La Buona Vita

07/14/09

high prices for so-so meal

by ARL02476 at Citysearch

I wondered about this place, read that it was family run which usually means it will be a good bet. It looks a little down in the dumps, sort of run down but that can always be overlooked if the food is good.

The owner was a very nice man, and so I wish I could say that I had a terrific meal at a good price. Maybe it was just an off night? I don't know, but the prices seemed high for what we were served, and so I do not think that we will try it again.

• Pros: friendly owner
• Cons: the food was jsut so-so & the prices were high

09/08/08

Best Italian and Very Affordable!!!!

by Sam121212 at Citysearch

I have been a regular to La Buona Vita since 1998. I always look forward to what the specials are and the freshness of their food. I find the staff to be extremely delightful and this is definately the kind of place I can go alone and not feel out of place. Someone is always starting small talk and are extremely interested to your needs. I have tried there pasta dishes to their seafood dished to their Bistecca dish. If you are not satisfied then it is for sure that Angelo (Owner) will make it up to you some how!! This restaurnant is not your typical italian restaurant, it is better. This is definately not imitation or wanna be Italian Restaurnat like you see out there. It is true family recipes and family run business. Everyone should try it for themselves. Unfortunately like the last person who wrote the one and only bad review, some people are just hard to satisfy!!

• Pros: True Italian Dishes at great prices
• Cons: Parking

08/07/08

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY...

by MarciaAnne at Citysearch

I've been to this restaurant a couple of times. I'm a single mom and I take my 11year old there. I get the carbonara, he gets spaghetti with sauce. In March our bill for this, with a single salad and 2 sodas was around $23. We went there last night, brought a friend who had spaghetti with butter and no drink and the bill was $49!!!! I didn't say anything at the time, but called about an hour later. I asked for the manager and I was told by a woman that he was not there. I'm pretty sure the person I was talking to was the waitress we had, who may or may not be related to the owner.

She was incredibly rude. I've worked in a number of restaurants and you always try to please the customer. $10.95 for spagetti with a splash of sauce. NO WAY. $6.95 for spaghetti with butter.... on the high side, I think. These were salad size bowls. Not platters, like mine. I thought the price was outrageous.

Shame on this woman. We will not be going back there. No garlic bread, no bruchetta...... No wonder why there were 5 customers in the place.

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY.

• Pros: Nothing
• Cons: Rude staff, ripoff.

07/20/06

Refreshing Homemade Italian food in a simple setting

by btownchik at Citysearch

I admit that it looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but the food makes up for it 10 times! The inside is decorated plentifully with photos and furnishings from the owner's homeland. The interior is nothing fancy but the food is magnificent. My mother could not stop raving about how she has never had such amazing calamari since she lived in Winthrop, where the seafood is the freshest. I ordered the Siciliana and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. Most everything is homemade and it tastes that way too. To top it all off, the prices were extremely reasonable if not a little cheap compared to other restaurants in the Arlington area. Great alternative to the overwhelming Harvard Square and Boston. The service was great. It seems like a place where lots of regulars know about it. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys great cooking without the snobbery.

• Pros: Food, Service, Price
• Cons: Simple Interior

Welcoming Southern Italian fare mixes with a comfortable atmosphere in Arlington Center.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Since 1996, La Buona Vita has treated Arlingtonians to authentic Southern Italian fare. Located in Arlington Center, the restaurant serves seasonal specials as well as longtime favorites like grilled swordfish with extra virgin oil, lemon, garlic, parsley, oregano, mint, and pepperoncino sauce. The warm, welcoming environment is complemented by attentive service and bargain Southern Italian wines.

05/04/06

we love this place!

by susanpb at Citysearch

soulful italian food--the real thing. great family atmosphere. a real find.

12/15/05

Delightful!!

by cas1967 at Citysearch

Delicious food both times I've been there. Cozy, comfortable atmoshere. Service is good. Great value for the price!!

• Pros: Great location, good service

04/22/05

Delish!

by boombah1111 at Citysearch

La Buona Vita may be small, but the italian food there is unbeatable. If anyone has not been there, i reccomend you go. It's a great little place. The head chef is a delight, like a second father, not only in his ways of cooking, but hid friendly profile, always smiling, patting you on the back. Even giving free deserts. Please go if you have'nt. Thanks.

Bob

03/09/05

nice affordable italian spot in arlington

by topdominator at Citysearch

very casual but still a good date spot, fair prices for arlington, good quality italian

02/23/05

Great food, great value, attentive service

by jfunk138 at Citysearch

I went to La Buona Vita with my date on Valentine's day. It was crowded but we were seated promptly. Despite being so busy the service was very attentive. After the crowds died down my date and I stayed to finish our wine. The owner apologized for the large crowd and said he usually gives even more attention. At the end of the night my date got to keep the rose that was on our table. Nice touch!

• Pros: Food, Price, Service