Marylebone in London is packed with dining options, and from trendy cafes to smart restaurants, there’s certainly no shortage of choice. Nevertheless, not all of them are places you’d rush back to, and often, trying them once is enough. But Mediterranean eatery Bellazul is one that you won’t be able to resist returning to time and again, because with its delicious tapas, buzzy atmosphere and great service, it’s got all the ingredients of an eatery that stands out from the crowd.
Enjoying a prime Blandford Street location just across from the old Chiltern Firehouse – once one of the capital’s most iconic dining spots – the restaurant boasts stunning interiors and a tasty tapas-themed menu created by talented head chef Simone Serafini. Before taking up her current position, Serafini was also the head chef of respected Italian restaurant Cecconis, and private members’ club 5 Hertford, both found in upscale Mayfair – so it’s safe to say that she knows what she’s doing in the kitchen, and it shows.
The menu she has lovingly devised takes diners on a journey across the Mediterranean, from the rolling hills and rich flavours of Italy to the shores of Greece and its islands and even incorporating the warm spices found in Morocco.
A Mediterranean aesthetic and buzzy vibe
Inspired by the tranquil and peaceful lifestyle of southern Europe, Bellazul is designed to transport diners to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.
Bellazul opened its doors just 12 months ago, so it’s still a relative newcomer to the Marylebone dining scene – but it has certainly been making an impact. Inspired by the tranquil and peaceful lifestyle of southern Europe, it aims to transport diners to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, and the moment you set foot inside you feel as if you’ve just arrived on holiday. Think bright blue-painted walls juxtaposed with contrasting exposed brick, plush seating in mustard hues, and an abundance of plants and greenery that breathe life into the space, with large arched windows frame the entrance, flooding the room with plenty of natural light.
The result is a cosy and intimate setting that exudes a sense of understated charm, and that serves as the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal, with gentle chatter and melodic laughter filling the air as friends and colleagues gather together to eat, drink and unwind.
There’s also a small outdoor terrace, which as you’d imagine, is packed with al fresco diners on warmer-weather days. Because, what better way to enjoy some authentic Mediterranean tapas and wine than whilst sitting and soaking up the sunshine?
A mouth-watering menu
The menu certainly impresses with quality produce and big and bold flavours
The menu certainly impresses with quality produce and big and bold flavours. It’s packed with delicious tapas dishes, including Spanish favourites like the succulent gambas al ajillo (prawns cooked with garlic, chilli and paprika in olive oil) and the punchy spicy baby chorizo with caramelised onion cooked in red wine and honey – alongside Portuguese- and Greek-inspired dishes like the croquetas de bacalhau (salt cod croquettes) and the tzatziki dip, made with Greek yoghurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil and lemon and served with bread. We couldn’t decide which to go for, so we opted for all of them – that’s the beauty of small plates – and each came so beautifully presented that it was hard to know which one to reach for first. As it turns out though, they were all equally delicious and sparked a lively conversation about which could possibly be the best.
The tartare di tonno – yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado and lime – is fresh, zingy and was a real highlight. If you’re a seafood fan, then you’ll certainly have come to the right place, because there are plenty of other fish dishes to choose from too, like the carpaccio sea bream and the pan-fried scallops with saffron sauce and Jerusalem artichoke purée. And for veggies, the padrón peppers and mushroom arancini are real winners.
Tapas isn’t the only thing on the menu at Bellazul, as the restaurant also serves up a selection of tasty pastas, rich risottos, hearty soups, flavourful pizzas and lighter salads – so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll likely find it, and the eatery caters expertly to diverse groups with different tastes.
There is, however, just something about ordering an array of small tapas dishes to share that makes a leisurely lunchtime or a laid-back evening here feel that little bit more sociable, and it’s one of the reasons Bellazul has such a lovely, buzzy vibe whatever time of day you happen to pop in. Be warned, though; the food is that moreish that there’ll be none of the usual polite dancing around one another; you’ll likely find yourselves fighting over every last morsel;
And to wash it all down….
A fantastic cocktail list is available alongside the wine menu, with classic cocktails including Spicy Margaritas and Palomas to cocktails with a twist like The Ghost of Mary
Of course, the drinks menu certainly helps with that, too. Its authentic and meticulously curated wine list reflects the biodiversity of the Mediterranean and offers a taste of Portugal, France, Italy and other lesser-known wine regions that are doing great things.
The best way to start your evening? Pause upstairs for a cocktail or two as you linger over bread and olives before heading down into the main restaurant for dinner. The signature Bellazul Martini, which combines focaccia infused gin, basil and tomato water, burnt garlic and homemade curacao syrup is a must-try, and will certainly whet your appetite.
In a nutshell
Bellazul is, by all accounts, becoming the go to restaurant for delicious tapas in London’s Marylebone neighbourhood – and once you’ve tried it, you’ll instantly understand why. If you’re seeking a vibrant yet equally laid-back spot where you can while away an afternoon or evening over mouth-watering sharing plates, a bottle of wine and great conversation, then look no further.
Factbox
Address: 43 Blandford St, London W1U 7HF
Phone: 020 7486 7340
Website: bellazul.co.uk
All imagery credit: Bellazul