LaBella Bean has been my ideal cafe for about 3-4 years now, and I am actually glad this place is still a well kept Pittsburgh secret! As I was sipping on a perfectly prepared cappuccino (foamy and not too filling) I wondered if anyone had written any reviews on this quaint cafe. To my surprise there hasn't been, and Labella has been open since 2001.
La Bella Bean began as a neighborhood cafe before every street corner became dusted with corporate coffee shops and hipster recreations. The coffee is nothing short of delicious, I have never been disappointed with their drip coffee or their latte's and cappuccinos. The biscotti is familiar to Pittsburghers -the same is served in crazy mocha - but their pastries and desserts are all homemade and have never failed to be divine.
The cafe has daily specials, ranging from a comforting egg salad sandwich served with warm tomato bisque, to their famous white chicken chili. Whatever you choice to get please make it a high priority to taste their homemade balsamic vinaigrette! They put it on top of their LaBella bruschetta, Roma veggie sandwich, not to mention their salads and various other sandwichs. I've never tasted a balsamic vinaigrette that did not slap me in the face with an overtly vinegar taste, however this balsamic has just the right amount of flavor and pungency. Please try it, I beg of you!
As to the service, always superb! I live in Shadyside and my family lives in Washington county, so every time I'm heading home I make it a point to stop by for a quick lunch and some great coffee.