Very good all around. Romantic atmosphere, so relaxing with candlelight. Staff understanding and…read moreprofessional when we had to change our reservation and leave before finishing our meal. It was good the next day for leftovers. Big menu and the wine was good. Our first time and we will return

It was my first time visiting Bella Vista. They serve Italian food, and I believe during lunch…read morehours, they serve burgers and fries. During Xmas month, they serve a drink called Tom and Jerry, which consists of eggnog batter, Rum, and Brandy. That drink was delicious. I had the Seafood Linguine, and that was pretty good, but I've had better. I would order something else on the menu next time. My coworker ordered a Delmonico steak, and it came with a baked potato. She said the steak was cooked right and very tender. All dinners came with roasted peppers, bread, and salad. The salad was mediocre (Iceberg lettuce, black olives, onions, tomatoes). In my opinion, I do think their dishes are overpriced compared to other good Italian restaurants in the area. The service was good. If you're in a hurry, it is not the place for you because our food took an hour or longer to come out. They have a big dining area and a tiny bar area. It is cute with the Xmas decorations, but overall, I think they should update their dining areas. They also should have a well-lit parking lot for safety reasons.

In the area for a few months helping out family, they suggested Ripepi's for a birthday dinner…read more Reservations are preferred since it is a small place with few staff. Very friendly staff, however, and nice ambience (old-school but comfortable). Had so much food-the fried zucchini were absolutely delicious, baked lasagna was huge (and came with soup and salad), special of the day was lemon parsley haddock with lots of side options, and a birthday treat of cannolis and strawberry rhubarb pie. Be aware they are a cash only place. Will go again, have to work through the menu!

Buddy and I were headed to Watkins Glen for the NASCAR weekend and stopped for dinner off the…read morerecommendation from a nice local we met at a brewery and we can both honestly say it was some only the best Italian food we've ever had! Highly recommend if you're in the area!!

Fidal, owner greeted us, like we were there yesterday…read more Been awhile and glad we made it back. Anthony was an amazing server. Friendly and very attentive. 10 stars on his service. Their Utica Greens are good, but different than your typical Utica Greens. Chicken breast in spicy brandy sauce was very good. Get it over pasta same sauce next time. Vodka Riggies with Filet was great. Chicken soup was fantastic. Large bowl full of chicken. Parking is their private lot. Place is large but dated. Part of the charm. Would recommend and will return. Menu is large.

Ambassador's exterior and parking area are rather unassuming, blending quietly into the…read moreneighborhood. However, upon entering, you'll find a classy and classic Italian decor with a well-thought-out layout that creates smaller, more intimate spaces. It's definitely a place where you could bring parents, coworkers, or that special someone for a nice meal. The service was excellent (I believe the young lady's name was Alma). My veal parmigiana was tender, perfectly cooked, nicely sauced, and covered with just the right amount of cheese. The side salad was average in terms of content and presentation, but the balsamic dressing was quite good. The garlic bread had a nice flavor and texture as well. While I didn't have a chance to try any drinks, there is a full bar on-site. Overall, I'd be happy to eat there again, but stop on in and see what you think.

Very good food- made with love. Stopped here on way from Boston to home. ... Good food - large…read moreportions. Kind service. Spaghetti for littles. Small but cozy

First of all it was open for lunch! Yay! So hard to finds places open for lunch that have beer or…read morewine. The waitress was so sweet and very accommodating. The food was delicious and the place was impeccably clean. The only thing is they could have a few more choices of beer. But that's not a deal breaker. Lots of choices on the menu! Absolutely would recommend this place and will return when in the area

First time patrons. 6 of us, we ordered everything from…read morepizza & shrimp, to veal & stuffed shells. EXCELLENT Service, Atmosphere, Food, Drinks & Desserts!!! I can't wait to return! We loved sitting at the round table, it definitely made our dining experience more pleasurable. Thankyou to all Ventura staff for the EXCELLENT time we had.

Went in for a nice lunch with a friend today and we were both happy we finally tried it out! We…read morewent right when they opened for lunch on a Saturday and found we had the place to ourselves. You can tell there is a huge amount of pride of ownership by the way everything is set; there are also really cool pictures on the wall of many famous people, some who have visited (many Yankees!). Our server was really nice and attentive. I got fettuccine alfredo and my friend got the tortellini alfredo. I was a big fan of the sauce and my friend felt the same. The bread was the best part for me. I got a slice of cheesecake to go and it was delicious! We would love to come back in some night for dinner to check it out the evening vibes and try some other items on the menu.

Outstanding from start to finish. Their service was excellent, the ambiance was so warm and…read moreinviting. The food was absolutely amazing and made as we asked perfectly.

The Willows is one of my favorite restaurants ever! The service is always outstanding, with a nice…read moremix of friendly and formal wait staff. The food is always delicious, well presented, and interesting. I always get their salad with the perfect ratio of greens, blue cheese, apples, etc. and vinegarette. Their menu changes seasonally, and I've tried many items over the years. I'm partial to their seafood risotto, duck and lamb, which have been great. And there are always enough for leftovers the next night. Desserts are also delicious. Oh- and the cocktails are really top notch! The restaurant is a very tasteful, sweet place, with a lovely fireplace. We are going there for dinner tonight and I'm excited just thinking about it! Top notch!

The chef is amazing. The food is beyond anything I have ever had. Especially the soup. This was…read morean eight course 5 star meal. I also like that you BYOB, so we brough a couple bottles of wine from home. This can really help you save a lot of money. The food was endless. It was like you are having Sunday dinner at your Italian grand mother's house. You need to make reservations a few weeks in advance. He is only open on Friday and Saturday. I really can't say enough. If you're in the Utica area consider yourself lucky to be able eat here. Great food in a unique setting.

Talk about hitting the Italian Food Lottery...in Utica!!! One seating at 6PM, no menu, byob, cash…read moreonly. You eat what Dan serves...and what a character. Seven courses, 35 US Dollars! The food is amazing!

Delicious delicious food. Classic riggies with just enough kick....antipasto salad that has a…read moredelicious dressing....and meatballs I am still thinking about. The sauces were exactly what I was hoping they would taste like! The staff was amazing and helpful too. Next time I will try the lunch buffet.

It was a good experience. I had their Rome staple Chicken Riggie and a tomato pie…read more The Riggie was ok. Way too much sauce. It could have been 4 star wo all the sauce. The tomato pie was tasty. The service was very good. Server was responsive, friendly, and balance of attentive but not overly bothersome. The vibe is very familial. Most people were here in groups of 4+ and just enjoyed themselves. Fam friendly place. I recommend