Bellanico: a restaurant in the Bay Area
We have discovered many people who dine all over the Bay Area when they come to Napa, either visiting friends or choosing to see other sights apart from the wineries, and so we decided to take some of their recommendations and add them to our list. For those coming into or out of the Oakland Airport, this would be a great place for lunch or dinner. Italian in style with a wide selection of meats, fish, and vegetarian options. The fried olives appetizer were incredible, as was the fig salad with Arugula and Hazelnuts that Jamie enjoyed, while I dug heartily into the farro salad (a grain salad tossed with a vinaigrette with cucumbers, tomatoes, and toasted pistachios). I chose the duck tortelloni as my main course while Jamie ordered the Grilled pork chop with tomatoes and a balsamic sauce. Both were really tasty dishes. We want to go back as the short ribs with marsala sauce and the orecchiette with pork ragu and sweet onions was also tempting. It is a small restaurant and we were the first to arrive without reservations as soon as it opened. Within fifteen minutes the place was packed and there was a line out the door. My advice- make a reservation, or get there at opening and be seated right away. The food is just delicious and the prices within reach ($6 apps to $19 main courses).