My lawyer, Jeff L, kept telling me about this place so I had to check it out.

I was very impressed. Bella Mia is probably one of the biggest restaurants in Downtown San Jose with a huge formal grand ballroom with private bar, two "very clubby" inter-connected fireside club rooms, (and thats just on the second floor). There's a hidden fountain garden patio as you enter from Second Street, you pass by a very open and "brassy" exhibition kitchen and casual style booth room section and then there's a formal tablecloth and white linen napkin dining room facing First Street. The bar entrance facing First Street is small but very elegant with very tall, well stocked, wine cabinets lining one wall and an even bigger mirrored back bar on the other wall.

Who ever designed this restaurant had very good (and expensive) taste. Lots of mahogany stained solid woods accented by heavy brass . I used to be in the restaurant biz so I can appreciate the beauty in a well designed eatery.

The menu is Italian and unlike most "cookie cutter" restaurants that are popular now, from what I learned on my visit, everything in the Bella Mia kitchen is made from scratch. The prices are fair for dining out with some very good filet steak specials on mid-week nights.



While looking over the menu, my usual aperitif, Compari and soda with a twist was served promptly in a heavy rocks glass.

As recommended by the waiter, I tried a new lunch item on the menu, the rib steak sandwich with garlic fries. Grilled on an open flame and placed inside soft garlic French bread. This was one of the best steak sandwiches I have ever had and now I know where Gordon Biersch got the recipe for garlic fries. Try the fries with a side of ranch dressing dip and don't fill up on the warm foccacia bread and tasty cheesie spread before your meal arrives.

The espresso was served as it should be, rich, strong and creamy with a twist of lemon and raw sugar cubes...the best.



The service couldn't be any better for a Downtown restaurant.

I hear Bella Mia is famous for other dishes (scallopini and parmigiana) with many reviews and write-ups from critics.

"I'll be back soon"