Bellini's Restaurant — Restaurant in North Haven

On 12/31/2023 My wife and I and another couple had lunch at Bellini's. I was looking forward to eating there with our friends that I haven't seen in a while. The server told us about today's special and one of the specials was stuff lobster tail with a filet mignon. When I heard that it was a no-brainer because I really do enjoy both of those. I asked the server if I could have my filet mignon rear. When the meals were brought out and my plate was placed in front of me. I decided to start with the lobster tail first. I took some of the stuffing off of the top of the lobster tail and it tasted very good. When I went to remove the stuffing and I decided to crack open the already split lobster tail so I can extract the meat. To my surprise, the lobster tail that was split open was empty and there was zero meat to be found. I could not believe my eyes that someone in the kitchen actually split open the tail Placed stuffing on it and then placed it on the plate. Knowing there was no lobster meat in it . It blew my mind. I've been in the food service business for over four decades and I've never experienced such a thing. I brought it to the server's attention and she took it back to the kitchen. Meanwhile, the hostess asked how things were and I explained to her what happened and she went back into the kitchen. They did apologize but the apology was unacceptable at this point because of the fact that this was no small error. They asked to make another plate but I refused because I felt like someone was trying to take advantage of me by hiding an empty lobster tail .I also like to mention I did not cut into the filet mignon but the exterior was extremely overcooked so I can't comment with the inside of the filet look like.

The only reason why I gave four stars for service is because the people that were refilling the water and bringing bread over We're very attentive. I would love to give my server only one star because she seemed to be always in a rush. The restaurant was not packed at all at this time. Several times I try to make eye contact because I need to ask her a question. She would look at me and then look away.

This was not my first time there but this...

Mother’s Day Disappointment

We made a reservation at Bellini’s three weeks in advance for Mother’s Day, with a 3:15 PM seating for a party of six. While we were all seated promptly and received our appetizers in a reasonable time, the overall experience that followed was extremely disappointing.

After finishing our appetizers, we waited over an hour for our entrées. During this time, we noticed several smaller parties who arrived after us not only received their meals promptly, but had paid and left before we were even served. One of the tables even ordered the same dish I did—yet theirs arrived much earlier.

When we raised our concerns, the server was not particularly friendly or patient, and the manager’s response felt dismissive. Rather than acknowledging the clear discrepancy in service, she simply repeated that it was a busy Mother’s Day and told us to “enjoy our meal.” At that point, it was 5:15 PM—two hours since we had arrived—and we should’ve been wrapping up dessert, not just getting our main courses.

When asked what could be done, we were offered desserts, which we ultimately declined as a family. We removed two entrées we no longer wanted, paid our bill, and left with the sense that our concerns were not taken seriously.

We understand that holidays are busy, but the issue was not just the delay—it was the lack of accountability and concern for the inconsistency in service. Bellini’s fell short of the hospitality and professionalism expected on such a...

We had a small gathering of approximately 30 people. The food was just ok... Certainly nothing to write home about. The shrimp tasted like dirty dishwater. The basic chicken parm was tasteless. Sad they refer to themselves as an Italian cusine restaurant when they could not get the basics right.

One of the waitresses, who was also the event planner, was exceptionally rude. She made us feel unwelcome and a total inconvenience. In a time when restaurants are finally able to conduct business and recover from the financial damage Covid has done, the service we received certainly did not prove that they were grateful we chose their restaurant to contribute to. We very well could have gone somewhere else... And are regretting our decision to chose Bellinis.

Upon paying our bill, we were dumbfounded to hear the comments about how our children ruined there rugs and they would need them professionally cleaned. I personally have worked in the restaurant business for many years and would NEVER utter those words to a paying customer. Not to mention... The damage she was referring to was a crumpled cookie from a toddler. Apparently children are not welcome in this restaurant.

I also advise anyone who decides to have a party there to save their receipts! They didn't even have record of our $200 safety deposit.. luckily we had saved the receipt. Such a disaster of an experience! I am hopeful that they get it together and conduct their business in a more professional manner...