Bellini Lounge and Restaurant

In a word: Worth it. Absolutely. Both the price and the indulgence.

The specs: #0029
Address, hours & details via Isthmus; Bellini page at Madison Dining Discounts; reviews at Yelp, Culinary Adventures of Jahboh and Tossy;

Latest Bellini news and reviews

JM ate the pasta Bolognese.
Nichole ate the tortellini Bellini and most of their "shared" order of tiramisu.
The bill was $50, or $25/person, plus tip.
JM gave Bellini an A-; Nichole gave Bellini an A (see our grading rubric).

Oh, man. We were looking forward to Bellini after reading the Isthmus review, and we were not disappointed. From the olive oil and focaccia to the nutty, nuanced tortellini sauce to the brandy-soaked tiramisu, the food was scrumptious. The menu is seasonal, so we missed out on the vaunted spinach salad, but the staff were very knowledgeable and courteous when we solicited recommendations.

The ambience of a renovated church is beautiful, but noise does tend to echo despite the tall velvet curtains. The crackle of our arteries hardening from the rich cream sauces was drowned by amiable whooping from the bar, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

On the way home, we sang "Tiramisu!" to the tune of the Rolling Stones' "Miss You." Next time we have something to commemorate, we'll likely head back here. That is, once we're done with the list.

Comments

So glad you two liked Bellini! Brandon (my husband) and I, went for our anniversary and LOVED IT!! I'd been bothering JM about eating there since!! Maybe the four of us can go together!

[D. Baker]

I would like to offer one suggestion to your review..... this is not a place to dine with young children. (It is a quiet and candlelit restaurant). Next time try the lasagna..... not traditional but oh, so amazing!!!

[catwoman5]

Wow - when did this place get so pricey? We hadn't been there in several years and stopped by this evening for dinner. It was a challenge to find something on the menu that was a) under $20 and b) something we couldn't easily make at home ($15 for spaghetti and meatballs? Seriously??)

We finally settled on an alfredo dish and the lasagna. They were very good, but nothing spectacular. At that price point, I'd rank Lombardino's well above this place. But Bellini has a wonderful atmosphere and good service, and I suppose that counts for something as well. It's definitely worth a visit - but I'm not sure I'd go back again.