The Founding Story
La Bottega was founded in Garden City South by Giuseppe and Marisa in 2003. The journey began with two immigrants, a dream, and a passion for food. There was no blueprint, no large investment, and not even a menu. Just hard work, creativity, and whatever was found at the markets that morning.
Over time, recipes were developed, signature panini and salads found their place on the menu, and La Bottega began to establish its own identity. But while the menu evolved, the philosophy never changed: respect the ingredients, focus on quality, and create food people are excited to come back for.
More than two decades later, that same spirit continues to guide everything we do.
The Next Generation
As La Bottega grew, so did their kids' opportunity to learn from around the world.
Raised within the family business, Melania and Giuseppe Jr. spent much of their lives surrounded by kitchens, customers, and day-to-day operations that helped shape La Bottega into what it is today.
Through years of spending summers in Italy, often for months at a time, Melania and Giuseppe Jr. developed a deep appreciation for the country's culture, calling it a second home. Living between two worlds gave them a unique perspective. One rooted in their American upbringing while remaining deeply connected to the Italian heritage.
As college approached, Giuseppe Jr.'s connection to Europe had sparked a passion for hospitality and a desire to experience the world beyond Long Island. He chose to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management in Switzerland, where he studied alongside students from all over the world. Those four years became much more than an education. Through real-world experiences, he gained a broader perspective on hospitality, culture, and business. His journey led him to work in Barcelona and Miami, where he was exposed to different styles of service, operations, and hospitality. Along the way, he learned new languages, developed a deep appreciation for different cultures, and earned a sommelier certification, which sparked a lasting passion and understanding of wine.
Melania's passion for food began at a younger age as she grew up helping Marisa cook dinner every night. Years later, her education brought her to a private university where she earned a degree in Architecture only to discover her true passion ignited whenever she was in the kitchen. Refusing to be tied down at a desk, her journey brought her to Manhattan, where she gained hands-on experience working as Chef de Partie in a fine-dining establishment. Afterward, she traveled to Florence to work and learn traditional pasta-making techniques, immersing herself in true, authentic Italian cuisine. She further deepened her appreciation for Italian culture, food, and hospitality while living in Sicily for some time before returning to New York. There, everyday life and real-world experiences helped shape her vision and her passion still to this day.
Together, the experiences Giuseppe Jr. and Melania gained through their education, travels, and careers abroad have helped shape the vision of La Bottega today. These influences continue to guide the evolution of the brand while remaining true to the values and traditions that have defined La Bottega since 2003.