Bella Italia West

How is this place even in business? The absolute worst Italian food I have ever experienced. The bread was flavorless and cold, the salad was soggy and flavorless too. Really, flavorless was the theme of the evening. The lasagna was 3 tiny layers of noodles and sauce — absolutely no meat or cheese, and the edge of the plate and bottom were burnt to the point of being blackened. For the price of the fettuccine Alfredo, we had expected it to come with some sort of chicken on top, however, it was a bland mix of noodles and flavorless sauce. What’s even more frustrating is the cost of the food far outweighed the quality. Honestly, we could have had a better tasting and quality meal at Olive Garden, or frozen microwave meal from Sam’s Club. Yes, it really was that awful. We left feeling hungry due to the lack of food, frustrated at the over $ 50 spent on complete garbage, and baffled at what we had just experienced. Typically, we leave other Italian restaurants feeling full, and with half our meal leftover for lunch the next day. We wanted to try something new, but will be sticking to our favorite, Fortunas, in the future.

I wouldn’t give them even one star if I had an option. Refused service because of «dress code” — I was wearing a maxi dress and husband was wearing a button up shirt from the Weiland collection from Buckle. My husband had his hair pulled back as wells. Asked if we had reservations, umm, no. It’s middle of the week and there were literally no cars in the parking lot. Needless to say, the hostess refused to let us in. I guess business owners who earn a seven figure salary aren’t allowed in if they have tattoos, long hair, or piercings. Here’s a tip: if you want to pretend to be a 5 star restaurant, lose all the beer neons, the plastic patio, and move locations to a more prominent area. You can’t pull off that kind of ego operating in an area with vagrants on every corner and the slums a couple streets over. If you want AMAZING Italian food, a AWESOME service, and a friendly staff, go to JOE’S PIZZA AND PASTA ON ALTA MERE!!! BYOB and superb food!!!

I read many reviews as I sat down at this restaurant so I already was expecting a poor performance.
First off, my friend and I walked in with no knowledge of how this restaurant was run, no reservation, and we were both wearing shorts and t-​shirts. Immediately we felt out of place and contemplated leaving for something a little less fancy. However, our waitress made us feel very comfortable soon after we sat down and assured us that we were fine with how we were dressed and took care of us. Our food was delicious and was very prompt. Everything tasted fresh and rich with flavor. Everyone who worked there was very respectful and excellent at there job. I would go here again and again for their excellent Italian food.
For everyone else who commented on how «horrible» they were treated, I think they must’ve just had a bad day. Having dress code is respectable because you know that what you provide is above par and deserves to be treated so. The hostess did laugh with us when we said we will come back in suits and said, «yes, please.»
This is a great restaurant with great food. Give it a try!

When we walked in, a woman I’m assuming was supposed to be a hostess blocked the door. She asked if we had reservations. After peeking inside I didn’t see anyone else in the restaurant. When we stated no we weren’t aware reservations were needed, we were then looked up and down by the hostess and told there was a dress code. She then left, I guess that meant we weren’t welcome. I will never attempt to go back to this restaurant. Also confused as to what the dress code is as I was wearing a sundress.

Went by a Wednesday or two ago and had the Lasagna and dinner salad on the lunch. Both were amazing and the service was great. All this and just $ 7.99.
Stop by sometime for the lunch, it was amazing.

sadly, barely mediocre. Cant quite think its very basic in the Italian category, even with some staple pasta dishes. I felt like they were more proud of their game menu, which might be good for some people in Ft worth. But as an Italian restaurant, it doesn’t hit the mark. The sauce was thicker than many of the family recipes and not very flavorful. my service was fine, very friendly. best part of the meal was the mushroom appetizer. the room felt very old school and busy comfortable and dark feel. just left disappointed.

We were excited to try the exotic game options but had to leave before we were seated as they do not offer high chairs for children in the party.

Hands down this is one of the most expensive Italian Bistros around and I have no idea why. The waitress kept touching me and keep telling me «I hope you come back» and I hadn’t even received my meal yet. I observed a single lone diner seated in a corner, he waited for over a half hour and was never waited on, so he got up and left. The diner salads had no dressing on them, The bread was dried up and hard. I order veal, which came with a tiny scoop of over cook dried up risotto, and a tablesppon of mush that had at one time been swiss char. The waitress pointed out was grow right our side the window sucking on car exhaust it’s whole life. the veal was tender and tasted excellent, but I received two tiny pieces that were the size of a business card (I kid you NOT!), My date received the same crappy side dishes I did with along with her entrée of ostrich. The ostrich portion was real nice and it was fantastic. This meal for two cost well over $ 100 with tip and we had to drive immediately to a burger joint to get something else to eat since the portions were so tiny. Once I’d seen what the place was like I fully understood why my waitress kept say I hope you come back, cause no one in their right mind ever does!

It’s too bad that I can’t choose less than one star. This place is the strangest establishment I’ve ever experienced. Upon arrival, my son and I approached the front door via the sidewalk outside. Along the sidewalk, I noticed a man outfitted in total chef’s attire; hat and all. He was standing in the gutter along Camp Bowie, barehanded, pulling weeds in what appeared to be a jungle of something growing along the side walk. He was accompanied by another woman, dressed in black and wearing a black apron, who was also pulling weeds. It’s 6:30 in the evening and I thought this was odd as they appeared to be restaurant employees picking through dirt in the weeds outside the restaruant; barehanded; no less! We proceeded up the sidewalk to the entrance. There were about three cars in the parking lot. We walked in to be «greeted» by a woman who was very unfriendly. She didn’t speak to us… just looked at us as if, «What do you think you’re doing here?» So, I had to ask the question, «Are you open?» She said, «Do you have a reservation?» I said, «No, I’m sorry, we don’t.» She replied… and I find this so odd…“Well, we have a dress code.” Okay… so, I’m dressed in what I wear to work, black pants and a blouse. My son was wearing gray dress shorts, a black collared shirt, and athletic shoes (golf attire). I replied, (thinking they must require coat/​tie,) «Oh…okay…I’m sorry.» And, we turned around to leave and bumped in to the next person in line, which was a man, wearing an untucked T-​shirt, shorts, and flip-​flops! He was promptly escorted in and seated. I understand if reservations are required and I understand dress codes. But, if you have a dress code, then say that as soon as people walk in the door. Don’t ask, «Do you have a reservation?» and when the answer is «no,» then announce that there’s a dress code! So, if we had a reservation, we can enter with beach attire??? Okay… that’s just weird. This whole place is creepy and weird! You have the chef outside pulling weeds, bare handed, and Morticia (creepy)…at the door. It’s just so odd… I hate this place. We ended up going to Lucille’s Bistro right up the street. It was awesome! Great food. Great service. There’s so many wonderful places to eat in Ft. Worth. This place doesn’t deserve to be on your list.

This is going to be a long one Unilocal Nation… Sorry for the novel.
I went here a few days ago with a bunch of classmates for a birthday. There were about 12 of us and about half of them looked at the menu online in order to see what to expect. The menu we got when we actually got here was drastically different! The reason behind this is, the menu linked to this restaurant is for an entirely different restaurant! I was told before coming here to expect a $ 10 – 15 per plate price range. It was more of a $ 18 – 30 a plate menu… The staff apologized for the confusion and stated that they have contacted whoever is in charge of this repeatedly but have not had it removed yet. That being said… this place was ok.
I suppose you’d say this is a more upper class establishment. Two of our guest walked in behind a couple (one wearing a nice dress and him wearing a polo) who were turned away because they didn’t fit the dress code…
The outside of the building is not that impressive considering the above. The inside appears moderately better than the outside. Its small, low lit and there is no music playing on overhead. The staff themselves were very nice. There was only one or two other tables occupied when we walked in and sat but this could be because it was a random weekday.
The menu itself is very unique. And very expensive which is okay if that is your thing. Eyeballing the menu, a few things stuck out (other than the price). They have a few choices on the menu that you will not likely find at other Italian restaurants. A few examples: Elk, wild boar and OSTRICH. Let me repeat that last one there… OSTRICH…which is hear is very lean meat. The complimentary bread they brought out to the table was cold and hard (idk if this is supposed be like this in an authentic Italian restaurant). The wine list was very extensive and expensive (they do have wine by the glass but no prices were posted. Only prices for bottles were posted and most were over $ 60 a bottle. I eyed a few bottles over $ 1200). Not much to offer in the way of salads on the menu but a few of our ladies were able to order large italian chicken salads for an undisclosed price which means that they are willing to customize orders.
The appetizers that we ordered were the roasted artichoke topped with lobster and the italian sausage. The only reason I’m giving this place more stars than it actually deserves is because the sauce on the Italian sausage meatballs was probably the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. I’m not joking. It was the best tomato sauce I’ve ever had. The artichoke stuff tasted great but the texture was… it was like eating wicker with lobster on it but maybe I was eating it wrong bc I’m not that classy. If I were a smart man, I would have ordered pasta with those meatballs and sauce (it wasn’t on the menu but considering they made an exception for me) but NOOOO… I just had to go and order the Veal Scaloppini Marsala ($ 22). Big mistake.
Most everyone else ordered the chicken cacciatore, roasted chick, spaghetti with meat sauce or salad. Eat came with a salad with a weird dressing (i don’t even know how to describe it.) but it was OK. The salad was small, wet and wilty. After they removed the salad, we didn’t have to wait long for the main coarse to come out. The chicken cacciatore portion was huge. Enough for two people. The roasted chicken was huge. Enough for two people. The chicken salads were huge. Enough for two people. the spaghetti was… well you get the point. The Veal Scalopini with marsala was very small and laughable compared to the other plates (enough for less than or equal to one person.) The veal was very thinly sliced and over cooked. The veggies of the day which came with every plate except the pasta ones were roasted fingerling potatoes and sauted green beans. My order came with 2 fingerlings cut in half and 8 green beans. The marsala mushroom sauce itself was flavorful but I’ve made better at home (and for much less money). I was clearly unhappy with my meal but I ate it anyway and was surprised to find myself satiated. From what I heard everyone else liked their meals.
This post is too long and very detailed. Overall I thought the experience was lower than I would expect for the price tag. You don’t have to worry about a tip (they write the tip down on the credit card slip for you) which leaves little incentive to tip extra if you want. The only positives for me were the absolutely amazing tomato sauce (I may try to walk in and just get some of that magic to-​go) and the good times with friends. I hate giving bad reviews and tried to find anything to give them praise but overall I couldn’t find anything. I did get a laugh out of an article posted on the wall on how «Ostrich meat was okay to eat» but I don’t think its very likely that I’ll ever revisit this restaurant. I think there are way better Italian places out there for similar if not cheaper prices that have a better environment and better experience.

I’ve never actually commented on Unilocal,but my recent experience at this establishment left me no choice. My boyfriend and I are new to the area and have been wanting to give this place a shot. We thought since it was Good Friday we would go for Italian as opposed to seafood. After a full day of shopping and running errands we pull into the parking lot and my boyfriend comments on not being «dressed appropriately.» I laugh it off and we go in (mainly because we were! He had on nice shorts and shirt; I was wearing designer jeans and a dressier shirt). The woman blocks our entrance and asks if we have reservations. I look around and comment that we did not but unless they were preparing for a larger party they looked empty. Then she comments on their dress code. I was flabbergasted. I have never been turned away from an establishment and this place did not even look upscale. Here is where I could get petty, but won’t. Needless to say, I will never even try to go back.

The hostess asked about a reservation fore too and until I say down I was very uncomfortable. The server was excellent. The restaurant is more fine dining with a family cozy feel. For that reason the prices are reasonable. I agree, there could more garlic on the bread. But the service is impeccable. I had the seafood with artichoke. The artichoke could’ve been slightly softer on the outside but the inside was perfect and there was plenty of seafood. Not too cheesy to take away from the other tastes. They watch and serve the entrée after you have finished your appetizer even if you take your time like me. They reset your place settings like they should. The spaghetti in meat sauce is perfect. Perfect sauces in the meat sauce. The pasta is perfectly cooked. The house salad dressing I start but smooth. I’m coming back again.

Absolutely delicious. Loved the eclectic menu that ranged from beautifully prepared game to deliciously cheesy herbed lasagna. The wait staff was awesome — attentive but not pushy — and the live background music was subtle but soothing. Highly recommend this restaurant. Can’t wait to go back.

Absolutely delicious! Exotic meats– elk, buffalo, ostrich… but then «normal» fabulous meals like lasagna, Osso Bucco, various pastas. The appearance infers its casual– but it’s fairly elegant– but of course, in Ft. Worth you can be «elegant» in nice jeans an boots!

I craved pasta and this place is on my way home. So I called and ordered Pasta Carbonara. I know, not very glamorous, but I craved something creamy and fattening. The order was made in a very timely manner, the staff was very friendly, I had very good experience with that. Inside it looked cozy and welcoming. The amount of food was generous, but when I saw the bill I was slightly surprised — they charged be $ 25.95 for a bowl of pasta. I did not say anything because I was not sure how it is, and let me tell you, it did taste just like pasta from Olive Garden. So, it was decent, lacked some flavor, but totally overpriced with no reason for it. Overall I will not go back there

Reviews I’ve read are so odd and all over the board for this place that I just HAD to try it!
Previous reviewers stated they were turned away for not having reservations. I did call ahead to ask if one was necessary. The girl on the phone asked me how many in our party (just me and husband) and then told me we didn’t need reservations. When we arrived, as other reviews stated, the hostesses practically created a barricade when we walked in the door, asking us if we had reservations. I said we did not but that I had called ahead asking if it was necessary. The girl I spoke with was among the crew and said, «they’re okay, come on in!» So strange.
The place was practically empty except for the waitstaff and a guy playing guitar. Didn’t bother us though. Service was friendly. We went by recommendations and ordered from a section of their menu that featured game. I sadly can’t recall if I ordered quail or pheasant but it came with a slice of prosciutto and melted fontina cheese on top. Sides of the evening were sauteed vegetables and cauliflower purée. Husband doesn’t even remember what he had or if it was good. When asked, his short critique was, «meh…forgettable». I can’t say if this place is «authentic» or not based on what we ordered but I wouldn’t consider the entrees we had «authentic Italian». The food, atmosphere and experience were all good but could’ve been MUCH better for what they charge. Between the 2 of us, we had 4 glasses of wine, 2 entrees with accompanying salads and a coffee, our bill was around $ 150 before tip.
Why this place seems so guarded, I have no idea. What restaurant discourages walk-​ins? In addition, it’s not a place that encourages repeat visits either. There’s no way I’m going to spend that kind of money to explore their menu, much as I’d like to. Overall, this place is okay but I feel your money will be better spent somewhere else.

So this place was interesting to me. I got the pasta bolognese and it didn’t taste like any bolognese I’ve ever had before. Actually it kind of sucked. However, the antipasto appetizer was really good. I couldn’t understand a lick of what my waitress was saying because she was speaking pure Italian. Also the restaurant was empty and they asked if we had reservations and took a little while to seat us?

One of the best meals I’ve had in fort worth. I was drawn in by the you either love it or hate it review.
Started with seafood stuffed mushrooms and lobster ravioli. The ravioli was good, but the mushrooms were on my all time favs list for a starter. It had an ocean full of seafood flavor with crab and lobster.
My main was an incredible piece of meat on the evening special — a bone in buffalo ribeye. The game menu is the best reason to go here. My girl got a veal chop that was Texas sized also.
The meal was well paced — we were not rushed and were able to enjoy a slight respite between courses.
I got to go here as a promotion dinner, and can’t wait for the next special occasion (read — excuse) to return.

I agree with Greg B. Either these other people don’t know good food, or they’re talking about a different restaurant. I lived in Italy (not on study abroad!!), on my own and this restaurant is absolutely authentic. It may even be better than anything I had overseas.
If you’re expecting Olive Garden, Romano’s, Carrabba’s, or Maggiano’s, this is NOT it. It’s SO MUCH BETTER. If you’re truly a connoisseur of Italian food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The wine list is AMAZING! I counted 12 different Amarones and the chef informed me that he has even more. That’s unheard of!
It’s really not that pricey, I paid $ 50 for dinner (not including wine).
This has become one of my very favorite restaurants and I will return again and again and again!
And don’t miss out on the musical entertainment! Jenny and her brother are awesome!

What else can I say? No, no, no, no, no!
It’s like eating Chef Boyardee at the Elk’s Lodge. I won’t even waste my time explaining how bad it is, just do yourself a favor and never step food in this decrepit restaurant.