Bella Italia - Milton Keynes — Restaurant in Milton Keynes

20/05/2018 There is not anything good I can say about the Newbury branch, To start off with on a sunny Sunday late afternoon, We had a pre-booked reservation, as we hope brought a male for 2 through Groupon, upon arrival I ask for a table outside and was told that we can not have a meal at the outside tables even though there was a couple eating their meal at the outside tables, So we didn't push why we were not allowed and was then checked in on their systemas it was a perbooking through goupon that went directly to there system. I showed the waitress the Groupon prepaid voucher. we ordered drinks and our starter and main from the menu that the waitress gave us. Elena's risotto was a bit undercooked but she didn't want to say anything. when the hard waiter cleared our plates I stated that her meal was undercooked, even though she had eaten 2/3 of it, we weren't looking for a refund or a replacement, but just to let them know it was undercooked, We had a pudding and then I asked for the bill so I could pay for the drinks we had as they were not included in the meal coupon deal. The bill came and we were charged the full price of the meal, I quickly told the head waiter that we have already prepaid for the meal though coupon so I would like a revised bill, for the drink only as we have already paid, He then said that we can not use the voucher as they have a new menu and that Groupon voucher customer has a different menu. I stated that I had shown the waitress the voucher upon arrival, The head waiter went out to her and she denied that I had shown her the voucher, after 10 to 15 minutes of him trying to make us repay, I told him that I will only be paying for the drinks as we have already paid and that it was not our fault if the waitress is incompetent. By this time Elena had returned from having a cigarette outside, She told him the same as I did and then he backed down and then just charge us for the drinks, will not be going back...

The food was great (this is what the 2 stars are for) but unfortunately the staff could have done much much better. We booked a table for 6 or 8 people (to meet with family that we had not seen for a long time) and they placed us right against the bar which was extremely noisy with cutlery and glasses banging and clanging the whole time. This made it very difficult to communicate and what was worse is that I did ask if there was somewhere quieter, but I was told no, even though the majority of the restaurant was empty (back areas that were away from the bar area not used at all). The waitress that served us improved in her attitude once I told her that I thought the pizza was very nice. However, she was extremely abrupt (to the point of being rude) whilst taking our order. Another very disturbing thing is that it seemed as though staff and their friends were all getting ready to go out for the night during the time that we were eating as they were using the rest of the bar, next to where we were sitting, to congregate and chat before they left (they did make a lot of noise too). Once we had paid the bill and we were leaving there was only one waiter left in the restaurant (who was busy cleaning the floor) who thanked us for our patronage and showed us out (he was very polite). I have serious reservations about ever...

Two great culinary experiences!

I need to start this review by admitting that my Italian self and my wife are very demanding and very picky with Italian food as it's always very hard to find a decent Italian restaurant outside of Italy. I am now happy to say that Milton Keynes had a very positive surprise waiting for me. On par with some of the best Italian restaurants that I've previously visited in London.

We had dinner here on a busy Saturday, beginning of October, and I must say, Bella Italia is definitely worth visiting. We were so happy with our experience that we decided to come back for an encore a month later, Sunday 10 November. Once again, everything was impeccable, from service, to the staff, and most importantly, the food was really delicious.

The food is very tasty, feels fresh, and the staff is really welcoming. A big thank you to Jay, the team member that made both our visits to this establishment really unique, and who made my wife and I want to come back weeks later for more delicious food.

Dear Jay, a big thank you, thank you for your professionalism, and thank you for making this place feel almost like home. It really means a lot for two Italians in love with food. Hope to see you and your team again soon, for more delicious food and your welcoming...