To impress discerning diners and leave them longing for a return visit, these days restaurateurs need to reach very high standards.
Bellini not only reaches a high standard, it sets a benchmark that others must strive to attain.
Despite being relatively new to the city's dining scene - having opened late in 2011 - make no mistake, this is one of the finest Italian restaurants in Liverpool, if not the whole North West.
Book a table now while you can to sample its delights because pretty soon I imagine folk are going to be queuing-up to land a table at Bellini. It really is that good!
To say that Bellini "ticks all the boxes" is a huge understatement. This place is truly impressive on so many levels.
Located on Whitechapel, near the foot of Sir Thomas Street, it's centrally placed and ideal for both the lunch and evening trade.
A clever combination of clean lines, discretely deployed mirrors and warm concealed lighting makes the atmosphere tremendously airy and chic without being overtly minimal.
The place oozes style, yet is very functional with an ample bar area, and the decor includes a few personalised Italian touches that add to the overall charm.
This is not one of those formulaic, predictable chain restaurants that haunt nearby shopping malls and do little to excite the taste buds or enhance the city's reputation.
The greeting is a genuine Italian 'benvenuto' that is warm and accommodating yet not over-effulgent. We were offered a choice of comfortable seating at tables impeccably-laid with silver on white over-cloths with linen napkins.
As we started to scan the comprehensive menu our mouths were watering in anticipation and a complimentary bowl of marinated olives arrived at the table just at the right moment.
By now it was becoming clear we were in for something of a gastronomic epic and our high expectations were not to be disappointed.
To start, I went for the Antipasto Misto. This was a generous platter of Italian salami and cheeses, clearly selected with care and imported from the mother country. Served with crusty bread, they were excellent.
My companion opted for Cozze Provenzale - mussels cooked with garlic, chilli and tomato sauce. It was an impressive platter of seafood and she reported that the mussels were fresh and juicy and well complimented by the slightly piccante sauce.
For my main course I was aiming to plump for one of the seven fish dishes. However, following discrete advice from a waiter, I agreed to sample a special dish of the day - mentioned only verbally - nothing so common as lists scrawled on blackboards here!
Little excites the palate of my better half more than a nice fillet steak. So, there was no contest and she ordered the Filetto Plain with a rossini sauce.
Her filet was a fine piece of steak. Perfectly cooked to order and accompanied by the dark rossini in a tiny sauce boat that meant she could choose just how much to pour. Top marks for that little touch! Served with crispy home-made chips and an exciting mixed salad it was later reported to have been "just perfect".
But how our eyes popped when my Grilled Sea Bream arrived. This was a jewel of the ocean brought to the table on a silver serving platter and expertly filleted with a fork and spoon before our very eyes. Watching the expertise of the waiter in this task was a delight in itself
And not only was it wonderful to behold but also truly heavenly to savour. Accompanied with sauté potatoes and lightly-steamed and buttered spinach, every mouthful held a delicate thrill for the palate.
Normally we might leave-out the sweets, but the list of home-made Italian dolci was so appetising that we simply could not resist.
We were not wrong. My Torta al Cioccolato with vanilla ice cream rivaled the Profiteroles on the other side of the table for supremacy. I tasted both and they were each superb.
The restaurant's owners are four partners: Bruno, Carlo, Giovanni and Raffaele. They are a quartet of highly-talented individuals who have previous experience in working together in Liverpool.
They have clearly spotted a gap in the market and are filling it in a really distinguished style, with an Italian restaurant which caters to most pockets.
Indeed, I am pleased to report that Bellini bears all the hallmarks of a truly great Italian restaurant.
Not the least of these is the attentive service from its dedicated staff who glide around the dining room attending to each diner's request with seemingly effortless ease.
These are people to whom waiting on table is not a chore, but an honourable and worthwhile profession that they perform with a smile and great aplomb.
Diners may enjoy anything from a stunning pizza or home-made pasta for as little as £8.55, to top-quality fish and meat dishes ranging up to £22.95, with side orders at £2-£4.
Accompany a meal with a glass of excellent house wine at £3.50 and one may sample Italian cuisine and service at its very best, for a little over £12.
It is also worth mentioning that alongside the fine dining on offer there is also an extensive, and almost exclusively Italian, wine cellar featuring both inexpensive and higher-priced vintages.
This place is a phenomenon that gifts a word to the Italian language... it is, quite simply "Bellinissimo!"
Click rating 10/10
Bellini Restaurant
51-53 Whitechapel,
Liverpool L1 6DT
Open Monday - Sunday from noon. Last orders at 11pm.
Tel: 0151-236 0411
email bookings@bellinincocktailbar.com
Website: www.bellinicocktailbar.com
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