Bella Sera Trattoria - Monrovia

This used to be our go to place for Italian food in Monrovia. After today we will not be returning. We were there about noon and there was only 2 other patrons. That should have been a sign. We ordered fried calamari which was quite salty, The Cesar salad was just ok. We split the chicken piccata. The chicken was dry and the sauce was very bland. We had to ask for bread. It was old bread! Nothing fresh about it. I used the restroom and there were not towels in the dispenser, but rather a roll of towels on the counter. The soap dispenser on the wall was empty. There was a dispenser laying flat in the counter. It was sensored, so when you waved your hand the soap ended up on the counter. The place had just opened yet the restroom was not stocked?? This was our last visit to Bella Sera; it is just not the same.

Tonight my wife and I went to the Restaurant ordered food to pick up, we ordered two Lobster reduction sauce with Scallops W/Angel Hair Pasta, which we ordered before, and we showed the image to the waiter. After waiting 20 minutes, we got our food, but no bread included, I asked waiter, the waiter said Sorry, No! , But before included. After we went back home and found the pasta even no any Lobster and a piece of Salmon! Only Scallops!!! It 's getting dark, we can 't go back to the restaurant. After spent over $55 all the food we brought back we can 't eat at all!

I've been here twice and each time was wonderful! Old town Monrovia is so charming, I'm really happy we've found yet another great restaurant here. First time there was around November 2021, loved it. Second time was yesterday early evening, we celebrated mother's day and my birthday with my husband and my mom. Both time the staff was on point, not a ton of waiting for our order to be taken, drinks, or food. Both times we all loved our chosen dishes and even shared with each other because we all thought we got the best thing. I can't understand why there's so many reviews on here complaining about the food! We really loved ours, plus the ambience is great. It's upscale enough without being uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to give this place a try! We love it and will definitely keep coming back!

I dont know what happened to this place, it used to be delicious but now it's barely edible. We had a bad experience and tried one more time and it still was terrible. We really wanted to believe it was a one off but it seems that they have cut corners and fired the good chefs. Bad food, bad service, bad everything. Cold bread, flavorless food, overpriced, and absolutely disgusting. Do not waste your money here, I beg you!

A unique Italian cuisine in the heart of Monrovia. The service is excellent and the food takes you back to Italy. Highly recommend.