Bella Caffè Ltd. — Restaurant in Milwaukee

I have visited this quaint, Milwaukee Historic Third Ward food boutique for 17 years. I have always enjoyed the staff and the very, very comfortable ambiance of this establishment.

The many variety of daily homeade soups are worth the time to experience. No matter which one that you order, it will warm you in the coldest of days.

There is a huge selection of coffees, quiches, and bakery for your selection. Everything is fresh and if you desire, you can bring your computer and just sit and relax while you enjoy your fare. Our if you wish, there is always a complimentary Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel for you to read and a glass decanter of ice water to drink if you don't want other refreshments.

The Bella Cafe fits right in with the trendy Historical Third ward.

To my experience, there are two things that they could improve. If you go around 8:00, this is a prime time for patron to congregate at this jewel of coffee shop. My bone is that at this time on numerous occasions I have been stuck in line behind the person ahead of me who with my luck orders a coffee Lattee. The staff seems to be only be able to do one task at a time. I have walked out on several occasion because I just didn't want to wait and watch this process. I will admit that I am not the most patient individual so you may take this comment in that light.

The other irk of mine is that if you wish to pay with a credit card you will have the check out screen turned toward you with an area for a "tip" as a line item. Now I habitually tip very generously. I use to work in the food industry, so if I get good service, that service is very much compensated. But I always feel that this process is not necessary and kind of "in your face" intimidating. In addition they do have a large coffee cup there to place a tip.

In summary, this is a wonderful and comfortable place that serves quality food and you should really stop in to enjoy the old fashion, quaint ambiance of this homey establishment. It is just nice to see a place that doesn't need to change and you can always count on it's excellence.

PS. Just a footnote. I dined this afternoon and I was impressed by one of the staff members disinfecting table tops. Not just wiping them off! If you have caught the bug that has been rampaging around this city one appreciates...

Stumbled across this coffee shop while on a recent business trip. Very poor customer service. After I ordered, the clerk turned her IPad style cash register toward me. I had to type in my own order; I really got the sense that she couldn't be bothered to help me. After I sat down I watched the clerk ring up the next 3 customers herself. These 3 customers were in business attire compared to my T-shirt & jeans. This observation made me regret having spent my money at this establishment. All this cafe really did service wise was to physically hand me my coffee. Then they were out of cream. When I asked for more, the other clerk acted like it was a huge inconvenience to hand it to me. Then I had to open half & half container myself. Afterward it sat out on the counter for several minutes. My coffee was terrible. It tasted sour and metallic. The only positive I can mention is that I enjoyed the cafe's decoration. Cool tables and comfortable leather chairs. However after my terrible experience, I had no interest in staying and enjoying the décor.

Reply to owner's question: This was Sunday August...

I'm working right across the street weekly for the past 2 months. Last week as usual I stopped in to get my lunch togo and the owner forgot my soup. She, the owner, then blamed me for not ordering from her, which I did like I always do, instead of owning that she forgot or messed up, she insulted me in front of other cutomers! Then returned to the soup station where she continued to talk about how it was my fault. As a business owner my self I was amazed that this is how she handled the situation. Never again will I spend $15 a day there on lunch. You lost a good costomer. That's close to $500 in total plus tips! my co-workers order from there as well. Forget it!

Its unfortunate. The owner was rude, quick to place blame on others, and treats her staff like garbage. As for the rest of the staff they have always showed kindness and we're a pleasure to...