Bellini’s is a tried and trusted restaurant for locals in Joburg. The restaurant is a cozy one-room establishment with a small bar area. The interior reminds me of being inside of someone’s open plan house and it has an incredibly friendly vibe. Bellini’s does not take reservations and the tables are seated on a first come basis, so be sure to come early and have a drink in the bar area while you wait. Order some fried olives — they are a house specialty and delicious. The bruschetta is also an incredibly popular item and almost a meal on its own. Garlic bread topped with fresh tomato and loads of chicken breast … who wouldn’t devour that? Everyone at the table ordered different items and everything looked divine. I had a fillet with Dijon sauce cooked rare and it was juicy, tender and perfectly cooked. Everyone was very happy, from the salmon eaters to the chicken eaters and of course us steak lovers. Be prepared to really chow though because the portions are large and you will want to try a few starters too … never mind the fact that if you drink wine, this is the place to pass around a few bottles before and after dinner if you are in a group for sure. The service was warm and friendly — this is a no-frill show. Although the food is what you would expect in a fancier environment, you can wear your jeans and relax in this comfortable place. By the end of the meal, you will be ready for a good night sleep, but don’t worry, they will whip you up a decaf espresso just in time to pay and hit the sack with a very satisfied appetite.
Bellini’s is just a small wisp of a place really, but makes a big impression.
Tucked into a side street in Illovo, off Oxford Road, the dining area only accommodates about 15 tables, which means it gets crowded in the evening — because Bellini’s is popular! So if you’re planning on grabbing dinner there on a Saturday night, be prepared to wait.
The menu is mercifully small — some restaurants in Joburg really go over the top with options, to the point where you feel overwhelmed — but Bellini’s just specializes in a few dressed-up comfort foods, and does them well: items like chicken fillet Suzette (with lemon and olives), deep fried olives, baked potatoes with pesto, bacon and feta, and the chicken prego roll, among others. Don’t forget to look for the daily specials, written in chalk above the bar.
The night I dined there I had the grilled salmon special, which was succulent and delicious. My partner had the prego roll, which was unpretentiously served with just a bun, and nothing more. It’s not all about fancy plating here, just hearty food in a buzzy atmosphere.
There’s a casual and congenial bar area at the back, which has a well-chosen but small selection of beers and fine wines. And the cakes, displayed in glass cases around the bar, are meant to tempt and do their job admirably! I was easily convinced to try a slice of the chocolate-something-or-other — I don’t remember the name, just that it was delicious!
Service here is friendly and definitely has that personal touch, which no doubt comes from it being a family-run place. And the decor nails the casual-chic effect: plain white walls, white tablecloths, and wooden chairs, accented by just a few framed black-and-white photographs here and there. I suggest sitting outside on a warm afternoon.
Expert Review
Bellini’s is a tried and trusted restaurant for locals in Joburg. The restaurant is a cozy one-room establishment with a...
Bellini’s is a tried and trusted restaurant for locals in Joburg. The restaurant is a cozy one-room establishment with a small bar area. The interior reminds me of being inside of someone’s open plan house and it has an incredibly friendly vibe. Bellini’s does not take reservations and the tables are seated on a first come basis, so be sure to come early and have a drink in the bar area while you wait. Order some fried olives — they are a house specialty and delicious. The bruschetta is also an incredibly popular item and almost a meal on its own. Garlic bread topped with fresh tomato and loads of chicken breast … who wouldn’t devour that? Everyone at the table ordered different items and everything looked divine. I had a fillet with Dijon sauce cooked rare and it was juicy, tender and perfectly cooked. Everyone was very happy, from the salmon eaters to the chicken eaters and of course us steak lovers. Be prepared to really chow though because the portions are large and you will want to try a few starters too … never mind the fact that if you drink wine, this is the place to pass around a few bottles before and after dinner if you are in a group for sure. The service was warm and friendly — this is a no-frill show. Although the food is what you would expect in a fancier environment, you can wear your jeans and relax in this comfortable place. By the end of the meal, you will be ready for a good night sleep, but don’t worry, they will whip you up a decaf espresso just in time to pay and hit the sack with a very satisfied appetite.
Expert Review
Bellini's is just a small wisp of a place really, but makes a big impression. Tucked into a side street...
Bellini’s is just a small wisp of a place really, but makes a big impression.
Tucked into a side street in Illovo, off Oxford Road, the dining area only accommodates about 15 tables, which means it gets crowded in the evening — because Bellini’s is popular! So if you’re planning on grabbing dinner there on a Saturday night, be prepared to wait.
The menu is mercifully small — some restaurants in Joburg really go over the top with options, to the point where you feel overwhelmed — but Bellini’s just specializes in a few dressed-up comfort foods, and does them well: items like chicken fillet Suzette (with lemon and olives), deep fried olives, baked potatoes with pesto, bacon and feta, and the chicken prego roll, among others. Don’t forget to look for the daily specials, written in chalk above the bar.
The night I dined there I had the grilled salmon special, which was succulent and delicious. My partner had the prego roll, which was unpretentiously served with just a bun, and nothing more. It’s not all about fancy plating here, just hearty food in a buzzy atmosphere.
There’s a casual and congenial bar area at the back, which has a well-chosen but small selection of beers and fine wines. And the cakes, displayed in glass cases around the bar, are meant to tempt and do their job admirably! I was easily convinced to try a slice of the chocolate-something-or-other — I don’t remember the name, just that it was delicious!
Service here is friendly and definitely has that personal touch, which no doubt comes from it being a family-run place. And the decor nails the casual-chic effect: plain white walls, white tablecloths, and wooden chairs, accented by just a few framed black-and-white photographs here and there. I suggest sitting outside on a warm afternoon.