I loved this place! My partner took me to Bella’s for my Birthday after finding aqaba not to suit the occasion.

The wait was long, but that didn’t matter because it was my birthday and we were keen to relax have a wine and a chat.

It is a little pricey but I see it as “gourmet” and a bit like what you see on TV. Needless to say, still filling!

I had the pork belly and it was SO tasty! Looovveeed it!

I would go again providing the occasion to spend a bit more for the experience.

After reading all the excellent reviews on this restaurant it is disappointing we had a bad experience with the owner of the restaurant but i see we weren’t the only ones with a bad experience in the reviews. We were seated down and at no stage were told there would be a long wait. After waiting 45 mins my husband asked the waiter nicely (which turned out to be the owner) how long our meal would be and he turned around and we were promptly told if we didn’t like it we could leave! We were stunned this guy definitely needs to go on a customer service course. He then told us a second time we could go. He then went to the kitchen and came out with our meals I commented on the rudeness to my daughter and he then had a stand up argument that it was us that was rude and he was in the right. Needless to say we ate our meals and left. What an idiot he made himself look a fool and the table next to us who had also been waiting a long time and was getting a bit anxious were also stunned about the attitude. Does he think all because he has a successful restaurant he can treat customers like that. I will never go back there . Go to Bethany’s up the road service much nicer and food equally as good.

Delicious food! Prompt service. Enjoyed my dining experience

Bella’s Cafe scored a mention by one of the local Masterchef contestants in a newspaper interview a while back as her favourite place to eat, and so I’d made a note of it as a place to try out.

We went for lunch during midweek, and getting inside and away from Palmy’s winds we found it warm and cozy inside.

We had the beef bourguignon with a glass or two of Cotes de Rhone from the wine list and both were very tasty. The service was quiet and efficient, and we were done within the hour and on our way.

Price was around $45 per head, which was perhaps a little pricey for a small main and a glass of wine, although it must be said that we both enjoyed the meal.

Bella’s is well worth checking out – and we will visit again.

Bella’s really is as good as it gets. Not just in terms of Palmerston North either. Bella’s would hold its own anywhere!
Child friendly by day or night. Gorgeous hosting, impeccable service and exceptional food. Been to Bella’s many times and never had a single bad experience!

You must go there at once!
The menu at Bellas is wonderful and so is food they serve.
Our first choice of fine dining in Palmerston North.

As we are very fussy diners we seldom eat out as we feel we can do just as well in our own kitchen but for my birthday we decided to try Bellas Cafe as we had heard mostly good reports about it.From woe to go it never disappointed us in any way. I can NEVER get a piece of steak cooked to my liking and nearly always have to send it back to the kitchen which is embarassing to say the least. But not at Bellas. I ordered fillet steak and it came out perfect. It was succulent, tender and tasty and I enjoyed the extra embellishments which went with it.I didn’t like paying the extra $5 for my vegetables and thought they should be included in the price and the $5 EACH corkage fee is way too high but other than that we loved our meals. My husband had seafood cabonara and said it was excellent. We halved a portion of lemon meringue pie and were glad we did as it was very rich BUT also very nice and again well presented. We finished with a Japanese green tea for me and a cappacino for my husband and walked out feeling totally satisfied. Total cost for a wonderful meal in a cafe with great ambience, good service and excellent food….$73. We DEFINITELY will be going back. This cafe doesn’t need our review to elevate its excellence, there were a number of people turned away while we were there, but we want to do it anyway out of appreciation for a great night. You need to book to be sure of a table!

My partner and I have been dining here a few times now for 3 years and its always an amazing experience. Alastair and the staff always friendly and warm welcoming. The menu and selection choice is always never a dissapointment…can never decide what to have because everything is so amazing. We love the bread rolls in garlic butter. and the mains that can also be chosen as an entree. Love the mains – definately highly recommended for anyone who enjoy delicious food and friendly service and for a romantic dining

Made a reservation for Saturday eveing last Saturday of April 2009 for special occassion with my 2 sons.

Bellas was busy with a warm ambience and we were seated promptly however the evening was tarnished automatically when Alistar who I now belive to be the owner of the restaurant became very firm about what menu items we should choose as we only had 40 minues in which to dine and depart before the next booking.

The manner of service was both abrubpt and rude and we were made to feel unwelcome and as we were an inconvenience.

I suggest we should of been advised on booking that there were no vacancies if there was only a 40 minute turnaround time which is hardly long enough to enjoy a relaxing family meal.

The food was fine and flavoured well but unfortunately the manner in which we were treated ruined our evening.

Behaviour towards diners in the manner in which we experienced and from the owner who should know better was unacceptable now we will not return to this restaurant.

We love this place. The service is awesome and the food is brillant, try to go every couple of months.

Yummy

Bella’s is our favourite restaurant by far in Palmy. Alistair is a great host. The food is delicious and my husband just loves their seafood. You cannot get a better Thai Curry in town. Its not an authentic Thai Curry as such but their own take on it. Absolutely delicious. Unfortunately I never have room for desert but they look awesome. We will be back (again) soon.

Without doubt, the best restaurant we have been to! Took family from Wellington along and they are still raving about it, even commenting that it’s better than any in Wellington. Food, service and ambiance are all first class!

Without doubt the best restaurant of it’s kind in PN. Highly recommended