I rarely write reviews of restaurants - but the service and food I had last night at Bella Italia in Riverside deserves one. Despite the place being full to the rafters, the lovely man who showed us to our table and our equally lovely waitress, made sure we received top notch service. I had booked online prior to our arrival to ensure a table. If possible (I commented via the online form), I’d like us to be seated at a booth at the back of the restaurant. Upon arrival, the man who greeted us (I think his name is Christian?) apologised that my particular request couldn’t be granted due to excessive numbers in the restaurant that night (the booths seat parties of 4, so I understood how they’d need to allocate these to parties larger than our own). I relayed these thoughts to him and said it wasn’t an issue in the slightest. However, much to my surprise, he came over with a complimentary glass of Prosecco to apologise for being unable to fulfil my original seating request! A lovely gesture that was very unexpected, but showed exceptional customer service. The service during the evening overall was friendly, professional and quick. Despite the restaurant being full, we didn’t have to wait long at all for our food. When we received it, the food was piping hot, delicious and just as we had hoped. We both plumped for the new ‘low calorie’ amore dishes... and I would certainly recommend them to those wanting to watch their waistline without wanting to skimp on taste! Again - a great evening with great food. Thanks to all the team. We shall be back again very soon! ��

Thank you to all the staff working this Sunday evening, was attending a big meal with friends and my 18 month old little boy decided to throw the biggest tantrums ever during the 2 hours we stayed, staff were amazing and friendly and very interactive with my little handful and when he made an escape for the kitchen the manager got all the chefs to wave at him instead of ignoring him! Food was amazing and the service was great, I was feeling very stressed by my sons tantrums and the staff were so friendly and felt very happy throughout our whole visit, the other customers sitting near us were absolute stars and were making my little boy laugh too, thank you, will visit again if you will have us! Ha ha We were also visiting from Colchester so I used baby changing to get the boy in his pyjamas before the drive home and noticed the lovely calming music being played in the toilets so had to just mention that too!