Nestled along the historic storefront merchants on Whalley Avenue is a New Haven treasure that quietly goes unnoticed unless you have been told by word of mouth? This reviewer was happy to have one of his family members mention it and there was no turning back? Bella's offers Homemade, Southern Style Comfort Food just like grandma would make? The Cafe consists of generous seating on both sides with a large bar stretching from the front door down towards the middle of the restaurant. We were sitting on the backend portion of identical tables and chairs. Our server was pleasant and friendly and our party of three were about to be very happy with what was in store for us? I was told that we had to arrive early because this popular little neighborhood nook, fills up at a moment's notice? We arrived at 8:00am and it was jamming. The menu has a large variety of breakfast and brunch options with their hours open until 3:00pm, daily I believe?? I enjoyed Bella's Corned Beef Hash with Scrambled Eggs, Homemade Grits and 2 Fresh Biscuits. Outstanding and Rib Sticking Comfort Food. If you never knew about this place before my review? I will gladly take the credit for getting you off your feet and into Bella's seat for a dining experience that you will thank me for? read more

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The food was where our two stars came from. The bacon was delish, as were the potatoes and their fluffy pancakes as well. However, from here the experience declined. The biggest setback for us was the service. Our server wasn't very attentive and spent the entire time conversing with every other couple (and we were the only gay people there so it felt discriminatory dare we say?). He didn't check on us, didn't offer us drinks and didn't talk to us at all, but everyone else was getting a laugh and a chuckle out of him. There were also very very minor microaggressions we noticed but they were so micro, we didn't really feel as though we could say anything. The place is very cute though, it has a nice cutesie vibe. Unfortunately, we likely won't be back. Our general ratings: Food- 8.3 Service- 2.5 Comeback ability- 1.5 read more

Bella's Cafe - Vermont Maple French Toast Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Thanks for being open on Easter Sunday. Danielle was very gracious. Always enjoy her kindness. Our food was outstanding. Sunday brunch is my favorite. Must add that the decorations were so cute read more

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

Great food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere! The spiked hot chocolate is delicious read more

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What's not to love about Bella's?! I love their unique menu options that you won't find anywhere else. Their food was absolutely delicious!! We went early on a Saturday morning so there was no wait but it was starting to get busy as we left. read more

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

Great atmosphere and friendly staff! My husband loved his corn beef and hash, the breakfast sandwich was pretty bland and basic but for the price I get it :). Would definitely back! read more

came here, January 4, 2026 and it was the greatest way to start the new year. As I said before Gordon Ramsay would be impressed. This is up there with the best food I've ever had in my life. Definitely top 10 places, and I am considered a foodie by anybody who knows me .. If you wanna get brownie points by friends, family, or coworkers, give them a gift card to this place --- delicious!! make sure to fast the day before !! portions are huge and the food is so good that you'll wanna finish it all!!! one word to describe this food would be divine read more

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After hearing that this is an oasis of good brunch in a brunch desert, my husband and I enthusiastically decided to try this spot out. We went on Sunday and expected it to be busy. Unfortunately we were "greeted" by a very rude hostess who seemed l, not just annoyed, but angry that we were there. We were informed that it would be a 35-40 minute wait which we were prepared for. Put our names on the list and were told we would receive a call, which we were fine with and had figured we would meander into some of the nearby shops while we wait. Unfortunately, as we turned to go, we could hear the host talking shit about how she doesn't understand how people come in on Sundays expecting to get right in. In no way did we indicate that we expected that nor did we express even remote frustration with being on a wait. As planned we peaked in some shops and came back after about 20 minutes (i.e., 20 minutes to spare on our quoted wait time). About 5 minutes later we got a call from them but went straight to hm and the vm also was cut off. It took us at most 5 seconds to just walk inside and say we were there, where we then were repeatedly scolded by this same hostess for not answering the phone. Like lady you could literally see us outside. After being seated service was okay but had very little interaction with server (e.g., no one came to see how things were). Food and drinks were very good! Extremely delicious pancakes and French toast. Only complaint is that you really can't taste blueberries in the pancakes, probably because they use fresh blueberries. Overall very good food. Very rude hostess who probably shouldn't be working the busy shifts or service industry if she is going to treat people this way. Was going to give 4 stars but since other reviews indicate a pattern of inappropriate behavior, downgrading to 3. read more

Let's start with saying every single employee working has the most impeccable hospitality service.....the owner here is doing something right!!!! What a comfortable experience dining here.....The menu is creative and chic you will want more than one item when ordering. Food portions are larger than most, however they do have the illusion of looking larger than they are, food seems to be creatively placed on plates for this reason. It works for us while we always enjoy the experience not just the food. Kudos Bella's, see ya soon!! read more

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Awesome place for breakfast. We had to wait about 15 min as we were a large party. They accommodated us with a big booth in their second room. Staff were all great and friendly. The food came out quick. They have so many food options it's hard to choose. I had eggs and some pancakes. Everything was beyond delicious. read more

Came back for round 2. Still as good as I remember it. Ordered Salmon egg Benedict. Wait was about 45 mins when arriving towards the end of their day like almost 1 PM. Ordered fresh OJ. So good. It's a cute place. Highly recommend. read more

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Bella's is by far one of the best breakfast spots in New Haven! The food is always amazing with some signature staples like the challah French toast and they also have a seasonal menu that changes. Service is always great, the wait time can be long, but it is well worth it. The ambiance of the restaurant is very family friendly and quaint in the Westville area! read more

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Went for breakfast before dropping my daughter off at the Amtrak. Great find. Each of us was very happy with the meal. Place is very pretty and staff were attentive and supportive. read more

An adorable, homey breakfast-first place in New Haven that was a good brunch stopover. The decor is funky - all clocks and roosters, which i guess is to emphasize the breakfastness of the whole place. We got the shrimp & grits and the veggie omelet, and an order of Italian French bread to share. All of them were pretty darn tasty, and portions were big enough to feel like we needed to be rolled out afterwards. read more

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Best brunch in CT. Everything on the menu is amazing. We've been here 6-7 times. The most recent we had the Black and Blue and the Italian Grilled Cheese. Both are to die for. read more

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It was my first time coming here and I went with a group of friends. We were lucky enough to be seated almost immediately and ordered a round of drinks. The drink i got was pretty good, not my favorite but it was ok. The food however was delicious. I had an eggs Benedict special with steak. I ordered my steak medium rare and it came more on the rare side but it was super tasty. All our eggs were cooked to perfection and the english muffin was also soon good - perfectly toasted! All in all, I plan to come back for their shrimp and grits. read more

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

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Not what it used to be. Not sure if new owners, new cooks, or just now have become rude and lack of customer service. I went on a morning with very few people so while owners blame many recent negative reviews on being "busy" there was no such issue here. But food and quality of service was just awful. I oredered a bacon and egg sandwich. First half of sandwich I ate there was one small piece of bacon. When opened second half realized no bacon on it at all. When I showed server he said, the kitchen says they put bacon on entire sandwich but maybe just was on one side. When I told him there was tiny piece on one side and showed him other side with no bacon he said sorry but that's the way it is and "maybe next time you should order extra bacon." For a $10 sandwich and $4 coffee one would expect more and fact it I showed the served 1/2 sandwich without any bacon and still he ignored my request but did say I could order another side of bacon that I would be charged for if I wanted. Save your time and money and go for breakfast at a place that has customer service, is polite, honest, and treats all people equally. So sad as I used to love this place. But it's clear from others that things have changed read more

Always loved the month of August. Perhaps it's because it's when all the birthday celebrations begin. Bella's Café was our breakfast destination for the first celebration and it did not disappoint. The food and the service was outstanding. The home fried potatoes were elegantly seasoned, and the eggs were cooked just right. The hot chocolate was divine and utilized dark chocolate for a lovely touch. No one would know that the owner Rose wasn't even there to supervise what a great job everyone was doing. Our waitress was warm and welcoming. The restaurant was clean, well organized, and it was a pleasure to see an entire staff that is truly happy to be at work. Customer satisfaction seemed to be everyone's goal as was evident in their smiles the entire time we were there. read more

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Service was fantastic! I had the corn beef hash, eggs over medium, well done potatoes and I upgraded for fancy toast. Everything was delicious, good portion of food. I probably shouldn't have ate so much but it was just soooo yummy. Coffee was nice and strong and never empty. Our server (I'm so bad with remembering names) was amazing. She was personable, attentive and friendly. Decor is nice, plenty of seating at the time we arrived. Indoor or outdoor seating is available. It was a bit pricer than I expected but the quality of the food was great. read more

Breakfast specialties are very generous and perfectly prepared. Staff greet you at the door but you need all parties present to get seated because the place is popular and not that big. The challah French toast was like a giant Cinnabon. The chorizo eggs Benedict is nicely prepared and tasty. The Italian sandwich was substantial. Worth the wait. read more

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I've heard so many good things about Bella's and finally decided to check it out! My friends and I went to Bella's for a birthday brunch and we all enjoyed our food. The pancakes were so light and fluffy and the corned beef hash was so delicious! The restaurant was really packed for Saturday brunch and they don't take reservations so we had to wait for about an hour but it was well worth it. Im so excited to go back! read more

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I've only ordered breakfast food here and I only go Saturday mornings. If you come right when they open, you're good. They get really busy. There isn't really an area to wait in other than outside. I don't like the parking in this area. Food - I only buy from the specials menu. They do change it pretty often. I have enjoyed every meal I have ordered here. I come with friends and family. They all love it. Staff - welcoming, friendly, and they have never gotten my order wrong. read more

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A Sunday ritual! Initially it was all about the pancakes for me then I explored the French Toast! Decisions Decisions !!! We have always been warmly and friendly welcomed each and every time we walk through the front door! The servers are very upbeat and only adds to the overall enjoyable visit, meal and experience! read more

Bella's Cafe - French Toast Done Right! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The food is consistently well-executed. The seating is compact and the place is generally buzzing. On a recent visit our then-2yo complained for a bit, but when he actually threw a fit I immediately took him outside for a walk. On our next visit, we were greeted at the door with something like 'people complained about your child last time--is he going to be a problem?' Being preemptively scolded when we'd immediately removed him the moment he got loud gave us the impression that we were being asked not for any specific behavioral accommodations, but to feel bad about ourselves for having a healthy child with preferences, and that they really just hoped we'd go away so they wouldn't have to think about the problem. We've obliged, and haven't returned. read more

Upgrading my prior review from 3 to 4 stars. Tried bella's for the second time in part because of a nice note the manager left after my first visit and I enjoyed it more this time. Very varied menu with tasty options that aren't the standard breakfast restaurant choices. The bayou omelet was very good. The only constructive feedback we had was that though the bananas foster French toast tasted good, it was much sweeter than it needed to be. I know it's a sweet dish, but this went a level beyond. Overall, a good experience and a recommended breakfast or lunch spot if you are in the area or passing through. read more

Bella's Cafe - Bananas foster French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Waited over an hour placed my name on the waitlist they called at 11:46am I walked in at 11:48 the hostess said she called and because I didn't answer however I walked In she gave our table away. We were literally sitting outside the restaurant this is poor terrible customer service. This place was an amazing breakfast spot that has quickly gone down the drain. It's unfortunate considering it is one of the best in the city. Wow terrible maybe consider checking in on Your customers who are waiting patiently ahead simply could have popped her head out the door. That's ridiculous.. read more

I took my son to breakfast for his birthday. We were the first patrons in at 8 am. Our waitress was wonderful. She took our order and came right over with coffee. Wow! Our breakfast was amazing!! I had strawberry rhubarb French toast and my son had the black and blue French toast with black berries and blue berries. Made with thick pieces of bread and whipped cream. I am not usually a French toast person but after having it at Bella's, I am!!! Absolutely delicious and so filling!! Will definitely be back! read more

An absolute gem of a place. We stopped in for brunch on a Saturday and were quite pleased we did. The restaurant does not take reservations so essentially it is first come first serve. The restaurant is a bit on the small side but if you are patient you will be served a wonderful breakfast. We started with the Mexican Chocolate Cocoa which was absolutely wonderful. For our breakfast I had the orange-cranberry pancakes which were absolutely delicious. Usually I am not a huge pancake eater but I ate my whole steak and was not disappointed. The pancakes were served with a bourbon maple syrup which was the perfect way to top the pancakes. I had a side of applewood smoked bacon which was cooked perfectly. My girlfriend had the small French toast steak served with a side of grits and one egg, over easy. The brunch was absolutely wonderful, what I will suggest is that you have patience because it was very busy and it did take a while from waiting to be seated, being attended to and finally getting your meal, but if you are patient enough you will be treated to one heck of a read more

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Recently had the pleasure of being invited here for brunch and left very delighted that I was introduced to Bella's Cafe. The place was packed and the wait was nearly an hour. However, they will text you when your table is ready which allows you to browse around the interesting neighborhood shops. I was a fan of the decor. It has an eclectic vibe, window shutters, wrought iron, huge mirrors, giant clocks and beautiful chandeliers. Servers were very friendly and accommodating and apologetic about the then long wait from ordering to delivery of food to the table. However, everything was worth the wait. The orange juice was freshly squeezed, proven by a little seed that slipped through. The vegetables in my omelette were impeccably fresh and all of the Italian flavors worked in harmony, even with the Arrabiata sauce which I was originally doubtful of. My companion had salmon and scrambled eggs on a mound of grits. I substituted my potatoes for cheesy grits. The grits were unlike no other that I've tasted. The creamiest and cheesiest. These grits will make you happy even if you're a person that dislikes happiness. There are too many intriguing things on the menu that I can't wait to try. Will definitely return! read more

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Bella's french toast side of sausage . Pistachio latte everything there IS worth the wait. read more

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Great little cafe on Whalley Ave. We went at 8:30 am on a Sunday and the place was bustling with most tables filled in both rooms as well as the bar seating. Brunch and breakfast items are served on weekends. Brunch offerings consist of 6 items that change weekly. 2 of my friends ordered the brunch specials - cranberry orange pancakes with walnuts and a raspberry cinnamon roll French toast. I opted for a traditional eggs benedict, that was served with a generous piece of ham and delicious, well seasoned breakfast potatoes. We were all extremely satisfied with our choices and left very full. Go early, as the line was out the door when we left. read more

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Excellent food, excellent service, and a beautiful atmosphere. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff was attentive and welcoming, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend! read more

I've been to Bella's many times for breakfast and brunch!! The food is always on point. I've enjoyed several items and all are very good. Service is usually great but watch your bill as some servers automatically add a 20% gratuity if you're not watching. As others have mentioned, it's a small place and they will only seat you if your entire party is there. Very cute this time of year as it's decorated for the holidays and they were playing Christmas music. During this particular visit, I had the two eggs any style and my sister had the cornmeal pecan pancakes. Both were very good. I've also had the shrimp and grits and bayou omelet which are good as well. read more

Bella's Cafe - Two Farm Fresh Eggs-Any style with a side of cheese grits, bacon and sausage. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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From the food to the service, this is the only place in CT for brunch. I have never tasted a single dish that I did not completely fall in love from their kitchen. Absolutely PHENOMENAL go eat there!!!!! read more

Such an AMAZING brunch experience! The atmosphere is electrifying. The food was incredible- such decadent creations. Totally worth the weekend wait. Will definitely return!! read more

The wait was a bit long for my liking but after realizing how small and limited seating they have I understood and just waited patiently. We seated at the counter and we ordered mimosas. I got shrimp and grits and my sister got a egg and bacon sandwich with a side of potatoes. Everything was delicious and although the mixed reviews worried me I was pleasantly surprised. Food was seasoned and great portions. I would definitely come back and explore the menu more. read more

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Bella's Cafe is an American diner-style restaurant that opened in New Haven, Connecticut in 2000. It was founded by Rose Foote. Born into a restaurant family, Rose's Italian immigrant grandmother opened Paula's Diner in Bridgeport while her grandfather Nick "The Greek" owned Nick's Diner in Bridgeport. By age 9, Rose was working in the kitchen at her parents' restaurant Marie's Luncheonette in Trumbull. In 1985, she started her own catering service: Rose's Distinctive Catering. She furthered her culinary education with travels throughout Italy. Rose opened Bella's Cafe in New Haven's Westville neighborhood in 2000. Although the restaurant features a number of delicious breakfast and lunch options, they are most well-known for their weekend brunch which has won them numerous accolades over the years. My wife and I have visited Bella's a number of times over the years. When I first began dating my wife, she lived in an apartment in Westville and she introduced me to the restaurant. It is located right in the heart of the neighborhood. We visited Bella's for brunch this past weekend. It was our first visit in many years and also the first with our two young sons. The wait for brunch can get pretty long on the weekends, but it's worth it. For brunch cocktails, I had a "Pumpkin Spice Mimosa" while my wife had the Caramel Cider Sangria". These autumn-inspired cocktails really hit the spot. For food, I ordered the "Pumpkin Tiramisu French Toast" (brioche soaked in an espresso & bourbon custard topped with a whipped pumpkin mascarpone cream, bourbon caramel syrup), my wife ordered the "Poached Pear French Toast" (challah French toast, poached Anjou pear, brie cheese and a cardamom praline), and our older son ordered the "Challah French Toast" (with bananas). Everything was delicious! We all shared a little bit and I think that my wife's Pear French Toast was probably the best dish on the table. We all had a lovely experience at Bella's and highly recommend them if you're looking for a great brunch in New Haven! read more

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I love Bella's but they take way too long to get your food Out. Almost an hour wait after order. Plus the hour it takes to get seated. they need more cooks or something. read more

Huge portions, but I thought the food was just alright. And the service was slow (we came here on a Tuesday for brunch). It was slow to order, get water refilled, and get the check. It seemed like the waitress forgot about us towards the end of our meal. She wasn't busy, but she didn't make eye contact or look in the direction of our table when we were hoping she would to ask her for more water and the check. We had to get up ourselves to finally pay. The waitresses were nice though -- just not too attentive towards the end. The food was just okay. The potatoes on the side of the farm fresh eggs were undercooked. The Challah French Toast was good though -- it was super chewy and soft. Although the food didn't stand out to me, I'd recommend this place to those who are really hungry because they serve really large portions here. read more

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

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On my bucket list for two reasons. First, the rave reviews from the inspiring Marie R, and also featured w/I the past few months on WFSB (Hartford CBS affiliate), by news correspondent Roger Susanin. On the TV segment, Roger sampled shrimp and grits and Bella Benedict. Today, my best friend, Pots & Pans, and I paid a visit. Free parking on the street, but good luck finding a spot. Luck was with us as we found a spot RIGHT IN FRONT. The interior is split into two sections, and is warm, homey, comfortable, and inviting. We were seated and then greeted by Mike, who was capable, affable, just plain able. Very friendly and accommodating. Pots ordered the fried chicken and challah French toast, which came w 2 eggs and maple syrup. I had Bella's Corned Beef Hash....comes w 2 eggs any style, choice of toast, and choice of potatoes or grits. Mike suggested the grits, as he mentioned they were made w real cream (and, duh, therefore very creamy). BTW, Bella ascribes to the famous line from My Cousin Vinny re: grits (google it). We both had coffee (choice of med or dark roast). Couple things to mention about my food...the grits were unbelievably scrumptious, and the CBH is in my top 10 all-time (and I've literally had CBH from all over the country). Pots? He kept making groaning noises while he was eating, and I suggested he get a room with his food. And look at the "before" and "after" pix of our plates which tell two thousand + words. Overall, we agreed. One of the best breakfasts we've ever had. 5 star PS - I want Roger Susanin's job when he moves on! read more

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