Ristorante Bellissimo

07/14/2008 Posted by momacita

Although the food and service was good there were uninvited crawling guests that came out of the sugar bowl. Then moments later, before we could leave, more crawling insects on the wall directly behind out heads.

Cons: crawling insects

03/28/2008 Posted by afw12

The service at Bellisimo is top notch. We recommend Saff as a waiter. He is great and super friendly. Bellisimo provides Austin with some of the best Italian cuisine in town. I highly recommend the filet mignon with mushrooms or the filet mignon with gorgonzola that is often a special on the menu. The Linguini Cleopatra is so delicious and is my favorite dish at the restaurant along with the fennel salad. The wine list is good and reasonably priced. All in all we have been back several times and continue to be impressed with the food and service at Bellisimo. Go try it!!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/24/2008 Posted by Aimeehs

My husband I went to Bellissimo over the weekend for our anniversary. I tend to be a little hesitant to try new places, but this one did not dissapoint. From the moment we walked in a knew it would be a great experience. The owner/chef was very kind and made us feel welcomed. The house wine is fabulous, not like house wines at a lot of places. And the Crabmeat Raviloi was the most wonderful pasta dish I've ever had. The prices are very reasonable especially for the level of service and the food quality. If you enjoy fine Italian I guarantee you will love this place. I can't wait to go back!!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/22/2007 Posted by writemike

Giovanni Cocciante is a Master Chef. His sauces boast a superb blending of flavors that are truly incomparable. He is also a personable and congenial host with a kind word and friendly greeting for all his patrons. His pride and his passion for serving great food is a blessing. The service is always outstanding and the atmosphere is simple but elegant. My wife and I visit each month and consider it the best restaurant in Austin for fine italian cuisine. Grazie, Giovanni!

Pros: Food and Service

Cons: Downtown Austin Parking

12/14/2007 Posted by kailagambini

Absolutely the best italian food i've ever had (and my mom's italian so that says a lot). Surprised the place wasn't packed to the doors with customers since the food is so good. Quiet calm inside, EXCELLENT, customer service (it was more like personal service)! Giovanni (chef) came to our table and I let him order for me. I got a fish and shrimp dish and it was SO AWESOME and I don't really like seafood but he made it taste so good ! It was perfectly cooked and presented. I'm trying to tell everyone I know about the restuarant b/c it's still undiscovered and I don't want it to go out of business. I've never actually written a review on citysearch b/c I've never had the desire too before, but I want everyone to know how great my experience was and that they should check it out, for sure! It's worth parking in terrible downtown to go to Bellissimo.

Pros: food, service, did I mention the food?

Cons: downtown parking (give up and valet)

12/05/2007 Posted by swatchpost

I had heard it was good. I had heard there had been lines. And when on a whim my girlfriend, a friend, and myself decided to drop in and try Bellissimo we could not have been more surprised and absolutely pleased. The chef came out immediately after we were seated to greet us, chose our wine for us (which we ended up having two bottles of AMAZING wine), and the wait staff waited on us hand and foot (but NEVER got in the way and was always a pleasure). They don't call it Caprese salad there, but that's essentially what it is, and it was the BEST I've had anywhere. The basil was fresh, the tomatoes and mozzarella fresher. When our entrees did arrive (and the timing of appetizers to entrees was impeccable), they were absolutely incredible. Bellissimo makes places like Macaroni Grill and Asti seem like Chef Boyardee. I have never had veal so well prepared, nor my lobster ravioli such an adventure to eat. Their tiramisu was again the best I've ever had—soft, delicate—not cut from a frozen cake. The espresso was dark, strong, and perfect. But the true test (and its success) of a perfect restaurant is when even a carrot can become a fantastic culinary adventure in itself. Thank you Bellissimo—we will be back—many times.

Pros: Appetizers, entrees, service

Cons: Parking

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/30/2007 Posted by sandy48

This place is new but I am sure they will be around for a long time. Just went there with a couple of friends and had the most wonderful time. The Pumpkin Ravioli was the best ravioli I have ever had absolutely mouth watering. The service was impeccable. Chef Giovanni came out to speak with us and made us all feel so delighted to be there. What a talented man!!!!!!

Pros: Gifted Chef, Excellent Wines, Excellent Waitstaff, Great Music

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/12/2007 Posted by rosen02

What a gem! My husband and I took some friends who were visiting from out of town - one of whom is very Italian - we were extremely impressed by the cuisine. We chose the prosciutto wrapped shrimp, chicken marsala, veal, calamari over polenta.....EVERYTHING was excellent. Tiramisu and unbelievable cheesecake - I've never tasted cheesecake so incredibly light in texture - truly the best I could ever expect. Apparently, judging from the photos in the restaurant, this chef has been pleasing the palates of former presidents and first ladies for quite some time albeit in a different location. He was extremely warm, hospitable and charming. We will undoubtedly become regular patrons and hope that others will discover this tiny treasure as well.

Pros: Amazing Food, Great, friendly service, Open for LUNCH! Loved the food.

Cons: Bamboo Should Be Replaced with Fabric to Soften the Ambiance

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful

10/05/2007 Posted by ristorantebellissimo

I would like to thank all those that have commented. I periodically log on to see what customers are saying good or bad. Giovanni strives to make everyone feel they have experienced true Italian hospitality and by the reaction of the customers that I have seen, I know he has done a pretty fantastic job. For the one that continues to make defamatory comments, I would like to say we know who you are, and you are waisting your time. People that know Giovanni and truly have been to Bellissimo know the truth. No one as insignificant as yourself can bring down true talent like Giovanni with your petty comments.

3 out of 5 people found this review helpful

10/05/2007 Posted by shekmar

How can you rate anything other than 5 stars. Actually I would give it 10 stars if I could. I went there a week ago with my wife on our 40th anniversary. Giovanni made our night memorable. We are still talking about it. Everything we ate was spectacular. Giovanni had live music that night and even sang for us. The man is a true talent. What a gift for Austin to have Giovanni. BRAVISIMO GIOVANNI!!!!!!!!

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful