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La Bussola Ristorante Reviews List

La Bussola Ristorante

Genuine Italian charm & classic Italian cuisine is what you can expect at this popular restaurant, a landmark for 25 years. A beautiful wood bar leads you into the main dining room that is divided into two sections. Candlelight & fresh flowers on every table, complete the romantic, sophisticated atmosphere.

When you arrive, a combination of warm brick oven, semolina & raisin fennel breads are at your table. Each dish is prepared to order using the finest ingredients. Signature dishes are Osso Bucco, Veal Chop a la Bussola, Red Snapper Livornese, Chicken Campagnola, & Lobster alla Fra Diavolo. Homemade desserts are luscious Italian cheesecake, Napoleon, & their incredible tiramisu. An exceptional wine list features selections from Italy, California & Chile.

You'll receive a warm welcome from the owners & staff of this well established landmark serving authentic Italian cuisine. The professional wait staff, who has been with the family for many years, know the customers.
See more La Bussola Ristorante details
19 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(19 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 19 reviews
5 stars
(4)
4 stars
(13)
3 stars
(1)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic
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Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(8)
  • neighborhood gem(8)
  • special occasion(7)
  • good for groups(3)
  • kid-friendly(3)
  • romantic(3)
La Bussola Ristorante Reviews List
Review 1 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent food.Specials are creativ

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Recommend the restaurant to others without exception"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 2 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Fabulous Family run Business

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"La Bussola has it all. From Carlo the owner greeting you with a smile at the door. To Jerry the wonderful old school bartender preparing perfect cocktails. La Bussola is a little home away from home, providing expertly prepared italian dishes, and providing top notch service."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 3 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My favorite Italian restaurant. Excellent food, service, and experience. Bravo La Bussola!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, special occasion
0points
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Review 4 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

31 years of good food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"La Bussola has been consistently good each and every time"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 5 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

THe service was the worst

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"THe service was the worst i ever experience...in addition to taking over an hour for our meal, with no apology, it took them 20 minutes to get us our check after we had to ask for it...twice!!!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2008
0points
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Review 6 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I have lived in this area

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I have lived in this area for 17 years and I have never tried this place. Wow I have been missing out on some pretty fantastic food! I will be back."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 7 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Old World Charm, Fantastic food

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The valet greeted us so nicely, it was a great start to our night. We were acknowledged immediatly & seated without delay. It was a busy Friday night, the table we asked for was waiting for us. I have been eating here for years & feel being handed a second menu listing the specials instead of our waiter describing them was a notibly missed opportunity to ask questions & it felt cold. I didn't like that at all! My Cosmo was excellent, chilled perfectly. The bread, just okay, usual. They should step that up a notch. Salads & entres were fabulous! Food @ La Bussola is the reason you come, there has never been a disappointment. Fish & veal perfectly prepared. They excel @ their sauces & gravies. Fantastic meal & service! We can't wait to return"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
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Review 8 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Too much olive oil on the

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Too much olive oil on the pasta"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
0points
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Review 9 for La Bussola Ristorante
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very welcoming atmosphere;

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very welcoming atmosphere; every one is welcomed like old friends."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for La Bussola Ristorante
Based on the average of (10) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.5 / 5
(Very Good) 3.5 / 5
Noise Level
1.9 / 3
Moderate