Bellazul

An oasis of tranquillity in Marylebone, Bellazul exudes southern European flair and successfully transports guests to the sunny climes of the Mediterranean. Upon entering you can expect to experience warm and welcoming staff who are eager to provide your every need.

The dining room is small, but it is snug and comfortable with sleek wood-framed white marble tables and plush seating. Breezy ocean-blue interiors, low ceilings, and modern fixtures are charming and homely, but there isn’t much privacy, as tables are arranged very close together and there isn't much space between you and other guests. Although the interiors hit the mark aesthetically, the space on the tables is quite limited which makes ordering multiple small plates feel a bit chaotic.

We began our dining experience with Bellazul’s broad selection of tapas. Spicy baby chorizo arrives, bathed in cooking liquor of honey and red wine, red Sicilian prawns cooked in a divine blend of garlic, chilli and olive oil, and delectable hummus comes adorned with caramelised baby onions and served with warm bread. Each compact bite is packed with punchy piquancies.

The menu is well thought-through and showcases an array of delicious Mediterranean classics, the best of which is a sumptuous seafood paella - designed for sharing and crammed with top-quality seafood.
An excellent drinks list also makes Bellazul a great spot to grab drinks with friends too. We had a taste of two of their signature cocktails; Cloud 9 which features a fusion of charred pineapple syrup, lemon, and a tangy passion fruit prosecco foam, and Bubble Up a sugary concoction of strawberry-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, orange juice, lemon and prosecco.

This chic sanctuary nails the tricky combination of relaxed ambiance and skilfully executed dishes, making Bellazul a welcome addition to Marylebone’s stacked restaurant lineup.

Bellazul brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Blandford Street in Marylebone, London. Taking inspiration from Italy and Spain, amongst other Med countries, the restaurant is inspired by the peaceful and relaxed lifestyle of Southern Europe. This laid-back neighbourhood restaurant and bar will immediately transport you to the stunning southern shores. With a selection of small plates, pizza, pasta, and steaks to choose from, you definitely won't be disappointed. 

The restaurant is warmly lit, with white tablecloths, and exposed wine racks. The menu changes on a daily basis, according to what is in season, but you can expect everything from a mix of Mediterranean olives and homemade bread, to gluten-free alternatives, 12-month aged Manchego, and a mix of charcuterie boards, with cheese and cured meats. 

There are plenty of tapas-style small plates to choose from. Examples include yellowfin tuna tartare with avocado and lime, Carpaccio of beef with black truffle and girolle, smoked burrata, salt cod mousse with pan-fried polenta and caramelised olives, and Padron peppers. 

In terms of pasta and pizza, there is so much to enjoy. From Margheritas and Capricciosas to pasta dishes such as penne arrabbiata to spaghetti lobster, wild boar ragu, and homemade prawn ravioli with saffron and cherry tomato sauce.

There is also a selection of other main courses for you to try. Whether you're in the mood for a steak served with mashed potato, a baked cod fillet served with porcini mushrooms, potato, tomato, and clams, or something which you can share like paella de marisco or a Moroccan lamb tagine with vegetables. 

If you've got room for dessert, there's everything from tiramisu and chocolate fondants to blueberry cheesecake to take your fancy. 

There are also plenty of cocktails and mocktails to try, from a non-alcoholic spritz to its signature Azul Martini.