Madonna's Culinary Pilgrimage to Margate Restaurant
In a remarkable endorsement for a Kent seaside establishment, global pop icon Madonna has revealed Bottega Caruso in Margate as her "favourite Italian restaurant" during recent visits to support the town's burgeoning arts community. The restaurant's owner, Harry Ryder, has expressed his delight at regularly cooking for one of his lifelong idols, creating a unique connection between international stardom and traditional Italian cuisine.
From Fan to Host: A Restaurant Owner's Dream
Speaking exclusively about the experience, Mr Ryder shared his emotional response to serving the music legend. "It was really lovely to get a mention, a really nice surprise," he revealed. "We've cooked for her before, a few times. She's super nice, great fun - it's odd hosting your idols as I've been listening to Madonna since I was about seven years old." The restaurant owner emphasised how the singer's visits have provided a significant boost during typically quiet January months, benefiting not just his business but the entire town's cultural landscape.
Margate's Transformation into Creative Haven
Madonna's connection to Margate extends beyond culinary appreciation, with the singer actively supporting her friend Dame Tracey Emin's artist residency programme. In social media posts reaching her 20 million followers, the 67-year-old artist described the seaside town as her "idea of heaven" and praised the "remarkable" community Emin has cultivated. The pop icon highlighted how the residency provides crucial opportunities for young international artists who might otherwise lack space to develop their talents.
The singer's enthusiasm reflects Margate's ongoing transformation from traditional seaside resort to creative hotspot, attracting artists, chefs, and entrepreneurs seeking alternatives to London's urban intensity. With excellent transport links placing it just 80 miles from the capital, the Victorian town has experienced a noticeable influx of creative professionals establishing new ventures and communities.
Authentic Italian Dining in Unlikely Setting
Bottega Caruso represents exactly the type of establishment driving Margate's culinary renaissance. Opened eight years ago by Harry Ryder and his partner Simona, the restaurant specialises in fresh pasta inspired by recipes from Simona's hometown of Foglianise, a small village near Naples. The Guardian has previously praised the venue as serving "possibly some of the best Italian food in modern Britain."
During her visits, Madonna reportedly enjoyed traditional dishes including:
- Italian bread balls
- Cacio e pepe pasta
- Selection of cheeses
- House-made tiramisu
The restaurant's comprehensive offering extends beyond dining, with their adjacent wine bar Cantina serving natural wines by the glass, aperitivo-style cocktails, and small plates. The establishment also operates as a deli selling fresh pasta, chocolates, and olive oil, while hosting regular cooking workshops and wine tasting events.
Culinary Secrecy and Celebrity Endorsement
In a characteristically playful social media post, Madonna initially attempted to keep her favourite dining spot secret, writing: "I'm not giving anyone the name because then everyone's going to go there and it only has one table!!" Despite this humorous attempt at discretion, the cat is now firmly out of the bag, bringing international attention to this modest Margate establishment.
The singer's endorsement arrives as she continues her musical career with recent releases including the remix album Veronica Electronica and Bedtime Stories: The Untold Chapter, featuring previously unreleased material from her 1994 album. Yet her cultural influence extends beyond music, with her Margate visits highlighting how celebrity patronage can significantly impact local businesses and creative communities outside traditional metropolitan centres.
As Margate's reputation grows through such high-profile endorsements, Bottega Caruso stands as a testament to how authentic culinary experiences and community-focused arts initiatives can transform perceptions of British seaside towns, creating destinations that attract both international superstars and everyday visitors seeking quality and character.
