Bella

Yesterday evening my spouse and I had dinner at Bella with three other family members. We arrived at 6pm and it took half an hour before our drink order was taken, even though the place was three-​quarters empty. They took our meal order, which was for a multiple course meal, about forty-​five minutes after we arrived (approx. 645pm). After our second appetizer-​style course was served, we did not see our server for about 30 minutes. At 815pm one of us asked an assistant waiter when we could expect our main course — and then at 830pm it arrived — which was an hour and forty-​five minutes after we ordered — or two and a half hours after we had arrived at the restaurant. My $ 50 halibut was dry and flaky — and difficult to swallow without sauce. What saved it was the accompanying sauce, which was very good. My spouse’s halibut was also dry — but she was able to eat it because of the good sauce. Clearly the halibut had sat under the heat lamp in the kitchen for a considerable period of time and had dried out. Main course portions were tiny. Not once did the waitress come back to us after the halibut was served and ask how our meal tasted. She walked past us on several occasions after the halibut was served but ignored us completely. In fact, one of us had to go up and grab our wine and serve ourselves because no one was even around for half an hour after the meal was served. The waitress obviously realized that the service had been terrible because at the end, she apologized and gave us free desserts (excellent apple fritters), free Prosecco, free coffee (very good decaf) and a free first round of drinks that we had. Sadly, this just wasn’t good enough, given that this is a high end, high priced restaurant where an entrée is $ 45 to $ 50, a bottle of wine is above $ 50. This restaurant is, in my opinion, overpriced and does not provide good value for money both in terms of service and quality and portions of food. We have eaten at a number of medium and higher end restaurants in the area, including the Sooke Harbour House, Deep Cove Chalet and the Union Club — as well as medium and higher end restaurants in Vancouver, LA/​Orange County, London and Toronto — and Bella is not in their league whatsoever, except for its prices. None of us will be back and none of us would recommend this restaurant.
Visited June 2015

Just had dinner and the food was wonderful. Our server, Jay brought me a sample of wine made in Okanagan, BC which I was not familiar with. It was a Chardonnay which was crisp and fruity. I ordered it. We decided on our meals and then he brought out some focaccia bread which he said the chef makes daily. It was outstanding, soft and chewy, and he served it with olive oil and a very fine quality balsamic vinegar. Since we had eaten a big lunch at Butchardt Gardens dining room, we really weren’t ready for a big meal so I had the Chicken Cobb Salad and my hubby had a Beef dip sandwich with Caesar salad. Everything was fresh and the quality of ingredients very high. We are coming tomorrow for their regular dinner menu! Eat here. If you come, ask for Jay, he’s the best!

Had christmas eve dinner at the westin bear mountain. They offered a very decent seafood buffet
Even though tip of 18 percent was included the service was phenomenal. Waters constantly refilled. Plates exchanged as soon as we left the table to go back to the buffet.
Will definitely come back again to try their regular menu

Good food. Reasonably priced for location and quality.

So goood!!! Just check each week to see what the entrée is. Last time it was beef short ribs they were so goood! Delicious pasta, salads, tons of desserts!

Had supper there with friends. Had the «family table» and the rest of the group had various dishes. All were great, hot and served well. Beverages were great and staff was friendly and engaged. Well done, and I would certainly return. The bar food in the Masters lounge is also great. A real hidden gem.

The service was not very good as we barely saw out waitress and it took two hours for the meal to come. I started with the prawns which were ok then I had the filet which took forever but was really tender and tasty. It came with lobster mash which were really good to. But the steak was only a 6 ounce and i normally order 12 ounces when its available. Since it took two hours for the meal to arrive the restaurant comped which did help.

The atmosphere is great… but nothing about it says Italian…
This is in the rear of the Westin Bear Valley resort. It is one of a few sit down options you have without leaving the resort.
Although I had such high expectations of this place… Nothing we had was memorable or even something I would order again. I’m not one to salt everything, but their lack of seasoning on almost every dish was really noticeable
Panche is another restaurant you have to walk through Bella Montaga to get to. They have excellent reviews and although I’m not certain, it wouldn’t surprise me if they shared the same kitchen. We never did get a chance to try Panche… It has great reviews but was booked solid for company parties during our visit.
It is surprising that a place like Bella Montagna kicks out such average food and under seasoned has such a close relationship with Panche that from what I read kicks out great dishes.
I wouldn’t avoid Bella Montagna… I just wouldn’t go out of my way for it.