Go here on a Friday night and rub shoulders with Joburg’s who’s who. The best steak in town. Almost always have the Dijon fillet with chips to soak up that delicious sauce. Go for the vibe, not the decor, which is minimalistic but suits the bistro theme. Be prepared to sit very close to your neighboring table too.
I love that it’s a hidden away cosy nook. The food is delicious and the fries are epic! The staff is friendly and profesh.
Definitely a spot I’d return to for an intimate careless date
Absolutely my favourite restaurant in Johannesburg. Simple, delicious menu, great service, excellent wine selection, and a nice vibe. All at a reasonable price. I just keep coming back. My perfect spot to meet my good friends for a bite and a glass of good wine....
Always busy and been around for ages. As a result it is sometimes difficult to get a drink order in or to get ones table cleared.
Dijon fillet and chicken schnitzel come highly recommended!
Great place to meet up for lunch on a Friday. Many people come from work with co workers to have a few drinks and a tasty lunch before the weekend. The food options are served in unique ways. Our group had salmon and baked potato, steak and sauce with shoe string fries, chicken salad and cake's after the meal. Everything was presented well and tasted delicious. I'll be back for the salmon forsure.
Bellinis have a really good prego and chips. The rolls are always soft and the chicken well cooked and flavored. The chips are really nice and a good portion! The sauce is tasty and creamy with the right amount of heat just wondering around. I'd recommend going for lunch and taking in the buzz and vibe that the place has to offer.
Popped in for an evening meal with a fellow foodie. We tried the crumbed olives, which were new on the palate. Salty but very tasty and new textures to enjoy. I went with the dijon mustard fillet with fries and a side salad for mains. Dijon sauce smooth with a quiet bite and shoe string fries crisp and seasoned properly, defintely a tummy pleaser! Side salad a little lean for R50, unless you enjoy a lot of lettuce, but decent meal all in all. Great service, Nice atmosphere added to the great company so an enjoyable dinner and evening all round.
Lovely ambience and delicious food! Small and quaint with lots of regulars who go back for their menu . My personal favourite is their Dijon fillet which is cooked to perfection. Be sure to arrive here early as they don't take bookings and it fills up quickly.
Best Place for dinner !
If one asked for medium or rare to medium it was presented that way.
Main hostesses bit arrogant cause knowing the food speak for itself but otherwise definitely visiting again
Quaint little restaurant in Ilovo always packed full with people enjoying delicious bistro style food, table booking are not taken so either get there early or be happy to have a large, cold glass of wine at the bar while you wait, usually not for very long. Service is fast and staff are friendly, the atmosphere feels like a small European restaurant full of friends all wanting to have a great time out on the weekend after a long hard week at work. Perfect for a night out with friends relaxing, eating delicious food and having a few too many glasses of wine!
Unassuming good honest food...fillet Suzette was magnificent...hand cut fries and the best peri-peri sauce I've had in a long time. Friendly efficient service ....only thing I can fault is that dessert only consist of cakes. Stunning wine selection.
Great spot and great food. Although the menu is small there are lots of great tasty options - have never been disappointed. The baked potatoes are outstanding and salads really good. Always an enjoyable experience.
Busy spot in the heart of the upmarket northern suburbs: eat here if you want to rub shoulders with the well-heeled and trendy.
The lunch dishes were appropriately light and there were more choices written up on a blackboard. The baked potato with smoked salmon and cream is apparently fabulous - the potato bakes for hours so the skin is thick and crispy.
My grilled chicken bruschetta and salsa was fresh and delicious. My friend said the chicken livers were very good. Good cappuccino too.
The waiter was unobtrusive but was there when we needed him.
It's popular with both the young and old so you're advised to book for lunch - although we got a table easily with no reservation.
No bookings are taken for dinner so you're advised to go early to avoid queuing.
Really loved lunch there on Tuesday. There were 6 of us for lunch and the food was superb. We shared the bacon sticks, chicken livers, chicken liver salad and the avo salad for starters. They were all very tasty.
For mains I had the Suzette steak with chips and it was sublime. So tender and tasty I can't wait to go back and have it again.
Their service was spot on and they are located very centrally although parking isn't great.
I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys good food.
Girls night last night at Bellinis and I couldn't help but pick up this relaxed atmosphere as I walked through the door. I noticed straight away that Bellinis do not accept evening bookings due to their popularity so tables are on a first-come first-served basis, which is unusual but obviously works for them as they have been operating for over eighteen years quite successfully.
This restaurant resembles a humble sidewalk cafe with quite a daunting upstairs trek to use the bathroom facilities. Unfortunately as a result, we saw quite a few young ladies last night, in very short miniskirts, providing the entire restaurant with more of a view than we required, as they walked down the staircase, so ladies in short dresses or skirts - be advised.
My glass of wine and a 250g Dijon Fillet (priced at R179) medium rare, were both excellent!! My friend, sadly wasn't overwhelmed with her chicken schnitzel and sent it back.
On the service side last night, we struggled quite a bit (in this bustling restaurant) to get service or the staff's attention during the evening, but I may have just picked a bad night.
As this was my first visit, I would return, albeit wearing trousers instead of a skirt or dress :)
Bellini's has an intimate homestyle menu, and beautiful wine selection (including some of my local favorites). The welcoming atmosphere and friendly service makes for an enjoyable experience.
Opting for a lighter meal I chose the smoked salmon and crispy jacket potato with avo (R 89). The taste and texture combination heartily satisfying.
If you feel like a salad, their bacon and blue cheese salad (R 92) is creamy and delicious.
For the more decadent try their fillet, egg and steak (R 168) accompanied with a side of golden chips. Traditional and tasty.
Their other fillet steak options (Dijon or pepper) are covered in sauce. If this is not for you, order it on the side as it can be overwhelming and disguise the meat flavour.
They don't take bookings over the weekend so be sure to get there early as it is a lovely spot for a boozy lunch!
Oh my! My mom first brought us to Bellini with my little sisters & some friends of ours probably about 4-5 years back. I have only tried their roasted goats milk cheese salad, aaaah you just have to taste the combination of the ingredients together for yourself, the pepper fillet with french fries, the fillet never disappoints and then save the best for last their CHOCOLATE CASHEW NUT CAKE - This is literally a heavenly feeling & taste, I usually close my eyes & savor the moment. My partner & I have bought a whole cake a couple of times, and some weeks we drive out just to buy 2 slices.
My FAV chocolate cake I have ever tasted.
LOVE IT!
Just had the crumbled olives to start. Totally delicious. Then the chicken peri -peri to share with the grilled greens and crispy baked potato. All very yummy. Great classic in Joburg!
I go to bellini quite often with friends of mine and my favourite things about the restaurant are, firstly, the setting, this is such a cute restaurant with an uncomplicated decor. The meals are usually really good but so simple, for instance I've ordered their smoked salmon with baked potatoes a couple of times and truly loved it, with butter and an avo on the side, it just makes a great and simple meal. I did once experience quite a disappointment however, when I ordered their half chicken, I felt like (although the portion was generous) it was very bland with almost no seasoning or taste.
Love having lunches at #Bellinis in #illovo. Here I'm having the baby chicken. (It takes 45 min to prepare so phone ahead or drink good wine and wait). The wine is one of my favourites (@babylonstoren) and the blue cheese salad was just yum. #illhavewhatdimitrihas #yourtastebuds #reviewnotsponsored
Excellent place
Simple menus very well executed
Nice french touch (Steack "Dijon")
Very good / quick service
No pedantic , excellent vibes and good surprises
Mohamed Karam Metwally
+4.5
Excellent place, lovely vibe, and extremely friendly service... Menu Options are not many but very good quality... Salmon is excellent ...
I wish they add some options for desert...
In my mind this is one of Joburg's hidden gems! From the outside this place doesn't look like much and you might miss it the first time. Bellinis looks clean, simple and a little rustic. It doesn't matter when you go this place always seems to be packed to the rafters.
The menu, which hasn't changed in years, is short, simple and timeless. With a menu this size you know that the food they prepare will be incredible. Their crumbed olives starter is absolutely delicious, I eat it every time I come here. For mains the Dijon Fillet, always made to perfection (med-rare), is my favourite, my recommendation would be to add the baked potato pesto bacon feta chives as a side for the perfect meal. The quality of ingredients and the care these ingredients are handled with really shows.
The staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable when it comes to their menu. The service is good and the owners are always around adding their personal touch to your dining experience. I hope that Bellinis is around for a long long time.
The staff here at so friendly and service was great. Had the salmon and steak Suzette for mains, was delicious. Ended off with sharing a chocolate pot, definitely worth a try.
One of my all time Fav's. Generally go for the salmon Rosti which never disappoints, otherwise recommend any of the fillet dishes. And to finish go for the chocolate pot!
Great place, beautiful, clean, decor and divine food, we had a super 40th birthday lunch outside, really enjoyed the food, lovely modern Italian feel to it with great service
Bellinis serves café food. The menu has stayed the same for years and although it is limited, everything is really good. They are renowned for their fillet suzette and chicken livers and pregos. Be sure to try their baked potatoes – crisp, golden skin and light and fluffy on the inside. Bellinis is the perfect spot for a long boozy lunch. Go early to get a table as they do not take bookings on the weekend and it gets really busy.
Bellinis is to Joburg what Café Caprice is to Cape Town. We may not have the Camps Bay strip, but we do have some oh such stylish people! This is the place you want to be seen at on a weekend, for a boozy lunch out on the terrace.
I would describe the ambience as French bistro-style - their menu is small but sufficient, and I've never had a problem with the service.
I recommend having the Fillet Suzette - it's basically the only place in Jhb that does it, and it never fails to impress. They also serve some of the best peri-peri chicken livers in town - you can try them in the salad version too ...
The Steak is Amazing! I have been to Bellinis Once and I fell inlove with the place. It is a small and very simple restaurant. I had heard about the pepper steak so thats what I tried. It was absolutely beautiful, the creamy pepper sauce and the tenderness of the meat is what makes the steak great. I had my steak with fries, they have those thin crispy fries which go so well with the steak. The desserts looked delicious but I was so stuffed I couldn't even try any :( really sad about that, but I just couldn't stop eating my steak.
Very quaint and cute.
Simple with good food and great service. Lovely for lunch or dinner. And nice selection of wines.
Was invited to dinner with a friend to try out this place. Most of the dishes on the menu are meat dishes with very limited vegetarian options. The green salad was nice, crunchy and fresh and my friend's baked potato with avo and salmon looked good too - she thoroughly enjoyed her meal. Service is attentive and good. Nice little hidden restaurant.
This resturant is always consistent. Good service and good food, lovely spot for a lazy lunch or a quick midweek dinner. They don't take bookings and this vibing place is always busy, so make sure you get there early, or have a glass of wine by the bar as you wait.
I felt as though I was the only person in Sandton that hadn't been to Bellinis so I was really excited to finally try it out. My first time was with the girls for drinks. We sat on stools in their bar/waiting area as the restaurant does not do bookings. That was really great. It's a small space so there is a lot of energy! I definitely recommend it for drinks! The second time, my boyfriend and I went for an early dinner. If you want to go, go at about 6pm to secure a table! The menu is very limited with only a few items to choose from but what is there is done well.
This is just a perfect little restaurant with an amazing vibe, service and wonderful food! I had the Dijon fillet steak and it was OIT OF THIS WORLD! The best streak I've had by far!!!
Bellinis has a very small menu. Keeping everything simple in order to ensure quality on everything on the menu.
Go at 16:30 on a Saturday for drinks, and follow it with a Prego roll and baked potato.
Special restaurant.
Awesome Friday lunch. Nice buzz with the lunch rush. The fillet with pepper sauce was amazing and also the blue cheese salad. Really amazing food and great accommodating staff.. Happy diner!
An excellent option for something quick and tasty. They only take midweek lunch bookings so getting there early is a must. The rosti may keep your arteries guessing but it is surely worth it. Delicious stuffed olives, fillet suzette, chicken livers and crunchy baked potatoes all some of the best in town!
@brycethompson had been going on and on about these amazing crumbed olives he had eaten at Bellini's that I need to try. So I did and now I know why he is craving them.
Bellinis has to be one of my favorite places to eat in Joburg! It's been around for years and has built up an incredibly loyal following to the point where it is full pretty much every night and it's not hard to understand why. The food is always en pointe, the service is good, the wine menu is generous and the atmosphere is always exciting. With its chalk-board menus and almost rustic decor, the restaurant almost feels like a great old eatery that's you might find in the Hamptons. If you have never been, you have to try their famous steaks with a choice between a decadent Dijon mustard sauce or the mouth-watering pepper sauce, either way you will not go wrong! Heck, you won't go wrong with anything on the menu! Their desserts are out of this world, keep your eye out for the chcocolate cashew-nut cake or their chocolate pot - just sinful. The place is small and doesn't take reservations for dinner service so it's usually better to go a little earlier to try and catch a table. P.S. It is a wonderful date spot!
This restaurant has its faithful regulars but take Uber to avoid spending half your lunch hour looking for a place to park. The food is basic but consistently good. Unlikely to get a poor meal here.
Consistently a good restaurant. They don't take booking so I would suggest getting there by 7pm to get a table. Food is simple yet consistent.
Favorites are the salmon rosti and most love fillet Suzette (although I don't eat meat).
Best fillet Prego with chilli sauce in SA! A great restaurant with a perfect ambience and also corona beer! An all time favorite.
This is the place to come to see and be seen!!! The who's who of Joburg come here!! Very simple menu so not a lot too choose from but the food that they offer is standard and simple. Best carrot cake in town!!
A real neighborhood favorite. Consistently good food with excellent, experienced waiters taking care of you. Love the rosti!! Go early as its very popular and cannot book as far as I know.
We expected to have a nice quiet/chilled dinner here, but the place was a bit too cramped and a bit too loud. The food was decent and we had a good time otherwise. We had a really good chocolate cashew nut cake for dessert as well.
Just a note: you cannot book at this restaurant but they are very friendly and day you should just phone shortly before you come and they'll tell you whether there is space available.
Two words ...
Dijon Fillet !!!!
It's exceptional! If you are a meat eater I suggest you try it. The only problem with Bellinis is the service... It is mediocre at best. Didn't really bother me thaaaat much , because I wasn't in a rush.
I'll be back!
Bellinis is absolutely wonderful, it has been around for ever and no matter what time of day it is the place is always packed- and for good reason. The service is outstanding and the food is spectacular.
The menu is the perfect size, a good selection of nibbles, salads and mains. They are known for their ridiculously delicious beef burgers. The patty is so damn tasty, and all you get is a good bun, caramelized onions and a saucy patty with a generous amount of thin-cut fries.
I ordered the potato rosti with pepper beef fillet, chevin (cheese) and sweet chilli sauce. It was REALLY good. The meat was cooked to perfection, the rosti wasn’t oily and the chevin really complimented the meal. I really recommend it.
A truly lovely eating experience, for all occasions.
After reading all the reviews about this restaurant. I couldn't wait to try it out. Came here for dinner with friends. They don't take reservations in the evening, so arriving early is essential to get a good table. The ambience is really great for meeting friends and family.
The menu variety is very limited. I decided to try their schnitzel special which was good but I found that their presentation on all their dishes could be improved. Every dish looked far too dull, which made me lack interest. Everyone thought their meals were good but nothing spectacular. For Dessert we tried their chocolate almond cake - Hands down one of the best cakes I have ever had.
The service was inconsistent. It started out really good, but as the night went on we found ourselves having to ask the waiters numerous times over for items.
Bellinis always has a very sociable vibe, their staff is fantastic and their menu, while simple, combines great ingredients resulting in delicious tastes on the palette.
Belinis in Illovo has been going well before Illovo corner was trendy. The owner has delivered constantly good food for years. I have had the odd lunch on the balcony, this week a simple dinner when friends invited us over for an after work meal. Wednesday in the cold the place was packed. My friend explained the locals eat there as regularly as clockwork. My salmon was scrumptious, and sat on crispy rosti cushion, a great to serve it. The steaks were moist, well grilled served with chips. They were not trendy thrice fried, but skinny chips fried crisply – a delight as the cleaned plates evidenced. The owner is constantly checking her servers (who are great) and pops in at least once to ask if everything is to our satisfaction. Booking is a good idea.
One of my personal favourites in Jozi, sublime steaks and their fresh salmon on rosti potato is amazing with a sweet chilli sauce. The Dijon fillet, covered in Dijon cream sauce with shoestring fries is my personal favourite along with the bacon sticks and fillet suzette. Best chocolate hazelnut cake in town. Great trendy vibe, always packed and the menu hasn't changed for what feels like decades; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Bellini's is one of those Joburg institutions that everyone knows - a small, uncomplicated menu (focus on steaks, salads and potatoes) in a fairly unremarkable space. What is remarkable is that people come back time and time again, which is testament to producing easy going favourites done well. My plain fillet steak was perfectly cooked (one of the few restaurants to get medium-rare right) and the side of Dijon sauce made it even tastier. Highlight around the table had to be the dessert selection - the berry pavola was an excellent, light sweet - and I know people who rave about the chocolate and carrot cakes. If you are looking for fuss free food and a good vibe Bellini's is a good place to start!
Chris Ballie Yannakakis
+4
I would recommend the salmon rosti. Made to perfection! Brought a tear to my eye the first time I tasted it and don't think I'll be able to order anything else. Great place for a business lunch 👍🏻
Truth is, I loved this place. Although we waited 10 minutes for the menu which was quite infuriating, the meal was the best thing I have put in my mouth this whole year. I ordered the salmon rosti which was served with the best sweet chilli sauce I have ever tasted. If the salmon was any fresher, it would still be alive. I think they could play some music though... Just to create some sort of ambiance. Definitely plan on popping in again soon.
What a great restaurant!! I have to say, the food is really great, service is awesome, and the vibe is really buzzy!!! Small and noisy, which I personally love. I will come back again and again if for nothing else, the stuffed olives. Small negative, toilet could be maintained a little more.
A little old gem in Illovo. Keep going back and it never fails. Excellent food, service and vibe. It does get really busy on most evenings (for obvious reasons), therefore it's better to get there early to avoid waiting.
This is my favourite haunt in the whole of Jhb. I've been going to Bellini's for burgers and steaks for decades. The menu is simple and the food is predictable- predictably great that is. Dijon mustard fillet with a baked potato is the best steak you'll get in Jhb. So too are their burgers with shoestring fries. Just awesome...1 complaint though...they won't take bookings, so don't go there expecting a table without a wait.
Best steak and Dijon sauce in town!!! We order it every time we go and every single time is better than the last! Pair it with the Gorgonzola gem squash and finish it off with the white chocolate cake and you have a winning combination!! Service is always great, everyone is friendly and the vibe is a happy one! Definitely one of my bests!
This place has been there forever. Its a busy and popular joint, so either arrive early, or make a reservation. Its a fairly small restaurant, so has a nice buzz. The service is attentive and food good. Its probably a place to have a great meal with friends or colleagues, but not for a romance special meal. Well worth the visit.
Great weekend lunch spot. Went to have a quick lunch and ordered they steak with sauce which was great the sauce was overwhelming but tasted great. The ambiance is good and the minimalistic setting sets the tone of the place. I enjoyed it!
Arguably my favourite bistro in Jozi. Intimate and minimalist decor - great fresh feel. The vibe is great tho can get a tad noisy.
The wines list is pretty good. Service very good. I really rate the food. Not the usual boring offerings Jhb is good at dishing out.
You've got to try their cake. Out of this world stuff.
No bookings in the evenings but the wait at the bar is worth it.
Great place. Always consistent - the food and service is always good. I had the potato rosti with salmon last night and it was really delicious!
Best carrot cake in town!
One of my favourite date night restaurants. You can't book- but love that you can sit at the bar and order wine and the delicious crumbed olives while you wait for a table. For mains the Dijon steak is always so so good, I order it every time!
I have been going to this restaurant for at least 15 years and am very happy to say that they are consistently incredible!
The food is always amazing! The menu is very simple and short but everything is done well!
Service is great!
Decent wine selection.
Everything is well priced and great value for money.
I would recommend the chicken Prego roll.
Great little place to grab a bite to eat with some friends or just you and your better half. Really enjoyed the vibe and the service was good too.
The food was very delicious and delivered exactly what they said on the menu.
A good wine selection at reasonable prices. All up I will defiantly go back for a second round at Bellinis.
Byron Anthony Morris
+4.5
Wow - all the steak and chips. The cake with nuts is devine. Also like the spot! Next to one of my favorite shops.
Never tried food but menu is very appealing snd food looked amazing... very impressed by there house wine, very good house red!!
Quite a pretentious bunch here..but the food is really quite good. Not one of my favourite places but its always nice to go...memories. . ..just be very careful coming down the stairs after some vino
Cosy and intimate... amazing seared salmon! Service was great and didn't have to wait long for food at all
Every time I have been there this eatery is always full!
I love the fact that the menu is short and that the restaurant is small.
I always have the dijon fillet which is the best beef I have ever had!
I do however find the clientele on the snobby and pretentious side.
I went to Bellinis on a Monday evening. The food was great, the service was great too, the menu is very short (which can be a blessing in disguise). The only issue I had with the restaurant was that by the time it was full, it was so loud inside, we couldn't have a proper conversation. It may have been worse than usual as it was raining outside and most of the doors and windows were shut, but the noise level put a little bit of a damper on the evening. On the other hand, if you enjoy buzzing places, this is the place to go.
Read a review before so ordered deep fried olives - fantastic, I recommend! It wasn't busy so service was relaxed and efficient and we were asked twice by the Manager if there was anything we needed. Very small mine which I like - we both had baked potatoes which were soft and fluffy with a crisp, crunchy skin and plenty of topping. Had a very laid back lunch, great food - highly recommend for an afternoon lunch with friends.
What a wonderful time we had at Bellinis last week! We didn't even have to wait that long for a table. The service was excellent and the food was delicious! The deep fried olives were absolutely divine! I will definitely be going back!
A Joburg institution - a good old faithful!
I have always loved Bellinis and know what to order on arrival. The best baked potatoes and shoe-string fries in town, salads, grilled chicken and rump steak.
The service is always tops and the spot is always busy with an energetic vibe.
Saturday lunch time is my favorite! Especially if you you are lucky enough to grab an outside table on a warm and sunny day.......
Danielle Nurock Nardini
+4
Great atmosphere , impressive service and interesting but limited menu.
I second Jaqueline's opinion, food is to die for!
I have to say I was a little disappointed when I first glanced at the menu. They didn't have a lot of options there. Make sure you check the blackboard inside, they have more options there! The most important thing is that the quality of their food is very high, they could totally afford not to have a lot of variety, though I realized that once I finished my lunch! This is one of those places where you know you can not go wrong with any of the choices you make. They know what they are doing, thumbs up to Bellinis!
Do not leave the place without trying the Chicken Prego on crunchy potatoes ❤ ❤ ❤ Salads are awesome, they serve them in a big bowl, just like I like it! Portions in general are huge by the way, 3 people can be satisfied sharing 2 plates. Nonetheless, the food is so good that you will eat anything that is paced in front of you ❤
Excellent service, one more time, they know what they are doing.
If you don't have space for error, go to Bellinis ;)
15 years and still going strong they are the best! Food is to die for! Crumbed olives, Chicken rosti and a chocolate pot, DONE! Service is sharp too!
One of the best restaurants in Jhb! Great food, Great vibe and amazing chocolate cake! be sure to try the rosti! :)
Lovely cozy place in the corner. Now I see why my local friends recommended this resto. Everyone is very kind, I really enjoyed authentic, in my opinion, Portuguese dish.
And dessert is lovely too.
I am a regular. My picture is on the wall. The food is consistently delicious, the service is friendly and the atmosphere is lively and jolly.
Vasili “Basil” Betsakos
+5
Never disappointed. Lots of familiar faces. Love the menu. Small but All perfect. Those roasted chips are insane. Need more of that in my life
My favourite restaurant Johannesburg. Starting to serve good vegan dishes, please keep it going!
Delicious food.
Good service.
The place was busy so it was a bit noisy.
20 out of 10 👑
Has been a long ⌛️ before Covid19 ⚠️
Great service and atmosphere. Piri Piri Chicken huge with home made piri piri sauce...takes 20mins so order 1st up upon arrival. Great cakes for desert. Will return when visiting Jo'burg next time.
Good service. Good food. Great steaks. Highly recommend
The most wonderful place to socialize & have singnature meals, Jenny the most incredible host. Thank you.
Can't go wrong. All round culinary success of the season!
Absolutely loved it! Will be back for sure!
A little gem in illovo. It was our first time there and their food was delicious. The staff is exceptionally professional and friendly. Perfect for dining and just drinks.
Just a great JHB institution. Love this place, food, service and Atmosphere is great.
Kind people and good taste coffee
And nice vibe.
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