Many chefs abandon their cooking stations for the glamour of television; Michael Chiarello did the opposite. He's a bona fide celebrity chef, but he missed running a restaurant, so he opened Bottega last year. His passion shows on every plate, whether he's making a thick ribollita, cooking up heirloom polenta, aging salumi or roasting whole fish in the wood oven with lemon and olive oil. Located in a former winery, the rustic exposed brick and timber-beam ceiling contrast dramatically with the Murano glass chandeliers, refined Donghia fabric and oversize Frette linens. Another bonus: The wine list is exceptionally well priced.

 
Specialties: Warm pecorino custard; wood-grilled octopus; veal tortelli in brodo di carne; ricotta gnocchi in tomato sauce; wood oven-roasted fish with Meyer lemon; chocolate-almond molten cake.

Hours

Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, dinner 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Cuisines

• California
• Italian

Features

• Online Reservation
• Credit Cards: Accepted
• Full Bar
• Outdoor Seating
• Parking: Free Lot
• Bar Bites
• Lunch
• Seating (96 (plus 43 in the lounge, 40 on the patio))