Bella Via Restaurant & Banquet
| Address: | 1899 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA |
| Phone: | +1 847-681-8300 |
| Site: | bellaviahighlandpark.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 5–9PM 5–9PM 5–9PM 10:30AM–2:30PM 10:30AM–2:30PM 10:30AM–2:30PM 5–9PM |
Location
Photos 46
Reviews 9
AC
ACC & AMK Wedding
We hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner at Bella Via. In every aspect, it was an AMAZING experience. Unlike our other vendors (photography, music, venue, etc.), we never needed to repeat ourselves when communicating with Bella Via (specifically Amir). Ourselves not being detail oriented, Bella Via naturally just took care of the small things. Bella Via never blinked when our guest count went from 50 to 70 to 60. The private room (including the bar service) was ready and available for immediate use when some of our guests showed up fifteen or twenty minutes early. The room itself was quite nice, well insulated from the rest of the restaurant and the other private room, we didnt notice anyone else. During the dinner, Amir worked with us to make sure things went flawlessly. When asked last minute for a highchair and booster, these were brought to the room in the blink of an eye. Because of shuttles, we got started a bit late, which Amir accommodated quite nicely. Amir checked in (unobtrusively) to make sure the pace of the service was ideal. The food itself was delicious, everyone thought it was wonderful. In fact, we thought the meal was even tastier than when we dined at the restaurant as patrons, something totally unexpected. Though we opted to do family style, Amir offered multiple times that individuals could order off the menu if there were dietary restrictions or otherwise. Despite not expecting it, there were several trays of leftovers ready for us at the end of the night. Because it didnt make sense for us to take them, Amir offered to donate them on our behalf, something we were very grateful for. In terms of the bill, there were no unpleasant surprises, it simply itemized the charges we were expecting. It even reflected a lower rate for children, something we didnt know in advance. Our one and only complaint (if we can call it that) was the information sent to us prior to booking the event was confusingly formatted. Far and away, it was the best thing we booked for our wedding weekend.
SM
Smith Avery
I love this restaurant! I have been coming here since I was a kid. They have a great variety of authentic Italian options. My favorite dish is the gnocchi with the carbonara sauce. Its definitely on the heavier side, but so good. Their pizzas are also really solid. You have to try the Tiramisu! Its a family recipe brought over from Sicily (where the owner is from). My friend who I brought along the last time I went said he hates tiramisu, but the waitress convinced us to get a piece because she loved it so much. My friend took a bite of this one and reconsidered his hate for tiramisu. The service was solid. They are always very friendly, attentive, and give great reccommendations. The owner (Maurizio) and managers (Amir and Carmen) are so nice as well. You can tell they really love the place. Also, in the summer time, the back patio is a great place to sit. Try to snag a spot back there once it warms up. They even have a large space in the back of the restaurant for private events. I would highly recommend this place!
DA
David Frishman
My wife & I were there for a 50th wedding anniversary party on Saturday October 27th for the Gold family. We have been to the restaurant many times. I was never more disappointed., we were in the back banquet room. The walls were all scuffed up and dirty. they used beverage napkins from a prior affair earlier in the day. How tacky was that. Now lets get down to the food. If it were not for the chocolates on table, we would have gone next store to Michaels to eat. The food that was served tasted like something from Old Country Buffet. the Marsala Chicken was dry and tasteless. the Salmon had a real fishy odor to it. bread was passed out by the piece. Hardly enough for the table. Salad was less then tasteless .i dont know if they use the same food in the restaurant as they do for catering but we all left hungry and disappointed.Shame on them! for serving such a poor excuse for Italian food!!!
JU
Julianne Parmacek
I have been going to Bella Via for years and have always had delicious meals. You cant get a bad meal! Their eggplant Parmesan is the best! My sons favorite is tortellini in vodka sauce-my daughter loves their tilapia and I finish whatever they dont plus my own. Also if youre a linguine in clam sauce its wonderful plus their salads are always fresh and crisp! Their desserts are wonderful-their Tera Mess...Im going to spell that wrong but you get what I mean is the best! Its homemade! The wait staff is fabulous and always ready to help with recommendations, as well as they will try to accommodate changes with ingredients if they can...Also, Bella Via is one of the few places that has their own delivery service, and its always fast and the food is hot and delicious!
CH
Christine Clarke
Hands down the most amazing Italian restaurant in Chicagoland and Chicagos North Shore. Every single dish Ive experienced has been perfection. My faves include the salmon, lasagna, chicken parm and for dessert the tiramisu (homemade deliciousness like no other Ive ever had)! Now that Ive covered the food let me sing the praises of the staff. They all make me feel so welcome - like having dinner with family- that I do dine there as often as possible. When I entertain, I order carryout so friends and family can enjoy as well. If you havent been I highly encourage you to make plans to dine at Bella Via as soon as possible!!
A
A Private User
Those customers that think that Bella Via is the best restaurant or even close to being the best restaurant in Highland Park need to visit the restaurant again. First of all, the prices have gone up substantially, and the food portions seemed to have become smaller. Sure, the restaurant business is tough these days, but it seems that their philosophy is stick it to the customer. And, the service was less than impressive. At least when you visit a Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant and pay $18.50 for pasta with shrimp, you have a meal for the next 2-3 days.
A
A Private User
The food was excellent. We arrived at 6:40 and thought we could eat with enough time for a movie across the street. We we offered the patio for seating. It took about 15 minutes for a waiter to even talk to us. We waited another ten minutes between the salad and the main course. It was simply understaffed. We asked for the check as our main course dishes were served so we could make the movie. We both wolfed down our main course and made the movie with five minutes to spare. Sorry, but the service was simply subpar due to under staffing.
LE
Lewis Robert
We had a party of 19 persons and it was handled PERFECTLY by Carmela LaValle, an employee that has been there for quite a few years. I definitely would recommend not only the restaurant but also ONLY working with Carmela rather than their designated caterer. Large parties or small parties, Carmela treated us warmly and respectfully and followed thru with emails and phone calls. The food and service are tops and we will be back with our annual party again this year!
DA
dan grogan
We had a wedding rehearsal dinning here and everything was perfect Coordinating the event was easy They gave us lots of options and accommodated a few special requests The staff was out standing They made sure all our guests where welcomed as if they where in our own home The food was fantastic it was made right and never empty I would definitely use Bell Via again for a gathering I have even gone back with just my wife for an alone time dinner
