Michele Belotti

Belotti Ristorante e Bottega - Oakland, CA

Michele Belotti hails from the picturesque town of Albino in Bergamo, Italy, where he was immersed in the rich culinary traditions of his homeland from an early age. Rooted in the ethos of Italian cuisine, Belotti’s culinary philosophy revolves around the art of simplicity—where a harmonious blend of a few high-quality ingredients yields dishes of exceptional depth and flavor.

His culinary journey began in the heart of Italy, where he honed his skills as Chef de Partie at the esteemed Michelin-starred Restaurant Frosio in Bergamo. Working under the tutelage of renowned Chef-Owner Paulo Frosio, Belotti mastered the nuances of his craft while developing his own distinctive culinary style. Prior to making his mark in California, Belotti further refined his expertise apprenticing under the guidance of culinary luminaries such as Chef Ugo Alciati and Luca Zecchin at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Da Guido, in Piedmonte.

In 2011, Belotti embarked on a new chapter in his culinary journey, relocating to California to serve as Chef de Cuisine at Ristobar in San Francisco. Alongside his wife, Joyce, Belotti embarked on a collaborative endeavor to bring their vision of authentic Italian cuisine to life. Their shared passion and dedication culminated in the creation of Belotti Ristorante e Bottega, a culinary haven nestled in the charming neighborhood of Rockridge, Oakland.

With a focus on approachable yet refined fare, Belotti’s culinary creations captivate the palate, garnering acclaim and loyalty from patrons both near and far. Inspired by his roots and fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Chef Michele Belotti continues to share his love for the timeless simplicity of Italian cooking with each dish served at Belotti Ristorante e Bottega.