Nino’s Trattoria Italiana

Nino’s Trattoria Italiana is an independent, family run, traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Pangbourne.

Nino’s is one of the most well known and best loved names in the Reading area. After a short spell of retirement, Nino decided he missed the restaurant life too much and has opened this new Italian Trattoria with his family in Pangbourne, just to the west of Reading.

“We’re a family run business with a real Italian chef and continue to offer the great service and food that we hope you remember from our previous restaurants.
Whether you’re a new customer or an old friend, you’ll receive a warm welcome and a friendly dining experience in our cosy new location in the heart of Pangbourne.
We look forward to seeing you soon!” – Nino Bartolomei

– – – –

Nino’s History

Nino first came to England in 1966 to watch Italy in the World Cup (but for those who can remember that year, you’ll understand why he doesn’t want us to talk about that…).

Arriving in England as a young man during the days of the hippies, the Beatles, and the mini-skirt; there’s no wonder he left behind his law degree and decided to stay. However with no English and no money, life – searching for a job in London – was not easy. After spending weeks forced to live on a bench in Paddington Station, and under a tree in Hyde park, Nino thought he had hit the jackpot when he landed himself a job as a washer upper in the Cambridge Hotel, Camberley at the wage of £1 per week plus food and accommodation.

But with dreams far bigger than his pockets were deep, this was the ideal job to launch his restaurant career. Spending many years working his way up the ranks within the kitchen, The Cambridge Hotel then gave him a spot front of house, and later, as the restaurant manager.

Nino then worked in various different places before opening up his first restaurant in Winchester in 1978. Now, after nearly 50 years of working in the industry, and 10 restaurants later, he has even more enthusiasm for his and his families latest restaurant in Pangbourne.