Harden's survey result
Summary
This “time-warp classic Italian trattoria” – a Bloomsbury fixture for more than 35 years – is “fun, bubbly, and has food as Mama would have made it” (somewhere between “delicious” and “not bad”). “The buzzy atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped in off the streets of Rome”, and with its “1970s food at 1990s prices, the place deserves a medal” for value. Top Tip – “charming with young children”.
Summary
This “ever bustling traditional Italian” has brought an affordable taste of ‘la dolce vita’ to Bloomsbury for 35 years. The “standard” food “is pretty good for the reasonable price”, “but is not really the point”: it’s “very cheerful” with a “superb buzz”. “Perfect for a family get-together with children.”
Summary
“The perfect trat’” is a typically affectionate tribute to this “merry” Bloomsbury Italian, where “the food is not spectacular” but “unbelievably good value” and served in “an ambience reminiscent of 1960s Fellini and Antonioni films”. “It was my staple when I was poor and first moved to London, then I got marginally richer and moved on, but I recently went back and was reminded how great it is”.
Summary
“Chaotic and charming” (like Boris Johnson, for whom apparently it’s a favourite) – this “full-to-bursting”, “old school Italian (like stepping back into the ’70s)” in Bloomsbury is the epitome of a “cheap ’n’ cheerful” trattoria. It’s the “verve and enthusiasm” of the staff and “slightly manic atmosphere” that stand out though, rather than the “family-sized portions of simple classics”.
Restaurant details
Ciao Bella Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I had before eaten at Ciao Bella at lunchtime, when it was fine. But at 7 30 pm on a June evening, it was full, and the food and service completely cratered. Our starters took 30 minutes and out mains were 50 minutes late. My Gamberini were massively overcooked. The noise level was such that you could hardly have a conversation. All very disappointing. The prices seem to have moved up as well."
"It's fun, and great for people watching."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £23.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £2.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
86-90 Lamb’s Conduit St, London, WC1N 3LZ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-11:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-10:30 pm |
Best Italian restaurants nearby
Italian restaurant in LONDON
Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell
Italian restaurant in Covent Garden
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Sandwiches, cakes, etc restaurant in Bloomsbury
Korean restaurant in Holborn
British, Modern restaurant in Bloomsbury