A good new Italian restaurant without being overly fancy: Restaurant Bocuci – Bottega & Cucina (26. April 2022)
The Restaurant Bocuci has been on my to-do list for quite a while and finally, I was able to give it a try. They offer different tasting menus, and we decided to go for the “Menu Degustazione (4 courses)” (CHF 98.00) with the respective “wine pairing” (CHF 32.00). The evening starts with “bread and crackers” which were quite nice – especially the crackers.
Before the actual menu, you’re served a little amuse bouche. That evening, this turned out to be a “tuna tartar with green apple” which was nice since it was relatively refreshing due to the apple in the tartar.
The first course of the evening was “Antipasto (marinated zucchini Neapolitan style with burrata and peppermint oil)” accompanied by “Spumante Millesimato pas dosè, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Contratto, 2016” and I must say that the plate did not only look pretty, but it also turned out to be quite delicious. The burrata was really creamy and intense in flavour, and the marinated zucchini had an intense and mouth-watering flavour.
The “zuppa (lukewarm tomato soup with crispy focaccia with herbs)” accompanied by “Pigato DOC, Pigato, Az. Agr. Feipu Massaretti, 2020” was fine. It was quite tomate-y in terms of flavour, so of a high intensity, but it still made it a good little in between course.
The “primo (spaghetti with fish stew)” accompanied by “Gaudente DOC, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Moncaro, 2015” turned out to be interesting. The spaghetti were nicely cooked, perfectly al dente, but the fish stew was, while good, somewhat intense, making it a bit difficult in terms of enjoying too much of it. Frankly, it wasn’t bad but the fact that it was absolutely intense kind of made it not that great.
The “carne (beef fillet with caponata and fried potatoes)” accompanied by “Langhe Ginestrino DOC, Nebbiolo, Conterno Fantino, 2020” on the other hand was absolutely amazing. The meat was cooked perfectly as requested and in combination with the caponata it was just enjoyable. Nothing much to complain about, and definitely a can do.
The place is an interesting combination between traditional, somewhat flashy Italian interior decoration …
… and a modern and appealing way of looking at things. The service is friendly and generally attentive. There were a few moments where we had to wait a bit, but everything very much in the frame of acceptable waiting times.
All in all, I liked the Bocuci – it’s a good Italian alternative to many a bit more central restaurants. On the other hand, to be very honest, it isn’t amazing either. So, I get the hype only to some degree as for me personally, it was somewhat nothing exciting but a sound, good Italian restaurant. The interior of the restaurant itself (which I have not been able to snatch a picture of) is quite appealing though and it doens’t hold too many tables, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Bocuci – Bottega & Cucina
Leonhardstrasse 1
8001 Zürich (CH)
Tel.: +41 44 261 40 55
E-Mail: info@bocuci.ch
Homepage: http://www.bocuci.ch
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. 
