Reserve now:
Bella Via Ristorante and BanquetsReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Chicago / Illinois Restaurant Reviews >
North Suburbs Restaurant Reviews >
Highland Park Restaurant Reviews >
Italian Restaurant Reviews
Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets Reviews List
Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Bella Via Ristorante & Banquets is an upscale casual authentic Italian Restaurant located in downtown Highland Park. We feature southern and northern Italian fare and an extensive wine list highlighted by an impressive selection of Italian wines. The menu consists of a variety of appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish, tender veal, chicken and many other Italian favorites.
See more Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets details
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(41)
- fit for foodies(17)
- special occasion(17)
- good for groups(13)
- notable wine list(11)
- great for lunch(10)
Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets Reviews List
Review 1 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We love Bella Via, and our Mother's Day dinner there was particularly excellent. All 4 of us had different entrees and each was outstanding. We had Chicken Toscana, Grilled Salmon, and 2 entrees from the specials. This is one of our favorite restaurants and it seems the food keeps getting better."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I Love This Restaurant!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Simply outstanding! Their Veal Picatta is superb! My other love is the Caesar Salad with grilled salmon. And, it is a happy place, lots of smiles and great service."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always a good dinner and service."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A neighborhood favorite. Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A neighborhood favorite. Good food, drink . Banquet facilities, include outdoor patio in neighborhood setting. Excellent service, reservations, and parking make this an attractive choice."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Bella Via dinner
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were seated at least 20 minutes late for a reservation. It took the waitress another 15 minutes to greet us and talk about the menu. She was very blaise about the whole thing and never apologized for getting us so late. The food was mediocre -- stale and cold bread, heavy hand with the tomato sauce on a piece of fish, (drowned it); nominal amount of salad offered for the side dish--all this and a very noisy, crowded seat for $23 an entrée.
Are there better (value) options around? Yes"
Are there better (value) options around? Yes"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We have returned to Bella
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have returned to Bella Via for family dinners, dinner with friends, and family reunions repeatedly and I have also met with friends for lunch and dinner (girls night). The food is always delicious. If they get busy, because the tables are close it can get noisy and sometimes the serving slows down. We would recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Eggplant parm is superb!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Eggplant parm is superb! Tiramisu is tops."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is always excellent here.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is always excellent here. Friendly service too."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food; never enough servers.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food; never enough servers. Why not?"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrif food and service...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Terrif food and service... tables are closely packed in so expect tight quarters and a high noise level. Food is worth it."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my first visit and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my first visit and I was impressed. There are so many choices for Italian restaurants on the North Shore that I'd passed up going to Bella Via for a long time because I was not familiar with it. I only booked a reservation because it was available for the time frame I needed and close to the movie theater (across the street)where my wife and I had tickets for a late movie. The service was outstanding and the meal was way above my expectations. The menu, mostly traditional Italian with a few twists, was easy and not loaded with too many choices. Bella Via is now at the top of my list for Italian dinning and has definitely earned a return visit. I actually can't wait to go back."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Had reservations for 7:45
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had reservations for 7:45 but did not get seated until 8:30! However, the staff was very apologetic and comped our wine as we waited at the bar and a dessert at the end of our meal. The staff was very friendly, making the wait more bearable. The food was good but did not blow us away."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Disappointment
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had an Open Table resrevation for 7:30 at 8:30 we were still waiting and left. Hostess did nothing to make the wait more managable. In fact, she was absent from position most of the time. What is the value of Open Table when the restaurant can't manage their tables and turn?"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Weak Showing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Disappointing outing: salmon vesuvio was good (portion was very good) but the potatoes were just barely warm enough and could have been a little more well-done. The halibut portion was embarrassing (especially compared to the healthy portion given w/ the salmon dish). They made a 2nd one for us; it was equally small and frankly kind of "fatty" (if fish can be fatty); hardly ate the 2nd portion. Sauteed spinach side was tasteless and was apparently microwaved b/c it was was not warm throughout: warm (not hot) in some portions and downright cold in other portions. Very crowded night and a large party going on in back banquet hall - I'll chalk it to they just don't handle very busy nights that well. Usually better than the above report."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always Great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As one of our favorite places, we are never disappointed. The high number of regular repeat customers is a testament to this being a GEM. The service and food are great. This is my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicagoland."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The service was poor and a
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was poor and a confirmed reservation for 7:30 pm meant nothing...we waited 40 minutes before being seated in the back room which has the ambience of a barn!!!!
In addition to that the food was cold when brought to the table"
In addition to that the food was cold when brought to the table"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food and very good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food and very good servers who have been there for years."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good restaurant with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good restaurant with excellent food..."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Still good after all these years...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I hadn't been to Bella Via in a few years - it was still very good, as I remembered it. There was a steady crowd, and the noise level was a bit higher than I would have liked, but the food was very good. I am on a gluten-free diet, and I enjoyed their Minestrone soup and seafood risotto, which had a nice plum tomato sauce.
My friends enjoyed their dishes, as well. If you like dessert wine, they had a good Moscato."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent Italian food; good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"excellent Italian food; good tiramisu, nice wines. Very reliable."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
having been there on several
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"having been there on several occasions, this time our server Henry was outstanding.Personality, attentiveness excellent."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Italian Food - slow service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have eaten here many times as I love the food. Many Italian dishes not commonly available, such as veal saltimboca. This was the first time I had taken my daughter here and I was hoping to impress her with this restaurant. Unfortunately the service was horrible, so I doubt she will want to return. We has a 7pm reservation and were not seated for 20 to 30 minutes later. Then the wait staff seemed to ignore us. When our entrees came, my daughter's was only luke warm, but she was afraid to send it back for fear of not getting it back to eat until the rest of our party was done. Over all a disapointing experience at a place I generally love to eat at."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Slow service. Very cold in
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Slow service. Very cold in dining area and didn't warm up after we requested more heat. Service not attentive. Food ok ."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not sure if heat was broken.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not sure if heat was broken. It was really cold in there. Had to put my coat on and off all night."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrific meal and service on a busy night....It is a gem"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful Italian food...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was very friendly and had great timing. The meatballs are all beef which is important for our group since we have allergies to pork and the Vegetarian in our group found multiple options on the menu but chose and loved the spinach Ravioli- “the best spinach ravioli I have had, you can really taste the spinach it is not just green colored noodles”
The Vodka sauce is not to be missed!
Overall I would come back again and again!"
The Vodka sauce is not to be missed!
Overall I would come back again and again!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets
Based on the average of (39) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic