La Bella in Ghent Italian Restaurant And Wine Bar in Norfolk

There were only 7 people in the restaurant, this includes myself and my 2 friends, and it took them an entire hour to offer us drinks and take our orders. Once the food got to us we’ve already been at the restaurant for over an hour and a half, it’s was horrible! I ordered some pasta that had mussels on it (I forgot what it was calledit was absolutely dreadful. This is the worst restaurant I’ve been to since I’ve been in Virginia, and I’ve been here for three years. All three of us did not enjoy our meals and didn’t pay because they were just genuinely disgusting.

This restaurant was extremely empty for the rating it has there was only a two top. The rest the restaurant was empty. I stopped by here to pick up a salad to take to the brewery down the street. The gal that took my order was friendly and the salad came out fast. The negative which influenced my rating there were a bunch of flies in the restaurant which made me rethink my order once it was placed and then the actual meal. The goat cheese was sour and I found 2 short dart hairs mixed in. The salad and $15 bucks just went in the trash.

Loved it. Service was great. We ordered from the specialty menu, salmon w artichoke in a lemon sauce and swordfish w tomatoes, green and black olives, and something else I can’t remember. Both came w traditional spaghetti noodles.And mozz caprese as an appetizer

Held a corporate dinner event here nearly a year ago. Working with Andrea and management was simple and straightforward. La Bella gave us the entire dining room to the right of the main entrance where they provided great food and beverages to make a memorable occasion for our diverse group of 50 attendees. In true Sicilian inspired fashion, to my delight, nearly everything was served family style.

Very good frute de mer (seafoodpasta and service.

Excellent food and presentation. We reserved this restaurant for our work party and were not disappointed! Very large portions and the staff was attentive but not overbearing.

So delighted to finally try La Bella Italian Restaurant !! I’ve heard so much great feedback about this location.Today I ordered the “Frutt Di Mare”Next time I’ll try the pizza.•Wonderful Service•The owner is very passionate & knowledgeable when it comes to italian cuisine !!•The food LOOKS & TASTE AMAZING!!I will tell many friends about my expirence !!

I definitely enjoy having a local Italian restaurant nearby, but I have strayed from chicken parm till the other night. I was definitely disappointed in the amount of oil in the chicken marsala, but Ill continue to try other menu items. Cute little outdoor area and the inside is cozy wish attentive staff that are friendly and casual.

Amazing food, great atmosphere. Wonderful service. One of the best Italian restaurants in which I have ever had the pleasure of dining. I take all of my out of the region friends and family there and Andrea never disappoints!

Website says they open at 11 and we had a reservation for 11:30 that we confirmed but at 11:15 they were not open. A Sam Adams delivery man was there waiting aswell and got them on the phone. They informed him that they were not opening until 2 and to bring the delivery back. We were given no notice and only found out due to the kindness of the delivery guy. We were also told that this is not the first time this has happened. I will not be returning as this is highly unprofessional and unacceptable.

Poor service. Dirty coffee cup w/lipstick on it. (sent backNo spoon on table to stir coffee. Had to get up from the table to get napkins. Had to ask for bread. Felt food was overpriced, but good. Sat there from approximately 11:30 until 12:45 and not 1 customer came in (or was thereduring our entire visit. Obviously some other people know something we didnt know. Not going back.

Got a pizza to go with some friends to take to Coelacanth. Pizza was not bad, but not great either. Also, was $15 and had 6 very small slices. I mean, very small. Had to wait an extraordinarily long time, too. Talking at least 45 minutes.The ambiance inside was nice, and maybe a sit down dinner would have been different. Might go back to retry some Italian dishes. Friendly wait staff.

Its a good mom and pop Italian place, nothing fancier or anything special. I ordered the Tortellino Con Panno, the noodles werent even cooked to al dente (even though I asked my server for a longer cook time since I got my wisdom teeth removed the day beforethe darkness of the mushrooms really outweighed the dish, I highly recommend adding lemon to the ingredients next time Andrea. My friend had the lasagna which came out as a brick with an oil moat around it.

My husband and I were going to different places along Granby St. (Were not from herethis was our 3rd stop and this made our list of places we MUST go back to.The lasagna is perfectly flavored made from a Sicilian family recipe passed through generations and a generous serving. Excellent staff, courtney was lovely and very accommodating, the staff was warm and welcoming. We look forward to our next visit, grazie!

I have to admit that my Linguini with white clam sauce was delicious but this past Friday night we were a party of 14 with an advance reservation and we had one waiter who may never have waited tables before and the service was extremely lacking. We had salads and appetizers that were served with baskets of bread accompanied by oil and vinegar on a plate. We made small work of that along with several bottles of good wine so when our entrees came out staggered we requested more bread and were told they were out so we tried to order garlic bread that was on the menu and were told they were out of that with no apology, just matter of fact. I dont know about you but I like some nice bread with my Italian pasta. Freaking send someone to the store if you have to but get some bread. They knew we were coming and did not have the staff or the supplies to accommodate. I would say with all the tabs combined we spent in excess of $1000 and a 20% gratuity was added to everyones check. For bad sevice. We were celebrating a birthday and the waiter never asked if we wanted coffee or dessert. He also neglected those who were drinking cocktails as opposed to wine and completely forgot an ordered drink that was not on the bill but thank goodness because I thought the guy who ordered it was going to freak out on this waiter who was sitting at the bar chatting and neglecting our table even though we were the only table left. It was less than acceptable in my opinion and we will not be returning!!

One of the best Italian places to eat I have found. Comfortable atmosphere for family or friends with a very happy and helpful staff. It is now my new #1.

I paid $150 for a meal I ultimately ate over my kitchen sink. After waiting 45 minutes for two cold appetizers, (not like they got made and sat there- it was a caprese salad and a charcuterie plate- they were meant to be cold. They just took 45 minutes to come out of the kitchen.we asked that our entrees be packed to go since our children were ravenous and falling apart. I acknowledge that not all restaurants are set up for kids and that its not necessarily a kid friendly type environment. But it was 5:20 on a Thursday night when we arrived. There were only 3-4 other tables there. The service was perfectly fine and the food was still serviceable even though it took an hour to actually get into our hands.

Great atmosphere and friendly staff. My boyfriend ordered the sausage and pepperoni pizza which was really good. I ordered the chicken alfredo, which unfortunately was very bland and dry I had to fix it myself at the table. I would try the place again and maybe order something else

Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere. The owner, Andrea, is so wonderful. Quickly becomes your favorite spot to eat. I always get the chefs specialty entree.

this is a gem of a place and its really hidden. The food was very good they have a wide variety of Italian dishes and the prices are very reasonable. The staff is a tentative and its got a very nice atmosphere. overall Id highly recommend it to anyone looking for an Italian place in Norfolk also the fact that they have dedicated parking spots cannot be beat.

Service was a slow. Hate to see customers leave mad, or leave when they wait to long.Food wasnt bad I noticed they have a lot of take out orders. Overall it was an average experience. But would not make this place top of the list to return to.

Great experience. We were lit and tried to remain on our best behavior. Our waiter to very good care of us and had the patience of a saint. We walked there from Oconners and really wanted to eat great food. We were not disappointed at all!

Ordered for the first time tonight a Caeser Salad (requested no anchovies)- the salad had anchovies, crotons were stale, Linguini de marre has no taste, mussels unclean. Bread that came in a brown paper bag was hard. Will not be patronizing this restaurant again.

It was amazing there! The wine was awesome. It took what seemed like a little while to get our food, but I was a bit distracted by my date. Over all a great place to go for a romantic date.

What happened? We used to love this restaurant. The food was amazing and the service was great. We went in spring 2017 and it was great. Then in the summer we were turned away TWICE because they had a large party and not enough staff to operate the restaurant?! Finally I went with a friend tonight and actually got a table but the food was NOT good! So disappointed! The server was great but the slow because he was obviously over-loaded. The owner really needs to hire more staff and focus on making the food the way they used to!

Good food, however service is lacking. Had to ask for refills multiple times, ask for bread, ask for boxes, ask for check. Just not attentive at all which is confusing because our server only had one other table. The dubstep music that was playing threw us off since it’s an Italian place with a romantic ambiance.

Food doesnt get much better than coming from a 1st generation Italian-American in Andrea. Low key atmosphere, combined with great wine, service and food give you a true Italian cuisine experience. Highly recommeded.

Very good southern Italian cooking. Attentive staff, pleasant atmosphere. They had a wider variety of Italian cuisine a while ago... Several northern Italian dishes, not so "tomato sauce" oriented. All very good.

Very pleasant eating area.Varied menu.Homemade desserts.Elmer was our waiter.Wonderful service.I chose the scallops Fra Diavolo which was great.I would dine there again.

This is BY FAR the most delicious and authentic Italian food in Hampton Roads. My family and I enjoy eating at La Bellas often. If your in Norfolk or the Hampton Roads are then do yourself and your taste buds a favor and stop by La Bellas and grab a bite. You wont be disappointed.

My boyfriend and I have been to this location only twice. The first time was great so we decided to go back. When we went back there was only one server (who was also the host and the bartenderon the floor so we had to seat ourselves (not the servers fault but stilland before we even got our menus I was trapped in the bathroom with a MOUSE! When I finally got out the server said she informed the owner and he was going to come out we waited around for 7ish minutes and he never came out before we just decided to leave.

My wife and I went to the Virginia Beach location 2-3 years ago, and we had a wonderful experience. The portions were huge and delicious. The restaurant had a very authentic, Italian feel to it. This location does not compare to the great experience that we had in VA Beach. My penne pasta was a little dry. My Moms ravioli was tough and chewy on the outer edges. The portions were not as large. The bill was much more then the quality received. My dad had to wait almost five minutes after the rest of us received our meal. He said that his meal was very good though. Our waiter did an okay job, but he smelled like cigarettes and our drink glasses went empty twice. I must say that I am a little disappointed. My parents were in town visiting, and we decided to get some Italian food. My wife and I recommend the VA Beach location, but we do not plan to go back to the Norfolk location and do not recommend it.

Friendly atmosphere, food was great! Excellent selection of wines! Owner and staff were very nice and courteous!! Enjoyed my date with my husband there. Will defitnetly give this place a 10 star if I could.

Nice, cozy local Italian restaurant in Ghent. Ive been here to attending a small gathering of writers that often meet her. The service is good and the people are so nice to host our writing group. The food is a little pricey though, expect to spend some dough!

My husband and I have both visited the restaurant and ordered online. I come from a very NY/NE italian family and thus Im somewhat picky when it comes to Italian food. La Bellas is the only restaurant in Norfolk Ive encountered that measures up to what Ive eaten in the italian places I grew up with and eating there always reminds me of home. Its a bit pricey but worth every cent!

This is our favorite Italian restaurant. Food is absolutely delicious. From the excellent chicken meatball ams penned, lasangna, muzzles, chicken parm dinner, chicken parm sub. Great bread and dessert. We love that they open for lunch and will come by from work while downtown. At night this is an excellent date spot. Service is typically very good, and our only service issues have been with new servers that are not as famliliar with the menu. We love this place and will continue to enjoy the superb food for years to come. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.

Although greatful the mussels were removed because they tasted funny, i was disappointed the lump crab and scallops fra diavolo came in spaghetti instead of the pappardelle. Hard not al dente. The service was great.

A little pricey but the atmosphere, service and food is wonderful. They have the best Prime rib I have ever had. if your looking for a quiet, intimate meal, this is the place to go !

Bravo! Some delicious Italian food with a light influence of creative flare from owner/chef Andrea make La Bella in Ghent a wonderful place to dine and relax.

The best lasagna Ive ever had. Waiter was a little spacy, but friendly. Good vegetarian and vegan options on a separate menu, you have to ask for it.

Three things to discuss1breakfast with Santa was great, and thats where the good review ends.2the wrong food was brought to me and it didnt even come with the side I ordered3my wife ordered French toast with whipped cream and strawberries... does the included picture like burnt bread with a poor representation of strawberries with out whipped cream or French toast?

First let me start by saying i love this place and the food is always great. But they seem to never be able to get an order correct. I know the person taking my order had it right because they repeat it but we consistently get the wrong order. Order eggplant parm got meat lasnaga. Order goat cheese beet salad get no goat cheese. Order pollo annabela w a side of spagetti no sauce get spagetti covered in regular red sauce. Its happened 4 out of the last 5 times we have gone. Its just rediculous. Plus the orders keep getting smaller and smaller. I get that it gets busy but youd think waiting an hour you would get the correct meal. Please fix the back of your house and check orders. People with food allergies beware.

I have been trying to find a decent Italian place and this is it. Our server was attentive, personable and a fellow ODU graduate!!! The food was delicious. La Bella In Ghent is a hidden jem in the heart of Ghent. It is tucked away behind 21st street. You would literally blink and miss it. Keep your eyes open for this wonderful spot and invite all your friends and family to enjoy a glass of wine or a fork of pasta! Cheers!

Just took my wife here and it was amazing. She got the meat lasagna which was amazing and I got the pasta alla vodka with chicken meatballs. The dish simple blew my mind. Thats one of my favorite pasta dishes and they nailed it!!! Not to mention the waitress, canadida I think her name was, was friendly and great. I recommend this place to anyone looking for great authentic Italian food. Will definitely be back.

La Bella in Ghent has been a family favorite for years. We’ve become friends the chef, Andrea, and my brother even had his rehearsal dinner here. Just about everything on the menu is made from scratch, but I especially love the fresh mozzarella. The calamari is a great appetizer and my favorite entre is the Pollo Annabella. It doesn’t get much better than succulent chicken topped with prosciutto (I love anything with prosciuttoand a tomato cream sauce. In the nearly ten years we’ve been dining here, my wife has never strayed from the vegetable lasagna, not because she’s not adventurous, it’s just he lasagna is that good! If you’re looking for authentic Italian, it doesn’t get much better than La Bella.

Best Italian restaurant in all of Hampton Roads. Ive been going there for years. Get the-Calamari Friti for and app, the Penne Vodka for your main dish and the cheese cake for dessert.

Had the lobster ravioli and tried the veal marsala (sp?and for 2 meals at $60 it was the worst dining experience Ive ever paid for.The server claimed the pasta is made fresh in house and nothing at all is frozen but that must be a lie because honestly it was the saddest, most underseasoned, under-portioned set of meals Ive ever had the displeasure of purchasing.The service isnt great either. I had to flag down a random server because ours was having a leisurely drink. I made eye contact with him as he finished it and got himself a refill while both of our drinks sat empty.I wish I had had my food remade or ordered something else. The lobster ravioli comes out in an oily sauce, and if there was more than one chunk of lobster in it I certainly didnt find it. But you cant finish lobster ravioli and ask where the lobster was, of course.I saw the manager, dressed in a tattered, grungy too small video game shirt which was it for me. I cant eat food if i feel like its somehow dirty. Since i had finished my meal, this just left me feeling nauseous as he went back to the kitchen. Gross.I had finished my entire dinner plate and was still hungry. I went to try the bread with oil and vinegar and its the laziest concoction.. one would expect the oil to be seasoned, but no. Bland olive oil with too mush basalmic... no thank you.Recap:-Overpriced, small portions-Inattentive waitstaff-Dirty kitchen staff-Missing lobster

took my daughter there for breakfast with Santa. at 8 oclock in the morning its hard to find a place that so cheerful thats what greeted us once we step inside of this restaurant.the service was great the food was excellent and we had a blast.Im telling you now if you want to get away to a nice intimate place for some Italian cuisine this is the place to go.

The moment we walked in we were greeted kindly and expected a pleasant dinner. After being seated, it took about 10 minutes to get our drinks. The menu offered a very limited selection. I ordered a pesto pasta and had to pick out about 20 garlic chunks from the pasta which was drenched in oil. My friend ordered the lobster ravioli, he received about 6 raviolis which were mediocre at best.Our waitress was difficult to find and when we did see her she was speaking very unprofessionally with other customers. The food was quite overpriced for the amount and the quality of food that you receive.I would not suggest this dining establishment to anyone.

I lived in Italy for 3 years, loved it and miss the fantastic aromas and flavors. Andrea brings it all back. This is not an American restaurant...it is Italian. If you eat at Olive Garden you can enjoy your uneventful sauces and typical american spices. This? Oh, this is Italian!