The best restaurants serving Italian food in Chelmsford East of England

I really want to like this place but feel the service is letting it down - although looking at other reviews, we might be an anomaly. We had reserved a table and ours was the last table free - a good sign. But after we had been seated, it took over 20 minutes for anyone to come to take our order, and even then it was only after we attracted attention. Obviously we could see that the restaurant was full, but the staff didn't seem like they were rushed or short-staffed, and were being very attentive to other tables around us. When we were placing our orders, we asked if the house wine - listed on the menu by the glass only - was available as a bottle, to which we were told it was. But when we asked for a bottle of the house red, the waitress said, 'Oh no, only rose or white.' Bit confusing and frustrating, but we were still able to order 2 glasses. After that service did speed up a bit and the food came out at a reasonable interval, beautifully presented and delicious. We decided we wanted to order a dessert, but once again we had to flag someone down to request a menu. I'm not sure if we were in a blind spot, or if there was a mix up over who was meant to be serving us, or that we booked for a bad time, but the service did mar the experience for us. The staff were all polite enough, but we felt forgotten and like we'd inconvenienced them when we drew their attention. It's a shame because the food is so good and the chef is so friendly, and clearly loves his work. I'm not going to say I'll never be back but I have been put off.

I would highly recommend a visit to this fantastic restaurant. It was our first visit and we shall certainly be back soon to try the highly rated Sunday lunch. The staff are also very friendly and attentive to the customers needs. Well worth the visit 👌👍

The pizzas were excellent, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming! A big thank you to Ely❤️

26/4/25 We came for lunch, it was excellent (as usual). Cannot find fault with anything at Vita Bella, always exceptional food and service. 28/3/25. Yet another visit to the best restaurant in Essex. The food, drinks, staff and atmosphere are always excellent. 14/2/25. Four of us came to the Valentine's Lunch, it was excellent. We are regular visitors to Vita Bella, we've never had a disappointing meal. This must be the best restaurant in Essex. 12/12/2024 Four of us came for a Festive Lunch. Two who had never eaten here before, said their meals were excellent. I think I've said everything there is to say about this excellent restaurant. Don't take my word for it, visit Vita Bella, you won't be disappointed. 7/12/24. Eight of us came for lunch (again) Everything was 5* (as usual) Our favourite restaurant. Highly Recommended. 28/9/24 Eight of us came for lunch, the food and restaurant, were excellent as usual. Food 5* Service 5* Atmosphere 5* Staff 5*. Vita Bella is without doubt, the best restaurant we've ever been too. Excellent value for money. 14/2/24 We came for the Valentine's lunch, it was excellent. From the moment you arrive at the restaurant, until you leave, the staff cannot do enough for you. As usual, the food was well cooked, nicely presented and hot. This was the best lunch I've ever had. This restaurant is so good, that we treat ourselves to lunch on a regular basis. 24/8/24 - Lunch. Food 5* Service 5*. Atmosphere 5* 10/6/22 Came with our family to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had a great time from start to finish. There is an extensive food and wine menu. The food was very nicely presented, tasty and hot. The staff are very professional, attentive (but not over powering) friendly and polite. All the staff made a very special occasion, perfect. Recommended

Food was outstanding very good wine and prosecco, service very good great atmosphere very relaxed comfortable will definitely be going again highly recommended

Here for a celebratory work lunch. Great food and excellent service! Massive amounts of pizza and excellent value for money! Bolognaise on a pizza though? Not sure about that one.

Wow!What a fantastic 80th Birthday celebration yesterday 15th March 2025.As visitors to Italy,Sicily and also Sardinia on several occasions,and various regions of all those places,I can safely say that this is the best authentic Italian food we have ever eaten outside of the three aforementioned countries.Well done! We will be back 🇮🇹❤️.

This amazing gem of an Italian is run and owned by an italian and the quality of food and wine showed, good service great food . We found out that you can get great coffee and food during the day also as they owned Poliano that was over the road so we will be back again definitely .

One of the nicest meals we have had. The staff were wonderful and the food was so fresh and delicious 🤤 Can't wait to go back again

Order was put back multiple times, arrived cold and was not enjoyable

This restaurant is sited within the Best Western Atlantic Hotel, the menu choice currently offered is much reduced and not open on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, go elsewhere.

At very short notice they fitted 7 adults in last night my birthday 🎂 the staff were very attentive and the service was spot on Food was absolutely delicious and the cocktails were great..the restaurant recently had a makeover which has been done extremely nice .will certainly be back ..thank you Chelmsford branch 😊

Uncleared tables are just the norm in this cafe and very annoying. Most times you have to clear a table to sit down in the nice area with casual sits. It was so at 3pm on Friday. The coffee is good but the ambiance is dire.

Open on Christmas Day. Very friendly service. Pizzas and chicken bites made freshly. Excellent quality. Thank you very much!