Nestled amongst the refined streets of Marylebone, Bellazul quietly announces itself, not with grand signage or flashy façades, but with the understated confidence of a place that knows exactly what it is. The approach to the restaurant tells you everything you need to know: a pathway lined with independent shops, each with its own story, each built on passion. Bellazul is no diFerent. It is, in every way, a reflection of the passion of its owners and team for curating food and drink experiences that are both intimate and elevated.

From the moment you step inside, it’s clear this is not your typical Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. There’s a sense of warmth and familiarity, yes, but also an air of thoughtfulness, of deliberate curation, where every element, from the cocktail list to the ceramics, has been chosen with care. The soft palette of sea blues, the natural light pouring in through the arched windows, and the handpicked details that echo coastal towns of southern Europe, it’s all designed to transport you. Bellazul is an escape, a serene oasis carved out in the heart of London.

Despite the carefully curated cocktail menu, nothing initially jumped out to me. But this, it turns out, was a blessing in disguise. The team’s combined hospitality experience meant I could describe a feeling, a craving, and they would respond with a perfectly tailored creation. A sweet, refreshing palate cleanser? Out came a sparkling vodka and strawberry-infused cocktail—light, fragrant and cleansing. Something creamy and smooth? A twist on the espresso martini, where liqueurs took centre stage over espresso. Even when I admitted my dislike for tequila, the bartender’s confidence led to a pineapple-based concoction that completely masked the spirit’s typical harshness. The ability to balance and disguise flavours so deftly speaks to true cocktail mastery. Disguising tequila’s punch with sweetness and acidity, the bartender delivered a drink that was both sharp and smooth, sweet and complex—an elegant balancing act.

This same creativity and passion extended seamlessly into the kitchen. Before we’d even seen our selected starters, the chef sent out a small dish “to try something different.” A medley of Mediterranean vegetables encircling a pair of perfectly cooked King Oyster mushrooms, the entire plate crowned with a sticky and sweet chilli relish. Mushrooms, I’ll admit, aren’t typically something I gravitate towards, but here, their texture was perfectly judged, meaty yet tender, and the relish provided a sweet, spicy accent that brought everything together. A spontaneous creation, and one of the standout bites of the night.

Following the recommendations of the Operations Director, we opted for the tuna tartare and burrata as our starters. Both were exquisite in their own right, but it was the layering of flavour and texture that made them memorable. The tuna, fresh and light, was nestled on a creamy avocado base that added richness and depth, while the burrata—already creamy and delicate—was elevated with a drizzle of balsamic and a touch of chilli glaze. These weren’t just starters; they were stories, recommendations born out of a deep understanding of how each ingredient can be experienced at its best.

Accompanying our starters came a bowl of warm, freshly baked bread—a detail many restaurants treat as an afterthought, but not here. It’s these quiet, simple moments that speak volumes about a restaurant’s commitment to its craft. Even more telling was the exchange between the chef and the restaurant’s General Manager, who found themselves in a passionate debate about whether or not the bread should be salted. The chef, defending the no-salt tradition of his Tuscan roots, and the General Manager, equally fervent in upholding the Calabrian custom of using salt to enhance flavour. It was a cultural duel that encapsulated what Bellazul does best: blending the rich, diverse traditions of the Mediterranean into a single, seamless experience.

For mains, we opted for the lobster spaghetti and the beef fillet. Let’s start with the beef. No excessive fat, no over-seasoning—just pure, expertly cooked meat, enriched by a silky, aromatic jus that complemented every bite. Without exaggeration, this was one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. The spaghetti was equally delightful: light, yet rich in flavour, with the freshness of the sea captured in every bite.

And then came the grand finale, the chocolate fondant. Made freshly on-site, just as every dish at Bellazul is—from the Baba Ganoush to the breads, from the pasta to the tzatziki, it was a masterclass in indulgence. The exterior gave way to a rich, molten centre that was sweet, warm, and satisfyingly deep in cocoa flavour. Paired with vanilla gelato, it was the perfect close to a meal that managed to be both comforting and exciting.

Bellazul’s story is a personal one. It took over the former site of Il Baretto just over a year ago, and in that short time, has left a significant mark—not just on Marylebone locals, but on visitors from across London and beyond. The restaurant’s concept was born from a conversation between the owner’s family, each member contributing their vision of what the perfect dining space should be. That family influence runs deep. From the layout to the name, Bellazul, a marriage of Bella (beautiful) and Azul (blue)—everything reflects a shared vision of what Mediterranean dining means: warmth, flavour, beauty, and most of all, connection.

It’s a concept that’s thriving in London. Mediterranean cuisine has become one of the most popular culinary styles in the capital, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, variety, and shared eating. Bellazul taps into that cultural wave by celebrating the diversity within Mediterranean cuisine itself: from the tagines of Morocco to the Italian cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) to the flatbreads of Turkey. The tapas-style sharing approach encourages communal dining, conversation, and exploration—a reflection not just of how people eat in the Med, but how they live.

Even the wine list tells the story. You won’t find bottles from Chile or Australia here. Instead, the focus is on Mediterranean vineyards—Spain, France, and Italy, curated to pair perfectly with the cuisine and to reflect the regional authenticity at the core of Bellazul’s identity. And when it comes to fish, the ethos is the same: the menu only features species native to Mediterranean waters, sourced directly from the region whenever possible. This commitment extends beyond wine and seafood—every ingredient, from the olive oil to the herbs, is chosen to reflect the landscape and traditions of the Mediterranean.

The restaurant design, too, tells a story. The calming blues, the natural light, the custom-designed plates—it all works in harmony to create a space that feels open, fresh, and refined. The General Manager, alongside the owner and his family, was involved in every detail leading up to the launch. From choosing the décor, designing the plates, and finalising the menu, they left nothing to chance. The result is a space that feels cohesive, intentional, and utterly welcoming.

Bellazul isn’t content to be just a dinner destination. Already, the team has hosted live music brunches, pairing Cicchetti and cocktails with curated DJ sets, and there are plans for more: summer pizza parties and evenings focused on promoting their move into lighter dishes for the summer months. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re extensions of the same ethos that defines everything else at Bellazul: thoughtful, community-focused, and always rooted in the Mediterranean.

At the heart of Bellazul’s success is its people. It’s a place where the team remembers your name, where the reservation process feels like calling a friend. Hospitality isn’t just service here, it’s the mission. Yes, the food is outstanding. Yes, the menu is inventive, reflective, and refined. But it’s the human element, the genuine warmth, that lingers long after the final course is cleared.

In a city full of restaurants vying for attention, Bellazul doesn’t shout. It speaks softly, confidently. It invites you in, encourages you to share, to laugh, to indulge, to relax. It’s not a pit stop. It’s a pause. A place to escape, to feel like you’ve stepped onto a sunlit terrace in Sicily or a seaside café in Santorini—without ever leaving W1.

Bellazul is more than a meal. It’s an experience—a reflection of family, culture, tradition, and modern creativity all under one beautifully blue roof.

A: 43 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7HF
E: Information
W:Bellazul
P: +44 20 7486 7340

Written by Luxuria Lifestyle’s Sam Mead