Restaurant of the month! IL BEL PAESE

REPORTING BY Rachel Sadler | PHOTOS COURTESY OF Il Bel Paese

Il Bel Paese DB opened in 2001 as Il Bel Paese Italian delicatessen with a mission to introduce Italy’s finest flavours to the community. It relaunched in July 2020 with three different concepts: Il Bel Paese Ristorante Italiano, Il Bel Paese Italian Express and Il Bel Paese Gelato Italiano. The result? An approachable, friendly and relaxing space in which to eat, shop and learn.

From imported wines and specialty cheeses to handmade pastas and pizza, the popular DB venue provides a holistic Italian experience that’s all about enjoyment and relaxation.

RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Il Bel Paese Ristorante Italiano was redeveloped last year in May, with everything from the decor, furniture and kitchen equipment revamped. It reopened in July 2020, and it’s a welcoming space with a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere.

“We tried to recreate an inviting and relaxing restaurant that focuses on providing our guests a beautiful Italian experience with traditional and authentic heart-warming Italian dishes,” says Mia Kwun, marketing assistant for Il Bel Paese, DB.

“Our generous menu features an exciting range of authentic classics made directly from the heart,” Mia adds. “Our chefs use some organic local produce, most of the ingredients are imported from Italy.”

Signature dishes and bestsellers include Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce, pickled onions and capers; Mezze Maniche and N’duja, pasta with fresh sausage and spicy N’duja sausage from Calabria; Tagliolini all’ Aragosta, lobster with homemade pasta; and Cotoletta alla Milanese, breaded veal cutlet which is a classic of Milan’s cuisine.

Pizzas are another bestseller. The base is made with high quality Italian Mariani flour, which is high in fibre and naturally less refined.

“Our concept is traditional authentic Italian cuisine and we want people to experience authentic Italian dishes,” says Mia. “Every now and then, we add or change menu items according to demand and guests’ feedback, while staying true to the authentic Italian concept.

“We participate in HKR promotional offer programmes, for example accepting dining vouchers, and often we have special prices on selected items in our Il Bel Paese Italian Express. Because we have various outlets and are expanding with more different brands, we will be launching a membership programme soon.”

GRAB-AND-GO EXPRESS
Il Bel Paese Italian Express is a new brand with a grab-and-go concept. It offers a wide selection of gourmet Italian delicacies such as pasta, olive oils, vinegars and wines. Fruit and vegetables, cold cuts and cheeses are all carefully selected and imported twice a week from Italy to ensure freshness and quality.

Bestsellers include Casa di Rinaldi extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauces and olives; Giovanna Pavarotti balsamic vinegar; Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months; Prosciutto ham aged 24 months; organic tomatoes and melons. “We are the sole importer for Asia of multiple award-winning Cedea still and sparkling water,” Mia says. “Cedea is the exclusive, world-class water of the Dolomites.

The grab-and-go section also dishes up ready-to-eat meals and desserts. Bestsellers for takeaway are homemade meatballs, paninis and tiramisu, all packed in handy biodegradable containers.

THE VINO
For wine lovers, Il Bel Paese has an extensive selection representing the 20 regions of Italy, available in both the restaurant and grocery store.

“DBers love prosecco and, at the moment, we are promoting Veneto Villa Braida Prosecco, which has fresh fruity and citrusy notes with a dry palate and moderately long finish; and Veneto Le Rughe Prosecco Rosé, which has predominant notes of red cherry and strawberry combined with tart citrus, and a tannic finish,” Mia says. “Both are perfect summer choices as aperitifs, or for pairing with
salads and seafood dishes.”

ITALIAN GELATO
Il Bel Paese’s homemade gelato is lower in sugar (17%) and fat (7%) content than other brands and it’s made with pasteurised skimmed milk. Guests can opt for sorbet as a dairy-free option, such as passion fruit, lemon, strawberry and mango.

“All our gelatos are gluten-free except for the Cookies and Cream,” says Mia. “We have a total of 18 flavours, amongst them are Mint Chocolate, Nutella and Stracciatella.” Buon appetito!