Bottega 35 showcases Tuscany's chilled, charming vibes.
It’s a weeknight in central London. It’s not even 7pm, and Bottega 35 on Kensington High Street is already buzzing with activity. Every table is full – inside and out. The waiters weave between the white tablecloths, trays held high above their heads as they come up the stairs, and spread the smell of terrific Tuscan food.
London is home to some of the best Italian restaurants outside Italy, so it’s hard to stand out from the restaurant crowd. Bottega 35 showcases Tuscan dishes and décor. The Romance language is spoken by the staff, books on Michelangelo and Raphael line the shelves, and candles flicker away. Everything here feels a little rustic – it doesn’t have the bling of nearby Knightsbridge, but it carries the chilled charm of a local trattoria.
When we arrived at Bottega 35, the staff were ready to go above and beyond. Google Maps had misdirected us, but a call to the restaurant solved it – a member of staff even stood outside waving. Once seated, the service was brisk – perhaps due to the number of diners – but the team were spot-on with their recommendations.
Bottega 35 takes its name from the Italian word bottega, meaning an artist’s studio or workshop – traditionally, a place where apprentices honed their craft. It’s a fitting reference for a restaurant clearly dedicated to the art of good food. The menu spans antipasti, salads and vegetables, pasta, meat, fish and seafood, sides, and desserts.
The Fried Zucchini was a little more fried than zucchini, while the Melanzane alla Parmigiana was a work of wonder. We would have loved a dip to go alongside the zucchini, which felt a little on the dry side. The parmigiana was layered with baked aubergine, cheese and tomato sauce to make a rich dish.
The Tagliatelle Ragu was a surprising success – the dish came with tender beef and al dente hand-rolled pasta. It had me and my guest fighting over the final forkful, and fending off the waiter who was trying to take the plate before we’d finished the last bite. The Lamb Cutlets arrived with four pieces at £40 – that’s £10 per cutlet. The grilled pieces were superbly succulent and seasoned with rosemary and olive oil. Paired with a side of oven-roasted potatoes, it felt like a family Sunday roast.
Desserts are a decadent affair, with choices ranging from the signature Bottega Tiramisu to a silky Pistachio Cheesecake. The Torta Susanna impressed with its balance of deep chocolate and light ricotta filling.
The cocktails are suitably Italian, with a dedicated Spritz menu. The Bellini leaned a little too close to Slush Puppy territory for our taste, and we found ourselves gravitating towards the Italian wines instead. Both red and white selections are exclusively Italian – when in an Italian restaurant, after all.
When we left Bottega 35, the restaurant was still busy. As soon as we stood up, guests were be ushered to take our place. It’s rare in central London to feel as though you’re dining among locals, but this felt exactly that – people who live or work nearby, stopping in for a weeknight bite at their neighbourhood Italian. We overheard a business meeting discussing Abu Dhabi, and a young couple on a date night. We couldn’t spot a single tourist. Even with the heaters on and the cold night air, diners were spilling onto the street. It seems there’s no slowing down Bottega 35.
GO: Visit https://bottega35.com for more information.