There’s a certain magic to a restaurant that manages to balance high-end polish with the genuine warmth of a family-run trattoria. Bottega 35, the new Tuscan-inspired venture from the Zandi twin brothers of Emerald Hospitality Group, achieves this delicate equilibrium with effortless grace. Having taken over the long-standing address of the group’s original concept, Zuaya, this new iteration at 35 Kensington High Street feels less like a rebranding exercise and more like a homecoming—a joyous, holiday-esque love letter to the robust, generous spirit of central Italian dining.
My wife, our toddler, and I visited on a brisk evening, stepping in from the London chill into a haven of rich Tuscan warmth. The space has been thoughtfully refreshed. Gone are the vibrant, tropical notes of its predecessor; in their place is an atmosphere that is both refined enough for a celebratory dinner and relaxed enough for an impromptu mid-week meal that might involve a few glasses of much needed fine Italian wine. The ambiance is instantly welcoming, making diners feel immediately at ease, regardless of the company—be it a romantic date night or in my case, a (quick) family dinner with a (feral) toddler in tow.
The menu is a celebration of Tuscan heartiness, promising “familiar flavours done exceptionally well.” It’s an assertion that holds up brilliantly under scrutiny. The selection is broad, balancing hand-rolled pasta dishes and wood-fired grills with sophisticated seafood options like seabass Bottega arriving at the table swimming in a caper infused tomato sauce.
We started with the beef carpaccio, and it was a revelation. A dish that often plays it safe was here elevated: slightly thicker slices of prime beef, perfectly seasoned, melting on the tongue, balanced with a subtle pesto dressing and adorned generously with parmesan. It was a superb introduction to the kitchen’s precise yet unfussy execution.
The true highlight, however, and an essential part of the Bottega 35 experience, was the Mafaldine pasta tossed in a pecorino wheel with truffle. The anticipation for this dish is part of its charm. A large, formidable wheel of aged parmesan is brought tableside, the pasta is tossed within the hollowed-out centre flamboyantly, coated in a luscious, theatrical cascade of melted cheese and luxurious truffle. It is pure culinary theatre, yes, but the flavour punch is entirely real. Rich, aromatic, and undeniably indulgent, it’s comfort food that understands luxury. Watching our toddler’s eyes widen at the spectacle only added to the convivial, family-friendly magic.
For main courses, the grill options are tempting—dry-aged ribeye and lamb cutlets marinated in rosemary and olive oil were incredible—yet we also found ourselves perfectly satisfied with a delightful pappardelle ragù that spoke of hours of slow-cooking and rich, deep flavour development.
The generosity of spirit extends to the wine list, described as “made for long conversations.” There are ample options to pair with every dish, ensuring a well-rounded and deeply satisfying dining experience.
Bottega 35 is a triumph of hospitality. The Zandi brothers have successfully brought “Tuscan food cooked with heart” to the drizzly streets of Kensington. It manages to cater to diverse clientele—from sophisticated couples to families with young children—without losing an ounce of its refined Italian identity. Bottega 35 is poised to become a fast local favourite and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine slice of Italy in the heart of London. It is a restaurant that feels built for memory-making, delivering exceptional food and an atmosphere that invites you to linger – if you don’t have a toddler as part of your dining crew…
