
Tello Italian Bistro
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Tello Italian Bistro

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.
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Exceptional Server Recommendations
Diners rave about attentive servers like Jeremy and Serene, who offer great suggestions and make meals memorable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
While some reviewers noted the restaurant was nearly empty on certain occasions, making reservations in advance is a good idea, especially for busy periods.
Diners frequently recommend the scratch-made pasta dishes like the lemon basil pesto cavatappi. The Bolognese is also noted for its long preparation time.
Yes, the kitchen staff are allergy certified and can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with cooperative meal adjustments.
Tello Italian Bistro often features live jazz music during dinner. It's recommended to check their schedule for specific entertainment evenings.
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.
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South Haven, MI Bed and Breakfast - Best of 2024
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.
You Need to Try These South Haven Restaurants
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.
44th Street Diner Vegan Restaurants Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Restaurants Take Out Restaurants 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS Amenities: (616) 530-8750 1851 44th St SW … ver hua jai sila SOPHIE WebTello Italian Bistro / Italian, Pizzeria, Pub & bar, Seafood, Restaurant. #4 of 41 seafood restaurants in South Haven.
17 Best South Haven Restaurants With Good Ratings
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.
Black River Tavern
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.
South Haven, Michigan Provides a Real Getaway
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.
Day Trip to South Haven
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.
17 BEST South Haven Restaurants to Excite Your Taste Buds
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.
The 17 Best Gluten-Free Lunch Spots in South Haven
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.
Restaurants in South Haven
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.
A Weekend Trip to South Haven, Michigan
Tello Italian Bistro is another recommended restaurant that features upscale Italian dishes including pastas, pizzas, seafood and desserts. They also feature live jazz.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit