Stop here for supper as the food is good but not as exquisite as Rosso Vino or some other Italian restaurants in Branford. My veal was deep fried not pan fried. I did not enjoy it. The bread was okay but did not care for the spread. The mixed greens salad was very good . The veal limone was very good. The fried calamari appetizer was delicious All in all I would not return, too many better restaurants in Branford. read more

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We recently tried Mi Bella for a date night. We thankfully made a reservation as every table was full shortly after we arrived. The restaurant is small and the tables are very close together. Unfortunately, it got very loud and hard to hear each other at times and people bumped into our table once or twice on their way by. For dinner, I ordered the Zuppe di pesce, I was happy to see that It was full of seafood as some other places seem to skimp on that. The red sauce was a bit too watery for my taste but overall it was good. My husband ordered a steak dish that came with mashed potatoes and veggies and he said it was good. Our meals came with a plate of bread as well as a small side salad. As far as service, our waitress was very friendly and attentive throughout our entire meal. I would recommend Mi Bella and would go back to try other menu items. read more

Mi Bella Restaurante - Zuppa di pesce - Salad Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

We arrived as a couple and got a text from a friend who joined us a bit later. We enjoyed a cocktail and beautiful sunset. Angie held up our meals to accommodate us and created a private space for us. Food was over the top delicious . Always get the best service in a friendly homey spot. read more

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We went here for the first time for a date night. We made a reservation for 6:30 and didn't need it. There weren't a ton of people there- service was definitely picking up when we left so make a reservation to be safe as the space is small and tables are tight. Portions are plentiful and you definitely get what you pay for. Our fried mozzarella was enough for probably 4 people. My salmon was fresh, no bones and cooked perfectly. My fiancé really enjoyed his pasta dish. We both agreed that we will be back! read more

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Recently checked out Mi Bella. Here's a breakdown of my rating: Food: 5 stars. Atmosphere: 2 stars The nitty gritty: We had reservations for 7:30 on a Friday night. Think we got seated around 7:45. We had 5 people in our party but they crammed us into a 4 top because our original table was still occupied. It was so packed and loud in this place it was borderline painful. We actually contemplated leaving a few times but then the bread came. Didn't help there was a large group with a very intoxicated man screaming in this place. The acoustics were so bad. You couldn't even think it was so loud. Very clear they wanted to pack in as many table as they could in this tiny place. There was almost no room and I was actually sitting in an aisle. Let's move to the positive points of this review. The food! First they started us with bread, vegetables and garlic knots. So good. I ordered the lobster ravioli. We all got salad with our meals which were great. My ravioli were good but was hoping for a little more picked lobster in the sauce. I was worried mushrooms and lobster wouldn't work but it did. The sauce was absolutely Devine! I could have licked my plate. If they had some chunks of lobster in the sauce it would have been out of this world. My friend last fettuccini de cami was so delicious as she gave me a bite. I might need to have it next time. Everyone else loved their meals. Food was very tasty. This place has potential if they can fix the acoustics and maybe remove some tables. Not sure we will run back due to the atmosphere, but hoping giving it a little time it will be improved. read more

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We had a very delicious Italian dinner last night. Service friendly inconsiderate I'm in Italian American and picky. Italian food eater. I will definitely be back.. The prices were very affordable as well. Excellent place. read more

This nice little neighborhood Italian restaurant is located across from the Branford green. Pasta Bologbese and Braised Short Ribs were served piping hot and beautifully prepared. The Chef owner clearly knows what hes doing. The short ribs were served with a generous serving of buttery risotto and lightly charred broccoli/ and cauliflower . The Bolognese was equally tasty and a large serving. Dinner for 2 with salad was $90 with a tip. Our server, Alexa, was really professional and did an excellent job. I'll be back! read more

Mi Bella Restaurante - The Short ribs were amazing - Salad Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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This restaurant located in the center of Branford is quite small. I found myself getting knocked into every time the waitress had to access the tables along side me. It made for an uncomfortable dining experience. Food was nicely presented and my party enjoyed their meals. Would consider returning in the future, but would have to be seated elsewhere. read more

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Love Mi Bella! What a great addition to Branford. I've been here several times and ordered something different each time. The flavors are so good, the drinks are very yummy and the service is attentive and pleasant. Parking is limited so plan to park on the street. Definitely call ahead to make a reservation to ensure they can accommodate your table. Strongly recommend read more

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My absolute fav Italian restaurant. It's really hard to find anything bad here. Owners know what they are doing bringing amazing food and intimate dining experience. And they are happy to modify the menu the suit your palette. read more

You're always in for a treat when you go to Mi Bella! We had two of the specials for that night and they did not disappoint. I love that we were served fresh bread and salad before the meal. Sitting in the front window is so nice. Martinis were delicious and spot on. Our service was excellent!! read more

I was searching for an Italian restaurant on the shore between New Haven and Madison. Mi Bella popped up. I saw some photos and read some reviews and decided to try it out. Mi Bella was way beyond what I expected. We showed up at 3:30pm on Christmas Eve and was worried that we couldn't get a late lunch. The woman that greeted us asked if we had a reservation. I didn't think to make one, but after seeing the size of the place, it holds maybe 100 people, I would definitely make on in the future. I plan on returning. The hostess, who I later found out was the owner along with her chef husband, asked if we wanted drinks. We went with some nice glasses of red wine. They dropped off a basket of bread to the table before we even cracked open the menus. It was a mix of sliced Italian bread along with some olives and pepper rings. The menu is full of the standard Italian fare, and I saw the Veal Limone and asked if they could make that with chicken. The owner assured me they could and my guest went with the Shrimp Florentine. They brought us a house salad, dressed with a vinaigrette dressing. I didn't think to ask for it on the side, but to my relief, it was lightly dressed. My chicken Limone was much like my favorite dish, chicken Francaise. It was egg battered tenderloins in a white wine sauce served with spinach and potato. I could not be more pleased. My partner could not eat all of her shrimp but said it was delicious. I cannot give Mi Bella a higher rating. Check it out, but protect yourself, make a reservation! read more

Lovely new find! The bolognese is one of the best I've ever had. Love the atmosphere and staff is friendly and attentive. Will definitely be back read more

Mi Bella Restaurant. A quaint little Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Branford Center, Branford, Ct. it is a place for good lovers. It has views overlooking the green, and authentic Italian cuisine. Beautiful Italian music playing in the background makes the experience even more enjoyable! I started with tuna tartar which was beautifully plated, fresh and delicious. A large portion enough for two or three! Nice wine selection. Warm Italian bread with a crusty top and soft center is served with a minced garlic, herb and an olive spread. Delicious for garlic lovers! The entree was outstanding! I chose tagliatelli bolognese with beef, pork and veal and fresh basil. Dessert was lava cake! My absolute favorite which is hard to find on menus these days, and it was served as it's supposed to...warm. Finally, service was good, attentive and friendly. Didn't have to wait much in between servings. Mi Bella Restaurant is definitely 5 notches above the longstanding Pasta Cozi in Branford. read more

Do you like cozy restaurants with a family atmosphere? If so, this is the place for you. Friends come here to congregate over cocktails and quality meals. This place is definitely worth a visit. It's a new venue with expanded hours compared to the last restaurant at this location. The service is prompt and friendly, and the waiters are personable. Feel free to ask questions about cocktails or main courses and they'll be happy to answer. We sat in a sunny spot by the rear windows, where we had a nice view of the dining room. We each ordered a steak. If you like huge steaks, these might've been a little on the smaller size, but they are decent cuts nonetheless. I enjoyed my espresso martini. The drinks are strong, which is nice. Overall, this is the kind of place I where would every few months on special occasions. It's near the Green in Branford, accessible to shops and scenic spots. The restaurant has limited seating, so if you're planning on going during a busy time, you should make reservations. read more

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What a little gem! It was our first time in, and we couldn't be happier. Ambiance was totally charming (we had a table in the window). Service was lovely. Food was fantastic. I got the gluten-free bolognese and my husband got the chicken parmesan. Would definitely recommend! read more

Mi Bella Restaurante - Gluten-Free Bolognese Pasta Dish - Salad Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Excellent food and the help are very helpful. I highly recommend this restaurant. Try this restaurant you won't really it. Also the prices are reasonable read more

A brand new restaurant in the heart of Branford. It is a fine dining experience with an amazing staff and wonderful food. Call for a reservation. Definitely check them out; you won't be disappointed read more

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Great restaurant with exceptional food and service. They made the place gorgeous too. Highly recommend! Second time here and the food is outstanding! I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Lovely, quaint Italian restaurant with delicious food and a sweetheart of a server. They were very accommodating as I asked for a different sauce for my gnocchi. read more

First, let me just say, a lot of you in Branford (in the Shoreline region) don't appreciate what is going on in the Branford "Restaurant Scene." Because what you all have in Branford is an "embarrassment of riches" when it comes to independent, chef-owned restaurants. While I can't give the highest marks to every chef-owned spot I've tried, I APPLAUD them because the only, legitimate (i.e., professionally run businesses that pay fair wages and do NOT have toxic workplaces) future for the restaurant industry is in independent, chef-owned restaurants and small/local "chains." (Full Disclosure (for those of you who are new to this "channel"): I am the owner/operator/ONLY cook at my own, independent, small town Diner in Vermont. So I know what I'm talking about.) Mi Bella is a new Italian restaurant that took over the space in downtown Branford, that had been occupied for forever by a super fancy little French spot run by a famous chef who threw in the towel when someone finally told him he had to update his kitchen and bring it to "code." Which is ALL I need to know about that dude: He could not be bothered to make his kitchen safe for his staff or for us diners. GOOD RIDDANCE, His departure made way for the current husband (chef) and wife (front of the house) team to take over and completely redo the interior. She did a very nice job. It's a small space and I think they have maximized their seating and "flexibility" of seating by installing banquettes along the walls with tables and chairs that can be arranged to seat just a couple out on date night or a party of 20. Smart! Interior is nice, sleek, semi-modern-ish. However! I must deduct a point for the HORRENDOUS, 80s greenhouse front with TINTING on the glass. Let's be clear! I LIKE the whole greenhouse window thing. But you MUST get rid of the HEINOUS tint. It is beyond horrible. You have no idea if it's sunny or overcast, day or night when you're inside. And! That is your only window to the outside world, since the space is long and narrow and has no windows anywhere else. The tint on that glass is why this is 4 stars and not 5...Because I will forgive semi not great vibe and service. But that tint... Anyhoo! These people are THROWING TF DOWN. Which they might want to rethink. But I'm still going to tip my damn hat to my restaurant peeps who WERK IT: Mi Bella is open 7 days a damn week, lunch right through to dinner. Extensive menu. Full bar. Things I tried today: Truffle Fries; meh. Would not order again. Panna Cotta (hot appetizer): DELICIOUS!!! Really excellent. Spread it on the bread that comes to your tableHi or the delicious garlic knots. Or just eat it with the serving spoon! "Romaine Salad:" This is a Caesar salad. Not sure why they don't want to "own" that, since they're serving it with Caesar Dressing. And it is EXCELLENT! Look. If there is a Caesar Salad on the menu I am trying it. It's my favorite damn salad and 9 times out of 10 I am disappointed. NOT TODAY!! Escarole and Beans Soup: HOLY. CRAP. PERFECTION!! I ate this entire, rather large, bowl of HOT soup and had to put my hair up in a bun on top of my head bc y'all, I have HOT FLASHES and it is hot and humid AF out. But this soup?? I could NOT stop eating this soup. Amazing. Best damn soup I've had since the heavenly Pasta Fagioli at the now defunct Campagna (May They Rest In Peace...). GET THIS. Then I had the Gnocchi. Despite what half the world seems to think: Gnocchi is NOT easy. It should not be terribly dense. Gnocchi should be like biting through warm butter: smooth and silky. The Gnocchi at Mi Bella is everything Gnocchi should be: dense, but light. Perfect mouthfeel. Little pillows of potato goodness that hold sauce and flavor. But also? FILLING. Because Gnocchi are tiny potato dumplings and the portion size at Mi Bella is GENEROUS (as it should be). But also? There are beautiful, sweet, fresh chunks of Mozzarella mixed in with the Gnocchi. You could just get this dish and be full for the day. But let's talk Marinara! We've talked Marinara before. Because! If you are running an Italian restaurant?? You're Marinara game better be FIRE! Mi Bella's Marinara is VERY good. Like really, really good. I ate it with my Gnocchi and then I ate some of my father's Spaghetti with Marinara side. EXCELLENT! I actually thought the Spaghetti was even better than my Gnocchi because it was cooked perfectly al dente, which always enhances any sauce you serve. 8hrs For Dessert we had Tiramisu and Bread Pudding. Both were EXCELLENT. Zero complaints. Would definitely eat again! Bottomline: We went for lunch (at 2pm on a Wednesday) and had an EXCELLENT Italian meal. No. Really. And, believe me, I won't even Italian Spots. Support Mi Bella!! This isn't some cool/hip/trendy "hot spot" to sit at the bar and listen to deafening live music (IYKYK...). THIS is a spot to get EXCELLENT food and have a lovely meal with your plus one or your plus 15!! read more

The food? Flavorful and delicious. I ordered the chicken siciliano which had good heat and flavor. This location doesn't have a listed website. I ordered over the phone based off of looking at a previous yelp review where someone posted the menu. The prices were VERY different when I ordered. The photo from 1 year ago said $18, but today it was $27. I understand inflation, but 50% increase in 1 year is massive. It did put a bad taste in my mouth but the actual taste of the food made up for it. read more

Mi Bella Restaurante - Menu - Salad Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

The food was amazing and I loved the atmosphere. Family owned and were very attentive to the customer customers.

What a fabulous addition to my town of Branford! Went for dinner on Saturday night. For apps we got the grilled octopus - it was perfectly cooked, super tender and had a nice sauce and also some eggplant. Our other app was the blackened sea scallops with risotto - huge portion & oh so delicious! Dinner was lobster ravioli and the pork chop which was huge & so tender, it was topped with prosciutto, asparagus & manchego cheese in a comforting sauce. Service was great, place is super cute, give it a try you will not be disappointed!! read more

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Love it here. The food is excellent and Angie is the perfect host. I highly recommend this restaurant !!

Outstanding! The drinks were delicious and followed by amazing octopus and truffle fry appetizers and perfect side salads. Difficult to choose an entree, with so many great choices, but our party thoroughly enjoyed the Mi Bella pappardelle, calamari, clams & shrimp puttanesca, tagliatelle bolognese, cold seafood salad and meatball salad. Portions were generous and ingredients were fresh and incredibly prepared. Hard to believe we had room for dessert, yet we completed our night sharing decadent crème brûlée and Tartufo. The restaurant is charming, the staff lovely, and the food flawless. Highly recommend! read more

The food is amazing. The dishes are so creative and complex. The flavors are out of this world. What a great place to have our little Branford. read more

Great food and service. The risotto was the best I've ever had. They just need better music in the dining room. Will definitely be back soon. read more

Excellent food, ambiance, service, and wine selection. If you know good wine, you will look at the menu and immediately feel excited. Always accommodating and never disappoints. read more

Loved everything about this restaurant. The vibe, the food, the service. We were craving comfort food on a rainy night and opted for meat dishes. The pork chop was cooked perfectly served with sweet potato French fries with shaved Parmesan and a touch of truffle oil. Delicious. The NY strip was cooked perfectly with a yummy sauce served with whipped potatoes and perfect veggies. Bonus all entrees served with a side salad. Nice touch you don't see often. Too full for dessert but we will be back! Loved our waiter. Fun date night. Highly recommend! read more

Absolutely love this place. The food, service, and experience is over the top. Start with the NY style calamari for your appetizer, unbelievably delicious. Everything we've had here was excellent. Just go, you won't be sorry. read more

Yes, great food, nice service, and pleasant ambience. Have now visited a few times and look forward to returning.

We had Mother's Day dinner recently at Mi Bella and the food was excellent. The service was friendly and the atmosphere was small and quaint. All our dishes were superbly cooked and very tasty. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Food was delicious! We enjoyed Zappa de pesce and salmon dinners. Angie, the host and owner greeted us with great enthusiasm and energy. Highly recommend this place and their food/atmosphere and I saw a bunch of folks w specialty cocktails. Congratulations to the owners as their first chance to make a great impression proved a solid success..Just yes!!!! This is a solid yes! read more

Mi Bella Restaurante - Salmon dinner and Zappa de Pesce - Salad Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Food and service was amazing! It's a small place but very cozy. I will definitely return.

Cozy and romantic setting. Amazing food and great service. One of the best meals we ever had!

My friends and I (four total) went for an early dinner to try this restaurant while in Branford based on some good reviews. We had been to another Italian restaurant on the green before and enjoyed that very much but decided to give this one a try. The menu had many interesting selections. Dinners came with a salad, which was nice, but unfortunately it took at least fifteen minutes or more to get them after we ordered. There was only one other table of two at that time in the restaurant. Our dinners also took quite some time, at least another fifteen minutes after the salads were cleared. Again, there was only one other table in the restaurant. Two of us ordered the Shrimp Florentine which had hardly any lemon butter sauce, making it dry and bland. The shrimp were cooked well but I would have probably preferred them sauteed rather than battered and fried in this type of dish. Our friends ordered a Sweet potato ravioli dinner and a Salmon dish. They both said theirs were alright. The portions were nicely sized but nothing was memorable. Our server was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was nice but the unmemorable food and length of time to get it would likely keep us from returning. read more

I took my wife and son out to dinner last night. First time but not the last. We all raved about everything from the appetizer to the dinners. We shared the NY stye calamari which was fantastic. We have this often and this was best ever. My son had the Veal Arabiata, my wife got the Salmon special, and I had the Chilean Sea Bass special. Also, Juan (our server) provided excellent service and advice as we asked questions about the dishes. We had a wonderful night! read more

It's was the first time my husband and I ate there in January 2024. The food was good but I only gave it 3 stars. It just wasn't memorable. The menu was outstanding (being a Pescatarian choosing a meal from a new menu can be a challenge for me. Well there were many deliciously sounding entrees I could have had. I opted for grilled shrimp with pasta and thoroughly enjoyed it. I rarely eat dessert but I did opt to have the pana cota with a berry sauce which was the best part of dinner for me. Would we go back again? Not in a hurry to return as we have discovered many lovely restaurants on the shore line. read more

Mi Bella beyond exceeded my expectations. This is true authentic homemade pasta at its finest and a really cute environment. You can tell the food is fresh and and handcrafted to perfection. Cannot wait to return! The service was excellent and the staff super sweet too! read more