Maybe it’s the warm glow of the lights spilling out onto the street, or maybe it’s the buzz from the tables filled with happy diners – either way, I knew from the moment I walked in that I was in for a treat.
The story behind Bellazul is just as charming as the restaurant itself.
Professional images inside Bellazul (Image: Bellazul)
Bella, the owner, spent years travelling through the Mediterranean, tasting, learning, and collecting recipes from locals.
When she returned to London, she wanted to share all of those sun-soaked flavours with the city – and it’s safe to say she’s done just that.
Inside Bellazul (Image: Poppy Huggett)
It was a busy Thursday evening when I visited, with the place full of people enjoying post-work dinners and cocktails.
The space is bright and welcoming, with seating spread over two floors and a scattering of tables outside.
The downstairs seating area (Image: Poppy Huggett)
The open, airy feel upstairs is matched by the hum of the big kitchen downstairs, where the magic happens.
The service was exceptional – Larazos, the manager, was brilliant.
Warm, attentive, and clearly passionate about the food, he made sure every table was looked after without missing a beat.
We kicked things off with a few tapas plates to share.
The padron peppers (£8) were smoky and blistered just right, sprinkled with sea salt – simple, but addictive.
The Padron Peppers and Hummus (Image: Poppy Huggett)
The herbed hummus (£8) was a standout; creamy, fragrant, and served with warm bread that we used to mop up every last bit.
Then came the garlic butter prawns (£18) – plump, juicy, and swimming in a buttery, garlicky sauce.
The tapas starters (Image: Poppy Huggett)
The mushroom arancini (£9) were crispy on the outside, rich and earthy inside – the kind of comfort food you don’t want to share.
For mains, we couldn’t resist the lasana alla Fiorentina (£19).
The main event (Image: Poppy Huggett)
Layers of pasta, creamy spinach, and ricotta came together in a dish that felt indulgent yet fresh – easily my favourite of the night.
Despite being pretty full, we decided dessert was non-negotiable.
The main portions are big enough to feed two (Image: Poppy Huggett)
We shared the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream (£12), which arrived with a perfectly gooey centre that oozed rich chocolate with every spoonful.
The chocolate fondant was gooey, light and delicious (Image: Poppy Huggett)
The cocktails were another highlight.
The Picante Rosso (£14.50) had a fiery kick from the pickled chilli brine but was smoothed out with tequila and thyme-agave – a drink with personality.
Our chosen cocktails of the evening. (Image: Poppy Huggett)
The Amalfi Sour (£15) was lighter and fruity, with hints of elderflower and strawberry that felt like summer in a glass.
Everything about Bellazul feels well thought-out – from the portion sizes (generous) to the way each dish celebrates Mediterranean ingredients without overcomplicating them.
It’s the sort of place where you can pop in for a few tapas and a cocktail or settle in for a long, indulgent dinner.
Dining and Cooking