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Bellini Italian Restaurant & Bar reopened Saturday night in its new location — the former space of Chardonnay Restaurant, a popular French dining spot that closed more than a decade ago next to Best Western Naples Inn & Suites on U.S. 41. Because of a pending redevelopment project, Bellini closed its longtime location on Fifth Avenue South at the end of July ahead of the demolition of a downtown Naples strip that also included Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub and Citrus Seafood Restaurant. Although tweaked a bit, the menu is basically the same, as is the kitchen staff and many of the other employees, all of whom wear face masks as part of the restaurant’s safety protocol, said Mike Melucci, who co-owns the local restaurant with Eric Tomasko. Lunch service is expected to be launched next month after the holidays. Bellini, 2331 Tamiami Trail N., is open 5 to 10 p.m. daily for dinner. For more information call 239-261-1117 or go to bellininaples.
