Bottelino’s
For many of my fellow Bristolians, this particular review will seem well overdue; so I’ll keep it short and sweet. After all, with 10 branches peppered across the Bristol and Gloucester area, I imagine there will be a fair number of you who have already visited Bottelino’s, but for those of you who haven’t-here’s a swift introduction.
Bottelino’s is run by the local Botta family, established over 30 years ago in central Bristol, and it has gone from strength to strength, picking up various awards along the way; winning Independent Italian Restaurant Chain of the Year 2007 and 2010 but to name a few. They pride themselves on serving “beautiful, fresh, Italian food”, and following my recent visit to their Nailsea branch, I couldn’t agree more.
The restaurants are everything you’d expect from a traditional Italian, with enthusiastic, friendly staff, cosy dining areas and an extensive menu. Prices are reasonable, and a visit at lunch time will cost you only £4.95 for any pizza or pasta (a bargain when you consider that some of these dishes are priced at £12.95!) The food is again, exactly what you’d hope for-authentic, homemade Italian recipes. I opted for the Giardino pizza-a monster of a dish topped with artichokes, anchovies, mushrooms, olives and mozzarella, half of which was happily boxed up for me to take home. I would also highly recommend the Lasagne al Forno and the Orechiette al Pollo-a huge portion of Orechiette pasta in rich creamy sauce with chicken, mushrooms garlic and a kick of chilli.
So there it is…I won’t mess around, as Bottelino’s certainly don’t. They know what they do and they do it well, and I think it’s testament to that mentality that so many fellow foodies hold Bottelino’s in such high esteem!
Get a complimentary main course at Bottelino’s with The Invitation Book
Sorry but i am going to have to disagree with this one. An Italian restaurant really ought to be able to cook
pasta. I have been to Bottelino’s twice and the pasta is dull and flabby.
Go to Prosecco or Flinty Red if you want to see how it should be done. (http://www.proseccoclifton.com/menu.htm http://www.flintyred.co.uk/)
N.B. I have no connection with either restaurant except as a customer.
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment-as always, it’s great to get feedback.
I have to admit, since I wrote this review I’ve had a few people mention that they’ve had less than satisfactory meals at Bottelino’s, so it seems you’re not the only one!
However, thanks for the recommendation for Flinty Red-have just checked out the menu and it looks fantastic! Will add this to the list of places to try, so keep an eye out for a review on the blog soon.
Cheers,
Meg.