We chose Bella's Italian Restaurant after seeing positive reviews while traveling with our family. Unfortunately, the experience was uncomfortable and not appropriate for families.
There was about a 30 minute wait. We briefly stepped out and returned, only to learn our table had been ready but the text notification did not go through due to a phone number error. Not a big issue, we waited patiently with our two children ages 8 and 10.
While we were waiting, the hostess went up to a man working the bar wearing a hat to speak to him about our table. She appeared apologetic and uncomfortable. His response and body language came across as irritated and dismissive.
While still nearby, we overheard the same man speaking loudly to a bar customer and referring to a woman as "one of those crazy b***** online." It appeared connected to the table involved in the interaction that followed.
After we were seated, the same man, who had been working the bar, came into the dining area and approached another table, a group that appeared to be in their 60s to 70s, regarding a receipt or refund issue. Based on his role and how he handled the situation, I initially assumed he was a manager. The discussion became tense. The woman at the table shook her receipt and said something to the effect of listening to him was making her more upset. At that point, he raised his voice and shouted profanity, telling her to "get the f*** out of my restaurant." As he walked away, he turned back and began shouting again, saying additional things about his integrity and honesty, then again told her to "get the f*** out" before storming into the kitchen.
This occurred in the middle of the dining room with children present, including our own and another nearby table with young girls. From the back of the restaurant, loud banging could be heard, and it appeared he struck a wall or object while shouting additional profanity. The table he addressed appeared shaken and quietly left without further argument. The entire restaurant went silent.
The servers themselves were professional and kind throughout the evening, but the outburst clearly affected the atmosphere for everyone.
Overall, the food was about a 7 out of 10. The lasagna was good. Other dishes were mixed. The spaghetti marinara was very bitter and unbalanced, the shrimp scampi was heavy, and the amount of butter served with the rolls was excessive.
Later, I was told by staff that the man involved is the owner's son.
Later that night, my son told me that as he and the same man reached the single occupancy restroom door at the same time, the man told him to go first, but did so in a sharp and impatient manner that came across as aggressive. After witnessing repeated profanity and outbursts earlier in the evening, having my child spoken to in that manner by the same individual was completely unacceptable.
Regardless of internal issues, repeated profanity, raised voices, and aggressive behavior toward guests, especially with children present, is not appropriate in a restaurant setting. We will not return and would caution families before dining here. read more