Nella Kitchen and Bar

Review summary

1. F

   Fred

   Los Angeles

   18 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We’ve given this restaurant multiple chances, but the results continue to disappoint. While the service is genuine and the food shows potential, something fundamental just doesn’t click. To their credit, they accommodated my wife’s food allergies by modifying the Romini Lettuce dish, which turned out quite nice. However, management issues became evident when, halfway through our salad, a server hovered over the table, attempting to clear our plates, announcing that the main courses were ready. We asked for more time to finish our starter and enjoy our wine, but as expected, our entrées ended up sitting under a heat lamp in the kitchen. The result? My wife’s John Dory dish, which could have been wonderful, arrived as warm, smoked fish. My tagliatelle was undercooked. The Bolognese sauce was disappointingly mediocre, and the traditional shaved Parmigiano was neither offered nor delivered. To top it off, a simple request for a spoon to assist with eating my pasta was ignored and never fulfilled. The restaurant shows potential, but poor execution and management continue to overshadow what could be an enjoyable dining experience.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
2. M

   Margaret

   San Francisco

   7 reviews

   4.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I went with my girlfriend for a quiet lunch. We had a lot to discuss. The food was very good, but our server was a real motor mouth. Very pleasant, but he went on and on. He was very sweet, but was not picking up our cues to move on. He kept suggesting that he sit down and join us. A little much to say the least. Someone should gently remind him why he’s there.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
3. C

   Cris

   Central Coast

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 9 November 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   Restaurant Review: Disappointed by Recent Visits to Nella’s Nella’s has long been a favorite of ours, but our last three visits, including last night, have left us questioning whether it’s still worth the trip. The service has unfortunately taken a noticeable downturn. Last night, it was particularly disappointing—slow, inattentive, and lacking the warmth we’ve come to expect. As for the food, the pork chops were flavorful and well-seasoned, showcasing the kitchen’s usual talent. However, they were served lukewarm, which dulled what could have been a standout dish. We hope this is just a temporary slip for Nella’s. While we’ve always appreciated their culinary creativity, the recent decline in service and attention to detail is hard to overlook.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
4. D

   Donna

   Central Coast

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 5 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food and service, interesting and unusual wines by the glass - we will definitely be back!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
5. L

   Lisa

   Central Coast

   37 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   37 reviews

   Dined on 3 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Always a favorite. Pinsas are sooo delish. We like to get a few to share with salads and other starters. You can’t make a bad choice. We never pass on the shaved pineapple dessert, although this visit it seemed to be about half the serving and less of a presentation. Candied cumquat, pistachio panna cotta was also delicious.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
6. LL

   LindaL

   San Diego

   10 reviews

   3.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on 30 October 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Pros: Pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, competent service, good food. Especially liked the Romini Salad with lemon-caeser dressing. Cons: Prices! $9 for bread and butter, seriously?! Two bowls of Tagliatelle Bolognese, a shared salad and a baguette with butter came to $80 PLUS tax and tip!! Ouch!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
7. K

   Karen

   San Francisco

   22 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on 29 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We have eaten at Nella many times and have never been disappointed!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Portland

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 28 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fabulous food. I really didn’t think that I order pizza at such a fine dining restaurant, but the waitress told us that that’s what they’re known for so we tried it and it was beyond wonderful. I can’t say great things about this place. The Bolognese was to die for.
   

   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

   Report
9. R

   Randy

   Central Coast

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 28 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Service was quick. Waitress was knowledgeable. Appetizers were great. Entrees were good except filet mignon sauce/veggies were so salty it wasn’t palatable. We were unaware we had to pay for water.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
10. K

    Karen

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Server was great and food excellent! the outside setting was perfect.
    

    Is this helpful?

    Report