Manuka’s most prominent corner location sees Belluci’s welcoming all to dine out on their accessible Italian cuisine in this bustling inner south eatery. If you haven’t noticed Belluci’s as you come in to Manuka, it’s the busy to overflowing restaurant on the corner of Furneaux and Franklin streets with the giant neon lit “B” . Hard to miss, but more so because of the almost always near capacity crowd that gathers here most nights to enjoy pizzas, pastas and a few eclectic creations of chef and part owner Frank Kochinos. Frank’s menu is completely accessible, with many items firmly in the Italian classic range familiar to many, or Aussie favourites, seasoned and cooked beautifully as his experience truly comes to the fore. For example, Chicken Caesar is bursting with flavour, the chicken breast chargrilled to perfection; Linguine Oceana is a medley of balmain bugs, prawns, pancetta and spicy herb tomato sauce; Zucchini flowers are stuffed with delicate prawn mousse and a veal cutlet is grilled and stuffed with camembert, walnuts and apple and tender as can be. Belluci's is definitely for those who like a little bustle over dinner, or a leisurely weekend lunch. The interior features distressed brick walls and mock fresco motifs, and floor to ceiling windows let in the sunshine and allow diners to watch the world go by.
