After months of preparation, Belli’s Bistro & Spirits launched its soft opening at 3001 S. Kinnickinnic. The restaurant, which resides in the former home of Pastiche Bistro, will spend the next couple of weeks introducing itself to the neighborhood before hosting its official grand opening on Saturday, April 7. 

"We’re really using this time to take the opportunity to get to know our customers and what they like and dislike," says Belli’s owner Charmice Dodson, noting that they’ve already received a very positive reception from area residents who've sauntered in during various stages of the restaurant’s opening.

"Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome," says Dodson, who named the restaurant in honor of her grandmother, Orie Bell Dodson, an inspiring North Side resident who became known for nourishing those around her, both with delicious homemade food and generosity of spirit.

Dodson says that she is currently looking for an aspiring sous chef to round out the team in her kitchen. However, she says she is fortunate to have found a great fit in Executive Chef Marco Lezameta, an industry veteran who says his goal is to bring his passion and creativity to Dodson’s family recipes, while also showcasing his personal style through weekly chef’s specials.

"We’re doing a lot of very creative items," he says. "Our goal is really to serve things in a way that no one else is serving them. This week we’re serving blackened shark that’s been seared in a frying pan, grilled and roasted in the oven and topped with a barbecue vinaigrette and fried onion strings."

Lunch & dinner

Regular offerings include appetizers like fried chicken wings with a choice of sauces including hot, barbecue, parmesan, spicy garlic or Belli’s dry rub ($10); battered cauliflower with aleppo pepper ($9); loaded French fries dusted in cajun seasoning and topped with sour cream, cheese, bacon, green onions and tomatoes ($9 per half order or $14 full order); and the elote bite, featuring battered corn fritters with four cheeses and a hint of lime ($9).

Among entrees, Dodson says that crowd favorites have included the honey glazed salmon, which is available blackened or grilled ($16) and Southern fried chicken, which is house brined and seasoned with Dodson’s secret blend of herbs and spices ($16).

There’s also blackened or fried catfish ($14) or a half roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable ($22). Each entree comes with two seasonal side dishes.

There are also comfort food dishes like jambalaya with chicken, shrimp and andouille sausage ($14), blackened chicken or shrimp served on fettuccine with cajun cream sauce ($14) or shrimp and grits with poblano cream sauce ($14).

Belli’s also features two signature steaks: the 10-ounce Bay View Strip ($27) or the 14-ounce KK Ribeye ($30). Each is served with a choice of two sides, including Southern macaroni and cheese, seasonal vegetables, asparagus, mashed potatoes, French fries or roasted fingerling potatoes.

Soups and salads include housemade chili ($6), gumbo ($6) and a soup of the day, as well as house salad ($6) Caesar salad ($7), honey crisp chicken salad with cheddar, heirloom tomatoes, cucumber and bacon ($12), and a California chicken or salmon salad with mixed greens, blue cheese, walnuts, craisins and green onion ($14/16).

Sandwiches, served with a side of French fries, including burgers ($12-14), grilled or fried chicken ($11) a shrimp po boy ($12) a veggie burger ($10) or grilled cheese ($8).

Drinks, brunch and specials

Belli’s also features a full bar with bottled beer, wine by both the bottle or glass and signature cocktails like the BelliBlue with pineapple, light rum, vodka and blue curacao along with the Strawbelli Mojito.

Each weekend, the restaurant will also host brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring dishes like a house BLT with queso fresco and honey mayo ($10), FFT (Fancy French Toast) made with Texas toast and topped with powdered sugar ($12), chicken and waffles ($12) a bacon, egg and cheddar bowl with toast ($11) or the Belli's Benedict with two house rolls topped with poached eggs, hollandaise and bacon bits.

Specials include a weekly chef’s special (currently shark), as well as Cantina Tuesdays during which the restaurant features $12 taco plates, $5 tequila mixers and half-price bottles of wine. Happy hour takes place Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. and features $5 burgers, two-for-one rail drinks, $5 loaded fries, $3 imports and $2 domestic beers.

Dodson says her goal is to create a restaurant where friends and neighbors can gather for a casual, relaxing meal.

"I want the ambiance to be inviting and comfortable for everyone," she says. "We want to welcome a diverse audience, feed them well and end their meal with a personal goodbye. The goal is to really make people feel like they’re a part of our family."

Belli’s Bistro & Spirits is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can keep up with weekly chef specials and more by following Belli’s on Facebook and Instagram.