Rumors have been swirling as to when Harry’s Table at Waterline Square will officially open. The Cipriani-owned restaurant hub at 235 Freedom Place between West 60th and 61st streets was expected to open in late 2021 but ran into delays caused by the pandemic.
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Now, we’ve learned that Bellini — a contemporary Italian-inspired eatery with seating for one-hundred, and a terrace area accommodating an additional 32 seats providing views of the Hudson River — is officially open. A brand representative tells us to expect the full Harry’s Table culinary experience to open in early June.
READ MORE: LOOK INSIDE: The Newly Opened Harry’s Table by Cipriani
Bellini offers rustic Italian fare with menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. “We invite you to take a trip through Italy, in an unpretentious way, yet elegant in its colorful and joyful simplicity,” states the Bellini website, which goes on to describe the eatery’s provisions: “From delicious, house-made pastas to our signature Italian all day recipes, a variety of specialties from different regions await guests at Bellini. Lighter options for lunch, or the conscientious eater, offer no compromise to the quality of ingredients and simplicity of preparations.”
Some menu items that jump out at us are the brunch Italian Charcuterie & Cheese with Piadina bread and cured Italian meats and cheeses to share. There’s three ways to have your eggs benedict, too: traditional, Florentine or Norwegian. The “Risotto del Giorno” and Pappardelle alla Bellini also sound like yummy ways to start the day.
c/o Bellini
Lunch and dinner options both offer antipasti, di pesce, insalate, zuppe and pasta & risotto categories, along with options dedicated to “from the land” and “from the sea.” Put us down for the grass-fed beef Milanesine all Parmigiana’ with heirloom tomatoes or the wild salmon with green pea puree, white asparagus and crispy fennel.
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We don’t see a dessert menu yet, but there’s a lineup of cocktails and drinks from Bellini’s bar. You can pick from a list of whiskeys, cognac Armagnac & Calvados, port & sherry and my favorite, grappa; as well as prosecco & Champagne, beers, vodka and Aperitivi & Amari. There’s a list of classic and signature cocktails, too, like 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.
Paloma Margarita, c/o Bellini
For residents of Waterline Square, “Bellini favorites are available in the privacy of their own homes. A dedicated Residence Concierge will help coordinate delivery directly to your door.”
As for everyone else, see you out there. Delivery and pickup is coming soon. Learn more about Bellini here.
I had been eagerly awaiting the opening of Bellini and when I saw that it was – I jumped to take my Mom for Mother’s Day. And while the space is gorgeous and everyone is super friendly, I was less than impressed. I should preface this by saying that I am a Sommelier (it is not my job, but I have done the school and am certified). The wine list left alot to be desired. Not only was the quality of the wines offered just eh, but the prices were very very inflated. The pours I have to say were generous. BUT they were out of both the whites I asked for and directed me to a wine that was $22 for the glass and not in the profile I had asked for. They need to do better there. The bread basket was delicious, so there is that. When ordering the burger, I was told that it only comes well done. (I wanted it rare). Only way is well done – so I changed my order. The chicken sandwich, while very good was tiny. My Mom ordered the shrimp salad – before doing so asked the size as it would be her entrée. The server said oh its large for 2. Well, there were about 8 pieces of lettuce and 4 shrimp. Again, the food was good, but the portions were way too small for the price and the wine needs work. I really wanted this to be a great experience – and while the service was great and everyone nice – it’s hard to accept spending that much money for small portions and blah wine. I did reach out to them, and they never got back to me – so Bellini, you do have some work to do.
I stopped by today, 6/5. The cafe is open at Harry’s Table. They said the rest of the complex opens on Wednesday, 6/8.
Have had better for less money.
Portions are for the anorexic super models.
Very disappointing.