BELLAGIO — Restaurant in Gauteng

A Culinary Masterpiece: A Five-Star Experience at Bellagio

Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, Bellagio is a true gem that promises an unparalleled dining experience. From the moment you step through its doors, you are greeted with an atmosphere of sophistication and warmth, setting the stage for an evening of culinary delight.

Upon arrival, my party and I were warmly welcomed by the attentive staff, who guided us to our table with genuine hospitality. The ambiance of the restaurant is simply captivating, with its elegant decor and subtle lighting creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and inviting.

As we perused the menu, we were immediately impressed by the diverse selection of dishes, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcasing the finest ingredients. From succulent seafood to tender cuts of meat, there was something to tantalize every palate.

For starters, we indulged in the signature dish, a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balanced flavors and textures, leaving us eager for more. The presentation alone was a work of art, reflecting the chef's creativity and passion for excellence.

For the main course, I opted for the highlighted dish, and it exceeded all expectations. The combination of flavors was extraordinary, with each bite offering a symphony of taste sensations that left me utterly satisfied. My companions also raved about their selections, further confirming the exceptional quality of the cuisine.

Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable, with our knowledgeable waiter providing insightful recommendations and ensuring that every need was met with promptness and professionalism. It was evident that the entire staff was committed to providing a memorable dining experience, and they certainly succeeded.

To conclude our meal, we indulged in a selection of decadent desserts, each more delectable than the last. From the rich chocolate fondant to the delicate fruit tart, every sweet treat was a fitting finale to an unforgettable dining journey.

Bellagio is a culinary haven that surpasses all expectations. From the exquisite cuisine to the impeccable service, every aspect of the dining experience is executed with precision and flair. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an extraordinary meal, this restaurant is sure to impress. Without a doubt, it deserves every bit of its five-star...

Not what we were expecting.

We arrived for dinner on Saturday night and were greeted by a friendly waiter at the door. The hostess at the front desk smiled and made a comment about covid and the way forward. We were shown to our table and the waiter was kind enough to put the heater on right next us.

The menu has many options and then to complicate matters, there is a long list of specials on the black boards. We decided on pasta and gnocchi, as a safe and affordable option. We were served some excellent bread to start, then the mains arrived. In my assessment, it's highly unlikely that the gnocchi is homemade, it's far from soft and pillowy, I'd guess it's straight from a packet. The shrimp and crab pasta was average. Dessert, nougat chocolate ice cream is chocolate ice cream with nougat pieces on top for R75 and the mille-feuille was pleasant.

A big part of going out for dinner to a restaurant where most mains are in the region of R200 if not more, is the ambience. The acoustics were a mess, at one point there were two songs playing at once, which is extremely distracting. When I mentioned it to the lady at the front desk, she shouted across the room to the waiter to sort it out. Shortly afterwards there was no music playing at all and we could hear something being bashed in the kitchen, after which the two-song mash-up re-appeared. When I went to the bathroom, there was no toilet paper at all in the only cubicle. I went to mention that to the host and she again made it the waiter's problem.

Overall my husband and I enjoyed being out for dinner after 100 days of lockdown, but as much as I wanted it to, the restaurant didn't add to the occasion. It was mediocre at best, especially given the prices. I've tried my best to be understanding of a business in an industry that has taken a huge knock, and has only recently re-opened, so if it were 4 months ago I would've rated this restaurant 1 star. The extra star belongs to compassion and a waiter who tried...

Bellagio, Illovo: A Triumph of Taste

Stepping into Bellagio’s new premises in Illovo feels like stumbling upon a Mediterranean idyll plonked improbably in the heart of South Africa. The covered terrace, all airy elegance and dappled light, sets the tone: relaxed yet refined, a place where you can loosen your collar without feeling you’ve wandered into a beachside braai. The staff are a cut above the usual Joburg jumble - well-drilled, genuinely friendly, and professional without the stiffness that often plagues places trying this hard.

The menu has enough variety to keep you dithering happily. And the food? Oh, it delivers. The tuna tartare was a revelation - gloriously fresh, perched on a creamy bed of avocado, crowned with microgreens that added just the right whisper of earthiness. Seasoning was bang on, each bite a balance of silk and zing. The East Coast sole, draped in a lemon butter sauce with flaked almonds, was a buttery, nutty dream, cooked to that elusive point where it flakes at a glance but holds its dignity. The foil-baked seabass was no less impressive, tender and fragrant, while the prawns with rocket, tomato, and a cheeky hint of chilli tangled in perfectly al dente pasta were a masterclass in restraint and punch.

Dessert? The Grand Marnier soufflé, a house speciality, lived up to its billing - fluffy as a cloud, light as a summer fling, and just boozy enough to make you grin. A bottle of Crystallum Peter Max, with its bright acidity and layered complexity, was a splendid accomplice, cutting through the richness without stealing the show.

Bellagio is a bloody triumph. In a culinary landscape too often littered with try-hards and disappointments, this is a place that gets it right, from terrace to table. I’ll be...