Bella Via Restaurant — Restaurant in Highland Park

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 didn't 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 didn't 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 didn't 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...

I have to say I dont understand these reviews. I have to say the food here is average at best. We had the seafood salad special. One thing to say.....it had "imitation" crab in it. Imitation crab in a restaurant??? The rest of the salad was just average, not fresh, maybe previously frozen. Next we had caesar salad. The dressing was either a vinagrette or some kind of store bought caesar dressing that was very vinegar like. Caesar is pretty simple and widely used. I had to ask if it was caesar. The waiter said tes but it wasnt. It was clear with i think parmesan and black pepper. I dont know, it wasnt caesar. Next I had the Bolognese with Pappardelle. The sauce tasted maybe jarred with some meat thrown in. More like a tomato sauce with meat. Not bad, just very average. Now that being said, the pappardelle was good and to me tasted fresh and home made. I hadnt eaten all day so I ate the seafood salad and my pasta. My wife had a seafood type Risotto. I feel bad about this review but come on......seafood definately not fresh......probably frozen, rice.... gummy and thin.....old. It was like soup with instant rice and frozen seafood. We left without trying dessert. Now...all that being said the service is excellent and the staff very friendly. They didnt charge us for my wives risotto. We definately wont be back because the food is way way off but I do appreciate the very friendly, very professional and...

can’t say enough great things about BellaVia in Highwood! I’ve been a loyal customer of their Highland Park location for over 20 years, and I was so excited to visit their new spot they absolutely nailed it. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and beautifully done. You can tell a lot of thought went into creating a space that feels both elevated and comfortable.

The lasagna is hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had rich, flavorful, and perfectly baked every time. Honestly, everything on their pasta menu is delicious. Whether it’s a simple spaghetti or one of their specials, it always hits the spot.

The staff is incredible friendly, attentive, and genuinely happy to be there. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel like family. The table bread alone is worth a mention warm, fresh, and impossible to stop eating!

And in the summer? Their patio is one of my favorite places to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, and savor a great meal. BellaVia has been a part of my life for decades, and I’m so happy to see them thriving in their beautiful new home in Highwood. Highly,...