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Bellota

Paradise for wine lovers.

Food made to be shared.
1 / 7Food made to be shared.Supplied
Inside Bellota.
2 / 7Inside Bellota.Louis Ascui
Rigatini, saltgrass lamb shoulder.
3 / 7Rigatini, saltgrass lamb shoulder.Darrian Traynor
The baked beetroot starter.
4 / 7The baked beetroot starter.Jason South
Homemade sausage rolls.
5 / 7Homemade sausage rolls.Jason South
Pork ribeye.
6 / 7Pork ribeye.Darrian Traynor
Beetroots, straciatella, raisin and caper relish.
7 / 7Beetroots, straciatella, raisin and caper relish.Darrian Traynor
14.5/20

European$$

Bellota is a venue of the escapist variety. Past cheery red geraniums framing a clutch of outdoor tables, a chunky wooden red door signals ebullient times within.

Solo diners can pull up a stool, get expert recommendations for the wondrous wine list and cherry-pick charcuterie sliced to order. Staying a while? Nab a table in the back half of the slim, wending dining room and spend some quality time with pecorino-crusted cauliflower and raisin jam, or anchovies in sweet-sour syrup designed to smear on a grilled baguette.

Cuttlefish is tender, served with fregola and ’nduja and rendered to a powerful, oily essence, while seared goldband snapper makes quick pals with a tangle of crunchy kohlrabi and raw fennel. Augmented by divine service and the hypnotic draw of the adjoining wine store, Bellota is a delicious daydream.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/vic-good-food-guide/bellota-20240418-p5fkwo.html