Taipei’s late-night eatery: Authentic flavors from Italy

Text and photos / Excerpted from “Late-Night Private Tastings,” published by Times Publishing

In July 2014, I met up with a friend at Bottega del Vin. Reflecting on how we met, it truly felt like a wonderful coincidence. We encountered each other at a Spanish wine tasting event. At that time, she worked in public relations and took the initiative to strike up a conversation. A typical Gemini, she had an open and cheerful personality. Instead of the usual formalities, she began talking about the dress I was wearing—one she had almost purchased herself. Our shared taste in fashion instantly created a sense of mutual understanding and connection.

After that initial meeting, we didn’t get a chance to see each other again until she suggested we have dinner together. As thoughtful as ever, she selected several restaurants with different styles, and we eventually decided on this Italian place she absolutely loved. Exiting the Taipei Guest House MRT station, I strolled leisurely to Bottega del Vin. The entrance was somewhat hidden, and once inside, you could see nearly every seat in the cozy, compact space.

That evening, she took charge of ordering. In her view, every dish was incredibly authentic—from traditional Italian pasta to risotto, all were excellent. In the end, we ordered classic risotto, spinach ravioli, a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, and, of course, we couldn’t miss out on the tiramisu.

The portions were quite generous—even for two people, sharing was a bit much. Each dish was simple and clean, with no overly elaborate plating or decoration. The presentation was modest and elegant, yet the flavors were genuinely satisfying. Having often dined on lavishly prepared, chef-driven feasts for work, I found this unpretentious cuisine surprisingly impressive. Though I hadn’t been to Italy, I could feel the warmth of home-cooked nostalgia. During the meal, Giorgio, the Italian owner, would occasionally come over and chat with us—it felt as relaxed as visiting a friend’s home. Ever since, this has become my favorite Italian restaurant in Taipei.

In March 2015, more than half a year later, I returned to Bottega del Vin. By then, the restaurant had moved to an alleyway in the Dongcheng district. The new space could easily accommodate over 70 guests, but what remained unchanged was the consistent minimalist decor and the same warm atmosphere. The wall still displayed the painting of a castle in Verona—a piece Giorgio brought to remind him of his hometown. The dishes were still lovingly prepared by Giorgio and his son Andrea.

During our meal, I asked Giorgio why he chose to leave his hometown and settle in Taiwan. At first, he jokingly said he was from Kaohsiung—but then, putting on a serious expression, he spoke slowly about how he believed in fate and was convinced that he must have been Taiwanese in a past life. Otherwise, he wondered, how else could he have ended up in such a distant land, so far from home?

Another reason I love this place is Giorgio himself. Whenever I gaze at the chalkboard listing the day’s specials and look puzzled, he would come over to talk about the ingredients and explain the dishes. When the food arrives, sometimes he’ll even call out, “Let’s eat up!” It’s a gesture reminiscent of a caring family elder, creating a uniquely warm and comforting atmosphere. Watching him move around the restaurant, chatting with guests, you know you’re in the right place. That’s also why he insists on running just one location at a time. Because of him, Bottega del Vin is such a unique gem.

Italian cuisine values natural, authentic flavors—but the differences between northern and southern Italian dishes are vast. Southern Italian cooking emphasizes olive oil and seafood, while the wealthier north, with its thriving dairy farming, features cheese and meat prominently in nearly every dish, resulting in rich and robust flavors. Giorgio, hailing from northern Italy, comes from a family that has run restaurants since his grandmother’s generation, making traditional northern Italian cuisine his specialty. Now, his son Andrea, who manages the kitchen, has surpassed even his father, with every dish impressively executed.

Beyond the main courses, the lavish antipasto platter left me in awe. A large wooden board was filled with pork neck, tuna in tuna sauce (Tonnato), grilled vegetables, sausage and cornbread, various sausages... The vibrant colors and wide variety made for a joyful scene as everyone reached for their favorites. There’s also some of the best lamb chops in Taipei—the tender lamb cutlets, seared to a golden crisp, reveal a tender rose-colored center bursting with juices, with no trace of toughness.

The tiramisu, handmade by Giorgio himself, is rich, smooth, and not overly sweet. Every layer reflects his dedication to authentic Italian flavors and his care for his guests. From thought to fingertips, it carries through to the dish placed before you. That night, I tasted a tiramisu that was sweet yet not cloying, cool and silky—but what I truly received was boundless warmth.

#DATA
Botega del vin
HOURS: Monday 5:30 PM–10:00 PM, Tuesday–Saturday 11:30 AM–2:00 PM & 5:30 PM–10:00 PM (lunch service available Tue–Sat), Sunday closed
ADDRESS: No. 7, Lane 17, Alley 170, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City
TEL 02-2752-5330

Delicious food all day long
Download the “ETtoday News Cloud APP” for the latest food updates →
iOS:https://goo.gl/rmIDdx
Android:https://goo.gl/XPe8Uj