BELLISSIMO
Neighbourhood: Linden Woods
Address: 1 – 877 Waverley Street
Phone: 204-489-0495
Entrees: $19 – $35
For a restaurant of twenty-five years, Bellissimo can rightly be defined as an institution in the city’s dining landscape. However, an old school font in Italian red and green marking its unassuming spot eludes the contemporary sophistication within.
Greg Gagliardi opened Bellissimo to bring fine dining beyond downtown to a sleek suburban setting with drool inducing Italian fare. Today, family and staff working side by side continue to charm loyal regulars and newcomers within a newly updated interior.
The menu seamlessly blends Italian tradition with contemporary flourishes, from intriguing salads and precise pastas to hearty entrees with enough variety to please all palates. Gourmet pizzas and housemade desserts round out the selection.
Gambero grigliato makes an exceptional flavour bursting starter, hinting to the kitchen’s expertise with seafood. Charred jumbo prawns perched atop a bright palette of salsa verde, lemon caper aioli and quinoa are poised for peel-and-dip happy eating. A large prosciutto chip beautifully balances the smoky sweet shrimp with a salty peck. Housemade soft herb rolls help clean the plate.
Robust mains include Aragosta, a seafood dish consisting of tender lobster, plump prawns, caramelized jumbo scallops, and smoky bacon sitting atop a bed of creamy, wine-sauced pasta. Vitello parmigiana, a breaded and crisply fried veal cutlet topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese is draped over spaghetti swirled in tomato sauce so perfect nonna deserves the credit.
For vegetarian diners, the Agnolotti is a satisfying option that doesn’t sacrifice depth of flavour. Handmade spinach pasta enrobes a sweet mascarpone and spiced squash filling, that is basted with sage and brown butter sauce. A topping of herbed ricotta adds a light touch to the dish.
Decadence extends through the dessert course here, each selection earning signature status.
Tiramisu, the classic Italian after-dinner treat, here consists of rum and coffee-soaked sponge cake layered between sweet mascarpone cheese and shaved chocolate, surrounded by lady fingers dipped into melted chocolate.
For those seeking a small shareable sweet, Zeppole, Italy’s mini doughnuts make a fun ending to an extraordinary meal.
