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Hours
Sun
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Italian, American, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Special occasions, Romantic, Large groups, Bar scene, Business meetings
Is this restaurant romantic?
Details
About
Our specialty is Modern French & Italian Cuisine made from scratch with as many sustainably-sourced ingredients as possible. Enjoy homemade pasta, brick-oven pizzas, rotisserie-roasted meats or our famous paella. Taste the difference of the highest-quality cuisine created with sustainably-sourced produce, experience fresh seafood shipped directly to our chefs and delight in our exceptional, accommodating, professional service.
CUISINES
Italian, American
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
591 reviews
Excellent
346
Very good
182
Average
44
Poor
9
Terrible
10
JoyTravels
Atlanta22 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
Our family had a wonderful dinner at Bistro Bella Vita. We were considering a few places for dinner and settled on this one. So glad we did! We made a reservation and our table was ready when we arrived and they even had a booster seat in place. The food was really good. The black spaghetti was really unique and tasty (for seafood lovers). The pizza was also delicious. The food came out quickly, which made me wonder how fresh the food would be, but it tasted fresh and homemade. The best part of our experience, though, was the service. Ashley was our server and she was excellent! She was so friendly and helpful.
Her timing was impeccable and I always appreciate when servers mention dessert quietly (instead of saying it to the kid(s)). Small thing but it just capped off a wonderful experience. Would definitely recommend and we will be back.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hroen
55 contributions
Jun 2021 • friends
Bruschetta appetizer was amazing, ingredients so fresh! Son ordered 4 cheese ravioli and ate entire thing! Husband ordered saffron risotto, generous portion and was served hot, and a little kick of spice. I ordered rotini con pollo, flavorful, probably a dish pesto lovers will love. Shredded chicken in creamy pesto sauce. Service was superior. We want to go back. Everything here made from scratch. We went early (4:30-6) and were casually dressed (shorts) and felt welcome.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zachary G
Hi there, we're happy to hear you enjoyed an exceptional dining experience with us and we appreciate your kind words about the food and service. We hope to serve you again soon!
Written June 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron R
Silver Spring845 contributions
Mar 2024 • business
I selected this restaurant to host a small business dinner after a long week of meetings. I was not disappointed at all. The service was great, we enjoyed French red wine (plus Port and Cognac after the meal), amazing meatballs as one of the appetizers, a variety of entrees, and a great tiramisu. I had the rigatoni bolognese; several colleagues had the black spaghetti (and raved about it).
Written April 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
1 contribution
May 2021 • family
Bistro has been one of our favorite restaurants in GR for some time. Tonight was a different experience. While I understand the pandemic has impacted everyone, especially the restaurant industry, the service and outrageous rules we encountered at Bistro were disappointing. First, when making a reservation you have to put a $5 deposit per person down for your table. I understand the restaurant is trying to ensure people show up, but thought this was both strange and a bit ridiculous.We had a reservation weeks in advance and when we arrived we were seated in the way back of the restaurant which is terribly decorated and has no ambiance whatsoever. I figured with a reservation so far in advance we would have had a better seating arrangement. But here’s the worst part, the hostess after giving us the menus says “this table flips in 90mins.” Our mouths dropped. We had no knowledge when scheduling our reservation that we would be timed!! Absolutely disgusting and disappointing. Do better Bistro. Will not be going back after that experience. I’d advise everyone to skip Bistro and go to Ruth’s Chris, Leos, or Wolfgangs— significantly better customer service and the food is actually worth the high price. Never again.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zachary G
We are very sorry to hear about your recent experience with us. We would love to resolve this with you directly. Please contact our General Manager Tristan Walczewski at tristan@bistrobellavita.com and include the name on your reservation. We appreciate your feedback.
Written May 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iloveteeth25
Grand Rapids20 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
We had dinner at Bistro Bella Vita during their soft opening after quarantine. The food was sensational. It was so comforting to return to our favorite restaurant and see the same staff and taste the same wonderful food. Can’t wait to come back!
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nataliet122
Hi there! We're thrilled to hear you had an exceptional meal with us and appreciate you dining with us during our soft opening! We hope to safely serve you again soon.
Written June 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tammy C
Clive144 contributions
Nov 2022 • business
We were looking forward to trying this restaurant out while we were in town. The place had a great atmosphere walking in.
First, it took 30 minutes from the time we sat down until we could get someone to stop by and. take our order.
We waited in anticipation for our dinner selections to arrive. Unfortunately, they did not arrive for another hour and a half.
When asking for a reason with the delay, we were told a large party arrived unexpectedly.
The restaurant was busy but there were still tables available. I wonder - does this mean they cannot handle a full restaurant!?!
The food was good; I’m not going to lie. I just don’t think any meal is worth waiting two hours. In addition, we had to flag someone down each time drink refills were needed.
Written November 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NOZRV
Vermont9 contributions
May 2023 • family
I can’t say enough good things about our server Nate, during a large (12 people) family get-together for our mothers birthday. He was so friendly and just really nice, with a great positive attitude. Even though he had other tables besides ours, he was on top of everything. I hope they appreciate him there as he really helped make our evening enjoyable! Thanks again Nate!
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark C
Scottsdale3485 contributions
Aug 2024 • business
Throughout the years traveling to Grand Rapids food at ‘The Bistro’ has always been solid. This time the Chef seems to have taken the restaurant a notch higher. We started with Calamari delicately seasoned and perfectly fried, the ‘Moules -Frites’ with an incredible sauce requiring additional Focaccia to consume all the liquid and good Burrata. The Saffron Risotto was a large portion, enough for two and well prepared. Rice was cooked to the proper denseness with incredible delicate saffron flavors. The two colleagues who ordered Filet Mignon were also pleased. We shared Tiramisu and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. Both were outstanding.
Nice wine has always had great options to select from. Jenna provided excellent service. Kudos to the entire staff.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJKNR
24 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
First, our server Sarah was absolutely awesome. Great personality, easy-going, helpful, and made my daughter's birthday dinner even better. Meatball appetizer and bolognese were excellent. Night was made even better with the tiramisu. It was very light but still had the perfect combination of flavors. Terrific meal all the way around.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick+Jan
Ormond Beach465 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
When in Grand rapids, which is quite often, we always try to go to Bistro Bella Vita, at least once. This time we had a couple glasses of block nine Pinot noir, wife had the beet salad with salmon, and I had a margarita pizza. As it was lunchtime, so we sat at the bar. Our server was Jordan who did a great job. Food was excellent as always, as that is what we expect at Bistro Bella Vita.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
243DLP
Midland1038 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We had a very nice meal and great waitress (Mary R). We were seated outside which was great until the sun set (we didn't have an umbrella). But, the food was fantastic. Nice touch with the menu saying Happy Birthday at the top! They also included a dessert for my birthday that is impressive! I had the seafood couscous and my husband had the seafood with black spaghetti. We would come back when in the area.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wallyworld2007
Wyoming165 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
We were there last night with eight people all of which were family members. The staff was beautifully trained in how to keep things clean and safe and the food was absolutely spectacular! Mary, our server was a wonderful and treated us all like family.We can’t wait to return.
Written June 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nataliet122
Hi there! It was so nice to have you and our exceptional guests back in our restaurant. We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had an exceptional dining experience and we look forward to continue to safely serve you in the future!
Written June 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carlborch
East Lansing367 contributions
May 2022 • none
We visited on May 27 during happy hour for a few drinks and some small plates. We had a house martini and a Negroni, along with fried brassicas and pizza. Our server was fabulous, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She clearly enjoyed working there. The food was totally delicious and the atmosphere was great!
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonypose
Naperville582 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
Outstanding food with a menu that has a lot of variety. Lots of different starters, pastas, seafoods, soups, and salads. An extensive drinks menu. Also specials daily. Great ambience and very good service. Easy street or lot parking.
Written April 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zachary G
Hi, thank you for the 5-star review! We hope to serve you again soon.
Written May 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanda R
Greenfield735 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
We came for dinner. However the Happy Hour Pizzas looked interesting so we had those. The pizzas were huge. I had the Prosciutto and Pear. Delicious. Hubby loved his Rustica which was loaded with meat. I had the Pink Lady martini. Really enjoyed. Hubby had the Cucumber martini. Very cucumbery. Jordan was our server; very friendly and helpful. Floor to ceiling windows made for a great view. Inside atmosphere very nice. We are very glad we dined here. We were quite full when we left. Would dine again.
Written September 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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