Bellota Wine Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

Since the start of the year, I have dined at Bellota on 3 separate occasions. I could not fault the food or the service and each time we walked away on a high note. However, the last experience I had with a manager by the name of Tiffany left a bitter taste in the mouth. It started with me chasing them with phone calls requesting for a table for 8 (I note that they don’t take bookings online with larger groups). Each time a staff member would tell me that their manager will contact me. After waiting for one week, I finally got hold of Tiffany the manager. I expected her to be more engaging as I had questions regarding the menu etc. But the impression I got was she was disinterested and could not wait to hang up. This was not even peak hour. I called her a little after 4 pm in the afternoon and another staff member mentioned to me that Tiffany just walked in. Instead, she said that all the details would be related by email.

After reading through the set menu option, our group decided that it was not to our liking as none of our favourite dishes were available. One of our friends then suggested that we forego the private dining room and book two tables of four. We were happy to sit separately. I proceeded to the on-line booking system and booked two separate tables for 6.15pm (under my name) and at 6.30 p.m. (under my partner's name) and got an instant confirmation. Now this is where it gets weird. Within a matter of seconds, Tiffany contacted me and said, "I have seen that you have gone behind our backs and secured a booking for your party therefore I have no choice but to cancel both bookings as you are known to each other". I explained to her that she can treat us as two separate groups but she insisted she cannot allow us to do this as it would be against the restaurants policy. My point is this: What difference does it make? Either way if we don’t secure those available slots, other diners will. I even pointed it out: what if they are known to each other? Will she refuse to serve them? Her defence was exactly the same, "but you still know each other". By this time, I was speechless and could not make any sense out of it. She then closed the conversation and said, "you are still welcome to book the private dining room" and abruptly hung up. This unpleasant encounter is what brings me here to write this review. A few people in the party mentioned that they could secure the tables under their name but by this stage we were totally put off by this bizarre policy of theirs.

I also read another recent review of a guest celebrating their 30th birthday party and their experience with booking for larger groups and dealing with Tiffany was consistent with mine. To be fair my experiences with the other staff members were the total opposite of Tiffany - I found them to be warm and engaging without the condescending and indifferent attitude I had with Tiffany. Also, warm compliments to a lovely Italian waiter who served us twice. My friends and I will not be coming back as there are restaurants around Melbourne which are more accommodating. P.S. For those readers who are wondering why I persisted with the phone calls, it was because members of the group were wine enthusiasts and were keen to purchase the bottles from their adjoining bottle shop.

PPs We eventually returned to another new favourite of ours called James which is around the corner from Bellotta where the staff were more than accomodating for our party of 8. The dishes are modern Australian with a korean twist and I find each dish were thoughtfully prepared with a emphasis on Australian herbs The standout dishes for me were the kingfish tartare, prawns on the cracker, potato bread, potato cake murray cod...

My wife had her 30th birthday at Bellota and we both had a terrible experience here.

My wife was dealing with Tiffany during the planning stage and that was difficult with really slow replies to emails and passive aggressiveness in responses. There were no questions asked or guidance offered on dietary requirements, table arrangements, etc. we planned our wedding last year so we had a good idea of what info to give to make the event a success. On the day of the event, service was nothing short of rude. It felt like we were a chore and the lady that was looking after the event didn't even say hello. Feedback from our guests was that there was no warmth in the service which was embarrassing for us. The 10% surcharge is supposed to include “incidentals such as fresh flowers, linen etc”. No flowers were at the venue apart from the ones we brought ourselves and the white table cloth was stained with blue ink. There are beautiful windows at the front of the venue that are also ruined by shelving that has dusty old wine bottles and pens/pencils everywhere. There was food on some of the chairs which we cleaned ourselves prior to guests arriving. The absolute worst thing was that we had provided clear instruction in the lead up to the event on the amount we wanted the bar tab to be. We had also asked them to tap us on the shoulder when the tab was close to being reached so we could decide if we wanted to extend it. They had exceeded this without advising us. They charge wine by the bottle as opposed to a beverage package and I noticed bottles being taken away that weren’t empty yet. My wife followed up with Tiffany after the event and expressed the above concerns. She laughed, told her they didn't feel the need to let us know about the exceeded bar tab because “my guests were still drinking”. She also sarcastically said “I’m sorry you feel that way” and "I have spoken with my team and we are proud of what we offered. Looks like we're not the right venue for you moving forward".

Tiffany ruined what was supposed to be an exciting milestone in my wife’s life and I recommend you think twice before...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a charming European wine bar that has become our favorite spot. It’s a place we always return to, as it holds a special place in our hearts. My 20-year-old daughter and my 80-year-old mother-in-law both adore this establishment, making it perfect for every generation.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with rustic decor and soft lighting that set the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable evening together. The wine selection is truly impressive, featuring an extensive array of wines from various European regions. The knowledgeable staff is always more than happy to recommend pairings, ensuring that each glass complements the meal beautifully.

The food is nothing short of exceptional. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Europe. We often start with a delightful charcuterie board, filled with artisanal cheeses and cured meats that are perfectly balanced. For the main course, the homemade pasta dishes are a family favorite, and the seasonal vegetables are always fresh and expertly prepared.

What truly stands out is the attention to detail. Every aspect of the dining experience, from the presentation of the food to the impeccable service, is top-notch. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, making sure our dining experience is seamless.

Overall, Belotta wine bar is a hidden gem that combines great food, an impressive wine list, and a cozy ambiance. It’s a place where we can bond across generations, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful meal. You won’t be...