Next time you’re craving pasta and pizza, be sure to give this fancy restaurant a try.
Recently, a group of friends and I went to an Italian restaurant called Vita Italian Bar & Grill in Pomona off Temple Ave. My experience was memorable and fun.
Vita Italian Bar & Grill was packed when I arrived at night. The restaurant was spacious, cozy and fancy inside. When you step inside it feels like you’re about to have a five-star experience.
The interior was modern with high ceilings and sleek decor. There was an abstract design on the ceiling that stood out. There was also a wine cellar rack in the middle of the restaurant that gave a classy look. Additionally, it was huge inside—about the size of a four-bedroom house.
The prices of the food were reasonable, not cheap but not too expensive. For example, the Eggplant Parmesan was $24. If you want something more affordable, you could also get the Risotto for $12 and add lobster for a total of $26. The Risotto consists of mushrooms, butter, white wine and Parmesan cheese.
I ordered the Linguini Pesto for $16 and I added shrimp for another $15. The plate was delicious and flavorful with fresh ingredients. The plate came with six pieces of grilled shrimp. The portions were very generous. I barely finished it!
Photo courtesy of Natalie Castillo
The shrimp was tender, juicy and jumbo-sized. The pesto was flavorful and tasted authentic.
My friend ordered the Fettuccini Alfredo with chicken. The plate was $17 and another $11 for the chicken. The plate was so hearty that my friend took some of the pasta to go. The sauce was creamy, melting in my mouth.
We also ordered two appetizers to share: a bread plate with assorted pieces of bread and butter. I was surprised the bread plate was only $9 for how much it came with. The bread plate came with a generous portion of sourdough bread and focaccia bread. The bread was very moist and the honey and truffle butter paired perfectly with it.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Castillo
The second appetizer was a plate of six crab cakes for $19. It was my first time trying crab cakes and they were delicious. The crab cakes were crispy and the chili aioli it came with made it burst with flavor.
Overall, the Italian restaurant serves substantial portion sizes that can easily be shared or taken home as leftovers. Also, the menu has a variety of different dishes to choose from, such as braised lamb shank, truffle gnocchi and a variety of pizzas.
Vita Italian Bar & Grill also has a daily breakfast buffet and a Sunday brunch buffet. Which includes waffles, eggs, and an assortment of meats and fruit. If you’re in the mood for lunch they serve a variety of sandwiches, pastas and salads.
The customer service at the restaurant was attentive and the staff was friendly. Our waiter frequently asked us if he could get us anything. I recommend students try this spot for the tasty Italian food and fancy atmosphere. There is only one location for Vita Italian Bar & Grill.
Overall, Vita Italian Bar & Grill has flavorful food, attentive service and reasonable prices. If you are near Pomona, check it out and try the variety of Italian food and desserts they have to offer.