REVIEWED BY DE GROOTS MEDIATaking up residence in the same location as former restaurant Cocamo, Bellissimo Cucina and Trattoria opened its doors to the public in May 2007. Serving traditional Italian cuisine that is best described as rustic, Bellissimo is a welcome addition to the Docklands dining precinct. Much care has gone into the decor here with a warm and inviting colour scheme. Large ornate chandeliers hang delicately from the ceiling above red and white chequered table clothes. From 7pm six nights a week, live entertainment in the form of a piano accordion adds to the inviting ambience, enhanced further by views of Docklands bustling waterways through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The broad menu of traditional rustic Italian dishes has something for everyone. Start with a platter of imported prosciutto rolled pancetta and fellino salami served with fresh melon and grissini; or an entree of fresh Australian calamari, pan-fried with semolina and a drizzle of balsamic mayonnaise. Follow with the linguini pescatora (fresh from the day’s catch including fish, shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams in a light tomato sauce), or the traditional chicken parmigiana with parmesan, mozzarella, Parma ham and tomato concasse. Finish with a classic vanilla pannacotta with a pineapple and fennel compote. Bellissimo carries a broad range of wine, spirits and beer imported directly from Italy.
Veda Wickens, July 2007