Belleville

Belleville

Owner

In everyday European life, it is the Bistro that is woven into the daily pattern of meals and celebrations. The Bistro is that little neighborhood restaurant where they know who you are, greet you warmly, and serve you satisfying food that changes with the seasons and defines regional home cuisine. Welcome to Belleville, Your new neighborhood Bistro. Serving Brunch every weekend and Grand opening of our new Lounge.

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
If Balthazar spawned a small child, it would look like Belleville, with its tin ceilings, tiny-tiled floors, bar back glittering with wine glasses, and enormous distressed mirrors scribbled with plats du jour. Although the environs are tres Francais, the crowd, with its briefcases and baby strollers, couldn't be more Park Slope. Casual, conversation-packed meals unfold easily, despite the shiftless service.

The Food
Bistro menus like Belleville's are the French equivalents of American diners'--they're homey and satisfying, but no one expects flawless food. Rustic dishes, like bracingly fresh fish soup with piquant rouille and rich, prune-stuffed pork terrine, fare better than upscale attempts, including well-cooked citrus shrimp with shaved fennel. Seasonings are intense: The grilled olive-caper-crusted tuna is balanced, but rotisserie organic lamb is studded with fresh garlic and oregano. Fondue, replete with bread cubes and steamed vegetables, is fun to share, but you'll want to horde the ice creams, particularly the creamy pistachio.