Belli's opens in Bay View in former Pastiche space

The former Pastiche location in Bay View is vacant no more; now it’s the home of Belli’s Bistro & Spirits.

Owner Charmice Dodson launched the restaurant’s soft opening at 3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. a couple of weeks ago, and it’s been drawing neighborhood residents as they were passing by, she said. The grand opening is set for April 7.

A number of Belli’s menu items are based on old family recipes, many coming from Dodson’s grandmother, the owner said.

Dodson decided to open the restaurant after demand grew for her catering business, which cooked for get-togethers in clients’ homes, such as wedding showers and birthday parties.

The family recipes are supplemented by dishes from Belli’s chef, Marco Lezamata.

Diners can expect to find appetizers ($9 to $14) such as spicy battered cauliflower, loaded fries and whole wings.

The menu spans sandwiches (such as a black-and-blue burger, $14), salads (chicken with mixed greens, blue cheese and walnuts, $12), Southern dishes (jambalaya, $14), entrées (honey-glazed salmon, $16, and fried chicken, $16), and steaks (14-ounce rib-eye, $30).

Dodson expects to add vegan dishes to the menu later.

The bar serves wines, beers by the bottle and mixed drinks, with happy hour 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the lunch menu resumes at 3 p.m. on the weekend.

“The response we’re getting from the community has been overwhelming,” Dodson said. She recommended making reservations for tables Thursday to Sunday; that can be done through the restaurant’s website, bellismke.com. (The restaurant also is on Facebook and Instagram.)

Belli’s phone number is (414) 210-3665.

Pastiche Bistro closed in Bay View in 2016, ahead of its move downtown into Hotel Metro, 411 E. Mason St. A second Pastiche operates in Brown Deer.