Tello Italian Bistro
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Tello Italian Bistro

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Cozy Italian bistro with an upscale casual vibe, offering candle-lit dinners, soft jazz, and authentic, scratch-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Tello Italian Bistro

Tello Italian Bistro

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cozy Italian bistro with an upscale casual vibe, offering candle-lit dinners, soft jazz, and authentic, scratch-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas.

"Experience impeccable service and authentic Italian dishes in an inviting ambiance at Tello Italian Bistro."

TIP

Visit on Weekdays

For a more intimate experience, visit Tello Italian Bistro on weekdays when it's less crowded.

Check Jazz Schedule

Enjoy live jazz music by checking their schedule for specific evening performances.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

$$$

Phone

(269) 639-9898

Address

524 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intimate Candlelit Ambiance

Intimate Candlelit Ambiance

Experience a cozy, romantic atmosphere with soft jazz music and candlelight, perfect for special occasions.

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Scratch-Made Italian Classics

Scratch-Made Italian Classics

Savor authentic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

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Exceptional Server Recommendations

Exceptional Server Recommendations

Diners rave about attentive servers like Jeremy and Serene, who offer great suggestions and make meals memorable.

Google Review+4
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visit on Weekdays

For a more intimate experience, visit Tello Italian Bistro on weekdays when it's less crowded.

Check Jazz Schedule

Enjoy live jazz music by checking their schedule for specific evening performances.

Inform Staff of Allergies

Diners with dietary restrictions or allergies should inform the allergy-certified kitchen staff.

Ask About Wait Times

If the restaurant seems busy, ask about potential waiting times before being seated.

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit on Weekdays

For a more intimate experience, visit Tello Italian Bistro on weekdays when it's less crowded.

Check Jazz Schedule

Enjoy live jazz music by checking their schedule for specific evening performances.

Inform Staff of Allergies

Diners with dietary restrictions or allergies should inform the allergy-certified kitchen staff.

Ask About Wait Times

If the restaurant seems busy, ask about potential waiting times before being seated.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tello Italian Bistro offers an inviting ambiance with soft jazz and candlelight, praised for its scratch-made pasta and attentive service from staff like Jeremy and Serene. However, some diners have experienced very slow service and found certain dishes like pizza and lasagna to be underwhelming or bland. Noise levels can also be a concern for some.

"We had 5 people and everyone loved their food and our server Jeremy was literally one of the best waiters we've ever had. We go out to dinner a lot! Jeremy was very entertaining. Great suggestions, funny and made sure everyone had a great evening. He was elegant on how he served but then funny at the right moments. Great food and great service in a nice cozy restaurant. I can't understand how this place wasn't 5 stars rated. They deserve to be 5 stars!!"

Mike M

"High-end Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Excellent service and friendly staff.

I highly recommend the potato soup! The bread and season oil and cheese dip was very good.

Our particular dinner was the lasagna, but as it was towards the end of the day, it came out over-cooked, but the manager comped it for us, so kudos there.

The wait staff is very friendly and will do all they can to provide you with the best experience possible (if you get Serene, you hit gold).

Portions are generous and large enough to split for those with smaller appetites. Prices are up there, but you get what you pay for.

Worth a trip back!"

Dave Skorupski

"I used to work here years ago! the atmosphere can’t be beaten! Jeremy and Joanne are the best servers! Amazing personalities and will give you the most welcome service :) Food is always great!!! I come here at least once a year the last few years for shrimp sambuca and it’s always 1000/10 def recommend !!!! I promise you won’t be disappointed if you try it! it’s my favorite!!"

Alexandra Strand

What People Like

Cozy, romantic atmosphere with jazz and candlelight
Scratch-made pasta dishes
Attentive and friendly servers

What People Dislike

Slow service
Inconsistent food quality
High noise levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Tello Italian Bistro offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with soft jazz music and candlelight, creating an upscale casual vibe ideal for leisurely meals.

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While some reviewers noted the restaurant was nearly empty on certain occasions, making reservations in advance is a good idea, especially for busy periods.

Google Review+1

Diners frequently recommend the scratch-made pasta dishes like the lemon basil pesto cavatappi. The Bolognese is also noted for its long preparation time.

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Yes, the kitchen staff are allergy certified and can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with cooperative meal adjustments.

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Tello Italian Bistro often features live jazz music during dinner. It's recommended to check their schedule for specific entertainment evenings.

South Haven, MI Bed and Breakfast - Best of 2024

Service can be slow at times, with some guests reporting long waits for their food. It's advisable to inquire about wait times upon arrival.

Google Review+1

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It's known for its creative cocktails and live music.Tello Italian Bistro - This Italian restaurant offers a menu of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, as well as an extensive wine list. It's also known for its cozy, romantic atmosphere.Black River Tavern - This gastropub offers a menu of pub favorites with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and craft beer. It's also known for its lively atmosphere and live music.The Idler Riverboat - This restaurant is located on a historic paddlewheel boat and offers a menu of classic American fare.

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Nothing pairs better with soft jazz than delicious Italian dishes during a candle-lit dinner at Tello Italian Bistro. Come and enjoy the upscale vibe as you dine in on one of their classic pasta dishes or share a freshly prepared pizza. You will not find better Italian food in South Haven than at Tello Italian Bistro, open daily from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm.

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If you’re in the mood for Italian, Tello is the place to be. This is a cozy Italian spot with an upscale casual vibe that serves leisurely meals amid candlelight and soft jazz. Their pasta dishes are made from scratch, and their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven for an authentic taste of Italy.

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524 Phoenix Street South Haven, Michigan 49090 (269) 639-9898. Tello offers tucked-away comfort of a cozy and intimate atmosphere suitable for a casual get-together, business dinner or special occasion. The atmosphere includes dramatic and warm rum-toned walls and soft glowing candle light.

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Try Taste for small plates and martinis or Tello Italian Bistro. (If the crab-stuffed mushrooms are on Tello’s menu, start there for one of the best apps of your life.) And with a small warm-weather patio and excellent pizza and sandwiches, Venezia Restaurant is a perfect drop-in spot.

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Then for dinner, we went to Tello Italian Bistro, which is located right on vibrant Phoenix Street. Tello hand makes all its Italian style dishes in a romantic and upscale dining environment. Menu options include a limited number of appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and entrees.

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Everything on Tello Italian Bistro’s menu seems to tell a story. The authentic Bolognese sauce takes eight hours to prepare to bring out the best flavor. The Neapolitan-style pizza is the original style of the Italian pie created in Naples in the 1700s.

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We weren’t sure if we should visit Tello based on some conflicting reviews, but we are so glad we tried it!. The food was great and the wait staff was very knowledgeable about gluten free items for me. My husband had the lasagna and the tiramisu.

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Tello offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere suitable for any kind of get-together. Their authentic, yet contemporary Italian menu offers fresh ingredients from local farmers and an extensive wine list.

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Tello Italian Bistro is another recommended restaurant that features upscale Italian dishes including pastas, pizzas, seafood and desserts. They also feature live jazz.

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Tello Italian Bistro (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide