La Bella Vista in Hastings

had the cod risotto - wonderful

This was our first visit to celebrate our grandsons birthday, but our family are regular visitors. We were very impressed with everything. The staff were lovely and the service was great, even though it was very busy on a Friday lunchtime. The spring set menu was so inventive and all 3 courses were highly praised by us all. Everything that needed to be hot, was piping hot, always a bonus.. Plenty of water without being asked, and the wine was expertly served from a stunning decanter . We will come again! Thank you!

Delicious food all round, friendly staff. Great place, happily return 😀

The best Linguine ai Frutti di Mare I’ve ever had. Coated in a rich, bisque-like sauce—everything was perfectly cooked, and the portion was very generous. I didn’t see garlic listed on the menu, and the staff didn’t check for allergies, but despite my mistake, they were kind and offered to replace the dish. The pasta was some of the best handmade I’ve had in a while. The calamari was fresh, with just the right amount of crispiness and bite. A pity we had to attend a function right after—otherwise, it would have been a pleasure to try the pudding.

Terrible Service & Food Poisoning symptoms – Avoid at All Costs! We had high hopes for La Bella Vista, but this was hands down one of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had. We went there cos of little red book recommendation, but it was absolutely disappointing.The service was slow, and the staff seemed uninterested in helping. We waited ages for our food, and when it finally arrived, it wasn’t what we were hoped for. To make things even worse, a few hours after eating, we started feeling sick. We ended up with a horrible case of food poisoning symptoms that ruined the rest of our Saturday night.Absolutely unacceptable! I would never recommend this place to anyone—stay far away!

We loved our meal at La Bella Vista. The food was delicious, especially the conchiglione, the restaurant was very accommodating in allowing us to order a few dishes to share. The atmosphere is warm, fun and friendly. The most noticeable positive was the service - such a thoughtful, friendly and professional waiting team. They took care to make sure everyone was enjoying their meal and had what they needed without ever being overbearing. They made a birthday meal feel very special.

Lovely place , good service great food

They didn't bother to rip the tails off from capers...I ordered from another restaurant same dish...way better...

Brilliant as usual. Never disappoints.

My husband and I visited last night for a rare night out without the children! It was an absolutely wonderful meal. Despite the restaurant being full the service was brilliant and staff were attentive and kind. It’s our favourite restaurant in Hastings and would recommend to all.

Best meal we've had in..., well ever! Superb food, fabulous wine, fantastic service. Oh, and the view is gorgeous. All we can say is Stupafecente!

Wow wow WOW!! La Bella Vista is just the absolute ticket. We visited for my husband’s birthday and we were seated with a smile and a lovely made up table. Everyone we spoke to was incredibly polite and offered up their personal favourite dishes. We had the olives which were amazing and then my husband had the seafood linguine which came with a bowl to put the discarded shells, which kept getting replaced - little touches like that which elevates things to the next level- and not to mention the food is absolutely out of this world. I had the tuna which was delicious too. My husband had the pistachio blonde and he’s not a dessert kind of guy but he is still raving about it now! Then they brought out a birthday shot for him and remembered our names which also for the first time being there really made us feel so special. It was just an experience from start to finish and one we will not forget in a hurry because it was just amazing! We will be back! Thank you for the amazing food.

Wow. What a fabulous place. Staff exceptionally attentive and helpful, food was amazing and a wonderful ambience. . Can't recommend it highly enough.

It's not the first time we go to this restaurant and as usual beautiful atmosphere, amazing food and simply fantastic staff, we spent a really special Monday night thanks

We decided to have a cheeky weekend away in Hastings and decided to book la Bella Vista. The service was outstanding and the waiters were so helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. The food was absolutely amazing, I had oysters to start and melt in the mouth cod, my husband had the beef tartare followed by a lovely pasta dish. We both left completely satisfied and very very happy. So highly recommended If you are thinking of eating here, don’t look any further It’s Outstanding!!!

Amazing experience always and fantastic food!

Delicious meal, we had the set lunch, and portions were plenty big enough but not overpowering. The service was great. Shall definitely return.

Best seafood risotto to try even for those who don’t like seafood! And also the panna cotta is really good

Really welcoming for starters.. please expect to wait a little for your food as it is all cooked from scratchbut well worth it . I called ahead to book a it is very busy on a Saturday evening at least. Staff was friendly and observant. We did get the wrong wine but the restaurant came up with the right one and left the first lot behind free of charge. I had squid for starters and calzone for mains. You can add bits to it if you wish but it was nice as it was. My vegetarian partner had goats cheese salad and aubergine and spinach pasta , which she enjoyed as empty plates agree with this statement. To sum up. Good Italian food for reasonable prices. I would recommend giving them a test drive!

We didn't have a reservation but they managed to fit us in, and we didn't have to wait too long. It was one of our best meals and experiences. All the food is 'real', fresh and cooked from scratch. Amazing and pure Italian. Staff is wonderful, they all went way and beyond to provide a good service and experience. They have artists, food magicians, in the kitchen. They all managed to serve food rich in flavour, well prepared and presented to a 5***** standard, despite having a constant full house for about 4 hours non stop. We already booked a table to come back tomorrow and try other dishes. 😂 Also made plans to bring friends and family in the future. The table service was perfect. They don't add service charges to the bill. It's the costumers' choice to add it or not. We asked for it to be added because it's well deserved. We highly recommend. You will not regret it.

Fantastic food and service . Highly recommend shall be visiting again.

Always a great experience - the absolute best food experience in whole Hastings! Italian vibes, Italian team and the Owner is a gentleman - has the art!

Fantastic food, cozy atmosphere, friendly and considerate service. The menu includes some rare treats like sgroppino, a delectable light dessert with lemon sorbet and Prosecco. The crab was also particularly delicious.

Absolutely the best food, a real treat, arrived 25 mins early fantastic

Classy, elegant dining room Young, attentive staff. Food nicely presented and tasty.

Food was sensational, had honey and nut iced king prawns to start followed by a cod loin main which was perfectly cooked. We were there for my sisters meal after her wedding and all the party had amazing food served. The restaurant was fully booked so service and drinks was a little slow but the food made up for the wait. Would highly recommend.

Perfect birthday lunch. Delicious food, attentive staff and lovely atmosphere. I can't wait to return.

We absolutely loved our experience at this Italian restaurant which is situated right on seafront at St. Leonard's. Outstanding food and outstanding staff & service. We had a wonderful afternoon and will definitely return when next visiting St. Leonard's or Hastings. Thank you very much La Bella Vista! 10/10!

The food and service were good. However we just had two courses picking the cheaper mains, all the additions were overly expensive. Meal for two over £90 with just one alcohol drink. Coffee and garlic bread. Won’t be going back anytime soon.

We went there for our works Christmas Party. Safe to say it was wonderful. The food was fantastic. Considering there were 34 of us plus other tables. The food was hot and presented beautifully. The staff were friendly and happy to help. All in all a fabulous afternoon was had. I'm hoping we get to go again in 2025!

We had a wonderful evening. Great food and excellent atmosphere. Reasonable prices for quality of food. Would definitely visit again. Real family feel to the establishment.

Great food, lovely service, everything is perfect

Just wonderful! The food, the service and the atmosphere were spot on. I simply cannot fault them in any way. The calves liver I had was the best I've ever had. Incredible. Hat's off to you and your staff too Aldo. 10/10.

Great Restaurant, Great Service and Great Food. Thanks Bella Vista for a lovely evening!

All in all a really good evening there - cannot fault the staff all very welcoming and nothing was too much hassle.

Maybe the best calamari I’ve ever had - the sauce was delicious. Pasta portions were large and the prawns on the gamberi pasta were so generous! Our servers were super friendly. Just a lovely place!

There is not one thing I could complain about,service was attentive from beginning to end,the food was out of this world and just before I left had to go downstairs to the little girls room and even that surpassed expectations...plus of course the view....WONDERFUL

Amazing food. Will definitely return soon!

We drove an hour especially to come to this restaurant after reading they had been in trouble with some customers who had tried to leave without paying. We didn't come because of that, but because the reviews were really good (as was the weather). Our experience confirmed the previous comments : lovely atmosphere with a very friendly and professional team (exceptional service, caring and discreet at the same time), food was authentic and delicious (cod risotto, carbonara, margerita, tiramisu, pannacotta), and an amazing location with view on the sea. Lots of regulars, which is usually a good sign. It felt like being at home. PS : I personally wouldn't be shocked if you'd ask for a prepayment or card details. If you think of it, some hospitality businesses do it already and most people understand.

Always vibrant, attentive, well presented restaurant with fantastic food and drink. Very much recommended.

Always amazing here and very welcoming, they always go above and beyond to make your time the best, 100% reccomend

Fantastic food and quality service,that won't break the bank

Unbelievably good ,xx thank you

Great food, great service and music on selected nights. The music nights are so so good.

Great service, the food is always delicious. My favourite place to eat in Hastings/ St Leonard’s.

Great service and atmosphere. The food was good, but the prices felt a bit steep. Would absolutely be 5* if you could get most pasta dishes for -£15.

Great restaurant. Fantastic food, drinks and service. The only slight complaint was the odd cover music playing!! Get a PRS license!!

Amazing risotto, pizza, lasagna, and dessert!

Had a fantastic meal here for my birthday this evening- they catered for 14 of us and the food and service was truly wonderful. Our waiter, whose name I sadly did not catch, was extremely attentive and they even surprised me with a birthday shot of limoncello at the end! Couldn’t recommend enough, thank you so much for having us!

The best dining experience we’ve had, anywhere in the UK for a long time. It was no surprise to hear that the restaurant is family run. The sense of care and warmth shown by every single member of the team was a joy to be on the receiving end of. Superb food and a humming atmosphere too. Grazie mille to the whole team.

The food and service were excellent. Both the owner and server were incredibly friendly. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience there.

The Highs We use this restaurant on a fairly regular basis, this time we were celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary with friends, as always the food was outstanding, tastes absolutely delicious Service was good but not as good as normal, it lacked attention to detail The Lows I booked this on the 11th September for Saturday 19th October, I especially asked for the round table in the window at the time of booking, when we arrived they had no booking for us and the round table was being used. It sort of tainted my day, felt let down and disappointed. Half hearted apologies.

Enjoyed beautifully presented delicious dishes at La Bella Vista from the amazing set lunch menu. And thanks again to Aldo, Deborah and professional friendly staff for a smashing birthday lunch x

I ordered takeaway and the food is fantastic. The delivery guy checked my food was for me. (Which was good) Would definitely recommend eating here. As it was takeaway, I cannot comment on atmosphere.

Eight of us went for dinner at this amazing restaurant and had the most wonderful food and wine. The staff were extremely attentive and the whole experience could not have been better. We all live in Northamptonshire but feel that we would drive down to St.Leonards just to eat here!

Wonderful restaurant and cannot recommend it highly enough. Beautiful decor with pretty outdoor seating area reminiscent of a Mediterranean street cafe. Staff were very friendly, polite and respectful and we loved Aldo the owner. The extensive menu made it difficult to choose what to have. The food was delicious and I wish I could have made room to sample a dessert. A wonderful evening and would definitely return.

I highly recommend the octopus legs starter, it's delicious! The restaurant has great ambience and looks out to the sea!

Incredible food, lovely staff who let us sit outside with our dog. He was served a water bowl and treats without us even having to ask! They also put the heater on for us, can’t fault this service. Wonderful place, highly recommend!

Lovely set menu, but limited gluten free choice, but what they did have was lovely. Check the price of your drinks before you order though, as we paid £13.95 a glass and about the same for a cocktail!!

Great Italian food, views,family restaurant vibe and service(though had to remind about coffee order).Not inexpensive but quality isn't, and will definitely revisit.

Amazing experience, the food was superb. The Calamari was to die for.

Lovely food, service and restaurant - it was a lovely sunny day too we could have been on holiday anywhere in the world! We’ll be back

Excellent food, service and staff

Ok I'll declare I work in the industry owning a restaurant in London. We have bought a place in St Leonards and have sought out places to eat there. Like everywhere it can be hit and miss. But this place is wholly consistent La Bella Vista is a place we have frequented many times in the last two years. It is difficult anywhere to find such excellence as is dished out here. Such establishments tend to be a minority in my experience and it often stems from the owners passion and how that is passed down to the staff. The attention to detail by the owners on both service and food is a joy to watch, you can sense the passion they have towards food and their business.. This will bode well for anyone working there as they pick up good working practices. It is nice to see a collection of young people working here to such high standards. We are based in London and enjoy our forays into St Leonards and this place is an absolute favourite of ours. Keep up the good work! guys!

La Bella Vista Restaurant is exquisite. A 5-star Impressive restaurant, menu and dining experience every visit. I’ve introduced a new resident of St Leonards On Sea to La Bella Vista. She was very impressed and satisfied.

Best breakfast in East Sussex! Food was excellent and we couldn't have asked for better service. We will be returning soon.

A special evening for our 30th wedding anniversary. We had the seafood tower...we enjoyed most of it. Tuna needed to be cut much thinner..it was unpleasant and chewy. The service started well, but it was clear at around 9pm the young waiting staff switched their focus from their customers to prepping ready for service the next day..presumably so they could get away quickly. We had to ask for everything ..our plates to be cleared, the dessert menu...etc..etc. There was no checkback either. I did mention this when we asked for the bill. They need to remember they still have customers.

Great double 30th birthday treat. Thank you. O

This restaurant has to be best in Hastings. So nice. The food is incredible the staff are ALL amazing I had the calzone it was incredible. Well done Bella vista keep up the amazing work.

We had a lovely lunch.....we appreciate the wonderful cooking and know that everything is cooked to order. We just felt that the service was a little slow and perhaps less attentive than we have experienced before at the Bella Vista.......it would have been nice to have been asked if we wanted a drink once we were all seated.....even when just 4 of us had arrived.

This is the best Italian around, staff so friendly and efficient. The food is perfect and the decor is gorgeous

Absolutely love this restaurant, right on the seafront of St. Leonards on Sea. Summer dining outside is a joy, and when it gets a little chilly, they have the most efficient (and attractive) outdoor heater I have ever seen. The service is exemplary, the welcome always warm, and the food always delicious. Keep an eye out for their special musical evenings, and take note of the amazing art painted by local artists, on the wall.

Bella vista is a fabulous restaurant. It's my third time there and I'm never disappointed with the quality of food. Plus, the young staff are attentive and friendly at all times.

Absolutely wonderful, how lucky the people living in this area are !

Another great meal at this lovely restaurant Staff are always so friendly and pleasant. A pleasure to come and dine here.

Food amazing, staff couldn't do enough for you 10/10

Had my wife's 60th birthday party here. There was 30 of us. The service, food and the atmosphere was excellent. Could not have been any better. A massive thank you to all the team for making the day such a memorable occasion.

Our first breakfast experience at La Bella Vista. Will definitely return.

Beautiful meal with my friend Diana absolutely delicious outstanding as always YOU ARE MY FAVOURITE! Thanks Aldo and Team♥️

We had a lovely family event. Good food, good service and lovely atmosphere.

Top tier food and service 😁 Seated outside and was even given lights and offered blankets, couldn’t have an asked for a better dinner!! Thank you

Divine. The food was delicious beyond words, the staff were friendly, helpful and the perfect level of attentive. A beautifully sophisticated and varied Italian menu. Can’t wait to go back to try more

This is our second time at The Bella Vista and once again we were not disappointed. Our waitress was lovely and very helpful and the food was great. Buonissima! We will be returning soon.

The food was gorgeous, the time between ordering and being served was relatively quick, friendly staff. The only recommendation is for them to extend their restaurant for more space, as it was quite cramp. Also, make sure to either get to the restaurant at least 20-30 minutes early as there is only public parking which is limited.

The best Italian restaurant I’ve been to. Amazing service, atmosphere and the food and drink was faultless.

A charming restaurant facing the sea. I didn't have a booking but they kindly accommodated me on what was a very busy Sunday dinner service. Staff were attentive and warm, food was excellent. Calamari and seafood linguine was fresh with great flavours. An excellent experience and a highlight of my holiday.

I thought La Bella Vista was excellent. A really lovely meal, efficient and very pleasant staff, just the right atmosphere / ambience. It was well worth travelling 2 to 2.5 hours to eat there. My wife and I returned home very happy. Thanks again.

This restaurant goes from strength to strength. Just the best place for beautiful food and a beautiful evening. Thank you.

Went and visited for a big birthday. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was fantastic. They really made us feel special.

Lovely venue. Great food. Friendly accommodating staff. Recommend.

Beautifully cooked food delightfully served by attentive attractive staff

We shared our 7th wedding anniversary dinner here and wasn’t disappointed. A warm welcome, great service throughout the meal and the food was amazing. Excited to see you have some Music evenings coming up. We’ll be looking to book one soon.

Lovely place to eat, food delicious and a friendly welcome too.

Everything was amazing:) I’ll definitely visit here again:)

What a lovely restaurant. Amazing food, superb service and great atmosphere. Would highly recommend!

The food here is always first class. The staff are very welcoming and all have excellent communication skills. The premises are very clean and the dining areas are most relaxing.

Ordered lunch set menu, liked the prawn cocktail, didn’t not like the main course. I went there alone, waitresses are not responsive, waited 30 min to pay my bill. Maybe they lack staff. By the time finishing my food I feel exhausted by the time I had to wait.

Excellent evening spent at Bella Vista. Friendly efficient staff with very good food and at no time were we rushed to leave even though we were last in the restaurant

A delightful place to eat, superb food, lovely staff, great ambience.

I was prepared to be a little disappointed based on my previous two visits, perhaps because the owner wasn’t present back then, who knows. Liver cooked to perfection.An altogether excellent meal. All 3 of us enjoy it immensely. They’ve certainly taken things up another notch and even the deserts are worth a try as in the past that were just a little underwhelming.