Bella Vino Restaurant on Route 315 open yet? (Pittston, McDonald: transplants, work)

[rockky]

Thanks for letting us know of your experience, winegeek.

The poor acoustics are a deal breaker for me. I enjoy dinner conversation, and I want to hear what is being said to me. It's embarrassing to sit, smile, and nod your head.

[Summering]

Rockky, Looks like this isn't the place to meet for lunch!! LOL

[rockky]

Guess not.

Maybe memories knows of a place up that way.

[ScranBarre]

Thanks for the review, but I must say I'm disappointed. I have heard that prices are outrageous, but with how upscale Pittston is becoming nowadays with its $300,000+ townhomes everywhere I'm really not surprised. I think I'll be taking my partner to Dominic's, a nice restaurant overlooking Harvey's Lake, for our 9-month anniversary.

[John C.]

Visited Bella Vino for dinner last night with some business friends. The venue itself is extremely impressive with 3 story high wood ceiling and a sharp looking bar. The bathroom was spotless and expertly furnished. Hostesses were very attractive young 20 somethings, that were very welcoming and did their jobs well. Deck looks great, with a capeted floor and snappy looking furniture, and is scheduled to open this weekend. The lounge/ultra wine bar downstairs is still a few weeks away.
Service was very attentive and our server very knowledgeable with the food and wine list (knew her when she worked at Isabella). The menu was very well laid out, and certainly on the expensive, but not outrageous, side. A nice selection of seafood, beef (3 different portions) and other entree's were offered, basically ala carte, with the exception of a dinner salad or soup accompanying your entree. The menu itself was in an attractive leather sheath, which added to the big city feel of the restaurant. Also, had 2 visits from the male manager, who I believe is one of the owners, and 1 visit from a very friendly female manager. I thought their visits and attention were very professional.
My only major gripe is the fact that it is totally smoking restaurant and bar. It wasn't an issue last evening, being a relatively slow Monday, but I can assume it may get smokey on a busy weekend. Perhaps if the State Legislature/Senat ever bites the bullet and passes the Smoking Ban they've been fumbling over the years, this drawback would be eliminated. I would highly recommend visting this restaurant for a business type dinner meeting or a romantic night out with your date/spouse.

[FightinPhils]

I can't believe that a restaurant opening in this day and age would allow smoking throughout the entire restaurant....well, I guess its true...NEPA is the place to be at the end of the world, since we're always 30 years behind.

The writing is on the wall for a smoking ban in PA....why wouldn't they just ban smoking or at least confine it to one small section?

[ScranBarre]

Thank you John as well for your insight. Since I only live just down the road from this establishment it makes perfect sense that I should at least give it a try for a romantic evening. I'm in total agreement with MrKrabs though that it's hard to believe such a chic, cosmopolitan, trendy restaurant would permit smoking throughout its premises. I know of many people besides myself who will find that to be an immense turn-off. I know the people of Scranton did nothing but bellyache over their smoking ban, but they're simply delaying the inevitable; a statewide ban is on its way for sure!

[Dino Boy]

I read the message above and just had to say something-a group of us heard about Bella Vino from a friend and all I can say is that it was incredible. The food is out of this world and the service was great. The building itself is just remarkable-nothing like this except in New York City.

I can't wait to go back.

Dino Boy

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by Dino Boy

I read the message above and just had to say something-a group of us heard about Bella Vino from a friend and all I can say is that it was incredible. The food is out of this world and the service was great. The building itself is just remarkable-nothing like this except in New York City.

I can't wait to go back.

Dino Boy

Thanks for the uplifting review. I really do have to head on out to give this new place a try. I'm always whining that new independent businesses in Greater Pittston tend to have a difficult time making a go of it, yet I myself don't patronize them nearly as often as I should.

[youngprofdiner]

I visited Bella Vino twice this week. The first time for drinks and just to check it out. The second for a bite to eat at the bar/lounge area. The atmosphere is very nice and unlike anything we have seen in northeast Pa in quite some time. I also noticed the aweful accoustics. I, being in my mid 20s, had a hard time hearing the people I was socializing with. I can only imagine how difficult it might be for some one older. Also.. the accoustics are not set up to really support and compliment live entertainment (which was playing both of my visits). I found the entertainment (though good musicians) to be distracting and some what annoying. Upon my second visit I found the food to be tasty (though a bit pricy - small portions). The couple that joined us enjoyed their meal but also commented on the portion sizes, prices and distracting noise. Our entire party was very taken back by the unprofessional service. Our server was unattentive, unprofessional and unorganized. The server ACTUALLY opened the check presentor in front of us to check out the tip we left before walking away without a "thank you". Atmosphere is a great draw for people but GOOD SERVICE and PRICING / PORTIONING is what will continue to bring people back. I suppose I will check it out again after all the hype dies down to see if good management adjustments were made...