If you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine created in a family owned restaurant and presented by smiling waitstaff who are knowledgeable about the food they serve, then I highly recommend you visit Bistro Bellavista in East Perth. The restaurant, which has been established for 12 years, has just undergone a major refurbishment to evoke a warm, casual feel. Designers were appointed and owners, Adam Di Prinzio and his brother, Simon are delighted with the results.
The atmosphere is inviting and the space is light and bright, with comfortable chairs! There is plenty of space for people to move about without fear of bumping into anyone or anything. There is also an open wine room that showcases their myriad collection of wines. On arrival, we were treated to a bottle of Margaret River Shiraz which started the evening off very well.
Everything in the entire restaurant is brand new, including a wood fired pizza oven which Luca Perego kindly demonstrated how to use. In order to keep the pizza bases from burning, he mops the oven with cool water, which brings down and evens out the temperature. The dough is imported from Italy and is left to rise for 24 hours so it remains light. In three minutes, our pizzas are ready.
Our table decided on a tiger prawn and prosciutto pizza and also a half carnarvora which was topped with a variety of meats including chicken and prosciutto, plus half tropical pizza that was made up of ham, pineapple and bocconcini. The base was light, the toppings tasty. I wanted to eat more but I was saving myself for what was to come.
Entrees followed and were beyond amazing. What an excellent combination! WA tiger prawns in a tempura batter were crunchy with a hint of spice. Arancini Fritti were bursting with a mixture of flavours and the homemade croquettes were decadently creamy and cheesy. I would go back just for these bigger than bite sized morsels of moreishness.
Ample main meal portions followed. The Spaghetti alla Marinara included crab meat, WA mussels, tiger prawns and baby calamari tossed through with garlic, chilli and a San Marzano tomato sauce, topped with basil. All ingredients are sourced locally and prepared by Head Chef, James Dougherty who has been cooking in Bellavista for over 10 years.
Everything is made in house including the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese which consists of homemade pasta in a Bolognese sauce and topped with grated Grana Padano. It sounds very plain but it was delicious. They were very generous with the sauce, and the pasta was perfect, which is just how I like it.
Another main dish on the menu is Agnello Arrosto, roasted Margaret River lamb rack with roasted baby carrots and potatoes with more than a drizzle of rosemary jus. The meat was tender and pink and served with a pistachio crust.
Dessert arrived soon after and looked sweetly enticing. The choices on offer were Tiramisu, Semifreddo and Creme Brulee, all homemade and all delicious I gathered from the positive murmurings at our table. I was so full I could only manage a small bite! Don't despair if you have bitten off more than you can chew, ask for a 'doggie bag' and enjoy your meal again the next day. I did.
Fully licensed, Bistro Bellavista is open every day for breakfast from 7 am until 10 am Monday to Friday, 8 am until 10 am on Saturdays and from 8am until 2.30 pm, which incorporates lunch, on Sundays. Dinner is available from 5.30 pm until 9.30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and also on Sunday, and from 5.30 pm until 9.45 pm every Friday and Saturday.
