SquareMeal Review of 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.