Went this morning with DH and DD - and thanks to both Mumsnet and Bella Italia for the opportunity
Generally - how did you find Bella as a place to visit with the family for breakfast?
The restaurant is quite recently opened so it is in very good condition presentationally. I liked the mix of tables and booths and all seemed nicely spaced.
The kids pack went down well – I appreciated that the staff asked my ten year old if she would like one, rather than assuming she would or wouldn't, it being an age when she both still wants to be a child and be considered more grown-up. She also liked being offered a balloon to take home - which as you would expect from a person of such advancing years has been 'experimented with' rather than 'played with', you understand ; )
As well as a fully accessible toilet (although combined with baby changing facility), there was also a modified general use cubicle.
I didn't notice if there were high chairs available
How would you rate the food quality?
Food was all really nice. The sausage was tasty and seemed a good quality and meat content. The bacon was nice and thick and didn't taste cheap and watery. The price of the items seemed reasonable for the quality, so while not cheap, fair value.
How would you rate the selection of food – grown ups and kids - what did you and your DC choose?
Ten year old had the steak and eggs. She asked for it without mushrooms and was asked if there was anything she would like in their place. She was also asked how she would like it done and it came as requested and looked nice. Now I just have to manage expectations about the potential for steak being a breakfast item at home : )
Husband had a Gigante and was very happy with it.
Both have done their own reviews below
I had been thinking about having the breakfast pizza, mainly to sample a range for reviewing purposes, but gave in to the call of the Gigante too. I asked for it without eggs, beans and tomatoes, none of which I like and was kindly offered additional sausage and bacon. I was especially pleased with this aspect, as not all places are happy to even remove items from a set meal, never mind substitute, and particularly for a chain to be that flexible was appreciated.
The children's options look fairly unsubstantial for all but very young kids and for the kids' cooked breakfast I simply cannot imagine having to choose between either sausage or bacon!
The rest of the range looks fine, although I am surprised the Bella breakfast has no carbohydrate with it. By the time you add toast as a separate item, you may as well pay a little bit more for the extras that accompany the Gigante as well (or maybe that is the point?). Perhaps some fruit and cereal would be welcomed by some, but when eating out occasionally for a breakfast treat I know I wouldn't usually choose the simple everyday stuff of home.
What was the best part about your experience?
It was all great, cannot pick a particular element.
How about service: was it friendly and welcoming?
Both members of staff were lovely. Very friendly and welcoming, and attentive to check we were okay
Did you know Bella did breakfast prior to this?
I didn't – hadn't really thought about it as Bella Italia has only recently opened near me, so previous experiences are as a tourist in other areas.
And lastly, would you go again?
This is the difficult bit, because as noted above, everything was great and without fault and I can't think of anything significant that could have been improved and there is nothing from my experience that would deter me from going again. But I honestly just can't say that with a similar amount to spend on a meal out with my family, that I would choose a breakfast out over a lunch or evening meal. Even though lower cost menu options were available, the same relative value test applies and I would probably choose eg a take-away instead.
The Christmas special menu does look quite tempting though.... : )
Miss TT
The restaurant Bella Italia was extremely excellent! The eggs and steak was amazing! The layout was excellent (a mix between booths and tables.), the steak was thick, the eggs were perfect for dipping the potato, the toilets were extremely hygienic,the sinks had taps with sensors, the puzzles in the kids packs were entertaining and fun (I know because I’m 10!), the staff were cheerful and friendly although I don't know their names. I recommend Bella Italia and I would go back!
Mr TT
Generally - how did you find Bella as a place to visit with the family for breakfast?
It's never crossed my mind to go to an Italian restaurant for breakfast before. Lunch and dinner, yes, but not for breakfast. However, after sampling the menu along with my wife and daughter I would definitely say that breakfast at Bella Italia was a very enjoyable experience. Staff were lovely, the place was spotless and the décor appealing even though it's a chain restaurant. Warm and welcoming. I could imagine the place being quite buzzy over lunch and especially at dinner. We were the only people in at the time we chose to eat, but we did have the full attention of the staff on duty.
How would you rate the food quality?
I chose the Gigante Breakfast. There were no cheap 'catering' style items on the menu. The sausage and bacon were of good quality and tasted very nice indeed. This is reflected in the price of the breakfast.
How would you rate the selection of food – grown ups and kids - what did you and your DC choose?
For grown ups there is plenty of choice. The kids side is a bit thin on the ground. Our daughter chose the steak and eggs over the smiling pancake offering. Maybe half portions of the adult menu would be more attractive. We didn't ask if this was available, but it wasn't obvious to us as a selection for kids.
What was the best part about your experience?
The staff were lovely and very attentive. We had a window seat, that due to its location on a retail park unfortunately looked out over the car park, and our booth was comfortable and clean. The layout gave the impression that even when busy you wouldn't feel too cramped.
How about service: was it friendly and welcoming?
Yes, very warm and attentive. Couldn't fault the staff, but I am unable to recall if any name badges were worn.
Did you know Bella did breakfast prior to this?
No I did not. We were aware of the restaurant being built recently, even commenting on the location to the Pizza Hut next door, but we were going to give the place a go sometime.
And lastly, would you go again?
I would think so, but maybe not for breakfast. It's actually a tough choice. Our bill would have been around £35 including drinks. An amount that we would be happy paying for lunch or dinner. I do think that the items we had were expensive, but the quality of the ingredients was above and beyond your normal breakfast fodder. We are also aware that there were less expensive items on the breakfast menu, but we wouldn't have chose them even in normal circumstances.