Restaurant Review

BELLINI, 36 COMMERCIAL ST, DUNDEE

1 LOCATION

In the heart of Dundee, with car parks close by and within walking distance of shops – a perfect choice for after a hard day’s retail therapy.

2 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Quite unusual. It has a cosy downstairs seating area and a quirky balcony area which is bustling on this quiet Tuesday night.

3 SERVICE

The website advertises a pre-theatre menu but on arrival we are given the full menu instead and have to ask for it. Apart from that, pretty good.

4 MENU

The pre-theatre menu has a smaller list of choices but we still find plenty to choose from. From starters of chargrilled chicken salad to mains including basics such as lasagne and more unusual dishes, there’s a broad selection. The full menu is huge and perfect for fusspots!

5 TASTE

Lasagne is bubbling, cheesy and moreish. And the penne con salsiccia – a pasta dish with sausage, ricotta cheese and Parmesan is great. But the star dish for our party is the fillet of sea bass with Italian bacon, fresh oranges and sweet onion, served with mixed veg. Lovely.

6 PRICE

From the pre-theatre menu, two courses are £14.95 and three courses £17.95. The a la carte menu is more expensive.

7 AMBIENCE

It’s lively and there’s a nice atmosphere – but it’s quiet enough to hear conversation and we aren’t blasted by music. Just the way it should be. No one enjoys paying the bill. But it’s made a little sweeter with complimentary amarettos. Sadly, two of our party are driving – so one lucky diner enjoys all three. And on a school night!

9 FAMILY FRIENDLY

There are only a couple of pre-teen kids in. The staff are happy to chat with them and suggest dishes they might like.

10 VERDICT

Bellissimo! If you like hearty Italian dishes in relaxed surroundings, this is a good choice. And the pre-theatre menu (5pm–6.30pm) is a winner if you’re trying to keep costs down. 17/20