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San Jose Restaurant Guide
Bella MIA
(3 ratings)
(408) 280-1993
58 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113
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September 8, 2007 @ 1:50 AM
a diner from campbell
My lawyer, Jeff L, kept telling me about this place so I had to check it out.
I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.
Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.
The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.
While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.
As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.
The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.
The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.
I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.
"I'll be back soon"
I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.
Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.
The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.
While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.
As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.
The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.
The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.
I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.
"I'll be back soon"
February 17, 2004 @ 6:05 PM
a diner from Campbell CA
I had my 30 year high school reunion there and it was perfect.
Great place for a banquet or party in the upstairs grand ballroom.
They have several private rooms, some with a fireplace, some with skylights. It's a big restaurant.
The food, service and prices were very good.
Bill
Great place for a banquet or party in the upstairs grand ballroom.
They have several private rooms, some with a fireplace, some with skylights. It's a big restaurant.
The food, service and prices were very good.
Bill
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Bella MIA Reviews
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Reviews of Similar Restaurants
American
One of the best experiences my family has had eating out. Our server Lindsay was kind and funny and made sure everything was perfect for us. She gave us a genuine neighborhood experience.
even though our food took a long time to cook she kept us up
...
American
Had Lunck today at Applebees's in Rome NY 1794 Black River Blvd The food was great all you can eat soup and salad HOWEVER the service was bad and after waiting 20 min for my second soup and salad I had to return to work and nerver got it. This was t
...
American
I live in mesquite Texas, while in the restaurant I was cussed out by the bartender, I find this conduct highly offence and must be deal with accordly, there is no place for this in a public place
Read More: San Jose Restaurant Reviews
Avg Rating:
Number of Reviews: 3
September 8, 2007 @ 1:50 AM
a diner from campbell
My lawyer, Jeff L, kept telling me about this place so I had to check it out.
I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.
Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.
The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.
While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.
As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.
The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.
The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.
I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.
"I'll be back soon"
I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.
Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.
The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.
While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.
As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.
The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.
The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.
I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.
"I'll be back soon"
February 17, 2004 @ 6:05 PM
a diner from Campbell CA
I had my 30 year high school reunion there and it was perfect.
Great place for a banquet or party in the upstairs grand ballroom.
They have several private rooms, some with a fireplace, some with skylights. It's a big restaurant.
The food, service and prices were very good.
Bill
Great place for a banquet or party in the upstairs grand ballroom.
They have several private rooms, some with a fireplace, some with skylights. It's a big restaurant.
The food, service and prices were very good.
Bill
Friday around 1p found Carlos and me at a long established restaurant in downtown San Jose, the Bella Mia. The ambiance is perfect, not too noisy or too bright, lots of dark wood and deep comfortable booths. There is also a welcoming lounge with a full bar. The exclusively male kitchen is open so diners can watch their food being prepared. Our server is prompt and friendly as he recites the daily specials. We decide to start with soup and a salad. We chose the house salad, mixed greens with radicchio, it comes with Creamy Italian dressing. On impulse we added bay shrimp. The soup is Minestrone. For entres Carlos orderes the spit roasted half duck with brandy pepercorn demi-glace. I go with Chioppino and garlic bread. While we're waiting we're served warm, soft dill breadsticks with a spicy red pepper cream cheese. Both are very tasty. Our salad arrives. It's all chopped romaine, slightly browning at the edges, obviously from a bag. There is not a piece of radicchio in sight. I give the soup a try, it has a slightly burnt flavor. This does not look good for Bella Mia. It only takes about 15 minutes for our entrees to arrive. My Chioppino is presented nicely and has a good tomato flavor. The clams and scallops are excellent. For this I can almost forgive the salad. It also has mussels, prawns and a few big chunks of fish. Too bad the fish is dry and hard. I tried it more than once just to be sure. The garlic bread is grilled and is more cheese than garlic but does a nice job of soaking up Chioppino broth. Carlos' duck is served with mashed potatoes and mixed steamed vegetables. Carlos says the vegis are perfect, steamed al dente and the mashed potatoes have a nice texture but are bland. Unfortunately the duck is well done and thus chewy. We decided we'd taken enough chances and opt out for desert.
Bella MIA Map
Recent Bella MIA Reviews
September 8, 2007 @ 1:50 AM
a diner from campbell
My lawyer, Jeff L, kept telling me about this place so I had to check it out.
I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.
Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.
The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.
While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.
As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.
The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.
The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.
I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.
"I'll be back soon"
I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.
Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.
The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.
While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.
As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.
The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.
The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.
I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.
"I'll be back soon"
February 17, 2004 @ 6:05 PM
a diner from Campbell CA
I had my 30 year high school reunion there and it was perfect.
Great place for a banquet or party in the upstairs grand ballroom.
They have several private rooms, some with a fireplace, some with skylights. It's a big restaurant.
The food, service and prices were very good.
Bill
Great place for a banquet or party in the upstairs grand ballroom.
They have several private rooms, some with a fireplace, some with skylights. It's a big restaurant.
The food, service and prices were very good.
Bill
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