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All Reader Reviews of...

Bellavitae

24 Minetta Ln., New York, NY, 10012
nr. Sixth Ave.
212-473-5121

Avg. Rating

8
Food: 9
Service: 7
Décor: 7
"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

50% would go back.

 Write your own review

Bad service

By Anonymousnyc on 4/21/2005

  • Overall Rating: 6
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 1
  • Décor: 7
  • No, I would not go back!

We are locals who make a point of frequenting the restaurants in our neighborhood. We have a good report with many restaurateurs in the village because we enjoy being regulars at many establishments. Being a regular gives you a relationship with restaurant and itís staff. Along with that you have nothing but best wishes and hope for their success. We were very excited when this lovely restaurant opened in an otherwise jinxed location. However unfortunately the host at Bellavitae was extremely rude and curt. There was no getting past that. I donít mean to say that we are the life juice that decide the success or failure of a restaurant. But we do always buy good bottles of wine (a gold mine for restaurants) and we tip well. Hopefully this will get back to them and if we notice a change in attitude from the staff, perhaps they will get a good chunk of our money once a week.

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368 out of 682 people found this review helpful.

I feel ripped off

By cthomas519 on 3/8/2010

  • Overall Rating: 6
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 5
  • Décor: 6
  • No, I would not go back!

We had dinner here on Saturday night- and I thought the price was NOT in proportion to the quality of the food and where we sat. Apparantly they did not have record of our 6pm reservation so 4 of us sat right by the front door. Even worse the two tables pushed together were tiny and we felt cramped. I have had the same quality food and service on Long Island for a fraction of the price. Overall the food was good. 2 main courses were too salty. I feel ripped off. This is our last time here.

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29 out of 63 people found this review helpful.

Polpe-pricey

By diner007 on 1/15/2006

  • Overall Rating: 7
  • Food: 7
  • Service: 7
  • Décor: 5
  • No, I would not go back!

How anyone can charge $8 for a few tiny Polpettine Fritte is beyond me. I'm looking for the restaurant where I don't hear my Italian guest tell me he can make it better. Impossible? I know it is out there, NY - I just have to keep looking! Table of two - We split the polpettine and also a salad (again tiny portion) for $12. On to the main courses, I have to say very good Pizzichi di Farro for $16 and fair enough Cacio e Pepe for $15 with adequate portions. Then on to deserts which just didn't hit the spot. If I go again, which I doubt, I would skip the appetizer, salads, and deserts and just try their main courses. Wine list extensive. Service was fine. Tables a bit cramped. Overall experience - tiepido.

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361 out of 719 people found this review helpful.

Underrated WV Italian

By JoJoJo on 1/25/2010

  • Overall Rating: 8
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 8
  • Décor: 7
  • Yes, I would go back!

NY Mag profile pretty much nails it - ingredients-focused, straightforward but delicious food; cozy space; helpful staff; I've never had a bad meal here. Standouts for me include the cauliflower, puntarelle salad, arancini, orichette, steak and panna cotta, and the mozzarella when available. Tough to go wrong, though.

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48 out of 97 people found this review helpful.

Italia!

By TheVillager on 4/27/2005

  • Overall Rating: 9
  • Food: 9
  • Service: 9
  • Décor: 9
  • Yes, I would go back!

Welcome to my neighborhood! I travel to Italy frequently, but when I'm not there, I can always head to Bellavitae. I've been several times, brining friends, wine lovers and Italians. Everyone agrees that it's authentic Italian. The food is inspirational and the products displayed on the wall are a testament to the finest ingredients used. A very hip and sophisticated crowd - Gucci, Pucci, Prada. We always receive warm and friendly service: a welcome greeting and helpful answers to questions regarding the menu and wine list. Speaking of the wine list, those who know Italian wines will be thankful to see the highest quality at every price range. Hopefully this concept is the beginning of a new trend in New York restaurants.

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331 out of 680 people found this review helpful.

Sex in the City (with Food)

By mekaeliad on 1/2/2008

  • Overall Rating: 10
  • Food: 10
  • Service: 10
  • Décor: 10
  • Yes, I would go back!

Totally classy without being pretentious. Great spot to meet cool people and enjoy authentic and delicious Italian; my friend and I were supposed to go to a play next door and were having such a good time we decided to skip the play and stay and eat! (The power of good food!!)

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134 out of 253 people found this review helpful.

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