A true Italian experience: Restaurant Bottegone del Vino (2. March 2016)
A place like that I have been looking for in Lugano! And finally, it was found! The Bottegone del Vino is booked basically every evening, so you better make sure to book your table in advance. We managed to secure a table short notice and once you’re seated and they have figured that you will actually eat something, you are served a small plate with some ‘appetizers’ (mortadella, cheese, tomatoes on bread).
Shortly after, the waiter comes to inform you about the menu – which is written with chalk on a chalk board. Obviously, it is attached to the wall so you kind of have to trust about what the waiter tells you if you can’t see it from your table (which we couldn’t).
I decided that the “black noodles with scampi, scallops and broccoli” (CHF 22.00) would be a good idea – and, they definitely were! The noodles were perfectly cooked al dente, the seafood was served quite generously and it was actually quite tasty. And although I was a bit skeptical with regards to the broccoli at first, I must admit that it was actually really good!
What I like even more was the fact that they serve a huge variety of different wines and you can get all of them by the glass – what an amazing concept! It doesn’t happen often that you come across this anymore – unfortunately! However, it is not only the fact that it is offered but also about the great job the waiter does – passionate, friendly, jovial!
The “beef tartare” (CHF 30.00) is very plain – while this sounds negative, it is not meant like that. You get a true, original, tasty beef tartare. I must admit though that I am still not used to getting beef tartare served without toast – luckily enough, the bread which is served independently of the tartare is quite rich so it works perfectly with that too.
The Bottegone del Vino managed to do what a lot of Italian restaurants outside of Italy are not able to do – you feel like you are in Italy in a rural area where a great restaurant is located – atmospheric, friendly and jovial service, tasty dishes, fair prices!
Overall, I can definitely recommend the Bottegone del Vino! Make sure to book your table in advance though.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Bottegone del Vino
Via Massimiliano Magatti 3
6900 Lugano (CH)
Tel.: +41 91 922 76 89
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
