Our Restaurant’s name originated from
a terrific fictitious story about the Bellini brothers.
Who are the Bellini Brothers?
Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini, born in 1801, was an Italian composer who composed the operas; La Sonnambula, Norma and I Puritani. Known for long flowing melodies, Bellini was called the "swan of Catania". He was the quintessential composer of bel canto opera.
Giovanni Bellini, born in 1430 was an Italian Renaissance painter who revolutionized Venetian painting, making it more sensuous and colorful. He was one of the first to use the clear, slow drying oil paints that had just been developed. His paintings exhibit enduring religious works and sumptuous, grand landscapes with deep, rich tints and detailed shadings. During his lifetime, his work outshone that of his rivals. Between 1934 and 1948, Guiseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, created a signature special-occasion cocktail: a mixture of sparkling wine, traditionally Prosecco and peach puree. Because the pink drink reminded Cipriani of the color of a saint's toga in a painting by Giovanni Bellini, he named the drink the Bellini. It has become one of Italy's most popular cocktails. It's our favorite, too.
Please enjoy a taste....
(Bellini Style)
Many restaurants identify themselves as owner-operated (un ristorante padronale) but at Bellini we are much more than a business or even a fine dining establishment. Our cuisine and decor is a personal expression of our cumulative life experiences, commitments, and passions.
Our commitment to offering excellent food and service is uncompromising. We don't just serve our patrons; they become part of the Bellini experience and share in our rich culture of Italian dining.
Owner and operator Jimmy Daku:
Born in 1969 in Tirana, Albania, Jimmy grew up in the hospitality business. He was educated at the Culinary Institute of Albania and collaborate with some of the most prominent chefs in Albania and Italy. His experience with Italian cuisine and mastery of Italian language grew further through working in many regions of Italy. This passion and talent for Italian cuisine and culture has inspired Jimmy's simple and authentic recipes.
He moved to Philadelphia in 1998, where he attended culinary school and worked with well known local chefs. Jimmy opened Bellini Restaurant in center city in 2002, and has since then continued to be dedicated to hard work, superior culinary skills, and charming manners. He built a solid foundation through hiring top-level talented employees with taste and experience.
Bellini Grill was voted one of the "1000 Best Italian Restaurants in the USA" and "Best Choice for Italian Food in Center City Philadelphia" for eight years consecutively.
Jimmy's dedication to Italian cuisine is surpassed only by his love for his family. He is blessed with his wife, Julia, and their two wonderful children. Jimmy and Julia are focused on continuing to offer superior service and hospitality.
"I Love what I do..."
Sincerely,
Jimmy Daku
Our Family:
