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  5. Upper East Side
Bella Blu, New York, NY
Bella Blu, New York, NY
Bella Blu, New York, NY
Bella Blu, New York, NY
Bella Blu, New York, NY

Bella Blu

4.6
4.6
1161 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
The memorable Northern Italian Cuisine makes this Upper East Side restaurant special. The Spaghetti Lobster is the classic signature dish of this Mediterranean treasure. The Wine Spectator awarded extensive and serious wine menu is carefully selected by owner Enrico Proietti. Very often a private wine tasting is happening at the corner table
making the wine list more notable every season. The one of a kind brick oven offers a variety of dishes, exceptional pizza and foccacina rabbiola that is hard to find in this city. For something sweeter-the deserts are impressive! The atmosphere is charming in this power playing neighborhood.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 988-4624
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    For Special Events please contact: Events@ProiettiGroup.com
  • Private party contact
    Event Director : (212) 802-5587
  • Neighbourhood
    Upper East Side
  • Cross Street
    Between 70th and 71st Streets
  • Parking Details
    Street parking is available on both sides of Lexington Avenue in front of the restaurant. Also, there is a public parking lot on 70th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues.
  • Public Transit
    The 6 Subway stops 2 blocks away on 68th Street.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,161 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

1,161 Reviews
  1. AndrewF

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An outstanding attentive staff, mixology top notch and Italian delicacies often not found outside Italy itself. What more can one ask for in this beautifully designed space with a devoted upper East side clientele. Our maitre d’ Alessandro and our waiter Marcello treated us like family and made our guests feel so welcomed and relaxed. Thank you BellaBlu!

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  2. Dbf22

    New York Area

    182 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    182 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely the best Italian restaurant on the upper east side!!! Our favorite neighborhood gem

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  3. ChuckR

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cool vibe with great energy. The service was fantastic, and the food was really good.

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  4. Manhattan1

    New York Area

    289 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    289 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food always very good. East Side bistro with good ambience. Service a little spotty trying to flag a busy waiter down. Overall very good experience and we’ll be back. PS. Very good wine list with some reasonably priced selections.

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  5. Hate2cook

    New York Area

    131 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    131 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This is a good go to neighborhood restaurant. Food is good, if a bit pricey. The biggest draw back is the noise level which makes conversation difficult. Not to mention the waiters signing happy birthday to one table after another, I think 4 times in the hour and a half we were there. I continue to go because it is convenient, the service is very good and the waiters delightful. And as I said the food is good.

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  6. Dori

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We love Bella Blu always but this time the good was just below the norm. It was good but not great as usual.

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  7. livddream

    New York Area

    47 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    we arrived on time only to be told the kitchen was closed. Bummer. They need to fix their reservation system

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  8. NYLew

    New York Area

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Summer Sunday night, so Bella Blu was a bit easier to get into than usual, but, as usual, it was a fine meal served with the right amount of attention from the waitstaff. Pounded veal chops cooked two ways were both excellent and pastas were perfect. Will I be back? Have a reservation for Thursday night!

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  9. FranG

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For the past 21 years, Bella Blu has been our neighborhood favorite for either lunch or dinner. If they were open for breakfast, we would be there! We have introduced family and friends to the restaurant and consider it a gem. We have yet to be disappointed in the 22 years as the service is unpretentious and gracious, the food is consistently terrific with aesthically pleasing plating and fresh desserts.

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  10. jeanc

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The food was overproced for the quality. It has gone downhill. Too bad.

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  11. NativeNewYorker

    New York Area

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a favorite. Food is consistently good and the staff is lovely. Best thin crust pizza in NYC.

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  12. GinaP

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Good food and service but prices are astronomical

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Wait Staff could not be nicer- surprisingly quiet on July 4th. Pizza was great, crunchy but chewy crust.

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  14. GibsonS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall2food5service2ambience4
    The staff was pushing to turn our table from the 20 minute mark of our dinner on. The food was quite good but we didn’t order many apps or big entrees. At the end of the night, our bill was around $240 for the four of us. I left a 20% tip on my portion of the total bill which included two beers and two mixed drinks + tax. Three minutes after our waiter took the signed receipts, he came back with a fresh one for me to sign, saying he hadn’t seen it. It dawned on me later, that he pulled this prank to get me to add s larger tip. I have always liked the restaurant but doubt I will ever return.

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  15. phisherman

    New York Area

    121 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    121 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great meal, great service, terrific but expensive wine list but really noisy due to seating for restaurant is next to busy bar at Dinner. Would recommend lunch or late dinner.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Was not impressed by their dishes, very expensive and ok. The eggplant pasta dish was so undercooked we couldn’t eat it. The truffle pasta dish was delicious. The salad was small and not with it.

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  17. Lizzie1234

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. A little loud outside. But a lot of fun

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  18. NYC2BOCA

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was excellent. Went over and beyond. Food was amazing.

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  19. GinaP

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous neighborhood restaurant. Great food and wine. Lovely crowd.

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  20. Local

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience2
    Excellent food, not great service or atmosphere inside. Waiter asked if we wanted drinks and I asked for a drinks menu or wine list and he pointed to the bar and said we have everything. My husband ordered wine without a menu which we later saw given to another guest. Tables are beyond packed in, noise level is high and there is no privacy at tables. Food is really good but you have to know what kind of total experience you are in for.

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  21. diningvisiting

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    Staff + manager/owner more interested in socializing and their own lunch (owner was outside with friends)than the experience of their customers. Food bland required much supplemental seasoning. Main courses not served at the same time and no apology offered when error was pointed out. Do not recommend.

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  22. AlexB

    New York Area

    293 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    293 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    One of the best Italians in NYC. It certainly has the best veal chop, better than Carbones in my opinion. Go at lunch if you can. It's more layed back and less busy.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    very nice, delicious stuff were outstanding we sat outside so noise level is very manageable

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  24. MarciaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Ffood excellent service great Unfortunately placed near a table with an extraordinarly loud patron

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  25. babybunny62

    New York Area

    77 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Bella Blu has always been one of my favorite places on the UES. The food is delicious, the design of the restaurant, the lively atmosphere...the lighting fixtures, the pizza oven, all make for a wonderful experience. Last night wasn't the the case. Either they were busier than expected, short staffed, or both. Our waiter was very busy rushing back and forth throughout the evening. We had difficulty getting his attention discretely with eye contact, and it took several attempts to wave him down for basics: more drinks, water, bread, and grated cheese. It also seemed a very long time between placing our entree order and having it served. I will give it another try.

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  26. AnneO

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect for graduation celebration! Our family (7) enjoyed the cosy festive restaurant. Our waiter was helpful. Favorite dishes: penne with tuna; duck papardelle; ribeye steak and French fries. Desserts were yummy—tiramisu and Mille feuille. Italian wine was refreshing.

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  27. ElaineD

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    We ate outdoors expecting to be able to have a conversation with our friends. Unacceptably loud for outdoor dining. Food pleasant.

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  28. Hate2cook

    New York Area

    131 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    131 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Always good and dependable. My only complaint is that they insist on playing music too loud that is unnecessary. I ask that it be lowered, and they comply, only to increase the volume within minutes. Service otherwise is warm and very efficient. Food always very good.

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  29. bernice

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience2
    service was extremely poor. I couldn't not tip the waiters the expected 20% but Bella Blu shouldn't be allowed to get away with this. Pick either more waiters or fewer bookings

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  30. CarolB

    New York Area

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food. One of the best restaurants in NYC

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  31. Squarehead

    New York Area

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The food is excellent and the service is gracious and skilled. This restaurant is a classic.

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  32. AlexB

    New York Area

    293 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    293 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Best veal chop I've ever had and consistent. Great pizza as well. Go at lunch if you can. It's quieter.

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  33. NativeNewYorker

    New York Area

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A longtime neighborhood fave- the food is reliably good and the staff is lovely. The antipasti, pizzas and pastas are always delicious.

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  34. SheilaD

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful food and great service! My 3 friends and I enjoyed an amazing meal. Our waiter was always there when needed, made great suggestions and not intrusive. Will eat there again next time I am in NYC.

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  35. cdknewyork19

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was as usual outstanding. We had burrata and prosciutto and kale salads to start, then lobster pasta, bucatini and pizza, followed by tiramisu and the fruit dessert. It was all so delicious. The atmosphere is lively and the service excellent. It never fails, such a great reliable neighborhood place.

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  36. Hate2cook

    New York Area

    131 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    131 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Always good, always reliable. Has become my go-to neighborhood restaurant. Service is outstanding, friendly and polite.

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  37. ZondraB

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this wonderful restaurant with a warm staff and delicious food but the prices are getting too high for us. Will continue to come but maybe not as much.

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  38. YasmineK

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the staff treat you like family and the food is always so delicious

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  39. NeilM

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another neighborhood gem!

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  40. NYCguest

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    The food was good, but the attitude of the staff was not very good. Even after my family was seated at a table, several times they asked if we really had a table booked. Either they could not believe their luck that we had arrived, or, on the contrary, they were not happy about it at all. Service is average. One toilet for the whole restaurant and there is always a queue. I won't go there for the second time.

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FAQs

Bella Blu does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates.

Bella Blu is rated 4.6 stars by 1161 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Bella Blu

967 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Between 70th and 71st Streets
  • Neighbourhood
    Upper East Side
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking Details
    Street parking is available on both sides of Lexington Avenue in front of the restaurant. Also, there is a public parking lot on 70th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues.
  • Public Transit
    The 6 Subway stops 2 blocks away on 68th Street.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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