Adventure 15: Bellini's

Bellini's (website)
401 E. Washington Ave.
3 Adjectives: Fancy, okay, quiet.
Price: entree (15-26)
Authenticity:
Atmosphere:
Overall:
Veganness:
Other Opinions: madisonatoz, yelp, judysbook, ...
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Bellini's is one of the more fancier restaurants in town. It is located slightly beyond the capital coming from State Street, which is quite a walk. Make sure you give them a call before you go - once I tried to go there but the place was booked for a rehearsal dinner!

Although the prices are steep, Bellini often puts a coupon in the Bucky Book. In addition, they have nightly specials, the best one being Tuesday's 2 for 1 pizza.

Built in a renovated church, Bellini has an innately beautiful and elegant appearance. The interior of the restaurant has an amazing vaulted ceiling and makes it feel private yet not claustrophobic.

The menu at Bellini is similar to any other Italian restaurant with a interesting difference. There is an appetizer-like pasta course similar to what you would find in a restaurant in Italy. You are offered marinara or alfredo. I urge you to go for the alfredo, even if it hikes up the caloric count.

Which brings me to another point. The food at Bellini's is variable. My dishes of marinara pasta appetizer and Vitello Romano (veal sauteed with tomatoes, cheese, and proscuitto) tasted average. The veal was especially disappointing, with the tomatoes overwhelming the flavor of the dish, and I would have much preferred a cheaper chicken. On the other hand, both the alfredo pasta and Gamberi al Forno (large shrimp broiled with garlic, olive oil, wine, and capers) my boyfriend ordered were much more delicious. The alfredo sauce especially had a fine seafoody taste without being overwhelming.

Bellini's is a wonderful place to go for a celebration. However, if you want to enjoy the atmosphere and pay a lot less, go for the Tuesday night special with a friend.

Before reviewing Bellini's, Tossy should warn you that there is nothing specifically vegan on the menu at Bellini's (there are two or three vegetarian dishes, however). The best plan for a vegan would be to order a personal pizza, but request that the cheese be left off of it.

Tossy has never filled up on bread before like she has at Bellini's--it was warm and soft with a flaky crust. The texture of the pizza crust was nice, too, although it was pretty salty--perhaps too salty.
Also, the pizza had no sauce, so without the mozerella, the toppings didn't stick to the pizza in the way that Tossy is used to.