The story
Bottega is a straightforward proposition done exceptionally well: Neapolitan pizza, made the way it is in Naples, served in a welcoming space in Beijing's Chaoyang District. The Xinyuanli location sits on the ground floor of Jinshang Building, one of two Bottega outposts in the capital, with a third now open in Shanghai.
The kitchen is guided by Chef Paolo, whose menu extends well beyond the classic Margherita. Alongside the wood-fired pizzas — the undisputed heart of the offering — guests will find house-made pastas and Italian classics, each carrying what the team describes as "a few fun twists." The main menu rotates at least twice a year to reflect seasonal ingredients, and festive menus appear around occasions like Valentine's Day and Christmas.
Bottega's commitment to pizza Napoletana has drawn serious international attention. The restaurant was ranked 8th Best Pizzeria in the World in 2023 by 50TopPizza, and earned the Gambero Rosso Three Slices distinction — the Italian food bible's top rating for pizza, and the reason Bottega appears on this index. These are not local accolades; they place Bottega in a very short list of pizzerias operating at this level anywhere on the planet.
The restaurant runs table service throughout, with an al fresco area that welcomes pets (dogs included, and the FAQ cheekily mentions pet monkeys). Vegetarian diners are well catered for, with plant-based options clearly marked across every section of the menu — appetizers, pastas, and pizzas alike. For those who want to linger outdoors with a cigarette, a designated smoking section is available in the al fresco zone.
Whether you come for the Neapolitan pizza or stay to explore the broader Italian menu, Bottega delivers a level of craft that few cities outside Italy can match.
Recognition
Ambience
Location