonable for what you get. read more

No complaints at all except the fact that it's small! But it's always the little spots that have that kick that the big ones are missing. I've gone a few times with the kids and we love it. Portions are good, the taste is delicious, menu is different, mimosas on point...I can go on and on. read more

Great service! Friendly staff-great recommendation food A-MAZING!!! My new favorite breakfast spot in New Haven. read more

Bella's Cafe - Fried catfish, cheesy grits, rancheros sauce, eggs and hush puppies!! Wow!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

French toast. That is all! Alright I must say a little more. The coffee is delicious and the juices are all fresh and delish. The breakfast and brunch menu have a little something for everyone and it's all super delish. read more

A Westville local favorite, it does get crowded on weekends for brunch - with good reason. They have expanded so they do have more room than they used to, but my suggestion is to go during off hours to get the best experience. As a foodie who has eaten in many of the "best" rated restaurants in NYC, I can say that the food here is just amazing. We actually use them for our catering in my work life too and have never been disappointed. Rose is a true artist who has created a menu in which fresh ingredients and careful execution are the star. (I can not rate the coffee as I have never had it there.) read more

This place rocks! The menu has a large variety of choices, from sweet to savory to basic eggs. They have a lot more upscale and creative options than your typical breakfast joint. We went around 10am on a Sunday and didn't have to wait very long at all. I would not recommend if you have more than 4 people because the place is tiny. When we left around noon and the place had a very long wait. They provide coffee while you wait which is a nice added touch. I got the lemon french toast which was AMAZING. It was basically a piece of lemon pound cake made into French toast. The portion was huge too: I barely ate half of it. My friends got omelettes which they both really enjoyed. We also split the challah French toast which was SO Good. You'll never want 'regular' French toast again! They also have an extensive selection of mimosa options which were delicious. read more

I concur with my other Yelpers that this place is a fantastic brunch location. Be prepared for a wait if you're in a group much larger than 2-3 people during prime brunching hours. If it's just two of you, opt to utilize bar seating as it becomes available and you'll improve your chances of getting to the goods a bit faster. The bar counter service there is just as attentive as table seating (plus you're within spatula's reach of the coffee air pots). As the layout goes, Bella's can feel cramped even on a slow day, but the intimacy of space equates nicely to the intimacy of the service and the creative menu. The couple of times here, whether it's been packed or if it was just a small group of us, the hospitality often felt like we were being treated like we were the only ones dining. Service has been consistently great. The Oscar Benedict is definitely a full plate. A nice cut of sirloin on top of an English muffin, then topped with eggs benedict and fresh crab meat. The crab meat is fresh and not tainted with condiments. The hearty portion of home fries/ potatoes should be saved for last so you have time to consume the major part of the dish before you get too starched up. From the main dish down to the coffee offerings, it's hard to find fault with Bella's. Because of the food and service, cramped becomes cozy, long lines become eager, welcomed anticipation. Another unique feature that was great about the menu here was the kitchen's rotating list of fresh sausages. They come in a host of different varieties; they work out well as side dishes to split with your brunch mates, balancing your hearty brunch with some added meaty goodness. The Oscar benedict was $14.95, with the generouly portioned side of specialty sausage weighing in at $5.95. The total meal for two, plus coffee for both came out to be just under $50. Parking is wherever you can find it on the street. Come early and take your time savoring brunch (but just be mindful of those stomachs queuing up outside, wishing they were in your seats.) read more

You walk in and right off the bat you are greatly warmly and feel at home. However the seating in Bella's is on the tight side, hopefully one day they can take over the building next to them and expand but I digress... If the table seating is tight, just sit at the counter. The food is absolutely delicious. I have tried many different items off the menu and they have all been so yummy and the portions are huge. My favorites are definitely the eggs benedict (and some times they have specials with crab,lobster or salmon) and the waffles ( they are huge and just a topped with the most amazing fruit.Honestly the service is great and the wait staff is just so nice. Unfortunately it can be a bit pricey. I can't wait to go back! read more

I've been here several times for weekday lunch, but I see from other reviews that it's really known for weekend brunch. That said, I've always eaten well, and found the menu filled with good salads, sandwiches and soups. Sandwiches come with an excellent tabouleh and the sweet potato fries are great (they seem fresh, not frozen, have fantastic flavor and consistency and come to the table in adorable mini wire baskets). The soups are generally good and the salads have fresh well prepared ingredients (poached pear halves, generous slices of brie, etc.) That said, $11-13 for a sandwich? Huh? Seriously? Not even places downtown charge that much (the Union League's bistro or lunch menu is a true bargain in comparison). I come here, pay this and then enough time goes by that I forget the exorbitant prices and return... Only to be disgruntled once more. The food deserves 4 stars: Bella's is a great sandwich joint, but I'm taking away a star because, while the prices are that of a higher dining establishment, it is ...in fact... a _lunch_joint. read more

The egg whites were fluffy and delicious, the multi-grain toast was good despite the excess butter, the potatoes were totally awesome!!! Overall, it was a great experience... read more

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I have been here multiple times. The food is amazing. Friendly staff. You won't be disappointed. There might be a wait, because the place is so popular. Just wait and you will see why so many eat here. read more

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I love it here. For some reason it's never packed on Thursday at 11. Perfect for me. I had the shrimp and Grits for the first time and I am in love. Creamy grits and delicious gravy all kept super hot by the cast iron pan it was kept in. Wow. read more

Bella's Cafe - White sangria with Citrus Fruits. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Told it would take 20-30 minutes to get a table and it took 30 minutes so that was fine. Now we have been waiting 55 minutes and no sight of food. Extremely slow services from the kitchen. read more

I had heard a lot about this place and based on Yelp reviews decided to give it a shot. Its definitely a great place for brunch. There is a wait of about 15/20 minutes depending on what time you show up. But considering that we showed up for brunch at around 1/1:30pm and still had to wait, it would be a safe bet to say that one will have to endure a wait. The food was fantastic. Everything from the pancakes, the omelets to the coffee/tea was perfect. The place is a bit small and I think by the end of the day, the waiters start getting tired or are just not in a great mood to serve. Our server was average but from what I heard around me, it seemed like they were either tired or just didnt care. Overall the food is great and there is a parking lot thats free to park in on sundays that just diagonally opposite (past the lights) the restaurant. read more

This place is 25 minutes from us, plus a wait when you get there on a Saturday or Sunday for brunch (they don't take reservations), but it is well worth it. They will let you in to grab a cup of coffee to take outside while you wait. It's a small place and very popular so you might wait 20-45 minutes depending on when you get there. Their brunch menu changes weekly and is always full of amazing surprises. It's a very diverse and creative menu. Tons of unexpected combinations, all that we've tried have not disappointed. I wish I had written this review closer to when I last ate there so I could remember what I had. Sorry for not being very specific! We also tend to order the Italian style french toast for the table to balance the savory with a little sweet. If you like french toast, you must try Bella's. They also have a number of espresso drinks and mimosas/bellinis to choose from. Can't wait to go back soon! read more

Excellent! Mushroom/spinach/goat cheese omelet; side of tomatoes. Also French toast, added blueberries and bananas. My friend had the fresh omelet plus bacon: everything was perfect! Nice location, prompt service. Go here! read more

Bella's Cafe - Omelets, French toast, bacon. Yum! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

We walked in at 9am on a Saturday and were seated immediately. This charming breakfast spot is relatively small, so it's probably worth erring on the earlier side. I started off with a vanilla chai, which was delicious - really nice and spicy and just the right sweetness. Then I moved on to the Jamaican French Toast - a coconut/banana/rum concoction that was absolutely scrumptious. They apparently change their menu weekly, so don't get too attached to anything you see on a review. That said, the menu had a great variety of sweet and savory options and everything looked great. I would definitely be back! read more

Food was not bad and not good. Waited a lot for service. Literally got ignored multiple times after asking for utensils/ coffee/ water while the place not so busy ( 3 tables in the whole restaurant). Even our server (Ismaeil) was not trying to fake being friendly. We were 4 people and they added tips on their own (20%) without telling us when we signed at the pad (wasn't on the check) And we left extra 20% in cash because we didn't know they already charged us and didn't bring a second bill. so we ended up paying more than 40% tip for bad service and not so good food and awkward waiting time. Extremely disappointed I used to like this place. read more

Extraordinary!! My wife and I were up from the Mississippi Gulf Coast for our son's graduation. I rolled the dice on the shrimp and grits. Shrimp and grits is one of the Gulf Coast's signature dishes, mind you. Watching the other patrons' food being served, I was expecting it to be good. It was GREAT. The grits were creamy, the shrimp perfect, and the seasoning was SPOT on!! Plus, Bella's added chorizo sausage which added a fine touch. Scrambled eggs were served on top and they were excellent,as well. Also, a cathead biscuit came with the meal and it was PERFECT!! BTW, a cathead biscuit is simply a biscuit the size of a cat's head. I would certainly be remiss if I didn't mention that our waitress, Lenny, is top of the line. She is very professional and exceptionally friendly..just a terrific person!! Bella's NAILED a Gulf Coast / New Orleans signature dish..I mean NAILED it!! My only regret is that I was leaving that day..I'd have happily come back to try other items. read more

I love Bella's. It's where I go when i want to treat myself to a spectacular breakfast - both the environment and the food are a balm for the troubled soul. My favorite time to visit is a weekday morning, on the early side, when the restaurant is very quiet, and you can savor their choice in music - I've never been there on a weekend morning, but I can understand why they are crowded. If I could, I'd give them an extra star for their consideration of my need for Gluten Free food - I just order scrambled eggs, potatoes and and fruit salad or sometimes their fantastic apple-bacon. Because of how their kitchen is organized, I've never suffered from cross-contamination with bread products. And - the cafe au lait put me in mind of Paris, not Starbucks. read more

Very small, hole in the wall place. Gotta wait for seating, wait outside. Once you get in its cozy, cute little decorations. Entree: Apple walnut pancakes- came out in a skillet. This was a pretty big portion but it was so good my friend and I ate it all. The apple was baked, cinnamon flavor, whipped cream just a great delicious sweet breakfast. We also shared the creole eggs benedict- this had seafood (shrimp and little crawfish bites). Not your traditional eggs benedict but it was just as good with runny eggs on top of an english muffin with a side of potatoes. Loved this place so much I came back the very next day and had: two different kinds of french toast. Both were different kinds of bread. Both were good in their own way. Had fresh fruit with them. They were both fluffy, one was white and the other was wheat. Extremely filling and sweet but not overly sweet. Service is great, takes a while to get your food, but its worth it and you can tell they make every dish just for you. You won't leave here hungry. read more

PERFECTION! I came to CT for a week from California and this place made me want to move here. The French Toast is the bomb! The service is amazing and the menu always has new specials. Round of applause to this amazing restaurant! Next time I come to CT I'll definitely make sure to stop by here first! read more

Bella's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Came here for a brunch with my girlfriend and everything was so good! One of our friends recommended this place and I thought it was worth a try. She ordered California Benedict and she said it was really yummy! I ordered french crepes and they were outstanding. Service was really nice. I would recommend this place. read more

Bella's Cafe - French crepes! Outstanding - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Continued excellence! I stole a Tuesday morning with my husband and we had a delightfully quiet breakfast together. If you don't care for the weekend fuss make an effort to come by during the week. Regulars are hanging around getting their usual and the atmosphere is very calm. I don't need to mention the food is phenomenal! read more

Bella's Cafe - Bella's french toast. The light flavor of the egg with the syrup and butter is nothing short of spectacular! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Great place for brunch. Arrived at 11am on a Sunday and had to wait about 45 minutes but the food was well worth the wait. Ordered the shrimp and grist which was delicious! Would recommend (but eat a little before you go because you'll be waiting for a while)! read more

Bella's Cafe - Shrimp and grits skillet with a buttery biscuit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Everything is great! Get the Shrimp and Grits! Me and my boyfriend will be back for sure. I had the Banana pancakes and he had the Shrimp and Grits!! Omg. The OJ is freshly-squeezed and it is so good. read more

Bella's Cafe - Bananas pancakes, fruit cup, OJ, Shrimp & Grits. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

This is our go to place for breakfast out on my day off! We get attached to menu items that come and go bc Rose is an imaginative owner/chef. There is always a fall back. The quality of the preparations is so high that it's not short order, by any means. I've been more than 40 times and consider myself somewhat of a foodie! Go and explore the menu and be patient. It's definitely worth the time and the price. The coffee is strong and they keep your cup filed and the patrons are diverse. The experience here is beyond any other breakfast/ lunch spot around. If you're looking for next level brunch then look no further! read more

Food is amazing. Suggest going early if you want something on Brunch menu because the wait is long and they'll run out of certain items.

Walked in in a whim while I happened to be in New Haven and was pleasantly surprised. The staff is friendly and the weekend brunch was amazing. I couldn't decide between the stuffed French toast, waffles and short cakes and went with the latter based on the servers suggestion - they were amazing! I got seated at the bar right away, but there were a couple 3-4 person groups that were waiting and the place was pretty full. Well worth the wait! read more

Fantastic breakfast.......all the portions were perfect size, and cooked very well. Nice place to have bfast and conversation.....one bathroom kinda sux though, especially getting past people at the back table. Def. will return :) read more

Bella's Cafe - breakfast!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

A true neighborhood gem. Do not let the lines on a Sunday morning keep you from enjoying some very good cooking! The daily specials menu is consistently delicious. I always make the effort to bring visiting friends and family to enjoy the food and coffee and cozy atmosphere. Their service is great too! read more

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Great place to eat, I've gone here with girlfriends as well as with my husband and daughter. It's s great restaurant and the food is absolutely delicious! However, the wait is often very long and that goes for being seated and receiving your food...The customer service could use some improvement as well! read more

First time at Bella's cafe after seeing a couple friends posting pictures on there Instagram. I went with a steak and cheese omelette which is very good but I would like to be back for their French toast which the waitress later told me they were known for. We sat at what would be the bar and it was very and held some live entertainment seen everybody working. We also didn't have to wait which is very shocking for a breakfast location. read more

Bella's Cafe - Steak + Cheese (peppers and onions) Omelette. So good! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Had the challah French toast with a side of bacon and eggs with cheddar. Was amazing. Only down side is how pricey the restaurant is. read more

Bella's Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Good food horrible service-My omelet came out wrong it was a ham and cheddar omelet with no ham and they still charged me-Our bill was 140 which is fine so be it, I'll pay for good food as long as service is equally good-No welcome or coffee for 10 minutes. Granted they were busy but jeez. At these prices it should be an experience and I felt because they are busy, they failed to see the customer as a asset read more

Went on a very busy Friday. Food was great service was great. I just moved to the area 4 months ago. We have found our family meeting place. Everything from price to food to service was on spot. read more

UGH, so good. Incredible rotating menu that featured the chilaquiles and Jamaican French toast when we went, which were both amazing. The Jamaican French toast was sickeningly sweet in the best way possible, with tons of whipped cream, bananas, and a sugary rum sauce. The chilaquiles had a bed of tortillas that was layered with great pieces of hangar steak, cheese, 2 eggs, and sour cream. These two things hit all the sweet and savory cravings. Overall, their menu has a pretty impressive list of items that should satisfy anybody's craving. Restaurant is pretty small so the wait can be long, but it's definitely worth it! read more

Let me start with it was well worth the 40 min wait for the 5 of us to get a table. Secondly there are no photo's as we couldn't wait to start eating. The staff were very friendly. My eggs came out not as I had asked. The waiter came saw this and told me they would be replaced. I hadn't made a fuss because that's just not what I do. It's a cultural thing I think. The freshly squeezed OJ was lovely. My uncle had asked for a beer and was told the lemon alcoholic spritzer was a beer. It wasn't. I had the Georgia-fried green tomatoes, crab and cod cake (also fried) eggs as previously mentioned and home fries. Which I don't typically like but these were good. The fish cake would of been better in my mind not fried. The meals are huge and none of us could finish all on our plates. The blueberry pancakes are also great not your typically sparsely dotted blueberries in buttermilk. There was an actual layer of blueberries when you looked under the pancake. Others had an omelet and Belgian waffles. The food was obviously fresh (except for the whipped cream) and made to order as there were options for all dietary requirements. I was visiting my cousin who had only just moved to New Haven so found this place on yelp. Would I go back definitely. read more