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Bella Vista Restaurant Reviews List
Bella Vista Restaurant
The neon martini glass out in front of the Bella Vista has been a landmark to identify one of the most prolific dining establishments for generations.
Bella Vista sets itself apart for a number of reasons, one is its unique sweeping panoramic views of San Francisco's South Bay and Silicon Valley that always get Oo's and Ah's! Combine this unique country ambience with our famously delicious food and a long time staff of professionals that know how to serve you, and you have what we all seek; a great dining experience.
Our concept is easy to describe; Very large portions, prime ingredients, deep, rich sauces served hot and on time for a fair cost. How many times have you gone out to dine, and looked back on the experience and said, "What just happened? I'm still hungry and I just put out hard earned money and feel taken-"
Bella Vista is not inexpensive, but is a big-time value. We are criticized for over-serving, not under-serving, like so many other fine restaurants.
See more Bella Vista Restaurant details
Bella Vista sets itself apart for a number of reasons, one is its unique sweeping panoramic views of San Francisco's South Bay and Silicon Valley that always get Oo's and Ah's! Combine this unique country ambience with our famously delicious food and a long time staff of professionals that know how to serve you, and you have what we all seek; a great dining experience.
Our concept is easy to describe; Very large portions, prime ingredients, deep, rich sauces served hot and on time for a fair cost. How many times have you gone out to dine, and looked back on the experience and said, "What just happened? I'm still hungry and I just put out hard earned money and feel taken-"
Bella Vista is not inexpensive, but is a big-time value. We are criticized for over-serving, not under-serving, like so many other fine restaurants.
50 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 50 reviews
5 stars
(27)
4 stars
(16)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(39)
- scenic view(38)
- romantic(34)
- fit for foodies(21)
- neighborhood gem(10)
- notable wine list(9)
Bella Vista Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Like old fashion fine dining, well done. Top-notch service."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 2 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding "old school" charm. Very romantic setting with great views."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 3 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Spectacular view
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As usual, the food was excellent, the service tremendous and what a view. The best in the bay area (west side anyway)."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 4 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The view was grest, the service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The view was grest, the service commendable and the food was excellent. Our only complaint was that the table (for four) was a little small, so we felt somewhat crowded."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 5 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I've been to Bella Vista several
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been to Bella Vista several times and it never disappoints for the food, views of the bay, service and ambiance. Great for special occasions. My favorite!!!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 6 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not the same ambiance as sister
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not the same ambiance as sister restaurant "the Iron Gate" and the steak diane was NOT prepared at the table, but lovely mountain setting."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 7 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bella Vista yummm
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Appitizers,food and deserts were fabulous! Look forward to going back there soon!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 8 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A little pricey, but one gets
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A little pricey, but one gets what one pays for. A very nice place for a special dinner."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 9 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bella Vista is a classic gem rusti
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Bella Vista is a classic gem
rustic warm interior not one of those overdone interiors that tries to steal the show that you get so wowed over that you overlook the food and the service BECAUSE Bella Vista is all about FOOD and SERVICE - cozy room can't go there without trying the abalone.
rustic warm interior not one of those overdone interiors that tries to steal the show that you get so wowed over that you overlook the food and the service BECAUSE Bella Vista is all about FOOD and SERVICE - cozy room can't go there without trying the abalone.
Always looking forward to coming back"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view
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Review 10 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
a remarkable evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This iconic restaurant truly is remarkable. The cuisine reflects a time when dining really was a special experience. The food superb, service impeccable, the view spectacular."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything good. Loved the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything good. Loved the flattened scallops, creme brulee, Pinot Noir.
Gorgeous view in daylight. And sparkling with lights at night.
Very good service."
Gorgeous view in daylight. And sparkling with lights at night.
Very good service."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 12 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Treat to step back in time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Treat to step back in time to a classic restaurant - tuxedo servers, sauces/salads created as you watch, distinct courses especially souffle'. Had issue with excessive 'smoke' after prep of one type of sauce which appears to happen often since everyone had jacket/sweaters to wear when outside door had to be left ajar"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a wonderful time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a wonderful time at Bella Vista. After having been in the area for 20 years and having heard about Bella Vista forever, we finally came here for a birthday celebration on a Friday night. It exceeded our expectations. The calamari steak was outstanding! The souffle for dessert was incredible as well. I'm was extremely impressed by the ambiance, food and service. Oh yeah...did I mention the view...wow.
We will definitely come back and won't wait for a special occasion.
Thank you Bella Vista!"
We will definitely come back and won't wait for a special occasion.
Thank you Bella Vista!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 14 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bellissimo Bella Vista!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a wonderful evening! The service was attentive and friendly. Thank you Fernando and Tanya! The view is to die for. And the food is superb. It's not Michelin star fancy but it's inventive, cooked well and tastefully presented. I love the bacon and spinach salad - warm and just slightly sweet. I had the filet - yummy! The dessert souffles are pillows of wonderfulness. And the bar can mix a good drink. Can't think of anything I'd change except slightly bigger tables but it was nice to be close to my special guy. Highly recommend!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great views. We had just server..Da
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great views. We had just server..Dante for 10 tables. Service was slow. The food was mediocre... Slightly cold when it arrived. The soufflés were excellent. Tanya was very friendly."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2004
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 16 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a wonderful evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful evening with a great seat by the window. The service was very attentive and food was wonderful. It feels a bit like you have stepped backed in time at the Bella Vista which adds to the romance of the experience. We were celebrating a special occasion and it was the perfect setting. Everything was delicious but especially the strawberry souffle!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 17 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
nice experience; we plan to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"nice experience; we plan to return"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always,always, always, outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always,always, always, outstanding! I have been coming here for over 27yrs & it consistently exceeds our expectations."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 19 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The dinner was memorable,
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The dinner was memorable, right down to the Grand Marnier souffle."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 20 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Simply the best food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Simply the best food and service of any restaurant that I know of. The view is great. It is far away (long ride up a hill) and expensive or we would go there more. We save it for special occasions. Again Simply the BEST food BEST service and great view."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 21 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Quite outdated menu. Reminded
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Quite outdated menu. Reminded me of a menu from the 1960s or 70s. Overpriced for average food."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 22 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of the nice things about
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the nice things about this restaurant is it's a throwback to the times when restaurants did tableside cooking, such as Steak Dian and wilted spinach salad. The whole wait staff was very attentive, but not overbearing. We were thrilled to see souffles on the menu, but if they weren't there, they had other great dessert choices."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 23 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A very special place...hidden
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A very special place...hidden gem"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2006
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Bella Vista Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
For a fine dining restaurant,
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For a fine dining restaurant, it was disappointing. The food was dry and poorly presented especially the souffle dessert. The service was just OK. The maitre d checking everyone in wasn't very friendly. Unfortunately, I wouldn't return or recommend others."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bella Vista Restaurant
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate