Ciao Bella — Restaurant in Centru Sector

From the street, this restaurant looked cozy, authentic. But once inside, it kept getting better. Moldovans have a way making any cuisine a little better — they’ve made this way better than my native Italy. The service was friendly and attentive, the music was real Italian (not the maddening Moldovan techno-staple), and the food was absolutely, 100% the best I’ve ever tasted in Moldova. Maybe anywhere. Fresh. Homemade. From the beef tartare — exquisite! — to every single thing, the leaves and dressing and olive oil and house baked bread, the ravioli, the gelato and strawberry shortcake… I loved every crumb. Not too expensive either, from an American-European budget, it’s extremely reasonably priced for a first class experience. Complimentary kombucha was a nice non-alcoholic touch, in lieu of the limoncello initially offered....

It would appear that this restaurant has gone through a few changes since my last visit a few months ago. They have replaced the white tablecloths for red gingham and the menu now has pictures. These changes, in my view, are not for the better. Our waiter was obviously new and seemed a little nervous but had excellent English and was polite and attentive. The other waiter seemed more interested in charging him mobile and catching up on his social media than his customers. The food was of the high standard from previous visits. Comparing it to the several times I've visited this restaurant over the past year I doubt if I'd return in a hurry, but I may give it...

Mixed feeling, been there 3 times, and the carbonara so far it's the best I had in the city. My partner had that truffle pasta and they putting a nice show when preparing it. I did not paid attentions to prices, but it's actually quite expensive. Last time I went there, they charged us 10 lei for 3 slices of lemon and for extra bread. Not something you'll expect when you pay 100 lei for a bottle of water and they ask you if you want lemon with it. That is not cool guys, be transparent ans say it's extra cost. When I say it the next day I got really angry. Its already quite price, so nope, not...