For the past couple of years, Cubao has undergone a lot of major changes. It was not long ago when I had to commute everyday, during those times Cubao is the most stressful place I had to go through every school day. Now there are better malls and improved transportation (LRT2). On one side of Cubao is Marikina Shoe Expo, a place filled with creativity and nostalgia. Its where some of the big names in shoe business has been founded, aside from that it is now occupied by antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants. One of these restaurants is Bellini’s authentic Italian Restaurant
A bit of history…
Bellini’s is run by Mr.Roberto Bellini a former Italian paparazzo. Roberto met his wife Maria Luisa here in the Philippines when he was sent here for an assignment to cover the EDSA revolution. They got married and went to Italy, after a more than a decade and 3 children, they went back to put up Bellini’s Italian Restaurant. The restaurant is featured a couple of times in print, television and recently in the movies. A scene from the movie “One more chance” by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo was shot here, that was when we decided to have dinner together with friends in this nice hidden place.
The Ambiance
Our first time wasn’t really pleasant, it was around Christmas last year, we were waiting for our friends to arrive outside. As soon as they arrive they closed the establishment so we have to look for another place to held our “Christmas Party”. A couple of weeks later we finally had a chance to dine. As soon as we were seated, I ask permission if I can shoot around, the waiter politely said “Yes”.
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The whole place is adorned with paintings, even the ceiling on the main dining room has painting of a large family dining together, I can only think of how difficult it is for the painter to do that painting :).
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Aside from the main dining area, there are two function rooms good for private functions for around 18 guests. While shooting I noticed Roberto stared at me for a while, it was only later when I realized that he is a former lens man. 
Two walls were hanged with photos and newspaper clips, the photos were Roberto Bellini’s most proud work when he was still a paparazzo in Italy. I recognized a photo of the late Luciano Pavarotti hanged on one of the walls. The waiter offered us their Pasta Platter, mixed slices of Pan Pizza and a pitcher of Iced Tea, we have no idea what to pick in the Menu since they’re all Italian so we gave it a go. 
Shortly after, our pasta platter has arrived - a regular Italian spaghetti, seafood pasta, ravioli and our favorite spicy spaghetti with chili, garlic in olive oil. 
Mixed pizza. 
As a complementary, we are served with Bellini’s own concoction which he called “Vino Samto” wine. It tasted good but I’m no wine drinker. Overall, the food is truly great but its in a bit expensive side (Italian food is always expensive!), our total bill was around 2,000 pesos. But that doesn’t stop us from going back a few weeks later. 
We just couldn’t take our minds off the Contadina (spicy spaghetti in olive oil, garlic and chili P180) 
Pollo alla diavola (grilled chicken w/ herps and spices P200). I must say that its really hard to choose your order from the menu if you don’t have any idea since they’re in Italian.
How to find Bellinis
Bellini’s Italian Restaurant is inside the Marikina Shoe Expo in Cubao, which is at the back of Shopwise in Cubao. Pay parking is available in front of the restaurant. Please share your ideas by leaving us with a comment.
Popularity: 56% [?]
Good thing I read about this. We’re planning to eat here on my birthday.
Thank you for visiting EatAndRun Jasmine! Advance Happy Birthday to you!
God bless!
Thanks!
By the way do they have lasagna in their menu? I would like to eat my favorite food so far in Bellini’s.
best panacotta ive tasted.
The real authentic Italian resto in the Philippines… I heard that Signore Roberto will be opening its branch soon… highly recommended… Ciao…
Try the seafood pasta… spaghetti al cartoccio… its seafood pasta baked in aluminun foil…
[...] we’ll just treat tonight as any other Friday night. Pizza night tonight at none other than Bellini’s! [...]
When’s the best time to go here? what foods do you recommend for first timers?
hi..juz wanna ask 2 mr.ROBERTO Bellini if pwde po zha ma interview regarding with his restaurant..im a HRM dtudent and one of our task for this coming week is to find the best restaurant.and i think ur the one which met the requirements that can possible help and give more knowledge on how restaurant operated..thanx ..GODBLESS more powers
saw this in the movie.. actually got really curious so we’re gonna try it out on friday, its my boyfriend’s bday.. we both love italian cuisine! looking forward!
i’m not sure if it’s still in the menu… but i remember having a delicious serving of tinapa ravioli there.
i like the sweet wine too.
I love the place, from past to pizza and cakes, especially the chili extra virgin olive oil- to die for!
a MUST try!!!! the food, place, and service is great. The owners of the resto were also there welcoming and thanking their customers when they come and go.
babalik-balikan mo tlga….
~~nad~~
Bellini’s Italian Restaurant has open its branch last Dec.16 2008 in JP Rizl St. brgy. Sta Elena, Marikina City(646-5412).Hope you can try their pastas and their pizzas baked in pugon.
you can visit our branch in marikina
just call 6465412
I love the vongole. Never had it as well as it was served at Bellini’s. Most restos serve it with too much parmesian or gorgonzolla, that’s where they think the dish should kick. But at Bellini’s it is the salty broth of the white clams that make it stand out. Honest to goodness no frills, no fuss. They really know how to make the dishes turn out well with just the bare ingredients.
perfect for a date place. the food is great the ambience is magnificent.. if you enter the place you can smell the old wood around. typical italian scent.!!! 4 1/2 spoon for you mr. Roberto.!
ciao sa lahat masarap at mabait si sir daniel!!!GRAZIE SIGNOR DANIEL!!!VON OF MARIKINA CITY
ambiance was great!
ps: i grabbed one of the photo’s po ha and acknowledge you as well in my blog, di ko kasi nakuhanang yung area namen eh..
i heard about this place from a friend. and now read it and saw some pictures. only one thing is not done yet.. experience bellini’s! me and my girlfirend will definitely have our cubao-expo-dinner-date at bellini’s!