How Beautiful It Is

Published on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, by Cicely Wedgeworth / Edit Post

Café Bella Roma S.P.Q.R. opened in June, and it’s getting rave reviews like the early days of La Buca.

There’s nothing magically new here, just delicious chow. Chef Roberto Amico, late of Clafoutis and originally from Rome, is trying to re-create a casual restaurant in Italy. The presence of his friendly wife, Lisa, adds to the homey feel.

Crab cocktail is delicious, chock-full of fresh crab with fresh cantaloupe, lemon, and spices, says kotter. Branzino baked in salt is moist and perfect, served with sautéed spinach, potato purée, grilled polenta, and a lemon-caper sauce.

On weekend mornings, they serve brunch—the Italian breakfast plate has sliced meats and cheeses, breads, jam, and Nutella. There are also American-style egg dishes as well as various frittate (“just like an omelette, except ‘omelette’ is French,” says the menu).

They don’t have a liquor license so far; corkage is just $4.

The restaurant is small and cozy, with a comfortable patio. Lots of street noise from Robertson, though.

Café Bella Roma S.P.Q.R. [Mid-City]
1513 S. Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles
310-277-ROMA
Location

Board Link: Bella Roma SPQR – Review

ALLLos Angeles Digest
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  • Very disappointed with this visit. We have been semi-regluar to Cafe Bella Roma. We previously enjoyed the food and service and had thus decided it would be a perfect place to hold a birthday dinner. This time around- we were treated to shoddy service and sub par food.

    We made reservations for seven people and came by early in the day to drop off very nice wine to be opened and decanted...+READ

    Very disappointed with this visit. We have been semi-regluar to Cafe Bella Roma. We previously enjoyed the food and service and had thus decided it would be a perfect place to hold a birthday dinner. This time around- we were treated to shoddy service and sub par food.

    We made reservations for seven people and came by early in the day to drop off very nice wine to be opened and decanted specifically an hour before our reservation to enjoy with the meal. The chef had assured us. We arrived on time and were seated. The wait staff seemed confused that we had brought wine in earlier and had no recollection of us. After much fumbling around by the wait staff- they produced the wine still in its bottle- having just been opened.

    The night went downhill from there. They completely botched our orders- appetizers, entrees and dessert, brought us dishes we didn't order and instead of taking responsibility for their mistakes tried to make it sound- in fact insisted that we, the customers, were confused. We were, by far, the largest party at the restaurant that night and, one would think, that would be able to assure solid service. The food wasn't cooked to order and I'm beginning to suspect that while they advertise the finest ingredients for the finest dishes- much of their food is pre-made and frozen. Needless to say- it was a huge disappointment- especially for what was supposed to be a special occasion. We won't be returning.-COLLAPSE