Bellini

Bellini Italian Restaurant Chalong Phuket - Review by Amy Bensema

Phuket Foodies Review – Bellini since 1899

Serving traditional Italian recipes and in-house favourites, Bellini is a popular eatery that opened earlier in 2016. Located on the sidelines of Chaofa West Road in Chalong, the bright and cheerful restaurant features cozy dwellings and offers up authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed environment.

Bellini since 1899

Large windows that draw in the gorgeous late afternoon light face out to the street, and Bellini’s interior is crisp and clean. A vintage Vespa is the centrepiece of the restaurant, and illuminates that ‘Old Italy’ feel. A fresh salad kitchen, wine cellar and open kitchen add to the ambience and it’s quite fun to look on and watch the chefs work their magic.

The friendly wait staff was not only eager to please but also extremely efficient, and the starters were served almost immediately. First up was the recommended simple dish of burrata featuring mozzarella and cream with chopped tomatoes, onions and olive oil. Although quite basic, the burrata was creamy and light and a good dish to begin the dining experience. Armigiana di melanzane arrived next. A fantastic tower of layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan, the dish was salted perfectly while remaining extremely light on the tongue. The last dish that rounded out the starters was a Bellini signature dish utilising Phuket’s fresh seafood and spices. Things got very saucy when the black mussels were served. The spicy tomato sauce packed just enough flavour and the mussels were tender and falling out of the shells.

The pizza diavola at Bellini is quite good. The crust is light, the cheese ample and the salami just spicy enough. The tomato base was a bit too sweet for my liking, but to be fair, I’m not one to turn down pizza. A wide variety of pizza combinations and flavours are available on Bellini’s expansive menu.

Bellini since 1899 Phuket BangkokFoodies

Bellini does pasta, and does pasta well. The standout dish of the evening was definitely the trio of pasta presented with a sample of the restaurant’s popular dishes. Ravioli alfredo was stuffed with fresh spinach, peas and bacon which turned out to be the perfect combination of creamy and salty. Tagliatelle with subtly seasoned pork meatballs and a smoky, bacon flavoured pasta completed the scrumptious trio. Fresh parmesan is an option on all dishes at Bellini, and truly enhances the already robust flavours of the pasta dishes. The trio of pasta is big enough to share, and priced fairly for the quality of the ingredients used in the dish.

Bellini since 1899 Phuket BangkokFoodies

I’d like to acknowledge and give credit to Bellini for the little things that can honestly make or break a dining experience. In this case, the little things enhanced my dining experience and also played a determining factor in if I will return to the restaurant to dine again (which I will). The wait staff were very attentive and patient to answer all of my questions as well as elaborate on how the dishes are made, which ingredients can be substituted and if there were vegetarian options available. Plates were switched after every course, the pizza was served with tongs, cracked black pepper and fresh parmesan were always a choice. Although not so important to me, others might like to know that Bellini’s wifi login and password are neatly presented on a card to each diner.

Belline since 1899 Phuket BangkokFoodies

It should be noted that Bellini offers an all you can eat and drink pasta and pizza buffet every Wednesday. Including free flow drinks, the all you can eat special is a very affordable 890 THB and showcases the perfect opportunity to experience Bellini Since 1899.

Bellini Italian Restaurant
62/38 Moo 10, Choafa Rd. Chalong
83000 Phuket
Tel: 062 075 1110
Opening Hours: 5:00pm to 11pm (Close on Tuesday)