Vita Ristorante, La

Paul (1 July 2007)

La Vita is a superb restaurant in Birmingham City Centre, a minute away from the Hall of Memory on Centenary Square, it’s easy to find. We found the restaurant when looking for a lunchtime snack and it is now our favourite place to eat. The restaurant has a wonderful ambience, from the moment you walk in and are greeted by the friendliest staff you could hope to find anywhere, to the very modern decoration and seating arrangements. Italian themed music is played in the background but in no way interferes with your enjoyment of the food or the conversation you are having.

As you walk in there is a lovely bar and seating area where you can have a relaxing drink while waiting for your table. The restaurant has booths for more private dining or tables for small and large groups of people. The managers are very apparent as they mingle with customers to enquire about their well being and their enjoyment of the food and wine, the waiting staff are attentive and provide a good level of customer service. The chef makes himself known by popping out to the front of the restaurant every so often to say hello! The menu is full of traditional and adventurous Italian food that is served in very generous portions. The quality of the meat and vegetables offered is excellent. We have tried nearly every pasta and meat selection on the menu and have not been disappointed with the flavours or presentation. There is a specials board above the bar area and this often has some treasures, which have included lobster ravioli and some stuffed peppers with goat’s cheese that just melts in the mouth. The food is always prepared without too long to wait.

The wine menu is good and there is a nice selection of Italian reds and whites to tempt. The manager will recommend suitable wines for your chosen dishes. The first two courses are often so filling that dessert is the last thing on your mind, but should you be tempted, you would be pleased with the choices. My favourite is the cheesecake with forest fruits drizzled over the top - very simple but smooth and rich, delightful! The arrival of the bill would not upset you either with three course meals with wine beginning at approximately £25-30 per head. The restaurant offers theatre deals, it is less than five minutes walk from Birmingham Rep. For those wishing to go drinking afterwards you are situated five minutes walk from the bottom of Broad Street. I highly recommend the restaurant to anyone who loves good quality Italian food served in a very pleasant atmosphere.

Thomas Smith (18 April 2007)

We visited La Vita on a Monday night as a couple for dinner. Greeted by the proprietor, a genuinely warm gentleman who asked us where we would like to sit. I was immediately impressed by the service provided.

We weren't looking for a full three courses, however, we were tempted by some garlic bread with cheese and tomato for a cheap starter (£2.50). This was delicious and one portion was enough to please the two of us as a starter. There were a number of starters to choose from that did look very appetising, however, we were staying light! (starters ranged from £2 to £8)

Main courses were all reasonably priced, especially if you are happy to eat pasta or pizza (prices range from £6-12). There was an impressive array of chicken, sirloin steak and fish dishes (maybe 20 different choices!) ranging from around £10 to £20. There was so much choice it took quite a while to decide. I was happy with tortellini (£8.95) and my partner with cannelloni (£14.95). Both meals were delicious, and service was excellent too.

We opted out on dessert, however, once again there was good choice. At this point the owner of the restaurant asked us how we were and offered us a free drink (a lemon spirit, very nice!).

The restaurant also offers special starters and main courses on a black board.

Wine list was extensive, however, I am no expert. Drinks were reasonably priced.

The restaurant was comfortable, with a choice of seats from the front of the restaurant (overlooking the busy walkway between Centenary Square and Paradise Forum) to secluded sections at the back, perfect for partners. The lighting was just right and the music ambient.

Overall, I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant. Service was superb, the meals were excellent, and after all of that, the price was reasonable too. The location of the restaurant couldn’t be more convenient. I also understand the restaurant has a set course for pre-theatre meals (£13.50 for two courses), perfect as the restaurant is a stone’s throw from the REP, Symphony Hall, the Hippodrome and the NIA.