Bellaggio is a family-run Italian pizzeria on Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, that's been serving the local area since 2012. It's built its reputation on a straightforward idea done well: proper stone-baked pizza, made with hand-thrown dough and cooked in a purpose-built oven, served in a tastefully decorated, roomy dining room split between a separate bar area and the main restaurant.
The food
Pizza is the headline, but it's not the whole story. Alongside the stone-baked classics, the kitchen, led by head chef Rafael Scarano, turns out homemade pasta and risotto dishes, including a seafood risotto and a carbonara, plus grill options like steaks and chicken stroganoff. Italian desserts round things off, with tiramisu, profiteroles, cheesecake and gelato all on the menu. Gluten-free pizza bases and vegan options, including vegan cheese, are both available, so most dietary needs can be accommodated with notice.
Atmosphere and service
The restaurant is set up with two distinct areas, one for drinks and nibbles, another for sitting down to eat, which makes it as workable for a quick pizza and a glass of wine as for a proper sit-down meal. Both dine-in and takeaway are available, and the restaurant has built up a substantial base of online reviews over its years on Wimborne Road.
Good to know
Bellaggio typically opens for lunch and dinner across the week, with slightly extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. As with any independent restaurant, hours can shift around holidays, so it's worth calling ahead on 01202 536655 or checking the website before you visit, especially for larger groups.
For more Italian and pizza options nearby, browse our food & drink guide, or see what else is on in Bournemouth in our things to do guide.