Bruno's Mediterranean Kitchen — Restaurant in Bellingen

I was a little hesitant when I got to Bruno's and the menu had changed considerably, I had a few dishes picked out already that I was really looking forward to. The host greeted us and showed us to our table, he knelt down and with a smile started a conversation that made us feel very welcome. We were seated near the fireplace and I could see the kitchen and hear a bit of what was going on. Being a chef, I take interest in what goes on in the engine room. We decided on a couple of starters that we had no idea how they were going to taste or be presented. The young waiter and waitress were very friendly and helpful and our drinks were served in a flash. I watched the chef prepping the starters and salads and was very impressed with attention to detail and the fluidness of his work, Then the head chef rung his bell, tidied up the dishes that were going out and the waitress was there in a flash. I watched the dishes being presented to the table next to us and listened for their comments. The service of the dishes was "old school" and the waitress served, spoke and reacted without fault then returned to the servery after reacting to the bell again. Our starters arrived and I picked up the carrot toast (not expecting what hit me) I took a small bite and I smiled big enough for my wife to comment on my facial exuberance. She then took a bite and made some noises that only a husband usually hears. We had the Mahi Mahi as one of our mains and it was the best fish I have had in a long time, the garnishes made it sing. We stumbled out of the Bruno's very full, very satisfied and very disappointed that I couldn't fit in dessert. We totally enjoyed everything about Bruno's and can't wait to be back. Our Air BnB host referred you guys and had a few menus in the welcome pack at our cabin, we replaced the old menu's with new ones and made a note in the comment book at the cabin for anyone looking for a delicious meal, great wine and great hosts to book a table and see for themselves what Bruno's has to offer. We felt like we had been there a dozen times and I am getting hungry thinking about the next time we visit Bellingen. Great work, Chef's and chef's wives are...

Bruno’s is an absolute winner, from the first flatbread pumpkin chickpea- smeared bite of our entree we knew we were in good hands (our eyes wide & the slow nods of happy shared recognition) and we knew we were in for a treat.

The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and so very effortlessly charming, they dance the fine line of being attentive without being overbearing, perfectly. A place does it well when you walk away convinced in a parallel universe, maybe you could be friends in real life. Or if you were to open a restaurant, you’d want it to be something, a little like this….

The Bruno’s team have created an unpretentious but classy joint. We laughed, we feasted and we savoured! It was romantic in-spite of the pouring rain, or maybe even more so and due to the mood lighting and my gorgeous husband. We were celebrating a milestone anniversary and we were unhurried, which is such a luxury, so we ordered the extra salad, we shared the delicious dessert (we didn’t really need) and washed it all down with grappa, cheers’ing to our love, our good fortune and our excellent choices in dining, and in life.

Also notably; the music was so GOOD, so much so that I asked about it, and have saved their playlist to be re-played and passed off as my own good taste (ha!) and I know we’ll listen to it often, reminisce, and plot when we can come back again.

Bravo Bruno’s! Thank you for a...

A hidden gem with amazing food that is worth it the detour.

I visited Bellingen for the second time, and this time, we decided to stay in a farm stay and go for a nice dinner in town. This place was just gorgeous and an amazing surprise.

The place has a good selection of food and for our dinner we ordered the stake tartar for starters. The stake tartar was fresh with a nice level of acidity and came with nice crispy chips that made the dish even more delicious.

For the main, we ordered the chicken swharma with a side of chips and pita bread. And I can tell their chicken we're better than NOMAD'S chicken in Sydney by far. Same style, but the sauce with tahini, yoghurt, and toum was impeccable. The pickled onion and chilli were the twist that dish deserves. About the chips, they are properly made. I'm not sure if they are a little bit pickled before the frying, but I can say one of the best chips I had.

For dessert, we had their choc bar, which was good with a dulche de leche mousse. It was very pleasant but nothing outstanding.

About the service, it was in general good. The only thing is, they served the rose wine a little warmer than it should be.

But I highly recommend lunch or dinner, the place is nice, the staff is friendly and the food is...