A popular, generously portioned Italian restaurant with strong value and family appeal, though service can vary and the 12.5% service charge should be checked.
Ciao Bella delivers solid food quality anchored by consistently praised pizza and pasta, but inconsistent execution in seasoning and temperature prevents a stronger showing. Strong value and attentive service support its loyal following, though food consistency concerns and a comfortable rather than distinctive setting keep it from approaching grade A territory.
Ciao Bella is a lively, cozy Italian restaurant in Romford town centre that wins people over with warm welcomes, generous plates and a useful lunch deal. The room is comfortable and accessible enough for groups, though it can feel crowded; one reviewer summed up the dominant experience as leaving with plenty of food and a reason to return, while a minority reported rude or rushed service. The cooking is classic rather than cutting-edge: familiar pizzas, pasta, chicken, steak, seafood and traditional desserts, with enough range for mixed groups. Pizza and pasta are the reliable crowd-pleasers, and the menu’s portions are the restaurant’s clearest value advantage. The main caveats are uneven seasoning or temperature in a handful of reviews, plus older but serious reports involving undercooked food, shellfish illness and gluten-free pasta. A 12.5% service charge has also surprised at least one diner. Families are particularly well served: the menu has approachable Margherita and Pepperoni pizzas, simple tomato pasta, Bolognese, chicken Milanese, meatballs, ice cream and apple pie, and families describe regular Friday visits and birthday meals. It is a sensible choice for children, but guests with severe gluten intolerance should discuss cross-contamination procedures before ordering rather than relying on the menu labels alone.
Area vibe: Busy suburban town centre with a high-street and shopping precinct focus.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime; evenings can be quieter with typical town-centre late-night pockets to be cautious of.
What's nearby: Close to Romford Station, The Liberty shopping centre, market, pubs and a concentration of restaurants along the high street.
The safest bets are generous classic pizzas and pasta, with a particularly useful weekday deal and a few seafood upgrades.
Expect generous family-style portions, but check the service charge, confirm the current lunch price, and raise serious gluten concerns before ordering.
It offers a cozy, lively setting that works especially well for family celebrations, though the room can become crowded and the service varies.