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La Bella Managua
Category: Restaurants Latin American Latin American [Edit]
872 Bloor Street WToronto, ON M6G 1M5
Neighbourhoods: Christie Pits, Bickford Park
(416) 913-4227
- Hours:
Tue 12 pm - 9:30 pm
Wed-Thu, Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri 12 pm - 11 pm
Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
20 reviews for La Bella Managua
20 reviews in English
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Review from Viviana M.
Toronto, ON
Dining Experience: Dinner
Specialty: Nicaraguan Cuisine
Menu items: Ceviche, Fish of the Day and Carne Asada
Toronto is known for being one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Yet with all its variety, some of us have trouble finding true, authentic Latin spots that bring us back to our roots and remind us of how good our food is. Having previously visited and discovered places like El Tormpo, El Plebeyo and Antojitos; I was certainly happy to find La Bella Managua and delighted to add this cute little Nicaraguan restaurant to Foodies Inc. Best Latin Spots section! Definitely one spot to hit if you want to experience Latin American cuisine at its best.
As you enter La Bella Managua (translates to beautiful Managua, which is the capital city of Nicaragua), you are quickly taken away by the sounds of music, the welcoming staff and the smell of fried plantain. The smell is not 'greasyish' or dense, you do not come out smelling like it either. Instead is subtle, aromatic and appetite-opening.
Plantains are not only part of Nicaragua's everyday meals, but also a staple in some South American countries. What is it paired with? Everything!
Starting with the Ceviche, plantains are used as a spoon to scoop out all that delicious goodness of marinated seafood in lime flavours.
Having won many awards for his Ceviche, chef Jesus Morales brings in tradition and authenticity to a rather over-rated dish in this city with its many variations of Ceviche. When I tasted this Ceviche, I felt like I was back home, eating at a beach-front joint, enjoying my fresh cold fish on a hot sunny afternoon.
From cold to hot, I slowly moved to the fish of the day - Fried Snapper. Accompanied with yet another way of making plantains (mashed, then fried), the fish was succulent, toasty and well seasoned. Best part yet, it was the whole fish! Rarely do I find restaurants that serve it this way. The presentation, just like the Ceviche, was flawless and cute. Paired with an avocado and tomato salad and white rice, this dish was yet another win in my books.
Coming into last course (OK I lie, I was sharing it with someone else), we ventured into the infamous Carne Asada. The Carne Asada is a grilled boneless beef steak served with gallo pinto (rice and beans), avocado, deep fried plantains (surprised?) and cabbage salad. The very soft and scrumptious bean rice, served with the Carne Asada was quite good. But what I liked the most was the fact that I got plantains two ways! One as fried plantain chips, and the other using sweet plantains that are both pan fried and deep fried. Tip for Foodies, grab a piece of the soft sweet plantain and dip it in the rice. Let the rice and beans stick to the sweet candy-like coating, then eat it! Do this after you've taken a bite at your Carne Asada, and you have now learned how to indulge in something so simple as plantains!
Buen Provecho,
Viviana.Listed in: Best Restaurants in Toronto
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Review from Thomas H.
3/6/2012
Ceviche was just ok. I've had amazing ceviche in Lima, so perhaps my expectations were too high... or maybe Nicaraguan ceviche is just different.
Carne Asada was decent. The beef was slightly overcooked for my taste.
Both the sweet and young plantain was good. I thought the rice was great.
the red snapper was tasty. I hate dealing with fish + bones, but it wasn't too big a chore here.
Overall, an enjoyable meal. I don't think I would come out of my way to eat here regularly, but it was a fun experience and reasonably priced. The service was friendly and the experience seemed authentic. -
Review from Ada T.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2012
I was torn between giving this place a 3 or a 4 star, but the ceviche really blew me away. if you come here, you have to try it. It's sold for ~$9 which is a great price. service was excellent as well and the staff was very friendly
the main entrees were average. the steak was a little dry. the plantain chips were great. the fish of the day was nicely done, but not the best i've had. the avocado salad was delicious. the portion sizes are really big
I would definitely come back for the ceviche!! -
Review from Celeste L.
4/22/2012
Charged from a Real Madrid v Barca soccer match, our large group (18+) took over a wall at La Bella Managua and ordered a feast. I enjoyed the 'pollo a la parilla" and 'nacatamales'. The chicken was moist and flavorful. It was paired with tostones and white rice. I also recommend the mojito!
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Review from Sara T.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2012
Party size: 9
Price: $138 before tip
Order: calamares, ceviches; pollo a la parrilla, carne asad, nacatamales, cerdo con yuca, camarones a la sabana, fried red snapper (fish of the day); three milk cake, Buñuelos, chocolate mousse; tamarind drink, orange-cantaloupe juice, cacao milk
Having never eaten Nicaraguan food, my family and I decided to try out this restaurant one Thursday night. I'm not a good judge of authenticity, but I can say that almost all of the dishes we tried were delicious!
Our favourites were the red snapper, ceviches, calamares, and nacatamales. The portions were large and light on oil & salt. Nothing is worse than a leaving a restaurant smelling like grease. I really liked how most dishes came with a side of salad.
Our lease favourite were the beef dishes. In our opinion, the beef was overdone and tough to chew.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a casual dinner with friends and family. However, with the lack of décor, this would not be the place to impress a date. The restaurant was quiet with only a few small tables occupied during the entire time we were there.
Conclusion: Overall the service was excellent and definitely a must try if you are in the neighbourhood! -
Review from Hedel T.
Toronto, ON
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Order the carne asada con maduro. Satisying, variety of veggies and flavours.. :)
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Review from Eric L.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been dying to try ceviche ever since I watched Bourdain try some a few months ago. Finally I got my chance. At the right time and the right place we wandered into this Nicaraguan restaurant which has a true South American "feel". Looking into the restaurant, your back facing Bloor st., you could almost image this type of place being in a coastal South American country. The walls are covered with old maps, flags, and scenery from Nicaragua; the tables are old, wooden, and rustic. All of which added to the authentic feel.
Our waitress was very friendly. She was Mexican, but even though the menu contained more traditionally Mexican items such as quesedillas, she insisted that we try some Nicaraguan items. We each ordered a (Nicaraguan) ceviche appetizer for ourselves, which at first she though was kind of odd, but since it was our first ceviche experience for 2 of us, we indulged it as a main course. They serve a variety of ceviche, from fish, shrimp or a mixture of both. Additionally we ordered 2 quesillo's, which is a corn tortilla wrapped around soft cheese, and sour cream.
The ceviche just blew me away. I feel it's something I should have tried years ago. I had the shrimp variety. It's almost like a fine salsa with schrimp, but instead of tomatoes, they use citrus as the acidic component, which "cooks" the fish. Served with sweetened plantain chips to dip, when the tartness of the ceviche meets the sweet chips, it brings joy to your heart.
The Quesillo was a little too rich, but it was an appetizer, so it's not really meant to be served as a main. It's basically a burrito with a huge chuck of softened cheese (I could't tell which cheese) smothered in sour cream. Good thing we only ordered 2 of them.
Now that I've had my ceviche experience, I'll definitely be going back for some of their other courses, which looked amazing. I kept seeing these huge plates of amazingly colorful meats and vegetables. -
Review from Maddie R.
12/13/2011
Loved this place- definitely a "hidden gem" on a rather bleak stretch of Bloor and Ossington.
We attended a private function that rented out La Bella Managua. Initially I walked right by it and had to backtrack! I have never noticed this restaurant before, but I'm so glad to have had a reason to go.
The decor, as previously mentioned is very "typical Nica". Having just visited Nicaragua, I can attest that it is very authentic- painted stucco walls and all.
The food we had was awesome- (better than most of the food I had while there!) The civeche was the best I've ever tasted, same with the garlic-y frijoles. Because it was a private party (they opened for us on a Monday night), we were served large platters of food to share. I really enjoyed the beef and the ground pork, as well as the fried cheese. They served it with sides of guacamole, sour cream and salsa. Best of all I ate lots of coleslaw without having to fret about my GI tract!
This food is beyond authentic- even better than I ever had in Nicaragua. Can't wait to return. -
Review from J P.
10/10/2011
Oh plantains, how I love thee. And this place does them right. We stumbled in for a quick lunch and found ourselves to be the only diners. This can be concerning - do locals know to avoid this place? But it turned out that our paranoia was misplaced.
Our server was thoughtful, sweet, and helpful. Her timing was incredible. She checked on us enough to let us know she was available, but allowed us time to enjoy each other.
And the food. Completely delicious. Big portions, hot and full of comfort. Hit the spot on a beautiful fall day.
The decor? Not so great. Though sometimes this indicates the focus is on the food and not the walls, which I greatly prefer.
Head over the Bloor to enjoy this one! -
Review from Kieran S.
Toronto, ON
4/29/2011
I've been a here a couple of times and like the food, but love the service. I've had the mixed ceviche. Unlike other reviews, I really enjoyed the ceviche.
I've had the tamales, the steak and rice and beans, along with the shrimp in white wine sauce over the three or four different visits I've had here.
Both the steak and beans and tamales dishes are fantastic. While the steak can be a bit dry, it complements the rice and beans quite well. You have the option of getting sweet plantainsor fried savory plantains. I've had both, either is a great option. The tamales dish is very good as well. The portions for both dishes are enormous and could be split with an appetizer.
The only dish that let me down was the shrimp in white wine sauce main. The shrimp was a little overcooked, and I don't think white wine sauces are exactly traditional.
Stick to the traditional entrees here, and I don't think you can go wrong. -
Review from Gord M.
East York, ON
4/7/2011
* 3.5 stars
Son-of-a-viche! What a disappointment!
As soon as my friends and I walked in, I knew this place was for me. Not fancy in any want, lots of accolades on the wall and it had that great ma-pa shop feel.
I, too, had the ceviche and felt pretty let-down by it. I've certainly had worse, but when everyone raves, you have to try it out. Not enough citrus zing, the shrimp seemed a little dry and I was hoping for a little kick.
Following that, I followed suit and had the carne asada. For such a simple dish, I was happily surprised. The beef was cooked perfectly, chock-full of flavour and even tastier with the spicy side of onion and peppers.
Like Lauren M mentioned, the plantains chips totally kicked. Big on flavour, small on oil and the sides were massive.
So, despite the slow start with the ceviche, things really picked up with the main and the rest of the menu looked solid as well, so I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Angela N.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2010
This place has become the local favourite for my husband and I. The food is so reasonably priced, and delicious that you really can't go wrong! If you're going for the first time, let the server offer her suggestions. She will definitely tell you which things are the best and she hasn't been wrong with us yet. The ceviche is delicious - nice and tangy and delicious with the plantains. The fish special is almost always what we get and it has always been incredible. Note: there is often a very light breading on the top of the fish - but let them know if you're gluten free and they will skip that part.
Also, try the cantaloupe juice - sooo tasty.
The only complaint I would have is on the wine options. They aren't that great and they are often out of the things on the menu. I'm not sure if this place has a BYO option, but it might be worth checking out. -
Review from Leeor J.
8/29/2010
After reading all the glowing reviews of the ceviche, I was pretty excited about this place. Ever since I had a killer ceviche dish in mexico, I've been hooked.
Myself and a friend ordered both kinds of ceviche they have there: fish and shrimp. What a disappointment. They practically didn't taste like anything, and the amount of tomato-onion-bell-pepper to seafood was way out of proportion. Where was the acidity? the tanginess? There was a very undesirable watery pool at the bottom of the bowls too..like a poorly dressed salad.
I also ordered the fish as a main. It wasn't bad. Though it was basically deep fried, so how bad is that going to be? the sweet plantain's that came with it were actually really nice though. This dish rescued the place from 2 stars.
2 stars for the ceviche, 3 stars overall. -
Review from Jenna Marie W.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2009
Went last night with a group of four. Between us we had the calamari (with a fiery creole dip) and shrimp ceviche (unreal!) to start, then the carne asada, fried yucca salad and pork tamales. Dishes all came with various sides - dirty rice and beans, avocado, coleslaw, thin plantain chips, grilled plantain, and a particularly delicious fried cheese.
Everything was fresh and tasty, huge portions and under $12. Beer was 4.25 and a massive glass of house red was 6. The service was excellent, and while the place is no frills, it felt warm and lively - despite us turning up an hour before closing. Will be back, very soon. -
Review from Debaser S.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2012
I love this place . Great ceviche, great service, great atmosphere. Their main courses are HUGE and amazing value for money and the service is so warm and friendly. Plus the price of both food and drinks is very very reasonable. I will go back there anytime. One thing though, i dont think there's much here if you are vegetarian but Im not!
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Review from Noel D.
1/5/2010
I have been getting takeaway from this place for about three years so they welcome me with open arms... The funny thing is that I always order probably the least Nicaraguan item on the menu: fettucini alfredo! I can't help myself. It's so creamy and fresh with big pieces of chicken and veggies. Absolutely delicious.
I will revise my review once I try other items on the menu, but in the meantime I can say the staff are lovely and it's definitely one of the better food options in the Bloor West Village area. -
Review from Bryan T.
Toronto, ON
3/1/2011
The decor in this place is charming in a homey, rustic sort of way-- lots of nicknacks from what I assume is Nicaragua. I have no expertise in Nicaraguan nicknacks (nica-nicknacks?) Anyway when I go here it's for one thing and one thing only: the ceviche, which is fresh and zest and delicious. It's served with thinly sliced & fried plantains. The proprietors struck me as such nice people I thought I should give La Bella Managua a shout out on yelp.
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Review from Mike P.
Toronto, ON
7/27/2011
closer to 3.5 stars....great ceviche, good skirt steak but portions are too big and the sides were just filler to me. Beer was also too expensive for the neighbourhood
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Review from Lauren M.
I've never been to Nicaragua but the food here is very similar to what I ate in Costa Rica, so I'm assuming it's quite authentic.
I'm in love with the ceviche at this place. It's so fresh and served with baked plantain chips (nice and light, not greasy/fried). They do shrimp ceviche, fish ceviche or a combo of both.
As mentioned by others, the combination plates are HUGE and cost $11-13. I can easily share with another girlfriend or it's good for one giant size man. Each meat dish comes with a few side dishes noted on the menu, but if you ask they will custom make your plate so you get whichever meat dish and whichever side dishes you prefer. The fried plantain is so tasty...mmm
I always go here with my boxing coach, who is Cuban and is friends with the owner. The staff and owner are always very friendly.
My only complaint is I wish they had some kind of lunch menu, as I find the main dishes are simply too huge for my smaller lunch appetite. But the ceviche can be nice lighter meal. -
Review from Jorge C.
Courtice, ON
4/2/2011
Had dinner there last night with friends and wow does not convey how great it was. Everything was so fresh, really falvorfull and generally well prepared
I took other reviewers advice and opened with the ceviche....sooo good. For the main I had the Carne assada (sp). I would recommend that also but bring a big appetite cause I was stuffed
I am eager to go back and try something else
