Rumors have swirled about the official opening of Harry’s Table in Waterline Square. The Cipriani-owned dining center at 235 Freedom Place between West 60th and 61st Streets was scheduled to open in late 2021, but has experienced delays caused by the pandemic.
Now we’ve learned that Bellini — a contemporary, Italian-inspired restaurant with 100 seats and a terrace that can accommodate an additional 32 seats with views of the Hudson River — is officially open. A rep for the brand tells us to expect the full dining experience at Harry’s Table to open in early June.
Designed by renowned architects Richard Meier & Partners, Rafael Viñoly Architects and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Bellini offers rustic Italian cuisine with menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. “We invite you to take a trip through Italy, unpretentious, yet elegant in its colorful and cheerful simplicity,” says Bellini’s website, which goes on to describe the restaurant’s offering: “Delicious homemade pasta Along with our all-day signature Italian recipes, a variety of specialties from different regions await guests at Bellini. Lighter options for lunch, or the conscientious eater, offer no compromise on the quality of ingredients and the simplicity of preparations.
Some menu items that jump out at us are the Italian Charcuterie & Cheese brunch with Piadina bread and Italian charcuterie and cheeses to share. There are also three ways to have your eggs Benedict: traditional, Florentine or Norwegian. Risotto del Giorno and Pappardelle alla Bellini also sound like delicious ways to start the day.
The lunch and dinner options both offer antipasto, di pesce, insalate, zuppe, and pasta and risotto categories, as well as dedicated “from the land” and “from the sea” options. Drop us in for the Whole Parmigiana’ Grass-Fed Beef Milanesine with Heirloom Tomatoes or the Wild Salmon with Mashed Peas, White Asparagus and Crispy Fennel.
We don’t see a dessert menu yet, but there is a range of cocktails and drinks at Bar Bellini. You can choose from a list of whiskies, cognac Armagnac & Calvados, port & sherry and my favourite, grappa; as well as prosecco & Champagne, beers, vodka and Aperitivi & Amari. There is also a list of classic and signature cocktails, such as The Bellini with white peach puree, and Mr. C Cocktail, which was created in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar, or the classic Negroni with Beefeater Gin, sweet vermouth and Campari.
For residents of Waterline Square, “Bellini favorites are available in the privacy of their own home. A dedicated Residence Concierge will help you coordinate delivery right to your door.
Like everyone else, see you there. Delivery and pickup are coming soon. Learn more about Bellini here.