Bites Nearby: Bellissimo Ristorante

On the corner of 13th and Tilghman Streets in Allentown, Bellissimo Ristorante’s Mediterranean-style exterior sets the stage for a dining experience inside that recalls the robust cooking and hospitality of Italy. The cuisine is strictly Italian, with an emphasis on authentic recipes and preparation.

The menu does include such fare as stromboli, calzone and stuffed rolls, but the broad selection of full service dinners most often captures the attention of diners.  Meals begin with warm garlic rolls liberally laced with chunks of garlic. Appetizers include familiar Italian starters—antipasto, mozzarella salad, calamari—as well as a few more elaborate choices (broccoli rabe and sausage in olive oil, for example) that change periodically.

Pasta can be served with any traditional sauce, including clam, marinara, meat, mushroom, pesto, vodka sauce and more. Baked pastas include ravioli, manicotti, lasagna, stuffed shells and Bellissimo’s hearty pasta al forno: bowtie pasta with ham, spinach, chicken and mushrooms in a pink sauce, topped with ricotta and fresh mozzarella.

Veal and chicken dishes are made to order in numerous preparation styles (marsala, francese, parmigiana, scallopini). Seafood choices vary based on the availability of the fresh catch, and are described on the menu insert of specials. Steaks are prepared with Italian flair (filet mignon topped with portabella mushrooms in Barolo wine sauce).

All entrée portions are large and will almost always furnish another meal or snack the next day when wrapped to go.

Brick oven pizza is available in a number of traditional varieties, or as create-your-own with any combination of toppings. Servers display the dessert tray tableside, which features homemade mousses, cakes, and cheesecake. There is also a selection of fruit sorbets, frozen and served in the fruit itself. Bellissimo offers cocktails, beer and an array of Italian wines, as well as cappuccino and espresso.

In mild weather, patrons have the option to dine in the open air on the enclosed patio that does its best to conjure a Tuscan mood with classical statuary and a prominent central fountain. 

Bellissimo is open for lunch and dinner six days a week; closed Mondays.

1243 Tilghman St., Allentown, PA  18102.  610-770-7717.