Ciao Bella Restaurant, Bloomsbury, London

Great Italian restaurant and I can only echo the reviews of others here. The portions were very large, the staff remarkably good humoured, especially dealing with large parties of people (I was on a table of 12). The food was served speedily with no problems at all. We had an early sitting, so unfortunately couldn’t take advantage of the piano bar, but I would definitely go back again & settle in for a late night & enjoy the warm atmosphere.

Huge portions at prices which put the Carluccio’s around the corner to shame! The place gets really busy in the evenings and at lunchtimes and I’ve never seen it more than a couple of empty seats. Well worth making a reservation if you’re planning to come with more than one or two others.

The starters and the calzone, in particular, are delicious. Service is attentive and good-humoured and the meals don’t take that long to arrive, particularly given the number of people ordering. I’ve been there plenty of times in the past and will undoubtedly do so again in the future!

I haven’t actually been to Ciao Bella for an actual sit-down meal. But, I was really impressed with the plate o’ yum I had the other day during the Lamb’s Conduit Christmas Street Fair. For a mere five quid I got a plateful of meatballs, roast pork (with homemade crisps) and a breaded chicken drumstick. Each item on said plate was dee-lish! This friendly, local Italian resto is now top of my list for the next time I go out for a nice meal. Ciao Bella is steps from one of my favourite pubs too - The Lamb! Yay.

People whose judgement I trust, such as Qyper JuliePH, speak highly of this place too! Hmmm … need to get back there asap.

This is place is always very busy so that’s a very good sign. it’s in a lovely part of bloomsbury and has some very good pubs nearby (Lamb and flag next door is superb).

The food is fairly priced and of good quality considering the amount they produce. I do prefer a more intimate venue (like L’osteria) but saying that there is nothing wrong with Ciao Bella.

I love this Italian - it’s on one of my favorite streets in London (the very quaint Lamb Conduits Street) and the food is always excellent.
I’m not alone though - it’s get very busy and even on a weekday they’re turning people away. Probably has something to do with the cheap prices in this part of the capital, the staff, the complimentary olives and breadsticks, authentic ingredients and the fact that you can guarantee a great (and pretty lively) meal any night of the week.
Try the tiramisu. It’s homemade and won’t disappoint…

Ciao Bella, I adore you. Why? Is it the cosy atmosphere? the overpowering smell of garlic that greets you upon turning the corner onto Lambs Conduit Street? the waiters who appear disinterested one moment and flirtatious the next? the American-size portions? the cheese, olives and breadsticks available for immediate noshing? the fact that I’m often left befuddled by London’s less expensive Italian eateries and pleased to find that Ciao Bella reminds me of meals in NYC’s Little Italy? That the cost of a recent visit, including full meals and two bottles of wine, came to only £12 quid a person?

Yep, all of the above.

But make reservations if you plan to visit. It’s a local gem but not a hidden one.

Inexpensive Italian restaurant with wide ranging menu. Excellent pizza and pasta; decent house wines.

This restaurant does good, large pizzas and other Italian dishes to the accompaniment of loud and uplifting live piano music. I would recommend sitting outside on summery live music nights if you want to hear your conversation. The music is good and still reaches your ears! Or sit inside for a lively, old fashioned music-and-meal. The food is excellent, atmosphere busy and cheerful. The sort of place you can take family, friends or colleagues to. Good for long pizza lunches too.