Impeccable service, delicious food and a charming atmosphere for a self proclaimed event space. Valbella was the perfect respite from hellacious Friday afternoon traffic on 95. I ordered from the specials menu and both the squash blossoms and the truffle pasta were excellent. As I wasn't the one driving I also had a glass of wine. The pour was generous. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful restaurant with top notch service and food prepared with obvious expertise.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Have held several business dinners here for C-suite clients in their private room and the entire experience was beautifully done. read more

Located by Greenwich CT, they have valet parking only - keep a hold of your ticket. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside, spaces for parties or larger groups plus smaller regular dining tables.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They passed apps - burrata with tomatoes was good, giant cocktail shrimp was good (though the cocktail sauce swath they put on for you and it was not enough), the crabcakes were just so-so (sitting with a Boston couple, so they clearly knew crabcakes), cut up lobster, quartered giant bay scallops with a wonderful dipping sauce (wasn't on the main menu), and lamb chops cooked well and tender. The beet salad had a lot of arugula and other greens, less beet than I would have liked. The main pastas to start - truffle cream and vodka - both good, though I've had better as one was slightly cold by the time it came to our table for serving. The dover sole was prepared very well, good size and bones cleanly removed, almost full at that point. Dessert cake was good (they did the song for the birthday and sparklers might've been Scott's idea, not the restaurants), and passed Italian cookies both regular and gluten free were average. Overall very solid food and wine service, water service was somewhat absent between courses, and very useful space for groups. They allowed the party to bring in a piano & player, and accommodated other requests from the birthday organizer, I'm sure! read more

See all

Simply put: Food is really gross. Poor service. Waiters are clueless. Avoid this place.

We go to Valbella once a year for a special evening. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The main room is painfully loud, but there are three other spaces that are quiet.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is attentive but not overbearing. And if you need something during your meal you can flag down anyone as they all help each other. And they have a legit bartender! Want a Paper Plane? You got it. I'm partial to the tuna tartare, my wife likes their soups. The seafood pasta diavolo is perfectly spiced with a generous amount of lobster shrimp and crab. The fish dishes are universally delicious and the lamb chops are excellent. We typically end with a perfectly balanced crème brûlée. read more

Love love love this place. I got engaged over their phenomenal tiramisu over 25 years ago and we still keep coming back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Food and atmosphere are and always have been impeccable[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I have been eating at Valbella for the past 10 years. The staff has become very good friends over years of being served there. It's our go too for a guaranteed excellent meal. It is a well deserved splurge if you are looking for quality , quantity, ambiance and impeccable service. Last night we celebrated my birthday and the meal was superb as always. Thank you Valbella for always being the best !! read more

See all

This place doesn't hold a candle to what it once was. Ordered seafood salad. Minute and tasteless. But very very expensive. ($36.00)My guest had a pasta primavera which was so small he had to devour the bread we received to avoid hunger after lunch. I won't be back. Awful read more

I have been here a ton of times and they never disappoint. The food is so good and the scenery is very elegant and calming. the service is fast and efficent. 100% recommend if in the area. read more

Valbella - Lentil soup - Italian Near Me - Riverside, Connecticut

See all

Every year, my company goes to Valbella for our annual holiday party. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food, service, and atmosphere is absolutely amazing and on point![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The only thing I will say that is awkward is the woman who works the bathroom waiting in the bathroom for you, that's kind of weird, but other than that, amazing place![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Lamb was too spicy and dover sole at$92, too bland and expensive. Napoleon was great. Service was impeccable and [[HIGHLIGHT]]ambience was nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In sum , very expensive with average food. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very good food and service, and very beautiful inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]A little loud with an older crowd, but still very lovely for a date night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

We were spending the weekend in Greenwich Connecticut and the host at the Hotel highly recommended Valbella. We thought it was going to be a casual dining experience but when we arrived it was completely different. Valet parking, coat check etc., So this turned into date night for my daughter and I. For cocktails we ordered the 50 shades of punch and the Pomegranate Margarita. Both cocktails were perfectly blended and taste as good as the presentation. We were very happy with our selection. For our Entree I ordered the Linguine Con Frutta Di Mare and it was really tasty nicely seasoned and the seafood was cooked to perfection. I wish I could have taken a picture but I was busy enjoying my meal. My daughter loves Risotto so she ordered the Risotto Graziano she is use to Risotto thats more firm her dish was a bit watery/liquidy or loose it wasn't presented solid. She said it was good but could have been dryer. Then we finish with cappuccino and Ricotta Cheesecake. Both were really good. My overall experience was great, awesome cocktails, delicious food and impeccable service and ambiance. read more

Ate at Valbella for the first time tonight. I can't imagine I will eat there another time. Very odd dining experience. Took me right back to Italian fine dining in Manhattan in the 1980s...except the food isn't very good. Very large restaurant, nice enough setting, white tablecloth service and a veritable army of waiters. Just waiters. Only men. The only woman working was, BIZARRELY, the bathroom attendant inside a bathroom that is far too small and not nearly busy enough (AND it's 2022...???) to require an attendant. Poor woman was locked inside a freezing cold bathroom with no natural light for, presumably, the entire afternoon and evening. TURNING THE SINK ON AND OFF FOR EVERY PERSON WHO USED THE BATHROOM. Weird. But the whole place is weird. IMO. The owner is sauntering around, peering at tables, very dour. No smiles. No greetings. Just. Watching. The entire vibe is "Old School Restaurant." And I mean that in the worst possible way. I am a 54 year old woman who owns/operates/is the cook in my own little restaurant in Vermont. I've been around the restaurant industry. I know how it's always been done and that that is precisely what needs to change about the restaurant industry. Even so, I would have elevated Valbella to 4 stars if the food had been really good. It was not. It was extremely mediocre. There was a serious lack of skill both in the cooking/seasoning and plating evidenced by the food I ordered. Given the presumptuous setting and prices I was actually expecting much better. Also nothing on that menu is particularly "ambitious." Those dishes should all be easily executed at a very high level. They are not. Our dinner was a joint birthday celebration and it appeared there were quite a few other birthdays in the room. So I'm going to guess Valbella is a "celebration destination" in Greenwich. IMO they should hold out for better food for their celebrations. We were started out with a plate of sliced dried Italian sausage and chunks of Parmigiana Reggiano cheese. This was lovely. We were then served pan fried hot Italian peppers. Also, really good. Although some were so spicy they were practically inedible. (LOL) The bread on the table was FANTASTIC. I would be SHOCKED if it did not come directly from a bakery on Arthur Avenue in The Bronx. For my appetizer I ordered "Gamberi Scampi" with pesto risotto. The risotto was very good. Although I never would have identified anything in it as pesto. However it was very flavorful and the consistency was perfect. It was topped with four steamed shrimp. As in those shrimp had not a lick of seasoning on them at all. They'd just been steamed and then plopped on top of the risotto. Weird. "Gamberi" means "shrimp" in Italian. So "Gamberi Scampi" translates as Shrimp Scampi (which is shrimp sautéed in olive oil, butter and garlic) and that's what I thought I was getting. Served on top of risotto. Nope. I ordered the Caesar salad which was bizarrely served in a little cucumber coral with a lid of sliced cheese. Again. Weird. The salad was passable. Nothing to write home about. The presentation struck me as very sad. Like the kind of thing that would have passed for exciting plating in 1983. But it's 40 years on now...we don't have to be making cucumber corrals. For my entree I ordered Risotto Graziano: Cannaroli Rice served with shrimp, asparagus and truffle oil. Once again, some completely naked, steamed shrimp plopped on top of a plate of risotto. Only this risotto was not as good. Not cooked long enough, very loose and watery, although flavors were very nice, especially with the asparagus. For dessert I ordered the Tartufo. Skip this. It is a prepackaged, really average, not good dessert. I didn't finish anything I was served. And if you know me you KNOW that is WEIRD. Decaf latte was fine. You can spend this sort of money elsewhere and have an amazing meal. Actually with the sort of money you pay at Valbella you could get yourself TWO amazing meals at a place where someone knows how to cook. And you can even turn the sink on and off yourself when you go to the bathroom. Like wtf... read more

See all

You pay a lot but you get what you pay for. Food is outstanding and the service is exceptional.

Wonderful experience at Valbella. The food is superb as well as the service. You feel like you have your own personal team taking care of your needs. The restaurant has a delightful charm. read more

See all

We were in town for the day and someone recommended this restaurant for us to enjoy our Valentine's Day lunch! There was an event in one of the rooms so the parking was full but nice and quiet for lunch in the main dining room with just a few other tables occupied. Beautiful, elegant dining room and we enjoyed our table right in front of the fireplace. Service was impeccable. As was the food! We tried two of their daily specials. The Branzino with seasonal veggies. Grilled perfectly, topped with capers and olives and accompanied by some colored carrots. Quite delicious and the perfect size for lunch! I finished it all! The boyfriend had the Sea Bass in Cream sauce. It was cooked inside some sort of pastry. Quite interesting. Lovely restaurant. Would def stop in here again next time we're out this way. read more

Valbella - Branzino lunch special - yummy ... - Italian Near Me - Riverside, Connecticut

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]So overpriced but the food is quite good and the vibe is truly Greenwich![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We live in Greenwich and like to go once a year. Polpo has better food but valbella has the upper hand on je ne sais quoi. Miss Thomas henkelmanns. read more

Food is highest quality prepared by chefs that are true professionals! Everything comes out of kitchen exactly as it should or it doesn't come out! Sommelier knows their wine pairings! Waitstaff is truly professional and engaging. Beautiful wine cellar with table seating 20 or so if you have a large party (a little chilly down there might need a jacket) ! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Upstairs fireplace regular dining room.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A bit expensive but you get what you pay for! Best high end Italian restaurant in area. read more

We went here once before and loved it (especially our server Mike and we would go back if he is the server), but we had the worst experience with service (Arthur) on our second time as we celebrated my wife's birthday. To start, the server was very aggressive in telling us what we were going to order and didn't listen to what we said. We had to correct him multiple times throughout the night when we ordered additional courses. Second, we were not even halfway through our appetizers when I saw a junior server with our main course (two pastas) approaching. The junior server rightfully started to walk back to the kitchen and then the main server told him no and forced him to put our main course on the table while we were still eating the appetizers. The mains sat their for 10 mins. Next, they packaged our leftover pastas in one container. I'm not sure why they would put separate pastas (one white truffle and one red sauce) in one container. Lastly, the valet doesn't wear a mask so we parked our own car. We still tipped 20% and gave the valet a $10, but this level of service is unacceptable for a $250 meal for two. read more

Valbella - Beyond me why they would put two types of pasta in one to-go - Italian Near Me - Riverside, Connecticut

In the day - '80's and '90's - family had a table every Friday. By far the most superb top shelf restaurant within 30 miles including NYC. Staff is unmatched, chef is the best. No choice is a wrong choice. Chilean Sea Bass is incomparable. Be there tonight! read more

Run don't walk to this restaurant. I've dined here twice in under 6 weeks. I live, in NJ where there's a Mecca of wonderful restaurants especially Italian restaurants. Valbella is, hands-down, the best meal,soup to nuts, I've ever had. The pour of their drinks is more than generous. The food is beautifully prepared to order and so fresh. The service is impeccable. The seafood fra Diablo entrée and the veal chop entrée are musts. The grilled octopus and pistachio encrusted shrimp appetizers are phenomenal. The prices reflect the entire experience and fresh ingredients you receive. I cannot recommend this restaurant more. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The best food, best service and the best atmosphere, best restaurant in Greenwich CT !!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

I had dinner here with my husband last Saturday. This was our first time at Valbella and it had great food and lovely old fashion cocktails. The ambiance outside is gorgeous and inside is really nice too. Wonderful spot for a classy date, family gathering etc. Our waiter was a bit distracted and hard to flag down throughout the meal, but it was a pretty busy weekend night and the place was packed. Looking forward to coming back again and having dinner in the pretty room by the entrance! read more

Valbella - Old fashion cocktail outside - Italian Near Me - Riverside, Connecticut

Ambiance is perfect. It's beautiful. The food is delicious from appetizers to desserts. I also had a few drinks. The Apple Martini was perfect for me. Strong read more

Over the last week, I've been blessed being able to have a meal at some awesome places. I get to add another to the places that I will rave about. Came here for a special lunch. We sat in the wine cellar by the fireplace that has to be one of the coolest settings I've had for a meal in some time. Gorgeous. We started with some passed apps - the bruschetta was terrific as was the pigs in blanket (who can pass those up!). Next up with a salad "wrapped" in a cucumber. Cute presentation and just the right touch. Then the main dish -- Branzino. Which is one of my favorite dishes and this was delightful. It was light but full of flavor. Served with white asparagus. Yum!!! Then desserts -- too much. But the key lime pie was a hit as was the lava cake. Service was flawless. Water refilled without mention. Every need catered too. Really A++. The prices aren't cheap but all around, this was a huge hit and, could even I say, worth it for the finished product? Yep. read more

Excellent food, a wonderful welcoming staff, a beautiful atmosphere...what more could you want in a fine dining experience?

An amazing meal. From the minute we got in until we left the service was top notch. The dining room was dimly lit and the tables had plenty of space from each other. Nobody was on top of you nor in your conversation. We did not have reservations but because it was a Monday it was not a problem but I would suggest you make reservations on days which should be busier. For starters we had the pulpo (octopus) which was so flavorful and plentiful. Served over a well dressed salad. For our entrees my gf had the double cut lamb chops which were cooked a perfect medium rare served over potatoes and veggies. I had the fruta de marre served over linguine. The dish was excellent, it had lobster tail, shrimp and crab meat. The dish was perfect. The linguine was cooked perfectly and the seafood was impeccable not to mention the pasta was spicy. Not too spicy but had the perfect kick. We then proceeded to have dessert which was a trio of tiramisu, crime brûlée and a pistachio macron. The dessert was tiny bites but they packed so much flavor. Exquisite! Definitely loved our dinner and we will go back to try other items on their menu. read more

See all

First time dining here. We had to do outdoor dining, and it was a beautiful night. The tables were set nicely. Service was top notch. Food was excellent! I will most definitely be back there to dine. We had oysters, (a little too big for my liking, but they were good), zucchini flowers, beef carpaccio, and the octopus, with a scallop and shrimp. The sauce it was prepared in, was heavenly!! We got to eat inside. Much better!! Noticed they changed the plastic seat covers off all the chairs, whether people were sitting there or not. read more

See all

Way to pricey for below average food. Calamari was rubbery, sauce was too heavy , pasta undercooked Very disappointed read more

Amazing! This restaurant is large in size but feels very quaint. The fireplaces inside make for a cozy feel, but the décor is very beautiful. They have valet parking, but there is also a large lot across the street if valet isn't your thing. The menu has a lot of great selections and they had intriguing specials as well. The wine we were served was great. I am not typically a red wine fan, but I enjoyed this one and the waiter was quick to top off your glass. Food was phenomenal. I did not try a thing I did not like. The truffle pasta special was probably one of the best things I have ever had! I also had the beef carpaccio which was super thin sliced and full of flavor. The Gnocchi Lucca had such tender pieces of meat that they basically melted in your mouth, and the gnocchi was so pillowy soft and had great flavor. I will definitely be returning! read more

This polished and efficient staff did a great job taking care of our large corporate group in a lovely private room with a cozy roaring fire. Service was attentive and spot-on, like clockwork. I had the filet, and it was absolutely delicious. More mind-blowing is how incredibly tender it was... each bite felt as though it was melting in my mouth. The red wine sauce was a beautiful accompaniment. But I really would have liked more interesting non-starchy sides (the vegetables were very basic and unexciting.) Others at the table enjoyed the veal cutlets, but the one who ordered the salmon was less complimentary of her entree. Still, it was a lovely dinner, and I would definitely recommend this restaurant for large group events. read more

Valbella - Italian Near Me - Riverside, Connecticut

Faded glory. I am a very experienced food and wine expert and this restaurant just doesn't meet fine dining criteria. Service was excellent but the staff seems remote. They are there, but they are not. The food was just OK and certainly not worth the exorbitant prices. A relatively simple dinner with an appetizer, main course and desert with one glass of wine was well over $100 per person. I hadn't eaten there in a number of years and my return visit was a disappointment. The veal had been pounded very thin, with a mallet with sharp points, obviously meant to pulverize the meat. The sauce was gluey. read more

Excellent food, Excellent drinks Excellent presentation Excellent ambiance and excellent staff.

Top notch food and service. Always an elegant, special meal! Have been for meals just because, Christmas Eve, 25th wedding anniversary and even a lunch 3 years later with my ex-husband after finalizing our divorce in court! read more

Been here many times over the years when i am-in this area Last night we sat outside which was beautiful in there garden Food was so so and not sure Dave still owns the place We had zucchini flowers to start and it came with no red sauce but with mashed potatoes?? Weird Then we had tuna tartare which was great I had pasta which cane out ice cold and my wife had the seafood salad, the seafood salad was horrible Looked like scrap's of pieces of fish instead say a whole shrimp, also why why why on earth would they add jalapeño pepper's!! WTF!!! Send it back and demanded they sent charge me They dis take it off the bill Desert was awesome 2 drinks bottle of wine tip $500.00 Lots of money to be disappointed read more

This spot is definitely the spot to visit for your nice date out. We came to try this place out and we're completely surprised by how well they owner treated us like family, how the food was, and the romantic atmosphere. This place is definitely a must try read more

Valbella - Italian Near Me - Riverside, Connecticut

Terrible Owners, terrible decor, horrible attitudes from staff. I have nothing nice to say. 1 star is too much. Save your $100-500 and dine somewhere that will value you as you should be valued. This place only serves themselves to your wallet. TERRIBLE. read more

First thing the waiter asks is what we want to drink without bringing the wine or cocktail list. When I ask for the wine list, it doesn't have the prices for the wine by the glass. I ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and they charged $18!!! Unacceptable! The fried calamari were ok, I've had way better ones. The bread is not good and not even warm. The pasta was very very good but the waiter must have fallen asleep when it was ready because when he brought it, it wasn't hot enough. The dessert list had no prices!!! Again, unacceptable. The waiter was mediocre. Lastly, when I made the reservation, they didn't bother asking if it was for a special occasion. Nor did they send an acknowledgment or reminder of same. Not coming back. read more

Inside the restaurant the food & service is always solid. However beware of the mandatory valet parking. It was a rare case I didn't have any cash on me - the rude valet attendant verbally attacked me when I told him I didn't have any cash to tip. I'd add my car was parked right in front - it just had to be pulled out. Just very rude and abrasive attitude - especially when I just spent $2k on dinner. read more