Since we were staying there (Hotel Delta), when Cenk suggested we ate there it did seem a good idea. People either like it or don't - and that has been the case since day one, 11 years ago.
The main criticism is the lack of banter with the staff, something we all appreciate in Calis - the waiting staff at Bella Mammas are quite stiff and standoffish. Personally I do like that - it was a revelation in 2004 (along with the magnificent Lighthouse of Phil & Louise back then). I know where to go for my japes and banter if I want that but back then it was simply wonderful to eat in a good restaurant without the waiter sitting down next to you with plans for his uncle's neighbour's auntie's boss's new apartment project - yet another new development people wanted us to sell. Maybe you can imagine the attraction of people who just take your order and go away
That said, we haven't been there in a number of years and I was interested to see if the standard was still good and the service still similar.
Well it is. 8 of us ate there on our last full night and it was exactly the same - efficient, professional, no banter. Great. I am getting sniggered at for continually and carefully perusing menus over there, and then going for the Garlic Prawns starter AGAIN - night after night, restaurant after restaurant
And that night was no exception and bloody good they were too.
One of the problems with staying at the Delta (and there aren't many I assure you) is that you sit on the balcony, looking out on one of the great views of life, fully contented and ready to go out - then some git down below has his sizzling dish delivered to the table - the smells soaring upwards are incredible.
So for main course I chose Swedish Steak - I assume Swedish people have steak cooked in honey and onions and my, it was lovely, so tasty. It normally comes with fries or potatoes but I love the Bella Mamma piped mash - the combination has put it on the famous Campbell "must do" list for me.
Everyone happy with their meals, some had room for some very fancy desserts (not me) and a few drinks were consumed as I recall. Once again, the bill was extremely reasonable.
Highly recommended, sorry we left it so long.