(Old picture of Bellini's Coad Fired Pizza, from insidefortlauderdale.com)

I can't say I'm surprised…but it is sad. While driving by the restaurant Sunday…I noticed they are most definitely, without question…CLOSED. The location is empty and the sign is down. While we never did a 'formal' review of this place…we did eat there once. ONCE. The inside was nice…a bit 'trendy' actually. It wasn't an extremely large restaurant, but was busy when we stopped in (over a year ago).

All I remember from our meal was how bad the calamari in marinara sauce was. It either was undercooked…or bad. It wasn't fried...rather cooked in the sauce.  It had a fishy taste and we stopped after one bite. We sent the dish back and let the server know of the issue. We were not charged for the dish. We also ordered a pizza. I don't recall the toppings…but I do remember it was quite small for the price.

They tried opening for lunch, but that seemed to not be enough. If you don't have good food…you just won't make it in this area of Ft. Lauderdale. If the Godfather's Pizza sold at some HESS gas stations is better than yours…that's not a good thing.

Lets hope we get a great replacement in this location. I'm also hoping the Brickhouse Tavern and Tap (in the same strip mall) is doing well. The place looks dead for lunch whenever I pass by.

The restaurant seemed to pull up roots awefully quick and I've heard some rumblings about the oweners looking for a 'better location' closer to downtown.  The website is still up, but the phone is disconnected.  Hmmm.  That location is a bit 'odd' and some restaurants seem to have trouble staying open...but I feel if you have good food...people will find you no matter where you are.  There are some long standing great eats in Ft. Lauderdale in some odd places...they still do quite well.



Bellini's Coal Fired Pizza WAS Located at:
1535 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL.