Bottega35 Kensington: A Taste of Tuscany in West London
Today we’re visiting the Kensington High Street area. It’s an elegant part of west London known for its great shopping, grand Victorian architecture and myriad bars and restaurants. Just north of the high street is Kensington Palace – a historic royal residence dating back to the late 17th century and the birthplace of Queen Victoria.
Surrounding the palace, Kensington Gardens provides a peaceful contrast to the energy of the city. Tree-lined avenues, sweeping lawns, and the gentle waters of the Round Pond invite you to slow down and wander, while the Albert Memorial and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground add their own sense of charm.
To the east, the gardens flow into Hyde Park, one of London’s great Royal Parks, where the Serpentine, winding paths and historical monuments create a vast green landscape in the heart of the capital. It’s one of the things that makes London so special – despite its scale and bustle, around 40% of the city is green space with some 3,000 parks and open spaces. Nature is never far away – even in the very heart of the city.
Bottega35 is just across the road from Kensington Gardens, set down a picturesque cobbled side street with an inviting al fresco area. The stylish restaurant is Tuscan-inspired with traditional starters, homemade pasta and grilled dishes as well as a great selection of wine from across Italy.
I’m excited to discover one of my all-time favourite starters on the menu – vitello tonnato. Paper-thin slices of tender veal are served with a tuna sauce scattered with caperberries and soft quails eggs. I realise it sounds like a strange combination but somehow it just works. The eggs are a new addition for me and I think they bring an extra richness to the dish. Full marks for presentation too, it arrives looking almost too pretty to disturb. .
Presentation is clearly one of Bottega35’s strengths. Even something as simple as a tomato and goat cheese salad tucked inside its basket of radicchio is pretty as a picture and tastes wonderful, too.
Then there’s the pasta. A tempting choice of meat, fish and vegetarian sauces paired with different styles of homemade pasta. The tagliatelle comes with a veal ragu in a rich, savoury and wonderfully herby gravy. But it’s the malfadine truffle pasta that really steals the show. It’s tossed tableside inside a large parmesan wheel in a luscious sauce made with a blend of parmesan and pecorino. Do love a bit of table-side theatre and this takes it to another level when my freshly tossed pasta is topped with a generous portion of freshly-grated truffles. The pasta itself is unusual, with delicate curly edges that catch every drop of that rich sauce. A real cheesey, truffley indulgence that has my mouth watering right now.
Pudding brings a couple of Italian classics. Crispy cannoli filled with vanilla-flavoured cream and, naturally, a tiramisu. I can’t go into an Italian restaurant and not order one. This version comes with another little flourish of tableside theatre, prepared in front of us and adding a final touch of fun to our thoroughly enjoyable meal.
High Street Kensington is always a lovely place to spend time with so much to see and do. And some great restaurants to try. But while you’re there make sure you don’t forget to go for a walk in the park, it’ll make your day out even better.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
Bottega35 is at 35 Kensington High Street, London W8.
Find out more at www.bottega35.com