Reviews

Hear What Our Customers Have To Say About Their Experience!

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Nov 5, 2024 Our server was great as was the food -

fantastic shrimp and grits! Hidden gem in Cape May - great place to stop when you're birding

Lovely lunch with lots of choices.

Oct 2024 • family

A wide range of menu offerings including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free along with standard American food. Carlos’ Tempeh Rueben was delicious. My buddy got a Chicken Salad BLT with sweet potato fries. Fast service, good food and a good atmosphere inside. Outside dining is an option.

September 2024 Such a cute place!

Wasn't too busy, came in the beginning of September so we had no wait and were seated right away. We were seated outside on the back patio and it was really nice out there. I got Jims chicken wrap and my boyfriend got the cream chipped beef. We both really enjoyed our food! Our server was nice and attentive. Theres lots to pick from off the menu so we will be back.

A great find. Happy we found the place.

July 2024 • 

We arrived for an early dinner and fortunately did not need a reservation. The menu and a number of choices and the food was reasonably priced and delicious. The chef was willing a made a number of accomodations for our order. We felt we were lucky that a friend of ours who lives in Cape May year round recommended th is place. I had pot roast and my wife had Flounder Almondine with risotta.

June 18, 2024 Lovely little cafe with delicious coffee and food.

It is exactly the type of place one expects to find in Cape May: quaint with its own unique atmosphere and menu. The menu is mindful of the more contemporary Vegan wants and needs without abandoning the old school meat crowd. There is something for everyone. Service is attentive and friendly.

I had the Taylor Pork Roll with Cheese Breakfast. I opted to add: tomato (they put two thick slices!) lettuce and red onion. So tasty! Hubby went for the Make Your Own Omelet: mushroom, tomatoes, spinach, American cheese and scrapple. He said it was delicious and chef was generous with the ingredients.

Parking lot is smallish, but street parking is available and easy as it is off of the busy Broadway... Check it out!

Wonderful Dinner Experience!

June 2024 • couples

Had a fabulous dinner at Bella Vida. All you can eat snow crabs was a special on the menu. They were delicious, and more importantly priced right! Everything we had was wonderful. Our server Mariah was very friendly and attentive. Great experience. Highly recommend! (P.S. - They have fabulous breakfast too!!)

Beyond expectations ! Great recommendation from Donna . The food was exceptional and we will definitely be back .

Jan 2024 • friends

We had an exceptional food experience . The pot roast truly is the best I have ever tasted . Not a fan normally . So I did not order . Tried my husbands . I wish I had ordered it . But I had the seafood special and it did not disappoint. It was very fresh , the scallops in a blush sauce were excellent . We will be back . Thank you Donna for recommending we come when we were out the other night . All seven of us loved the food . Great service too ?

“Fabulous Breakfast! Can't Wait to Return!”
September 15th 2015
Enjoyed breakfast here with friends. The restaurant is located in a house so dining areas are broken up into different rooms making for a cozy, quiet atmosphere. I had a fabulous breakfast quesadilla. Others in our group had pancakes, eggs and omelets. We shared some pumpkin pancakes which were fantastic! I'm still thinking about them! Chris waited on our group and he was friendly, knowledgeable about the restaurant and the menu. Can't wait to return for another meal!

“Gem of Cape May”
September 9, 2015
Bella Vida is a gem of Cape May. We found it by accident last year and went 3 times last year and 2 times this year. The food is wonderful and service is great. We've been for dinner and breakfast and we've never been disappointed. Also the prices are really reasonable. We'll be back next year for sure!

“Delicious breakfast, friendly service”
September 2, 2015
We went for breakfast to the Bella Vida Garden Café and it was a very nice experience. From Huevos Rancheros, some specials of the day, Yoghurt with fruits, some varieties of flap jacks - everything was well prepared and very tasty. The coffee also was good and we enjoyed it! The service was professional and the chef was asking whether we liked the food and when we confirmed, he seemed to be very happy. It was our Impression that the crew in the Bella Vida is really into taking care of their customers. All in all this clearly is a place to visit and a clear recommendation for breakfast - we consider returning for dinner!

“Awesome place! Great food!”
August 27, 2015
We were down in Cape May for 2 days and found the Bella Vida Cafe. We were a party of 7 which included 2 people who are gluten free and 2 people who are vegan, 2 people who eat anything and one picky child. Bella Vida was able to accomodate us all. They have something for everyone. And the food was so delicious we went there 3 times in the 2 days we were there! Awesome place. Very friendly staff!

“Quaint and great”
June 28, 2015
Been there twice so far. It's very difficult when dining with a vegetarian, but this place satisfies both. The food is excellent and so is the quaint ambiance. The service can't be beat. I recommend it highly.

“Another good meal.”
June 2, 2014
We were in Cape May for the day and decided to have dinner at Bella Vida again. We were there a month ago. We had the same waitress and she gave us good service. Hubby ordered crab cake with sweet potatoe fries and I ordered the meatloaf again and we were once again not disappointed. The raspberry lemonade is very good. Will return again.

June 2, 2012
“We loved this place so much we went back the next day too!”
Not fancy, but quaint & cozy. Terrific menu and excellent service. Breakfast here is to die for...
Be sure to try the Lobster & Crabmeat Omelet.

“Great options for healthy”
Reviewed June 1, 2014 
We love Bella Vida because it gives so many options... many are rare to find in Cape May. Gluten free and vegetarian options abound.

“Good availability of healthy and vegan options!”
Reviewed May 28, 2014
After struggling to eat healthy in the Wildwood area, a little research led us to Bella Vida.
The waitress was friendly and helpful. The food choices were enormous and there was certainly something for everyone.. We were pleased to find many salads and vegan options. I loved the quesadillas prepared with the vegan cheese. 
I would most certainly return to this restaurant !

“Nice Veggie Food”
Reviewed May 27, 2014
This place has lot of veggie options and taste really good. We enjoyed having lunch and planned to visit again....

“Great lunch and service!”
Reviewed May 26, 2014
We decided to try out this little cafe we've always driven past, but never really noticed. We were not disappointed! My husband and I both got lunch, me a flounder sandwich, and him the fish tacos, and we both agreed that it was quite good and very fresh! The staff was very kind and caring. We will be revisiting out next time down to Cape May!

“Best breakfast place on Cape Island”
Reviewed May 23, 2014 via mobile
We've eaten breakfast at Bella Vida on just about very trip we've made to Cape May. They never disappoint. The service is excellent, and they have a nice variety of options on their breakfast menu: eggs, pancakes, breakfast burritos, grits, and baked goods, just to name a handful of things. The coffee is excellent and is always served piping hot.
You can tell the owners truly care about the quality of food and service. They are always present and often come around to meet and talk to their guests

“Very Homey”
Reviewed May 13, 2014
My mom and I ate breakfast here during our 4 day stay in Cape May. Excellent food. I had an omelet with cheese, ham and peppers which was delicious, as well as home fries with peppers and onions which was quite tasty. My mom enjoyed her eggs and toast as well. Service was wonderful. You will not be disappointed. We will definitely be back.

“Wonderful food and service”
Reviewed April 25, 2014
We were on an Audubon walk and the leader highly recommended this restaurant. We were early enough for the early bird specials to our surprise - very good value. Hubby had the crab cake and I had the meat loaf - the food was delicious and the service was very good. We are adding this restaurant to our "must return" list. Give this restaurant a try, you will not be disappointed.

“¡Delicioso! I'm glad we found it!”
Reviewed April 24, 2014
I searched trip advisor for places to eat in Cape May and found that Bella Vida and another place had a high number of reviews with many of them rating excellent. I decided on this one because of the Spanish name figuring they'd be some Latin flavor in the menu. 
Interesting menu: Costa Rican influence. As a matter of fact, we found out the owner visits Costa Rica yearly. We ordered a side of plantains with black bean sauce on it... so good! I had a Tico Burrito and loved it. Five of us ate lunch for $88 including the tip. We all enjoyed what we ordered and were very satisfied. FYI: It's BYOB. 
Service: excellent service, attentive, friendly, knowledgeable 
Restaurant: casual atmosphere, seemed like many locals (we did go off season)I'd definitely return!

“Bella Vida Cafe”
Reviewed April 23, 2014
Interesting menu- great decor- superb service- excellent specials. Meat loaf is one of their best dishes.

“Delicious food and excellent service”
Reviewed April 4, 2014
We just discovered Bella Vida Garden Cafe and will most definitely be returning. The food was delicious and the entire waitstaff is excellent.

“great food--very friendly”
Reviewed March 15, 2014
went too have dinner tonite waitress was very friendly and helpful with our meal choices. food was great. this was a small cozy place . we live 80 miles north and would come back for a meal again. couldn't say this was 1 of best meals every had, but for a causal dinning rest. it ranks among the top of my list

“consistently wonderful”
Reviewed March 13, 2014
Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner! In the off-season, I visit Bella Vida easily once a week. I can't imagine Cape May without it, such a cozy, delicious spot! The waitstaff is amazing, so friendly and sweet. Delicious meals, great organic coffee, warm booths! GIGANTIC MENU! Vegetarian-friendly! Breakfast at lunchtime? No problem!

“Great food”
Reviewed February 16, 2014
This is our go to place for brunch whenever we visit Cape May. There are so many great meals to choose from and delicious daily specials. The staff is always friendly.

“Brunch in Cape May in the Winter”
Reviewed February 10, 2014
Had a relaxing Brunch and enjoyed reading the sign-in book on the table. The food was delicious. It was my first time having sweet potatoe "flapjacks." Thank-you Bridgit!

“Italian sauce to die for!!!”
Reviewed January 19, 2014
Breakfast is amazing and very resonably priced for what you get, and the diversity and quality of the lunch and dinner menus is also amazing..... But, I am writing this as an Italian from South Philly and I want everyone to know of the absolutely incredible blush sauce that is served here. This chef has that special ability that makes every entree very interesting and tasty...... But, once again- "The blush sauce is to die for!!!" Al

“A gem”
Reviewed January 12, 2014
Need to go here. Staff great, menu eclectic and the coffee and baked goods superb. A return trip is a definite

“Just awesome!”
Reviewed January 7, 2014
We've now eaten there for lunch and dinner and have loved our meals both times. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the service is attentive without being pesky. It's always a good sign when a restaurant in a tourist town is full of locals, and this was, and we received some great menu tips from them. The coffee is excellent (my blood type is coffee, so trust me on this one). The Cool McCool salad helped me overcome my guilt of eating badly previously on the trip and is huge. Get the shrimp and grits for dinner! Yum! And don't forget to sign the book at your table!

“B-Fast”
Reviewed January 3, 2014
Stopped by the cafe ofr breakfast and I have to say the place is a little quirky. Staff are really nice, menu is extensive. Great options for bfast, I am still dreaming about the pancakes and the costa rican coffee.

“Not expected but amazing!” Reviewed July 6, 2012 
My family chose this tiny cafe for a restaurant to eat out at. We didn't expect it to be amazing, just sedentary. This restaurant blew my socks away! It had huge variety, great prices, and great atmosphere! The portions were also big and quite filling; everyone had leftovers. One of the dishes were even half priced!
This place was simply amazing, varying from meat to salads to pasta dishes (I never find pasta anywhere and BAM. They had it)
EAT AT THIS PLACE YUM.

“A real find in Cape May!” Reviewed July 5, 2012 
This small cafe was off the beaten path, i.e., not in the shopping area of downtown Cape May but well worth the 5 minutes it takes to drive there. You could walk to it as well and there is also a bakery and artist's galleria in the area. We considered this one of the best places to eat in Cape May and quite reasonable. If you are vegetarian or vegan, they have plenty of options. There are also nightly specials. I had a tempeh Reuben for lunch that was terrific and a pasta with homemade sauce that was fantastic for dinner another evening. The salad dressing was unusual but fresh and very tasty. The servers were all super accommodating and this is one place we could eat at nearly everyday and never eat the same thing twice.
You'll Love the Bella Vida”

June 4, 2012 
“Sunday Morning - Yum”
Great place for a Sunday morning (or any morning) breakfast. The menu is diverse. The waitresses are friendly and it is clear that the owner makes sure they know the menu inside and out. Great coffee (Costa Rican) . If available (it is a special) get the Lobster Benedict. Yum! My plate always goes back empty. Nice, albeit a bit on the small side, atmosphere.

June 4, 2012
“We missed out for years, you shouldn't”
We have been regular Cape May visitors for years but some how never made it into Bella Vida - our loss. A great little place. We have been here for lunch a couple times and plan on many return trips. Simple but clean environment. Crazy big menu with lots of interesting stuff that makes it hard to choose. We have both had excellents salads. My wife enjoyed a breakfast lunch, I had a tasty shore platter of crab cake, fries and slaw. Great staff, very attentive. Looks like we missed a lot of great meals over the years, but plan on regular stops at Bella Vida from now on.

June 15, 2012
“Seredipitious Wonderful Anniversary Dinner”
Planned to go elsewhere for our anniversary but stumbled upon Bella Vida; looked at the menu and gave it a try (I'm a vegetarian). Very casual; nothing fancy at all. Food was fabulous. Waitress Jordon was the best.

June 22
'You know how you go to a seaside town and you always tend to get overpriced slightly spoiled seafood served by surly servers? Well just one excursion to Bella Vita renewed my faith in the wonder of great food in New Jersey! Everything was perfectly cooked and delectable, but the best part of all was the friendly staff who made you feel like part of the family! If I could eat here every day for the rest of the summer, I would never tire of delicious Carribean favors and perfect seasoning of Bella Vista Garden! Truly a phenomenal experience!

4.20.12
"Vegetarian Friendly & Yummy"
A casual pleasant setting with creative food. Friendly staff and good service. They are very friendly to vegetarians and even vegans as they have non dairy cheese and egg free mayo. I have ordered several of the vegetarian sandwiches and they are delicious. Not the typical salad and grilled vegetable plate offered at some places to vegetarians. Even meat eaters order the vegetarian choices and enjoy them. Although they have numerous seafood and meat selections. Try the Jeanie Panini if you like portobello mushroom, the breads are outstanding and to me that is what makes a sandwich. The deserts look wonderful. I need to try them next time. The breakfast menu is extensive also and dinner is offered on weekends. Parking for cars and bike racks. Open year round! Mary G

4.14.2012
"West Cape May Gem"
Awesome original cuisine! The atmosphere is casually elegant
and relaxed, service is terrific. Locally grown products are a plus as well..

2.5.2012
"Great Food, Great Value, Great Atmosphere"
Two of us had the lunch special for $10.95: two soups or salads and a sandwich to share. We ordered chicken vegetable soup, and lobster bisque ($2.00 extra) with a chicken cheesesteak to share. The soup was fantastic, and the bisque was spectacular. The chicken cheesesteak was made with real chunks of white meat chicken and seasoned so well that it didn't need ketchup or anything else. All in all, a really great lunch. We will definitely be going back!
PS: Justin, the service was great, too.

1.23.2012
"Healthy Choices"
Love Bella Vida Cafe for breakfast- Chai tea, great omlets with shrimp and lobster. Dinners are healthy choices for me. Simple meals that have great taste. The service is great.

11.28.2011
"The Best Kept Secret By Locals"
Bella Vida is our favorite place to eat when we are in Cape May. It's conveniently located on Broadway near Highland House, the B&B we stay at. They have parking too which is good. Great omlettes. Tom M

11.2.2011
“Deliciousness for all - even Celiacs!”
The menu has plenty of variety. Gluten-free items are plentiful. The food is consistently delicious. The service is excellent. You must try the Costa Rica Ice Cream Sandwich! We love the breakfast, but lunch is also amazing. Great for groups too.

10.27.2011
“A nice change for breakfast”
I was looking for something different for breakfast last year so I checked out their menu on the web and found it a nice change from the usual fare. A little spanish flair to the breakfast and the coffee was delish! Susan G

10.15.2011
“Wonderful Surprise”
We've been coming to Cape May for many years and had never tried this restaurant till today. The omelet I had was the best I've had for a long time. The service was prompt and courteous. Will go back to this restaurant again.

9.23.2011
“I love this resturant”
I am on a special diet that requires plant based foods only. This is the kiss of death for my spouse and I when we travel. Bella Vida was not only able to meet our dietary needs but they were also able to make a taste buds sing during dinner. I must of said eeeemmmmm yummy after every bit. The portions are so big one plate can feed two adults. We took home doggy bags and had a second meal with the left overs. An extra perk is that this location is off the beaten path so we were able to get a table right away, no crazy tourist waits. The staff was so kind and friendly it was a great experience. I will always eat at Bella Vida when we visit Cape May. Just thinking about our dinner brings back happy food memories, OMG the food was so good!

8.20.2011
“It's a good life indeed, when you start or end the day at this "garden cafe"”
Located in a house in West Cape May, this low key and unassuming restaurant delivers big flavors and creative options for breakfast or dinner. The menu options are extensive, with lots of choices for those who are vegetarian or have gluten intolerance. Dinner is great and breakfast even better. One of my favorite places in town.

8.18.2011
“Loved it!”
In all the years I've been coming to Cape May, I had never been to Bella Vida until yesterday. I guess I let the fact that it's in West Cape May deter me from driving the couple blocks North out of the city... huge mistake! Now that I've tried Bella Vida, I'm a believer!
I had the Tour of Italy, which was very good and extremely filling. My wife had the crab soup and seafood salad. My mom had ravioli, my son had spaghetti with sausage and my daughters had chicken fingers (kid's meal). Everyone raved about their food and even the dinner salads were amazing. Whatever is in that homemade dressing of theirs is a little slice of heaven.
I can't encourage you enough, GO TO BELLA VIDA! You will not be sorry you did!

8.5.2011
Wonderful eatery! I wish there was one by me, I'm from Ocean County and came over for vacation. I am a very strict vegetarian and I was happy to find an affordable place that gave me so many more options than any other place I visited.

7.28.2011
“Fabulous Find”
This little gem has a fantastic, extensive menu with something for everyone. We started with piping hot cups of delicious Costa Rican coffee that were refilled with smiles throughout our meal. This is something far more than a beach town breakfast joint. Vegetarians will be as meat lovers. On a special diet? This place will support you! The staff was so welcoming and upbeat. You'll feel like your business is appreciated. Oh, but try not to tell everyone, because I was pretty happy about being seated immediately! ;-)

7.23.2011
First time we tried Bella Vida and we were very impressed. We will be returning as soon as we're in Cape May again!

6.12.11
We visited your restaurant on Saturday and our dinner was superb and like wise our service.  I am from WV and brought two friends from California.  We had a great day riding the ferry, taking photos of the lovely houses and eating at your charming restaurant.  Thank you for a beautiful ending to a beautifl day ! I am avegetarian and my friends are not and it was great for me to find a restaurant that made all of us happy (:  I only found you because of your web site so thank you for being on the web.
Clarice Hausch

5.2.2011
My wife and I are from rural PA, but chose Cape May for our June '10 wedding. We love Cape May and take many vacations there. After running into a local, Bella Vida was recommended to us when on a trip to Cape May. AMAZING! My wife and I had breakfast and/or lunch every day there that week. Since then, we have been back numorous times, taking friends and family when visiting Cape May. The food is DELICIOUS and extremely friendly staff!!! This has become our favorite restaurant! We wish we had a place like this near us in PA!
Brock

10.2.2010
My family had areunion breakfast in Wildwood Saturday past (10/2/10) and afterwards we ventured to Cape May to spend the afternoon. It was a beautiful day and we spent the entire afternoon enjoying the shops and people watching. When we decided to find someplace for dinner we were fortunate enough to find your brochure in a display down on Washington Street Mall. My wife is strict vegetarian so your menu showed real promise and we decided to give it a go.
Our meals were awesome: flavorful, fresh and plentiful. We were sorry to become so full we couldn't eat more! The four of us shared a dessert which was just enough to send us away content and well nourished. You are about 80 miles away from our home, but trust that on some wonderful warm and sunny Sunday we'll venture out for a day trip and end back at Bella Vida Garden Cafe. 
BN

8.28.2010
We are summer locals, just waiting for the day we can move to our home full-time. We LOVE Bella Vida! We've been breakfast-and lunching at Bella Vida for the past three years. Our goal is to try every number on the menu! We finally tried BV for dinner in early August and have been back twice. The care in preparation is obvious. Fresh ingredients, creatively presented and delicious! Can't wait to bring our friends and family. Now - I'd really LOVE to know how you make the delicious vinaigrette that is served with the dinner salad. It's amazing!

8.6.2010
Comments:
Our children surprised us with a 40th Anniversary party at your restaurant 7/16/10. Everything was wonderful -- thank you so much. We did not get any pictures of your restaurant for our album. Do you have a brochure? Thanks, Suzy

7.21.2010
I just had the most awesome omelet at your restaurant on Tuesday morning before heading home to Cape Cod.  Any chance that you'll share the recipe so I can make it for my husband?  It was #28  Frutas de Mar.  The sauce was so light and tasty.  I would really appreciate it.  Thank you.  Katy

7.18.2010
Comments:
Wonderful restaurant! Love that it's vegetarian friendly and the veggie burger is the best! Reasonable prices and friendly staff. Kaitlin

7.9.2010 
Oh, there is so much to  write about Bella Vida Cafe. I just loved this restaurant's decor and the food of course was delicious.We had ordered Ravioli, lasagna, these two dishes were lovely. The most delicious thing we had was the Ryan's spinach and artichoke dip, and their complimentary . my mouth is watering right now. Can I please get the dressing recipe for that salad.It was just amazing. No words can describe it.

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6.30.2010
Hello!  Just wanted to say thank you so much for always making our stay incredible.  It is so rare to find a place where people truly love what they do - so happy my wife "discovered" you online years ago!  I am especially grateful for the way you have treated my young daughter and now son.  Thank you for making us feel welcome as a family and not treating the children as "necessary burdens."  One question:  your coffee is amazing and i would love to know how to replicate that at home?  Your Costa Rican brew has zero bitterness / afterntaste and is delicious.  Can i use the same equipment at home? What would you recommend for beans?  Sorry for the probing but I miss it every day :)
Thanks again.  Cannot wait to come back, maybe just for breakfast.
God Bless,
Pat

6.23.2010
Thank you!  Just read about your gluten free options!  Can't wait to "eat with you" this summer both in Wildwood and Cape May.  I'm already a fan!!!!
I know I just sent a message a couple of minutes ago but I'm actually crying that I will be able to eat out on vacation this year.
I can't thank you enough for offering gluten free pancakes, bread and pasta. From someone with celiac- this is a true blessing. I wish you so much success! Can't wait to meet you in August!