Ciao Bella Cafe

This place is AWESOME!!!
Not sure what the poor reviews are for. My rating is for the restaurant portion, not the coffee/​sweets section. Lamb burger is off the chain! Butternut squash soup was gourmet level and AMAZING! Everything I order tastes healthy but oh so flavorful! Down to the side salad. I swear, if this place leaves, I will hate Unilocal forever. What’s up with all the idiot poor reviews? Food is GREAT and that’s what matters most to me. Servers have always been friendly.

I wish I could review Ciao Bella’s food, unfortunately, the last three times I’ve been here, I’ve had to leave after being completely ignored by the staff. Seriously, how hard can it be to greet your customers? Every other restaurant does it? Why can’t Ciao Bella?
I really, really want this place to succeed as I live 2 blocks away and their menu looks good and has items I’d love to try, especially during brunch, which is why I’ve come back time after time hoping to eat but never actually tasting the food. All three times my wife and I have sat at a table, for as long as 15 – 20 minutes and no one comes to talk to us, not even getting a menu or a glass of water. Third time, we purposefully marked the time we sat down and decided we would wait exactly 15 minutes. 10 minutes in, an employee that was walking out the door to go home noticed us and walked back, grabbed two menus and dropped them at our table, apologizing for the wait. We waited another five minutes and no one came. Again, not even a glass of water. The place had good traffic, but wasn’t particularly packed or busy, which drives me even crazier.
Please please please get your act together guys. I really want you to succeed but you really need to come up with a system or something to improve your service.

This is for customer service: always rude or really confused. I hate to say it, but just walk to Starbucks.

Here is what you get when you order the $ 7 bagel and lox: one skimpy slice of salmon, wrapped in wax paper, inside a squished, sweaty (but not steamed) very hot bagel, and a stingy scoop of cream cheese. You can add an onion slice and a tomato slice for $ 1, which is frankly ridiculous. Onion and tomato slices are easily the cheapest component of this dish. Also, since they put the salmon inside the hot hot bagel, it actually cooked the salmon inside and got tough and dry on the edges. Also, it stuck to the wax paper and had to be peeled off in little chunks.
The service is extremely slow. Sometimes a single server will be working the entire packed dining room while two people stand behind the coffee bar, chatting and texting. I went there once before and my partner and I waited almost an hour for a plate of eggs and bacon, which arrived undercooked and cold to the touch. I should have known not to come back after that. The menu items are very overpriced. For what they charge, the quality should be much higher and the portions less stingy. They charge extra for items that should just come on the plate, i.e. everything that has any kind of sauce. I would say that the food ranges from passable to mediocre or just nasty. There is no consistency and no quality control. I live right across the street, and the neighborhood has limited options for dining out, but I will not be going back.

If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would. But I like the place, so four it is.
COFFEE: metropolis. Keeps me from walking the extra mile or so to metropolis. Bottomless cup is a great value.
SERVICE: courteous and friendly, but they need to clarify their «system,» as some other commenters have brought up. Off peak, I’ve never had a problem. At mealtimes, though, it’s unclear: will they tell you when your order is ready? It’s a large enough space and wideranging enough menu to merit waitstaff. Probably a number system is just the ticket. As it is, anyone who orders and is pretty hungry just sort of looks up nervously anytime there’s action by the food counter, and it seems like it’s putting a lot on the cashier’s short term memory.
SPACE: Beautiful if a tad cold, accommodating study groups and loner wifi scammers (er, «freelance writers»), dining couples, and paper-​reading seniors. Variety of lighting depending on time of day, in the corner lot. Lovely if loud patio seating on north north lake shore drive, as Sheridan is up here. Not as hip as growling rabbit, as well lit as metropolis, but a good third place for the neighborhood. There is a well known coffee chain a block south, and seating is SO cramped. Come here instead and get your own table and a much better view.
FOOD: I like the pastries. I recall having some uneven experiences early in the summer with bland entrees, and maybe a bit overpriced what you get for café food. Not on par with growling rabbit foodwise. Lunch was the problem, breakfast seemed fine. It’s coffeehouse food, and if you’re not a foodie you’ll probably think it’s okay but wish you paid less.
Bottom line: promising, but could use a system that makes sense of its large storefront spread, laid out like a panera.

The wife and I came here on a Sunday for some brunch. She had been here previously with my brother who was in town to visit some colleges. They both enjoyed the place so why not give it a go.
It’s definitely larger than you’d expect and I can see why people might find it difficult to «select your level of service». But it was easy enough to get seated and order up a decent brunch selection.
The food, it was good. Really good. It wasn’t greasy fast food junk and it wasn’t 3 Michelin starred but I don’t think that’s what they are going for here. What I do think they are going for is good food and an atmosphere that attracts the local Loyola students for some coffee and schoolwork and the rest of Rogers Park professionals that are just wanting a laid back place to grab a bite and enjoy the day off.
A mixed concept but definitely something you don’t want to write off. Sometimes the growth of a place like this can be a tremendous experience. Let it grow. I’ll be back. Try it out.

I live right near this place. Hadn’t been there yet, so looked at the menu to see about getting a sandwich to go and eat at the beach a block away. Spied the corned beef reuben … one of my weaknesses. Waited for quite some time in a non-​busy restaurant. I don’t mind it when a restaurant takes long; it often means the food is meticulously prepared. The sandwich is around $ 9 and comes with a side. I enjoyed the sandwich, but the corned beef was not sliced thinly enough and it was really skimpy. I realize it’s not a New York deli, but for $ 9 plus tip — I really expected more. Next time I’ll haul ass down to Lakeview
The staff at the front were very friendly. Despite the fact that I received no table service, I left a more than generous tip. I’d go back again, but I don’t know if I’d order a corned beef sandwich … unless the craving was just unbearable!

So I haven’t eaten in here since it was Pillars, however, I’ve gotten delivery a few times from there and have been very pleased. I’ve had fish previously, a salad with a ranch dressing with a yogurt base, I think. Anyway-​very tasty. Tonight it was Parmesan chicken breast and cauliflower mashed potatoes with string beans. Super yummy! Chicken done just right-​and seasoned well. And delivery didn’t take the average grub hub hour-​so that was another plus! I like that I don’t feel horrible after eating their food too-it’s that full but not bloated feeling. Good Job!

Ordered jalapeño gravy and biscuits. It tasted of canned jalapeño brine from using canned vegetables. It’s was so unpleasant with a over welcoming taste of vinegar I threw my just picked up order to basically throw it out minutes later while on the road. I was really hungry that morning. I called to explain the waste of my money and the worker on the phone showed no concern or even gave an offer to make up for it. He only said thank you and that he would inform the cook. Poor customer service and quality if food is not appreciated.

A few days ago the manager responded and was very kind. He mentioned that groups of students are welcome to come to Ciao Bella and to bring their laptops with them to do whater we wish. He was actually very apologetic about the comments from the woman who came over to us and offered coffee on him next time I came in.
By the way, I recieved two messages from two people who thought it was a poor tip regardless and that our group took up much needed space. Thanks, I agree that while I left 20% it wasn’t a large tip but that wasn’t really my point. On the other hand, I disagree about us taking up space. Ciao Bella is huge and there wasn’t hardly anyone there that day besides us (hence my comment about misdirected frustration). I also vary in my ordering habits precisely because there is no clear direction at Ciao Bella. Sometimes I sit down at a table, sometimes I order my coffee first– sometimes I am a more generous tipper and sometimes I only give the minimu 20%. Feel free to send me additional messages on «the art of dining out.» I’m not offended (as long as you’re polite). For those who care, here is a portion of the manager’s response:
«…, the „blend concept“ of coffee shop service on one side and full service on the other side is still having some kinks worked out. Once the issues have been smoothed out, I think the concept will be very successful. Our goal is for the guest to pick their level of service. While most guests who just want a „coffee shop“ experience stay at the casual section of tables, I have many a group of college students and other guests who use the tables in the other section of the restaurant because you need room, and outlets. Especially if you’re doing work together as a group. I fully encourage this, and my staff is aware that this is absolutely acceptable. Also, I am going to create a type of „seat yourself“ sign that better explains the „pick your level of service“ concept.»
People may disagree with my tip, but generally speaking, my concerns seem to echo comments left by other reviewers who are unsure exactly what to do upon entering Ciao Bella. Cheers :)

I work a block away from Ciao Bella right next to the movie theater. Normally I would just run down to Starbucks and grab a coffee and a snack, but I like to support local businesses in the area so I usually venture to Ciao Bella for that sort of thing.
It seems that every time I go to Ciao Bella there is an issue with the service and today was no different. I went up to the front counter to place an order, I was craving a smoothie and a cookie. Two of the workers, I assume one was a manager, were trying to get a delivery order sorted out. They were on the phone and looking at an ipad screen, never once looking up to acknowledge my presence. I would at least have appreciate a quick glance or a smile or for them to tell me it would be a second. I feel like I waited there for 10 minutes without anyone helping me. To make matters worse 2 servers were off to the side chatting away, also never acknowledging me.
Finally when I was taken care of, the employee seemed to have an attitude, like I was wasting his time. He also gave me the wrong cookie. The smoothie was also really bland.
As much as I’d like to support the local small businesses in the area, I would much rather go to Starbucks. They get my order correct, are friendly and attentive, and I can get in and get out in minutes.
One positive thing for Ciao Bella is that they have good pastries and espresso drinks, if you don’t mind waiting 10 minutes for them to be ready.

The café started out as a spot of convenience but has now turned into my secret project. The joint is new but has a cozy, sunny atmosphere with an organic aspiration. Though I am no accredited food critic, this place could be quite fabulous if it makes it. That being said, I try and tell the server each time something was to taste.
I indulged in: The chocolate/​vanilla/​espresso milkshakes, cappuccino, vegetarian omelet, salmon omelet, house potatoes, and lamb burger. These were on different occasions and the food has always been the best when they are slow.
Tip: The service is confusing; sometimes they want you to seat yourself and other times they want to seat you.

+The house potatoes are the shit. If I were to guess, I’d say they are boiled first, then mashed gently with a fork, placed on a sheet, glazed with unicorn saliva (or roasted garlic oil) and baked. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
+Bacon gravy.
+Free wi-​fi
+Metropolis coffee
+Made in house cinnamon roll of AWESOME
–My only con is the service. I had to go up to the counter for refills. Then again, it could just be the time of day you go in. I was there for a late brunch, about 1:30pm, and it was sorta busy. I went a few days ago at 7am and had excellent service as I was one of 3 patrons.

I want this place to succeed, I really do, so please please get your act together!
We need a place like this in the neighborhood and I don’t understand why businesses can’t resolve the most simple issues.
The last 3 out of 4 times I’ve gone there you have been out of everything that I’ve ordered. It’s usually espresso but today you were out of chai, espresso and half and half. Get a new supplier or order more stuff!
When I went to brunch last week my friend ordered the corn cakes and when my pancakes were brought out the waiter told her that they didn’t have corn cakes and she needed to order something else. Why wouldn’t you tell her that when she ordered them! They were also out of ALL BREAKFAST MEATS! Sausage, bacon, turkey sausage, you name it.
Come on, guys!

Great place.
Was saddened by the closing of Pillars and happy to see it had reopened. Décor is great and upscale, coffee smells and tastes wonderful, food is delicious, staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and laid-​back without coming across as neglectful.
Great representation of Rogers Pk. Looking forward to spending a lot more time here, and can’t wait until they get their liquor license.

Well they must be reading reviews, because they now offer a 10% discount for folks with student IDs and they put a menu near the front door to help potential customers understand what they offer. Not to mention that they have a decently priced lunch (½ salad & ½ sandwich for about $ 5). Good improvements!

I stopped into today to see what had become of my beloved Pillar. It was an overall frustrating experience. The waitstaff out numbered the customers, yet no one was available to take our order. We had 3 different counter people take our little togo order. One counter person was incredibly rude, one apologetic being busy with a phone call when we arrived. (the last counter person was really sweet and nice)
But the rude counter person and I had the following exchange:
Me: I’d like two medium soy lattes and a slice of carrot cake to go please.
CP: So two 12 oz lattes then?
Me: If 12 oz is your medium, yes.
moments later and another counter person
CP: (Shouts) two small lattes.
Me: We ordered two medium lattes
CP: You told me 12oz
Me: No, you said 12oz, I said medium, is 12 oz your medium
CP: (checks with another waitstaff) 16 oz is our medium
Me: Great, fine, next time I’ll ask for 16oz.
Also, displayed in the window they have large square slices of carrot cake. What was packed in our bag was a small, triangle slice carrot cake, topped with granola and a rotton strawberry. Had I know the portion was so tiny I would have ordered two slices as I was sharing with my husband. Also, if your produce is spoiled, don’t use it as a garnish.
I hope that Ciao Bella works out, our neighborhood could use a nice gathering place. Until then, I’ll keep giving my business to Royal Coffee across the street.

As I a long time customer of Pillars Social Café, I was very happy to see this location revitalized with «re-​birth» as Ciao Bella Café. I’ve enjoyed lunch, brunch, breakfast and even a quick commuter breakfast on the go. Each and every time I have been greeted with a smile and was impressed with overall attentiveness of the staff (from barista to server).
A few general impressions:
* The lamb burger is FAN-​FREAKIN-​TASTIC!
* Portion sizes a just right.
* Owners and staff are very open to feedback and clearly are working very hard to learn from «lessons’ that have been learned since opening 2 weeks ago.
* Prices are very reasonable for the high quality of food.
Dinner service is currently BYOB (have not been yet to try their new and EXTENSIVE dinner menu).
If you live in Rogers Park, you owe it to yourself to come try out Ciao Bella Café!!!

I came in Sunday morning for coffee and some quality laptop-​time, and ended up staying for brunch with my girlfriend. I was impressed by how large and pleasing to the eye the interior was. This place is both a coffee shop and a restaurant, so the size works for it. I loves the wood floors and the color scheme. It was really clean too. I’m into that.
When I arrived, the host greeted me and showed me to the coffee shop side, where I ordered a bottomless cup of coffee and a bagel sandwich.
The bagel sandwich was a good value, with two big eggs and some damn good ham and cheese up on it. $ 4.95 I think. Yum.
The coffee was good, and the chairs in the coffee shop section were super comfy. There was a lot of sun coming in, but I ended up getting the table by the brick wall which was perfect. There was also a room off to the side with couches and a fireplace that looked so cozy! I’ll be back to hang out in there. I do hope they get some blinds or an awning or something though, because the sun was too much in certain places. I imagine they’ll figure something out since they just opened last Thursday.
For brunch, the green eggs and ham my girlfriend ordered was DELICIOUS. I highly recommend that dish! Again, the ham was so much better than I realized ham could even be! Good quality. The pesto eggs I would have every day of my life if I could. I want them right now. Always and forever.
The salmon benedict I ordered had perfectly done eggs and excellent salmon, along with basil and hollandaise sauce that was way better than the usual slop restaurants serve. My only problem was with the biscuit it was served on. It’s the reason I rated 4 instead of 5 stars. It was really floury and bland. They clearly messed up that batch, which sucks because biscuits are basically my favorite food. The side of crispy breakfast potatoes did make up for it though. I actually really don’t care for potatoes in general, but these were GOOD. Crispy, flavorful; I’ll definitely get them again.
We also ordered a side of biscuit and gravy, because as I mentioned, I really love biscuits with my heart and soul. Again, the biscuit was not good, but the gravy was different because it had bacon instead of sausage. It was good. My gf loved it.
There was also a side of cheesy grits that was tasty. Oh! And they gave us a cute little thing of jelly beans because it was Easter. Adorable!
The staff were attentive and friendly. I could tell they just opened, but I’m sure they’ll work out the kinks.
Overall, I’ll definitely be going back to Ciao Bella. I can’t wait til they get their liquor license! I’m crossing my fingers for bottomless mimosas… :)

Terrible food, not worth the price. Very unpleasant experience.
The service was not what me and my friends expected, there are way better places in the area, not recommend ciao bella.