Since opening its doors in 2010, Bellini Fine Italian Cuisine has become the most highly favored restaurant in Fuquay-Varina. That’s not surprising, especially since everything is executed with
aplomb: irresistible food, polished service and classy ambiance.
If you’re wondering how this delightful, strip-mall-situated
restaurant became so fine-tuned, it’s all thanks to unpretentious
chef/owner Abel Atauchi and his equally modest brother, Adan.
The two natives of Ecuador work long hours each day in Bellini’s
kitchen, churning out soul-satisfying dishes at lunch and dinnertime.
Solid front-of-house management also ensures customers’ expectations are
met and exceeded.
Among the array of menu standouts include über-rich
lobster ravioli brimming with a pink-hued vodka sauce and house-made
gnocchi bolognese incorporating mascarpone cheese, potatoes and meat
sauce. The crowd-favorite lasagna abounding with ricotta, Parmesan and
mozzarella cheeses is as luscious as you’ll taste in any Italian eatery.
What's more, most pasta dishes are fashioned from scratch.
Additional selections not found on the printed bill of fare: braised
lamb shank, veal osso buco and pan-seared yellow fin tuna
with balsamic glaze. Weekend specials like mixed grill platters with rib eye steak, lobster tail and pan-seared jumbo shrimp are often determined by the availability of fresh fish and other proteins.
Superb hand-tossed pizzas, most popular at lunchtime, are available
during the evening as well. During lunch hours, pies are offered on a
buy-one-get-one-free basis (toppings are extra). Also well- liked during
the midday meal, calzone and stromboli will satisfy the hungriest of
eaters.
Be sure to save room for dessert. Among the can’t-go-wrong options:
apple crumb crowned with brown sugar and raisins; the house-favorite
classic crème brûlée; and a decadent chocolate soufflé that’s cooked to
order in a convection oven and served warm. Most desserts are
accompanied with a scoop of ice cream.
Decor at Bellini is warm and inviting. Buttercream colored walls, dark
wood furnishings and white table linens provide a casually elegant vibe.
The main dining room is split into two equal sections, making the
restaurant flexible enough to accommodate larger group events. A small,
easily accessible bar is situated near the kitchen.
Bellini is located at 1436 N. Main Street (Sexton Commons Shopping Center) in Fuquay-Varina. Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
All photos courtesy of Jonathan Fredin/S&A Cherokee
