Bellini, Tel Aviv
Bellini brings an authentic Italian atmosphere to the quaint neighborhood of Neve Tzedek in Tel Aviv. An Italian restaurant, Bellini is set in the piazza at the Suzanne Dellal Center, Israel’s premier dance center. You won’t stumble upon it, but once you do find it, and step into its Tuscan-style atmosphere, you’re unlikely to regret it.
Bellini was established over 15 years ago. In Tel Aviv, where the restaurant scene is intensely competitive, and people are always looking for something new, only a tiny percentage of restaurants survive this long, and can only be deemed institutions. And it’s not hard to see why. Bellini has a broad and high quality menu featuring classical meat dishes, pasta, and seafood, as well as a special gnocchi menu. Throughout, it offers a diverse selection from classical and ‘safe’ Italian dishes to more ambitious choices, in an awesome atmosphere, enhanced by rustic Italian decoration and a great open kitchen. The restaurant also offers a great value business lunch.
On the main menu, there is a great selection of starters. Antipasti choices include eggplant in a honey and balsamic vinegar dressing, baked sweet potatoes, and cauliflower in Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Among the regular starters are a diverse range, from beef carpaccio, and insalata caprese, to entrecote risotto and eggplant rolls.
Bellini has an immensely diverse range of main courses. Among the pastas are a diverse selection ranging from conservative choices to some truly creative ensembles. Perhaps its the meat and sea-food that’s the real main event, however, which include authentic Italian favorites such as Scaoloppine and Pollo al Marsala, as well as a fantastic selection of steaks. Among the seafood are shrimps, mussels, and pesce.
The desert menu is equally appetizing with Tiramisu, Pana Cotta, and Bacci among the offerings.
In 2013, Bellini is offering a special three course gnocchi menu featuring the amazing Gnocchi ala Romana starter, fried with shrimp, mushrooms, capers and herbs, and an incredible array of main courses. These include Chestnut Gnocchi, with a series of flavorsome mushrooms, and White Parisian Gnocchi, gnocchi with chicken liver, spinach, and onions – very rich, but immensely flavorsome. There are even gnocchi deserts!
If you’re looking for the ultimate Italian experience in Tel Aviv, Bellini is a top choice.
