A recent invite to sample La Bellezza’s festive menu was high on my ‘to-do’ list, mainly because I attended the opening night but did not have time to stay and sample the food, also, I have heard good things from friends ever-since.
Nestled in the grand Chamberlain Square of Birmingham, where old meets new, is La Bellezza in all its twinkling glory. There is a certain romance at La Bellezza, with its self described whimsical theatre of tumbling ivy, handmade Murano glass chandeliers, and seven-metre-long woven curtains, you do sense they went the extra mile when designing this once vacuous space and today, as myself and companion are seated by a friendly member of staff, it feels very Italian, and cosy in the heart of Birmingham’s most prestigious square.
a wi-fi network named ‘Italy disco’ you know these guys mean business.
The menu consists of updated classic Italian recipes curated by Head Chef Mimmo, who has come to Birmingham armed with his Nonna’s secret tips for the richest of ragus.
As our cheery waiter, Robin, takes our wine order, I cannot help but notice the busy mix of people offering a pleasant hubbub beneath the cool tunes softly resonating around the tables, Shawn Lee no less, and with a wi-fi network named ‘Italy disco’ you know these guys mean business.
Both our Red wine (from Villamagna, Central Italy) and cocktails arrive and are all most delicious. Margarita (Quarter Proof Blanco Agave Spirit) and Coco Loco (Coconut cream, orange and pineapple juice. Vamos a la playa amici)).
After a bit of a catch-up we order from the menu. Starters arrive quickly.
I enjoyed the ‘Honey, I Truffled the Crocchetta’ (Gooey cacio e pepe crocchetta filled with provola. Finished with truffle honey and fresh truffle atop.) whilst my companion opted for ‘Insalatina Trevigiana al Gorgonzola’ (Crispy endive salad and confit lemon, topped with chunks of gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic glaze and toasted walnuts.). I think it’s fair to say we both enjoyed these with equal measure.
My companion tucked into her ‘Tagliarini Granchio e Limone’ (Home-made tagliarini with fresh hand-picked crab, thyme, chilli in a langoustine bisque and lemony butter sauce.)
Our mains took a little longer but they were worth the wait. On my plate was ‘Cacio e Pepe con Langoustine’ (Home-made spaghetti in an indulgent creamy cacio e pepe sauce served with langoustines, a drizzle of bisque and pistacchio.) This was a rich creamy indulgent sauce with fresh tasting seafood atop soft melt-in-the-mouth spaghetti – superb and moreish.
My companion tucked into her ‘Tagliarini Granchio e Limone’ (Home-made tagliarini with fresh hand-picked crab, thyme, chilli in a langoustine bisque and lemony butter sauce.) I gave this a try too which easily matched the richness of my Cacio e Pepe con Langoustine – I could have happily has this as my main too!
After our mains we were lucky enough to meet Giovanni Severino (sous chef) and Gaetano Marchese (Wine Ambassador for La Bellezza). Both were informative and proud to explain the authenticity of the dishes, and we noted La Bellezza change their menu every 4 months which is no mean feat for such a busy restaurant.
For dessert, we really had limited space left in our bellies but felt it uncool not to at least have a taste. To the table arrived, ‘Babà Boom’ (Home-made babà with silky chantilly cream, brought to life tableside with a pour of aromatic Appelton rum.), ‘Pistacchio Profiterole Napoletana’ (Home-made profiterole, gelato al pistacchio with pistacchio spread, topped with indulgent dark chocolate sauce.) and ‘The Incomparable Lemon Pie’ (Zingy tart and humongous 5’9-inch meringue layer.), all of which were a little bit naughty and plentiful. My favourite, without doubt was the Pistacchio Profiterole Napoletana with a chocolate sauce that took me back to my childhood but if you’re going for Italian style, I’d say the Lemon Pie is most impressive.
To finish, Robin returned, shuffling along with his ‘Happy Trolley’ of Italian liquor shots, and of course we had to sample these but I became confused with which order we were supposed to drink them in, so just went for a variety of colours, but most definitely with a pistachio theme to accompany the desserts.
As a side note, it is worth knowing that La Bellezza have a New Year’s Eve Menu, serving a celebratory three-course Italo feast: Polpettine di Parmigiano with truffle, Mafaldine al Tartufo generously finished with fresh black truffle, or Linguine al Granchio e Caviale di Trota with hand-picked crab and langoustine bisque. To finish, choose between their iconic Tigramisù, the giant Pistachio Profiterole Napoletana, or the refreshing Meringata agli Agrumi. The NYE feasting menu is £89, including cicchetti, with bookings going live on 4th November.
In all, I would say La Bellezza actually surpassed my expectations, both on service and taste, for a chain, this does feel more personal and intimate and could easily match some of the best small independent Italian restaurants I have tried in the UK.
I will definitely return when time allows.
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.