Bellissimo Ristorante Italiano

This place looks like it used to be an old bank, but others have told me it was a bakery at one time. In any case, we ate there after visiting Amish Acres up in Fountain City.  It was not very crowded.  Food was okay, but nothing spectacular.  I am still not sure I was served Minestrone soup which is what I ordered.  I really think it was Italian Wedding Soup instead.  Oh well.

Our first visit to Bellissimo proved to be a pleasant experience.  We have frequented the "other" Richmond Italian restaurant, and have had mostly pleasant experiences there also.  However, Bellissimo proved a better value...despite some shortcomings.  Value wise, our meals were great!  Authentic, plentiful and very reasonably priced.  Bellissimo gets a solid 5 stars if I considered just food quality, quantity and price.  

On the downside, and in an effort to explain why I rated Bellissimo as a "3 Star A-OK":  Atmosphere was mediocre.  A flat screen TV in a dining area is not a plus in our opinion.  Service was friendly and prompt...but I do expect the waitress to revisit after serving to ask if all is well.  Music selection and volume should align with the caliber of the restaurant.  Silverware should be appropriate...not stamped, bent and worn.  My wife's beverage glass was sports memorabilia based.   Waitstaff and kitchen help congregaged at the kitchen door leading into the restaurant itself.  All in all, relatively petty cons, but still not competitive with the "other" Italian restaurant.  

Would we go back...yes, for a good, reasonably priced meal...indeed.  However, if you're looking for a higher end, romantic, professional atmosphere, keep looking.

Great food!  Some of the best Italian in town, I had the filet minion and cut it with a butter knife.