BellaNotte

Reviews

• Melanie M.

  star star star star star 11 June 2026

  Matt and I finally tried BellaNotte last night. I've heard alot of mixed reviews so I told Matt if I have nothing nice to say I wont say anything. here is my honest review:
  
  the server Billie was a DELIGHT! she was very helpful with trying to make what felt like the hardest decision of my life! I felt the menu was a bit overwhelming.
  
  the owner was very friendly. He was raised by a siscilian woman so learned to cook Italian young, then was trained as a French chef as a young man. Although this is an Italian restaurant I can see French inspiration sprinkled throughout the menu.
  
  I finally decided on the lobster roll. The owner brings fresh lobster in from Maine and bakes the bread in house. The first bite was good, the flavor of the roll overpowered the mild flavor of the lobster. I really liked the flavor of the bread but I wanted to taste the lobster too, so I put a bit of the "seasoned mayo" on the lobster for the second bite and it was SOO good! the mayo is seasoned with fine chopped scallions and celery. it was very flavorful and complimented the lobster.
  
  Matt ordered rack of lamb with garlic mashed potatoes.The lamb was cooked medium rare and very tender! I felt it needed a bit more seasoning but then I noticed if I dipped it in the red wine reduction it was better seasoned. The garlic mashed potatoes were really good.
  
  The wine list was very limited, only chardonnay and white zin by the glass so we decided to get a bottle of sauv blanc. I'm picky about wine but Matt is even more picky. We both really enjoyed the wine! The owner mentioned he is working on improving the wine list.
  
  Billie gave us a discount because Matt is a CO. If you are in police, sheriff, CDC, or active military you get 10% off.
  
  Overall I recommend BellaNotte and we will definitely be back.

• Zachary F.

  star star star star_border star_border 10 June 2026

  I liked this place just fine... not blowing my mind though.  There's stars for being  good and not missing the mark as most local restaurants around here do.  There is a chance that word of mouth tainted my thoughts of going here.  I tend not to believe the picky folks that live around here, so likely not.   I am thinking they are a spot that is still in the making.
  
  I was a little thrown off by the wobbly table and wide open window on a blustery day at first.  It was mostly empty, so were able to get a creek view table by the window.  Only had to watch a couple transients make their way in and out the bushes near the creek to do whatever they were up to.  There is a lot of room inside, but the finish work appeared a little hasty as wood joints did not meet in multiple places and paint likely could have used a second coat.   They did have some interesting art sporadically hung about.  As I alluded to before the place just didn't seem to be finished.  It was clean inside, but not particularly a calming vibe.
  
  Olive bread they brought out first was the bomb... which is not something I say often... as I wouldn't want to make people to ever have to hear me use that phrase.  The olive oil that came for dipping was sweet and of high quality. The  vinegar was tasty too, but lacking in quantity.  Maybe they were trying to highlight the quality of the EVOO?
  
  Ordered the lamb with raspberry against my feelings of the price mark.  Had the Yukon gold mashed potatoes as the side.  Very simple small plate arrangement that was presented well.  Lamb ordered medium well... just cause it was my first time here.  One was medium raw and the other was perfect.  Both tasted great and were tender, but the sauce or chutney or whatever it was didn't have the taste I expected or one I was in to.  Was heavy on a bitter flavor, maybe some sort of alcohol, so I only tried just a bit.  Didn't seem to pair with the lamb at all.  The potatoes were pretty good.  I had no issue with them other than they come with a pond of butter on top, which for me is a no go, since I try to avoid it.
  
  Didn't try any beverages or dessert, but the water was clean and clear.  Plates and utensils were also in good shape.  Nice cloth napkins as well.
  
  I'd go back if I was invited by someone who might pay, just to try something else and give it another shot.   Three stars for making a solid go of it and offering stuff other places locally are afraid to do.

• Maggie P.

  star star star star star_border 9 June 2026

  The food is good. The service is good.
  I had cornish game hen marsala and it was tasty- my companions were all satisfied with their meals too.
  Atmosphere is not quite there yet- they just opened and it shows. No art on the walls, still looks like a BBQ joint.
  Prices are pretty high for their servings- they are charging fancy linen tablecloth prices and it's just not there yet.

• Holly M.

  star star star star star_border 5 June 2026

  Great food! The food is overpriced for the amount of food you get, but it's the best pasta I've had in Crescent City. The bruschetta was excellent, and the service was great and very quick!
  
  They should definitely add some local beers on tap, with two great breweries in town, but they did have a good selection of micro-brews.

• Gail G.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 5 June 2026

  Was excited to see a new place in town. When you walk in prepare to be underwhelmed, little to no Decor, Bare walls  etc. looks like they rushed and opened without being ready. 2nd thing I noticed was the menu is Waaaaay overpriced for basic pasta in Crescent City!
  Food tasted good but due to price, portion size and presentation this place gets 1 star! I'd go to Safeway instead and pick up pasta and sauce for under 5$ and I bet I'd whip it up prettier than their "chef"