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Ciao Bella Reviews List
Ciao Bella
Ciao Bella (which translates to "hello, beautiful") is a reminder that Italian food can be much more than lasagna, ravioli and spaghetti. "The Mediterranean diet is one of the best in the world". "Just good, authentic food made with love and passion. Pair with a beautiful wine and it's wonderful".
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49 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 49 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(22)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(18)
- special occasion(16)
- fit for foodies(14)
- notable wine list(14)
- romantic(13)
- good for groups(7)
Ciao Bella Reviews List
Review 1 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
had reservations - they wwre late
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Lots of angry people in waiting area that was overcrowded. People were walking out. I guess that is why we only had to wait 1/2 hour. If you make reservationa - they should be honored at the time requested. They really need to work on this."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 2 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Little two loud especially
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Little two loud especially with tables so close. Nice bar for a glass of wine and hanging out without the 20 something's boozy noise. Foods always good especially the seasonal specials"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
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Review 3 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food not as good as in the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food not as good as in the past!"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2008
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Review 4 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food. Huge portions.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food. Huge portions. Everything is fresh."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The only thing I didn't like
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The only thing I didn't like was how close the tables were."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love this place. Their
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love this place. Their dinner specials are always interesting
and delicious."
and delicious."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 7 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best Italian restaraunt in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best Italian restaraunt in NWI. Broad menu. Priced well. Fig and goat cheese pizza wonderful. Others in party had filet mignon, pasta and whitefish. Everyone was pleased with meal."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our waitress, Danielle, was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waitress, Danielle, was outstanding. We have enjoyed several items on their menu and often order the specials, particularly their soup and salad specials. Their salads especially are all delicious and we favor their chicken entrees and pasta entrees. The pizzas are also very delicious."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Date Night
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The waitress was very knowledgeable and helpful to our group in helping choose a wine. The food was great, definitely would return."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As usual Chef Randy prepared
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"As usual Chef Randy prepared an excellent meal. My daughter has to have a gluten free meal and she was very pleased to see those items highlighted on the menu.
The wait staff was well trained and did an excellent job.
I will always return,"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 11 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was thoroughly impressed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was thoroughly impressed by my entire dining experience. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was fun, and the service was impeccable. I will definitely visit again."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 12 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I booked a reservation for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I booked a reservation for my parents' 37th wedding anniversary. Overall the service was good. The food delicious. The atmosphere amazing.
I only had a few issues.
- For starters, when we all turned down wine, our waiter never asked if we wanted drinks. That was kinda irritating. Later we requested drinks, saying we didn't have an option for it earlier.
- Our seating. We were very close to the door so it was very drafty. The tables were way to close together. We always were bumping into other people. Another group actually moved, it was such a problem.
- For starters, when we all turned down wine, our waiter never asked if we wanted drinks. That was kinda irritating. Later we requested drinks, saying we didn't have an option for it earlier.
- Our seating. We were very close to the door so it was very drafty. The tables were way to close together. We always were bumping into other people. Another group actually moved, it was such a problem.
I'd go back of course. But I'd pick a better table in a different waiter's section."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sat at the bar, thought staff
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sat at the bar, thought staff unprofessional. Hostess texting on cell phone. Personal conversations at bar by staff. Had to ask about any specials."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2012
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Review 14 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Need help with "reservations"...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been here many times, and sometimes the experience is exactly what is expected. However, as of late a "reservation" means nothing; especially if they're busy. I had 8:15p reservations & was early to arrive. They were very busy, and there's literally no where to wait so you're on top of the hostess station. I heard several walk-ins come in right behind us and get quoted 30-45 minutes wait time. We were sat at 8:50p for our 8:15p reservation, which apparently meant nothing as those walk ins got sat waiting the same amount of time. Once sat the service is always great. The food used to be better, and it's frankly just not comfortable to be there - too packed in. With a few new Italian places close by, we'll be coming here less often."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2003
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 15 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Never been disappointed going
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Never been disappointed going here!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was my second trip to
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my second trip to Ciao Bella. I had been about a year ago and did not have a great experience, but my husband and I decided to give it another try when someone told him they have the best Italian food in the area. I disagree wholeheartedly. I did enjoy the server's wine recommendation and the bread was very good, but the rest of the food was bland and under seasoned. My risotto was way under cooked which ruined the entire dish. Also the restaurant is way too crowded. Tables were constantly being bumped by diners and servers. I also thought the hostesses and bartender were dressed inappropriately when compared to the servers. I will say they were absolutely packed so maybe I'm the crazy one! : ) Also the service was good...."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 17 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really authentic food very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Really authentic food very good and reasonable prices"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Heard a lot of good things
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Heard a lot of good things but was not impressed. I am chalking it up to busy valentines day. I will try again since we did hear from friends that the food was good."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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Review 19 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really like the new addition. Hope
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really like the new addition.
Hope you get beer license soon,"
Hope you get beer license soon,"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 20 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
we are never disappointed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we are never disappointed when we dine at Ciao Bella. Amber was a wonderful server. Three of those that dined with us were first timers and they loved it as well."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best Italian in NWIN
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Ciao Bella is by far one of the best restaurants in NW IN. The food rivals authentic Tuscan fare, the wine list has many options, and the price is very reasonable. It can get noisy on busy evenings, but not too loud to have a romantic date. Make reservations or enjoy time before dining at the bar. Service was fabulous - thanks Chris!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 22 for Ciao Bella
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We'll gladly return to Ciao Bella!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first visit to Ciao Bella. Living in Valpo, we've been to all of the restaurants local to us countless times and wanted to try something new.
We were greeted by our server not long after being seated, soon to be followed by some wonderful crusty bread, olive oil, Parm, and herbs for dipping. Most of us ordered wine, and their selection is more than adequate. I was surprised at two things, though. Orin Swift was represented on the list, which is a great thing - but not one Ruffino. I'd take The Prisoner any day.
Everyone was very pleased with their dish, and commented on how we'd gladly return. One note: It was quite loud inside, so it was well suited for a fun and lively evening, rather than a romantic meal."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ciao Bella
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic