La Bella Vita (Leeds) — Restaurant in Leeds

We've been coming to this restaurant for years, so we were really disappointed by our experience last night. My husband, who always orders the lamb shank well-done, was served cut up lamb cutlets instead, without any explanation. When he asked why, they said it was because the lamb shank takes longer to cook, and since we didn't order a starter, they'd given him this instead. We've never heard of anything like that-being served a completely different dish without asking first. By the time they brought out the lamb shank, I had already finished my meal. When it came, it was practically raw inside, so it had to be sent back again. Then, the sides were another issue. We both ordered the same side salad but my husbands came without the dressing, and when he pointed this out, they brought it back with the dressing just slapped on, and it was all over the spoon, not even mixed properly. Why are the dishes so inconsistent even when we both ordered the exact same thing? Not that it should be an excuse but this was a Tuesday night and wasn't particularly busy. What really made things worse was the service. The Italian waiter was rude and defensive when my husband said the experience had been "rubbish." He actually called my husband disrespectful for saying that. My husband was just stating the facts, and he had every right to express his frustration at that point. To be treated that way as paying customers is completely unacceptable. We've always loved coming here, but this experience has really put us off. It's so upsetting that my husband's birthday was ruined by a staff member who clearly doesn't know how to handle customer concerns. We're disappointed that we've had to rule out ever returning to one of our favourite restaurants...

Well what can I say here to my equally long standing well established neighbours ....🙃 Always made very welcome and always very well looked after and I don't think I've ever been kept waiting too long....but everything cooked freshly so I would never really care ...I am used to Italian restaurants as I used to wait 4 days at the Flying Pizza ha! 🤭...it was all part of it ...plus I have no room to talk ...at all !!! HA ! 🤭 .....although what is all this rushing all about anyway ...especially when enjoying a lovely evening in a good restaurant with good friends . This restaurant is exceptionally good value ...for both food and drinks....well I think so anyway . Antonio and Co are very good chefs ! I think the most difficult thing and that does take time is actually choosing what to eat as you want it all ....everything on the menu...that's every starter....every main and definitely every dessert... .....hey !! ..imagine ordering every single dish ....HA ! 🤣 All the sauces are so delicious whatever you choose and don't be fearful of asking for half a dozen bread rolls to mop it up with either as that's the norm and a great compliment . All the staff are exceptionally efficient ..! From my experience of all my visits I honestly can't fault this restaurant at all in anything at all. It's exceptionally good value and exceptionally good quality delicious food with exceptionally good service in an exceptionally beautifully furnished and decorated restaurant .....What more could one want on their doorstep ! Thankyou Nice Neighbours Joanna...

Well this would be the third time this year that we have dined at La Bella Vita so I guess that should say something. If you have never been before it couldn't be easier to find, occupying a corner position on Main Street with ample parking to the rear. On entering there is a spacious area to have a drink, choose your meal and wait to be seated. It is also easily accessible with those who may have issues with getting around. The staff are always friendly and happy to help with any requests and service is speedy. The prices are what you should expect for a restaurant of this standard with starters from £4.25 and main course pasta dishes starting at £8.75. I chose soup of the day this time around which was cream of vegetable and it was delicious and just the right temperature. On my last visit I had the meatballs but fancied something lighter this time. My partner had the pan fried king prawns which were juicy with touch of chilli to spice them up. This made a change from her usual choice of a generous serving of whitebait. I went traditional with my main of Penne Carbonara which was just the right amount and my partner chose Trio di Pesce alla Ghiotta. A trio of fish which I have pictured here. She has had this before so was lookong forward to it and said it was just as she expected and very enjoyable. We had arrived early, 6pm, on a Monday evening and by the time we were leaving to place was buzzing with activity. All in all another great meal and highly recommended. We...