65 St-Zotique est, Montreal, Quebec, H2S1K7
Rated this place:
posted Feb 18 2009
Not your average North American-style ‘za: Bottega is not for Domino’s or Pizza Hut lovers, but more those who enjoy true Italian pizza. Many of the pizza selections are without tomato sauce, such as the Nolana ($15) with house sausage and mozzarella backed with a bitter kick of Rapini, or the Ortolana ($14) topped with mozzarella and grilled vegetables only. If you are looking for something a little more familiar, make sure you chose a pizza with pomodoro in the title or description.
The Polpetta con Pomodoro makes an indulgent appetizer, a single, solitary, stately meatball in tomato sauce ($4), which cut like butter, was outstanding. Calamari fritti is lovely at $10, and for those looking for a healthy choice, the Peperoni Grigliati (grilled peppers ) at $7 are a delectable option.
The Caprese pizza ($16), simple and delicious, is an excellent choice for a first time visit, with tomato sauce, strategically placed buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano and olive oli.
Wait staff was pleasant and conversational, though the restaurant itself was startlingly over-lit and excruciatingly loud which didn’t make much for an intimate atmosphere. After a few bites of the homemade strawberry gelato or luscious, ricotta-filled cannoli, all was forgiven. However, few items rivalled the homemade chocolate and hazelnut ice cream, with ribbons nutella-esque chocolate swirl throughout. Good for pairs, as the resto was too loud to communicate amongst four people.