From Athens with love – two young Greek chefs with big dreams have teamed up to put a Cornish-Mediterranean restaurant on the culinary map. Dave and Louise Mortlock, who own Bellini’s in Wadebridge, say their restaurant’s seasonal menu celebrates both Cornwall and the Mediterranean and call it a “great mix”.
And it’s the friendship and shared heritage of head chef Daniil Prozato and second chef Daniel Ignat that’s shaped every dish on the menu. Both men were born and raised in Athens and first met as teenagers when they had “big dreams” and forged an “unshakeable bond”. Their paths have crossed in kitchens on different continents ever since, and they’ve now been reunited in Cornwall.
A spokesperson for Bellini’s said: “Together, they craft dishes that tell stories—of seaside tavernas in Greece, Italian trattorias and bustling markets where fresh, local ingredients set the tone.
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“Their shared experience in Mediterranean, French and Italian cuisines gives Bellini’s its soul: bold flavours, vibrant colours and an unwavering commitment to quality.”
Bellini’s in Wadebridge -Credit:Bellini’s
Daniil’s parents ran The Ruby Club restaurant, which specialised in French cuisine. His father, Hervé, is a Michelin-starred chef and classically trained in both Italian and French gastronomy. His experience spans roles in Greece, the Middle East, and the UK.
His work took him to Botrini’s, one of Athens’ most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, where he worked under the guidance of the “Gordon Ramsay of Greece”. He then worked at the luxury Andronis Arcadia Hotel hotel in Santorini.
Meanwhile Daniel immersed himself in hospitality from the age of 16 and worked across various departments in hotels and restaurants around the world – from London’s Sky Garden and Bernardi’s to fine dining spots across the Middle East.
His professional highlights include stints at the Meynell Ingram Arms near Hoar Cross, the Victoria Oxshott and working under the umbrella of celebrated chef Raymond Blanc.
He and Daniil also worked side by side in Bahrain, delivering refined Mediterranean cuisine in high-end venues.
Bellini’s in Wadebridge offers a menu that celebrates both Cornwall and the Mediterranean -Credit:Bellini’s
Owners Dave and Louise have years of experiences in hospitality, from working in cruises to opening the first TGI Fridays in Ireland, running a bar and grill in Portugal and becoming pub and area managers.
They opened their first site in England in November 2019, taking on a St Austell tenancy for a pub with 18 rooms. Bellini’s is their second venue in Cornwall and opened in May 2024 – and they say they believe it’s become a “must visit” in Wadebridge.
They said: “The food is seasonal and celebrates Cornwall and the Mediterranean which is a great mix.”
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