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Bottega Caruso

Kent, Margate - Italian - Restaurant - ££

A homely celebration of rustic ingredients-led Italian cooking

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

‘We've celebrated weddings here, birthdays, happy times and sad times ... it’s the best food for the soul!’ declaimed a regular visitor to Simona Di Dio and Harry Ryder’s ‘little Italian kitchen’ in Margate’s Old Town. Simona’s cooking really does ‘feel like home,’ and this friendly, unpretentious space embodies the relaxed and ‘honest’ nature of the food – namely, ingredients-driven, rustic dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of Simona’s fertile home region of Sannio, north of Naples. It’s a showcase of food born of necessity and ingenuity (what the Italians call cibo povero) but made with produce of the highest order: grandma’s recipe for verdura e fagioli (greens and beans) is a permanent fixture on the menu, likewise polpette di pane al sugo (bread balls with tomato sauce). Nibbles and ‘small(ish)’ plates are delivered on earthenware crockery – perhaps salt cod wi...

‘We've celebrated weddings here, birthdays, happy times and sad times ... it’s the best food for the soul!’ declaimed a regular visitor to Simona Di Dio and Harry Ryder’s ‘little Italian kitchen’ in Margate’s Old Town. Simona’s cooking really does ‘feel like home,’ and this friendly, unpretentious space embodies the relaxed and ‘honest’ nature of the food – namely, ingredients-driven, rustic dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of Simona’s fertile home region of Sannio, north of Naples.

It’s a showcase of food born of necessity and ingenuity (what the Italians call cibo povero) but made with produce of the highest order: grandma’s recipe for verdura e fagioli (greens and beans) is a permanent fixture on the menu, likewise polpette di pane al sugo (bread balls with tomato sauce). Nibbles and ‘small(ish)’ plates are delivered on earthenware crockery – perhaps salt cod with blood orange and celery or buffalo mozzarella with cime di rape, smoked anchovy, chilli. After that, indulge in a serving of superlative hand-made pasta, say spaghetti with wild garlic, basil and cashew pesto or wholegrain ziti with a slow-cooked ragù of fennel sausages, home-preserved tomatoes and grated Corra Linn sheep’s cheese.

To conclude, torta caprese (chocolate and almond tart) or Italian rice pudding with plum jam make a fitting finale. The predominantly organic, biodynamic and natural wine list heralds some of the best producers in Italy, and staff are eager to provide helpful advice for those less familiar with low-intervention viticulture. Don’t forget to stock up on artisan Italian provisions at the adjoining shop.

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VENUE DETAILS

2-4 Broad Street
Margate
Kent
CT9 1EWGB

01843 297142

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OTHER INFORMATION

Family friendly, Credit card required

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