Very family friendly (Bella Italia in General)

Member Name: Pinkaims

Product:	Bella Italia in General
Date:	31/10/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Childrens menu is a bargain - you can use your tesco clubcard vouchers

Disadvantages: The desserts

We had a late lunch at Bella Pasta today in Birmingham today thanks to converting my Tesco Clubcard vouchers.

When we arrived we were meeting very quickly and although it appeared busy we were found a table for four of us. There was myself, husband, 5 year old and 2 year old.

We were quickly brought menus and an activity sheet and crayons for the children and the drinks order taken very quickly which was an added bonus, however as soon as the drinks were brought to us (within 5 minutes) we were asked if we were ready to order.

I have to say we were really made to feel as though they wanted us out quickly the turn the table over - I suppose unsurprising for a Saturday but even still.

The menu is pretty extensive with something for everyone on and at reasonable prices.

We ordered off the childrens menu for the 2 little ones. This was £4.95 and consisted of a choice of about 6 main courses, a drink and a dessert. For ourselves with ordered off the main menu.

I had a pasta dish of chicken and vegetables in a white wine sauce that was finished off baked in the oven, my husband had a burger with chips, 5 year old had spaghetti bolognese and son had fish fingers and chips (he is not keen on Italian). We all had a side order of garlic bread.

We waited around 10 minutes for the food to be bought to us. When it arrived I could not believe the size of the childrens portions. There food must have been good as my very fussy children ate incredibly well.

Mine was lovely and really tasty but to be honest for the price it was tiny - very clever though as I had plenty of room for a dessert. My husband had no complaints about his either.

The garlic bread it not for those that do not like it overly garlic as it is smothered in oil and garlic - lovely though if you do like garlic like me as it meant that you could dip the bread into this to add more flavour.

Desserts were ok but to be honest let the meal down.

The kids had a simple icecream. My husband had an adult ice cream with 3 different flavours. Not much choice on flavours - strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and toffee. His ice cream for the price as no different than the childrens other than having a couple more scoops - yet he paid £3.95 for this luxury - only £1.00 cheaper than the childrens full dinner with drinks!!

My dessert was a warm chocolate sponge with melting chocolate topped with mascapone. It was just microwaved and tasted as such as a result it was very dry - the best bit was the mascapone - I paid £4.95 for this luxury and wish now I had not of bothered and had a started instead!

All in all it was a lovely lunch, very family friendly and plenty of atmosphere. Not somewhere to go if you want a quiet dinner though as it was very noisy and the tables are very close to each other - suppose there way of making more money.

Summary: Do not go here for a romantic night out - any other time great.