Belli Ristorante & Bar — Restaurant in New York

This is a review of Belli Osteria as it was one year ago today, on December 27th, 2019.

Restaurants are experiences. You go out to eat because you don't have the time, energy, talent, care, or otherwise ability to cook. For me, dining out isn't just a break from my own cooking - it's an experience. If i'm paying for a waiter to take my order and pretend to care about my satisfaction, and a chef to cook my meal, I want it to be enjoyable.

Whoever you are, reading this, you'll have a different experience when you visit Belli Osteria, once that is indeed an option again, after COVID falls to its knees. You may go there alone after a long day of work, or with friends you haven't seen in a while, or with your wife for your anniversary -- because it is anniversary-worthy.

It's also perfect for a first date, which was my case. The cozy ambiance will dazzle you and whoever you're with. The yellow lights peppered throughout may dance in the glow of your date's eyes. They might even dance off of your eyes as you look at your date from across your table. It's romantic. It's quaint. It's charming. It's just right for the first impression with that special someone.

I ordered the homemade pappardelle with honey-braised short-rib ragu. She ordered the rigatoni with bolognese sauce. We both had a beer. The food was authentic and flavorful. The beer selection left nothing to be desired.

I always judge the level of server quality based on their presence. There's a thin line between too attentive and not attentive enough. Our server hit it square in the middle. Perfecto. One might wonder if the waitstaff at Belli Osteria are so attuned to the nuances of being just-present-enough because of the sheer quantity of dates that are brought here. Perhaps they have a good sense of it all.

I'm writing this review a year after dining here because i'm only now reflecting on the experience. Back before COVID, back when interactions were in-person rather than on Zoom, and back when restaurants were a full-fledged experience. Once we return back to the safety that once was, I encourage you, dear reader, to go to Belli Osteria. Though my romance fizzled out shortly after my dinner here, the romance of the restaurant itself still lingers in my mind as a...

Would give more stars if I could. I was in the area for personal errands and this place seemed really inviting from the decor and scenery. The decor is really pretty and welcoming. Walked in after some hesitation.

So quick flashback about how this place made my day: When I was little my father got me these bake-able spinach empanadas from the grocery store. Had them a few times before they basically disappeared off the face of the Earth. I loved those things so much. I haven't been able to find a store that sold spinach empanadas for over 10 years. It's always chicken or beef. I'm an extremely picky eater and don't like to step out my comfort zone, so even if I did find a spinach empanada there was no guarantee I'd like the texture and filling. Needless to say I was a bit skeptical but thought I had nothing to loose.

This place sells dirt cheap empanadas ($2-3 if I remember correctly?). The food is fresh and prepared fast (maybe a 5 minute wait total). The staff is so nice and welcoming, (shoutout to the lady that took my order). I ordered two empanadas and they were so good. Everything was just right, I have no complaints. I wish I ordered more or tried the other flavors. I live an hour or more away from this place so it's not like I can just order them whenever or drop by. I don't even have any viable excuses to go out here regularly :(

It's at the top of my radar for when I'm in the area. Can't wait to try more spinach empanadas and all the other flavors. Kudos to this place for making my day great!

I'd love to go for indoor dining one day in the far...

Halloween night tradition is to eat out as a family and Belli is or was one of our favorite restaurants to go to as family. Tonight we go and after our order is taken approximately 30 minutes pass and we haven't received our drinks (soda, apple juice and a beer). We ask the waiter the status and he apologizes and indicates there was a system problem. Of course we are concerned that our order was not put in as we have 2 younger children with us who are hungry. We are assured our order is in and it shouldn't be much longer. 15-20 minutes later we ask how long until food arrives? We are told 4 minutes. Another 15 minutes pass and I to threaten to leave and the waiter pleads for us not to and that the food is being plated. It should not take over an hour to get 4 burgers (overcooked) and pasta. The worst part is when we ask for the check we are told cash only, sorry. Excuse me?? Why wouldn't you have said anything before if you were having problems using the credit card machine? It was suggested I use the ATM at the Bodega across the street. Yeah, no thanks. Between my husband and I we have the $110 to cover the meal. I ask to speak with the manager and am told he's not here. The waiter is alone and it's his first day. WTH? This entire experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. I was comped the drinks, but this will have to be my last time going to Belli, which is sad since we have been going to...