Pizzeria Bel-Sit — Restaurant in London

I have never left a restaurant review before in my life but felt so strongly about our family’s recent experience that I felt I must. Having been eating at the Bel-Sit for a number of years it saddens me that our most recent visit was so awful – and it needn’t have been. As a family we arrived to celebrate my wife’s birthday at 7pm and queued outside for an hour and half. This was simple and straight forward whilst outside but once in was chaotic and uncontrolled. People were pushing past to get to the bar and staff had no idea who was next. A list was kept but the staff member was also serving so there was no supervision and was totally reliant on the customers themselves to say who was next and what order in the general melee they were. Once seated the problems continued. The waiter who took our drinks order couldn’t take our starter order as ‘it wasn’t his job’. The waiter who brought our prosecco wouldn’t open it so it sat on our table for 5 minutes till another staff member got it sorted. As a table of 4 we only got 3 starter plates and then 3 water glasses which meant us trying to catch the waiter’s eye to resolve on both occasions. They then got our one of our mains order wrong which meant it being sent back to the kitchen and us eating as a 3 till the correct dish came. We quite fancied a dessert but given that it was now gone 10pm we decided to call it a day and head home. A very disappointing experience from start to finish. I am left with the impression that the Bel-Sit was more interested in maximising their profit margin than providing an enjoyable dining experience for their customers. Very much get them in, get them out with no attention to detail or focus on quality of service. As a result of this we will not be returning there nor can I, in good faith, recommend this...

Like many locals, I’ve been eating at the Bel Sit for a very long time. You can’t fault Mario and the team for building up an amazing business. But let’s be honest, whilst they are super friendly, for many years they refused to accept card payments because they wanted to hide their real income from the taxman. When you’re laying out £18 for a bowl of mediocre pasta it starts to taste bad! And when your taking upwards of £20k in one night, a free second coffee isn’t going to kill you.

The place needs a total overhaul. The same knives and forks, the same wicker baskets with a paper napkin for the garlic bread, the infamous semi broken stainless steel tea pots which leak, and those football shirts and Michael Schumacher poster. Over the years I’ve seen prices creep up, portions drastically reduced and the service drop off. I always feel sorry for his son who lacks the charisma of his father and I wonder if he really wants to be there or at home on his PlayStation.

However, I doubt you will find a more hard working bunch. I Just object to paying central london prices, if not more, for a seat In what is a glorified cafe.

Eventually it will be sold and will become another traditional Turkish barbers or a ‘Mediterranean’ restaurant.

Overall, it’s ok If you only go once. But after 30 years it’s time...

Bel-sit is located along the high street so parking may be difficult. We managed to arrive bang on opening time and got seated straight away. This place is known to get busy and sometimes cues to get in Bel-sit is great family run business, very welcoming and has a great vibe about the place!

The last time i visited was well over 8 years ago and the food here is still acceptional! All the food is home cooked with outstanding flavours!

The starters involved thin and crispy garlic bread which was light, crunchy with pieces of garlic and olive oil. Fresh brushetta and the portuguese with the homemade tomato sauce is special.

Mains involved the fettucini bel-sit warm creamy spinach pasta with fresh mushrooms and chunks of pepperoni.. I've always asked for extra garlic n chilli and the flavours just dance in your mouth.

Got 2 sides of pizza just to try something different on the menu I went for Diavola & Caprino pizzas. Little bit disappointed with these nothing specical and a little pricey. I don't think il order these again.

For dessert i picked the home made chocolate cake with ice cream and it just topped it off! The cake wasn't too thick or sweet it had that hint of chocolate and worked well with ice...