Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro

Service was prompt and attentive, but the menu and food left a little to be desired.

Limited entree selection for dinner, especially for vegetarians (only one option). I had the Eggplant Parmesan--eggplant was excellent, but pasta was watery and the sauce was too sweet, tasted like it was right out of a can.

Dessert, a tiramisu, was enjoyable, but it was difficult to enjoy the atmosphere since there was loud conversation from the bar to our left and from servers and kitchen staff on the right. This is an unfortunate consequence of a small space, but it is something to be aware of for the staff.

Dined here in July 2012 with a friend and we were looking for a local place that was quiet and casual. We had a really great meal and it was a good price. The service was attentive and friendly. I had the special wild mushroom ragu with pappardelle which was rich and earthy in flavor with a great tomato sauce and pasta cooked perfectly al dente. My friend loved their eggplant parmesan. The eggplant was cut "lengthwise" creating a long  fillet and then breaded and served alongside pasta marinara. There was fresh bread was served with the meal. Can't complain and it certainly met the needs of  fun and relax dinner atmosphere. Definitely a great local place to try if you are staying at the Marriott up the street.

I would say that Bocca Bella is fine in a pinch. I have no big aversion to the food, and I actually LOVE the Berry Cream Cake. The service is fine and the bar tender is super nice.... he always smiles when you walk in the door and says hello.

That being said, the tables are SUPER close together. It reminded me of those Italian places in the north end where you are essentially dining with the people at the table next to you. They dont serve fries, only SUN CHIPS?!?!?! Weird. The food is ok... but not enough for me to go back all the time.

I think the honest reason I eat here around 1 time every 2 months is that we live down the street.