Bottega Italian Restaurant
2240 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35205
Bottega Italian Restaurant Menu
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Appetizer
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Main Course
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Sides
Healthy Meal suggestions for Bottega Italian Restaurant
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Appetizer
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Main Course
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Sides
Visit below restaurant in Birmingham for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Birmingham for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2240 Highland Ave S
Birmingham, AL, 35205 - Phone (205) 939-1000
- Website https://www.bottegarestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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David B.
This was one of the best dinners I've had. I have no complaints at all, the service was great, the food was really great, and the restaurant itself is comfortable and pleasing - no over the top decor. I had the lobster ravioli for an appetizer and the seabass with pesto sauce for an entree. They were both amazing, the lobster was light and creamy at the same time. My friend had the arugula salad for an appetizer. That was a fancy looking salad! It also tasted great...I had a bite of it when she went to the restroom. The vinaigrette dressing tasted like I imagine love must feel like. She also got the veal special with truffle oil and bruscetta. Afterwards I gave her a stern lecture on the evils of veal. When it became apparent she wasn't getting the point I asked her if she would be upset if I chained her grandmother to the floor so her muscles atrophy and become tender. She informed me that her grandmother recently died...so I asked her if she would be upset if I exhumed her grandmother's grave and chained her to my floor. She said she would be.
(4)Ayon J. R.
One of favorite joints in BHM. Good food, wine and service. The outside seating area is awesome in nice weather.
(4)Scott M.
Simply the finest restaurant in Birmingham (and indeed the state of Alabama). Great bar, fantastic food, very good service.
(5)mario a.
Just tried Bottega last night for the first time and was thoroughly impressed. Very interesting menu, with the papardelle pasta with duck a highlight. The Parmesan souffle is a classic and worth a visit just to get it. Nice wine list, providing good bottles at any price range. Service magnificent. Bread plate always full, water always replenished. If there was one minor setback was that i wished they would have (or enforce) a minimum dress code. Kids in ripped jeans and rock show tshirt took a little from the experience. In short, a great meal, great experience , terrific service and wonderful evening. Cant wait to go back.
(5)Susan W.
Got this as a recommendation from an apartment manager while I was house-hunting. She said it was "great for kids" and casual. I would disagree that it's great for kids, thankfully it was loud because my 9 month old niece had quite the story to tell and was a little too hungry when we got there so there was some screaming, nobody seemed to mind though. I wouldn't call it casual, we were in very casual, beat-the-heat house hunting clothes, a little out of place, but again nobody seemed to mind. Wait staff was nice and attentive and engaged in my niece's favorite game of "drop the spoon the floor so you'll pick it up for me." I had a pizza with caramelized onions, salami and prochuitto (sp?) The crust was FANTASTIC but the cold-cuts were just that, COLD. Once I let the pizza warm them up they were warm, but then they tasted like eating raw slimy bacon, I was hoping they would cook them with the pizza so they were nice and crisp on the top. My sister had a pasta dish that was decent but had too many burst cherry tomatoes for the amount of seasonings to call it sauce. Valet parking is a plus, nice place without the uppity people. Probably wouldn't be a repeat customer for entree because of the price. Maybe drinks and appetizers.
(3)Katerina C.
I don't think I can put into words how wonderful our experience was at Bottega for our anniversary. We were seated right away, and the server promptly came over with a drink menu. He let us sit a while to settle in and brought us our cocktails before giving us the dinner menus, which we loved because we were there to relax and enjoy the night. My gin martini was so smooth and so amazing. One of the best I've had in Birmingham. For our appetizer, we enjoyed the Panzanella. Seriously phenomenal. We would have ordered another serving, but we got way too focused on the delicious focaccia bread. For my entree, I had the red fish with grilled green tomatoes and peach ensalata. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the sides balanced out to make the perfect summer dish. My husband enjoyed the crab and lobster ravioli, which he only wished there was more of. And the dessert... so much to say about all of Frank Stitt's desserts. We split the peach cobbler and the flourless chocolate cake. And by split, I mean my hubby did his best to wrestle a bite away from me. So, so good. I could literally go on and on. Fantastic service, great food, romantic atmosphere... we couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate our first year as a married couple.
(5)Nickie G.
Man, I am really digging these Frank Stitt restaurants. Since we tried Highlands last time, we decided to give Bottega a try this time. We made reservations and headed on over. This place definitely has a different vibe! The patio had a lot of people just hanging out and drinking....perhaps they were waiting for a table, perhaps they just came to drink. I am not sure but it was lively. There's a cafe side on the right and the main dining room on the left. We had reservations for the dining room. Note: the website says business casual and then says "no shorts in dining room". That's a long way from business casual....so the gist is that you can wear jeans with a cute shirt, jacket not required. Much more laid back vibe than Highlands. I ordered a drink off the drink menu and it was good but a little too sweet for me. It did have a delicious slice of pear in it though. I switched to a wine for dinner. So on to the food! For appetizers my vegetarian friend got the Parmesan souffle with mushrooms. She's a vegetarian but since the prosciutto is on the side she still got it and me and her husband ate it up. We shared a salumi plate. All of it was top notch. Fresh spicy meats, crunchy bread sticks. The souffle was creamy and soft and mushroomy. Mmm! For dinner I had the redfish which came with mushrooms, snap peas, and sweet peas. Everything was cooked perfectly. Our waiter was fabulous - he answered questions, made sure everything was going well, and brought us some limoncello after dinner. NICE TOUCH YO! I think we also ordered dessert but by that point I was pleasantly tipsy off wine and a glass of limoncello soooooo I cannot remember what it even was. I always preferred booze to dessert anyway! So yet again, a fantastic experience at a Frank Stitt restaurant. This guy knows what he's doing and so far both have knocked it out of the park. I'll be baaaack!
(5)Craig M.
Loved Bottega. I recommend this restaurant to everyone. The starters were both amazing. Carpaccio and insalta di mare were a perfect start to the meal along with both our cocktails. I had the leg of lamb and my girlfriend had the swordfish and both were amazing dishes. Can't wait to try some of the fresh pasta next time we are in town. Also don't skip desert that. You would regret it.
(5)Meri D.
I celebrated my last birthday at Bottega before moving to Seattle, and I remember really enjoying it. I had been there on several occasions (cafe, dinner, dessert), and it was always very good. The building is very beautiful and stands prominently on Highland Ave. The cafe is nice and quaint, but the dining room is much more of a fine dining experience. If I recall correctly they prefer you to dress up a little before darkening the doors of this establishment, and you'll want to because it just feels right. The food preparation is thoughtful and the cooking style is inspired. Ingredients are fresh and the menu has many colorful entrees that you won't find many other places in Birmingham... the best thing about it is that they seem to pull them off nicely! Be prepared to drop a little cash for this meal, but also know that you're going to enjoy yourself immensely. On my next trip back home I will most definitely be carving out a time to eat at Bottega.
(4)Justin W.
Delicious! You can't go wrong here. Food for thought, they do have two sides to the restaurant; the more affordable fare is on the right side ("cafe"). It is busy every night of the week and for food reason. You'll have to spend some dough, but you'll be happy about it.
(5)Chris B.
I've heard about Bottega for many, many years and I finally got the opportunity ti sample their fare while in town recently. Bottega is widely acclaimed in the Birmingham food scene and is well reviewed by local, regional, and national food critics. Having heard so many great things about the place I was excited for my visit. The atmosphere was loud (Friday night) and the ambiance was upscale classy. I ordered the crawfish Tagliatelle to begin and while the pasta was absolutely stunning, the dish had absolutely no seasoning. Overall the app was a 3/5. I had the duck for an entree which was perfectly cooked but again lacked any seasoning whatsoever. Entree was a 3.5/5. Dessert was the highlight of my experience. I had the Italian donuts with mascarpone and berries. Out of this world delicious! 5/5 If I had to describe Bottega in one sentence I'd say it is a somewhat confusing fusion of Italian and southern cuisine with lofty aspirations and only adequate execution. I'll be heading to Highlands Bar and Grill from now on.
(3)Jason S.
Eaten here many times over the years. They have a great bar with cocktails featuring seasonal favorites paired with what produce is available. You can never beat the Frank Stitt classic 'Orange Thing', a naughty citrus delight from Harry's Bar. When it comes to starters, you are committing a crime if you don't get the Parmesan soufflé with prosciutto and wild mushrooms. If they made a giant birthday cake-sized version of this, I feel certain I could keep eating it until I passed out from rich-food shock. Same deal goes for the beef carpaccio - always spot on. Okay, okay, and the foie gras. Can't... stop...drooling...while typing. My wife likes the gnocchi, but she's a vegetarian, so can you really trust her? As for their entrees, they always have interesting Italian treats with a Southern element. Some of my favorite dishes have included their offerings of veal and duck - they seem to do especially well with those. Local seasonal produce is a key part of what they do here, and that tends to change the menu frequently. I've been here with small groups and a group as large as 15 - they had no issues accommodating us as we had made reservations well in advance. I highly recommend chef Stitt's cookbook 'Bottega Favorita' - not only does it have great commentary and feature the best recipes from the restaurant, it also has great cocktail recipes for the specialty drinks. The service has always been great here for me as well, another feather in the cap of this establishment.
(5)Paul S.
Italy meets the South. Farm and table collide with high society. Frank Stitt's ostensibly Italian restaurant with handmade everything and superhuman service will charm corporate and romantic alike. Professional, creative, dazzling. Worthy of its legendary status.
(5)Sarah H.
Had a very nice meal here recently. A great menu with very authentic dishes. A good selection with lots of yummy dishes to choose from!
(4)Sarah M.
I tried out this fantastic little Birmingham joint last week as part of a grad school interview at UAB. Wow. So awesome. I would consider moving to Birmingham just for the grilled chicken and roasted pepper pizza alone! And I live in Durham, a city that definitely qualifies as a foodie's happy place. I went with a group of current students and other applicants for lunch on a Friday. The place was packed, and we ended up waiting about 20 minutes or so for a table. There are two sides to this place -- a "cafe" side and a more formal side. Both are equally charming. Had it not been chilly out, we probably would've sat outside on the cute patio. The foccacia bread and olive oil that were served before the meal were super tasty. As previously mentioned, I ordered the grilled chicken and roasted red pepper pizza. Unreal. I've had some tasty pizza in my day, but this was spot on. The chicken had a tangy yet sweet glaze, the dough was the perfect combination of crusty and doughy in all the right places, and there was the perfect ratio of cheese to bread. My favorite part of the pizza was the tomato chutney -- so delish. Two of my fellow diners ordered the mac 'n cheese, which also looked awesome. Our drinks were never empty, and all of us left with full bellies. I highly recommend this place as having excellent food and a great atmosphere. I'd love to try it again someday for dinner and a little vino!
(5)Danielle G.
I love this place! From the beautiful decor, to the classy waiters, to the fresh and ever changing menu. Food is amazing! Absolutely love this place! Great place for date night!
(5)bananas T.
So disappointing to come home for a visit and go to an old favorite, twice, and both times can't remember why it was an easy go to. Went there for lunch and ordered the "fried egg" salad. In my mind I was thinking one of those salads when you poke the yolk and runs into the greens and is a perfect mix with the lardons, in this case pancetta... anyhow, came to the table and it was a scrambled egg. To add insult to injury, when the unreasonably rude server asked if everything was OK, I said I thought on the menu it said fried egg? She responded yes, that's what that is, I said no, this is a scrambled egg, she said it's the process of cooking it in the frying pan, I said yeah, it's called scrambled, a fried egg the yolk would be intact. I just love when you know more than a server who clearly wouldn't know different ways to cook an egg, unless Stitt told her... Don't get me wrong, I have the upmost respect for Cheff Stitt, and Bottega and have been a favorite growing up here, but I've also dined in the best restaurants all over the world. I believe the servers are a reflection of the establishment, and there's no reason for unwarranted snobbery. I boxed up my omelette with a side of greens and took it home to my dog. He loved it.
(2)Robin W.
Ahhh, la Bottega - a Birmingham legend. I spent many an evening dining with friends on the outdoor patio. I haven't been there in many years, but the food was always creative, the wine free flowing (thankfully I lived only five blocks away) and bread fresh. Aside from the food and atmosphere, it is THE place in south side to see and be seen, if you're into that kind of thing. I recommend the Bottega to anyone I know who is planning to visit B'ham.
(4)Cameron D.
To be clear the 3-star rating does not tell the whole story. Food (4 star): the food was quite good but I would argue with anyone who says this is Birmingham's best restaurant. I had the cobia, which was very nice and the homemade ravioli w/crabmeat, which was just okay. Service (2 star): in my opinion there are too many people working here to the point where it is almost awkward (my brother and I dubbed one guy working there who had no clear purpose as the official "creeper" of the restaurant, as he essentially walked around like a creeper the whole time). Despite the abundance of staff, it still took us 2.5hrs to get though the entirety of the meal..even though we had an early reservation and the place was not packed. Essentially they just draw out the whole process and make you wait for your food unnecessarily. Ambiance/comfort (2 star): don't get me wrong, the place is nice, but the tables are packed in as tight as they can get them. If you are sitting on the booth side of the table and you are over 5'8" or so, you will be uncomfortable as the table will be pushed right up against you and there will be table legs everywhere to contend with (I'm 6'1"). The nature of the density of the seating also results in a less than ideal, and rather loud, noise level. Final verdict: come back for lunch, avoid dinner
(3)Primo L.
Exciting food but the pretentious staff that wouldn't let our group of 12 dine outside nearly ruined our evening until a local woman interceded on our behalf. Don't bother with the carpaccio, it's gets in its own way. Once the logistics were taken care of this was an otherwise highly enjoyable meal.
(3)Stacy Z.
Walked in and realized we were super underdressed, but the staff welcomed us portlanders with open arms. Our group started with a couple of appetizers; squash blossoms (never even heard of before, stuffed with cheese and crab, yummers!) and crostini (makes me excited to grill bread on my BBQ this summer)and drinks of course. Moved on to entrees I had the red snapper with polenta, cooked to perfection! Sampled my friends ravioli, so light it was almost like a thin boiled wonton, delish as well. Also tasted the triggerfish (another new one) which was ok, but a little too bland for me Finished up with a few desserts, the peach cobbler and chocolate jack Daniels gelato were sooo delicious. Sadly the tiramisu wasn't quite up to par too much chocolate not enough espresso. Overall a great dining experience for my first time in the 'ham
(4)Marietta M.
My husband took me here for our anniversary. It was an outstanding evening! We were shown to our table as soon as we arrived. We brought a bottle of wine with us, and the knowledge of the servers with regard to temperature and serving of out wine was top notch! The food was excellent - the parmesan soufflé was to die for. Although we aren't from the area, we will definitely make it a point to dine here again. Thank you Bottega!!
(5)Christie R.
Love Botegga Cafe.. GREAT DRINKS and love the Goat Cheese on those peppers! Wonderful food everytime! Frank Stitts rocks! I have all his cookbooks too!
(5)Jody J.
Looking for somewhere to celebrate a great accomplishment or just a nice date night? Bottega is 110% your place. We came with a party of 15 to celebrate a medical school graduation and from the call I received a day before from the hostess to make sure our reservation was as I desired to the service we received from the moment we walked in the door, Bottega is the top notch. Our server and those assisting him were attentive but unobtrusive. Our lead server was very dedicated to our experience and customer service. You would be lucky to be able to have him at your table. We noticed Frank Stitt, executive chef, wandering the restaurant and within moments of my mom mentioning to the server that I was dying to meet him Chef Stitt appeared at our table. He was humble, gracious and spoke to me like I wasn't wasting his time. The timing of the food was impeccable and we felt neither too rushed or like we were waiting an eternity. The food quality was superb and the drink list was excellent. I feel as though I chose well for a medical school gradation dinner. What we ordered: beef carpaccio to start and salmon as the entree. The carpaccio was melt in your mouth high quality amazing beef. The salmon was perfectly cooked and accompanied with delicious artichokes and fingerling potatoes. Be sure to finish with the blueberry tiramisu if possible because your mind will be blown with yen complexity of flavors.
(5)Eduardo F.
Have been here for lunch. Looks like a place where the wealthy people from BHM gather for their lunch meetings. The food was absolutely fantastic, a bit pricey for lunch but well worth it. The only downside here is that the bar waiter was not too friendly and wasn't really paying attention to our needs. The food made up for his lack of people skills.
(4)Matt C.
After trying the "Big 3" in Birmingham, Botega, Hot & Hot, & The Highlands Cafe, this one stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Eating here on two occasions, I've not had a bad bite (or drink for that matter), but my single favorite dish is the beef carpaccio. This carpaccio will turn even the casual fan of cured meats into a plate licking fool. If you do nothing else right, make sure to order the carpaccio. Outstanding wait staff is knowledgeable of every ingredient within every dish, and is happy to explain. Solid local draft beer selection. Business casual attire, formal ambiance, normal noise level.
(5)Grace Z.
I expected better, honestly, I expected way better. Maybe the bar in my head was set way too high so I didn't enjoy my meal that much. It was pretty disappointing, especially after trying Frank Stitt's Highland Grill. I expected something at least on par with that. Service: Professional, but the waitstaff don't really care. After raving about the tuna dish, the waitress did not even bother to ask about how the dish was and when told that the dish really wasn't satisfying, she didn't even bat an eye and just gave us a check. Otherwise, it was pretty similar service as the Highland Grills, with the matching towels and bread crumb service. Food: We had 3 appetizers and 4 main courses for a party of four. The food was okay. First we started off with the bread, which was pretty tasty, however drenched in oil--albeit still tasty. The three appetizers we got: Frito misto, Parmesan souffle, and grilled oysters. The frito misto was decent, but not mind blowing, it was basically fried food. Parmesan souffle was really good, had flavorful mushrooms and prosciutto which I really enjoyed. The grilled oysters was not on par with the New Orleans char grilled oysters, but decent. For the main courses: my mom had the flounder, my dad the risotto, my husband the cavatelli nero, and I had the tuna. I got to try a bit of everything and unfortunately I didn't care for much of it. The flounder was flaky, decent, and flavorful. My dad's risotto was great with a touch of prosciutto with risotto stuffed noodles. My husband's dish was tasty, however it looked too much like black worms--it wasn't very aesthetically pleasing. My tuna was very unimpressive. I ordered it rare, however it tasted cold as if it was sitting out for a while. I couldn't even finish the whole thing. The worst part was when the waitress was notified, she didn't even care. Overall: The ambiance is quiet, with a professional/fancy restaurant feel, however the food did not meet the expectations or what I personally expect when I shell out that much money. If I were you, I would head over to Frank Stitt's other restaurant, Highland Grill and save your money on this one.
(2)P M.
Top notch "soup to nuts" two days ago. My second or third visit. This visit combined extra friendly knowledgeable staff, great valet and Solid food and specially bottled chardonnay not to mention Solid food from the Pita with three dips app (deliciois), to my first taste of rabbit which I sadly liked (because I also adore bunny rabbits and won't make this a staple) to the coffee gelato all 6 in our party were full, happy and delighted to share each others company. Thank you Frank stitt. The herb garden out front was lovely too. Nothing like a meal elevated to a memory thanks to a well run talented restaurant
(5)Brett W.
As wonderful as always! I've been eating here over 20 years, and it's great to see that nothing has changed. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Thank you for all the great meals!
(5)Augusto R.
Service was top notch and the food is really great. Appetizers, entrees and desserts, the whole package!
(5)Thomas C.
Great service, outstanding food, and made for a fantastic night Ambience/Service: Made a reservation online with a note about it being my girlfriend's birthday and that I was vegetarian. Both were noted when we walked through the door - a nice touch. We were seated upstairs on a night that was relatively empty, which worked out well. Service was exceptional, perfect tempo and just enough attention to allow us to have an intimate experience. Food: The most memorable part of this meal was a vegetarian mushroom agnolotti. Wow was it amazing. Perfect flavors, delicious mushrooms, flavorful cheese. One of the best composed dishes I've had in a while. It also looked beautiful. My girlfriend had a fish dish that looked like a piece of artwork. I've been to Bottega Cafe and Highlands and all 3 have excellent food that you can tell they take great care to make. The tiramisu was very delicious as well and came with a nicely decorated Happy Birthday on a thin piece of chocolate. Overall: Really great experience for a special night out. Will definitely come again.
(5)Riley H.
Absolutely incredible meal. My husband and I shared the Parmesan soufflé for an app. So full of flavor. For entrees I had the scallops with zucchini "risotto". Really buttery tasting and light at the same time. My husband had the corn and crab agnolotti....little raviolis filled with creamy corn filling topped with a light tomato sauce & crab. I could have dish that forever. HIGHLY recommend. For dessert we had the blueberry tiramisu.So fresh & light. Nothing like the original tiramisu in flavor (no chocolate, coffee, rum etc). I loved this dessert so much. The mascarpone was incredible with the blueberries & sauce. And the polenta pound cake layered between was a great most texture. I definitely recommend the corn agnolotti and the blueberry tiramisu. Impressed our socks off!
(5)Jeremy E.
I have never been disappointed with a dinner at Bottega. Frank Stitt has created another amazing restaurant that, while not as acclaimed as Highlands, is every bit as delicious! I have been able to try a lot of interesting menu items that you won't find just anywhere (such as fried sweetbreads...which were amazing.) Everything is always cooked perfectly. The cocktails are also amazing as well. The only thing I am not a fan of inside is the banquette seating area. I always specify to sit at a table when I dine inside. The last thing I want is to be so close to another table when enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner. I do enjoy sitting in the quaint courtyard patio out front when weather permits. If you are looking for the same caliber food for a lower price point, be sure to check out Botegga Cafe on the other side of the building. Amazing food there too!!
(5)Tomas H.
I've been to a couple decent restaurants in my days but this is the 1st where I order a drink & the server comes back & ask me if I am sure if I want to order the drink because of how much it will cost... A little surprised & disappointed in the service but the food was delicious.
(3)Mark F.
Overall a good choice for special occasion celebration. An interesting menu featuring dishes unique to this establishment. The menu was a bit limited and does not feature classic Italian fare. The bread for the table was above par. Each entrée was executed as advertised and everyone enjoyed their choice. The steak and duck were standouts. The desserts were outstanding with the pistachio ice cream being the best anyone at our table had ever eaten. The service was very good. Our waiter was informative and enthusiastic. The outside of the restaurant was impressive to look at. The interior was average looking. We will visit again on our next visit. Valet parking is a must at this tough location. Roll Tide!
(4)Rebecca M.
The entire experience was very good. The service was good from beginning to end and the food was great. We started with brussel sprouts and chickpeas - the chickpeas were my least favorite dish of the night but still good, but the brussel sprouts were fantastic. They were flavorful and cooked perfectly so they were slightly crispy on the outside. I ordered the ribeye as my entree but also got to try the lamb. My conclusion is that you really can't go wrong no matter what you order - they were both paired nicely with a starch that complemented the flavor of the meat, and the tempranillo paired very nicely with both. Between the 3 of us, we ordered all of the desserts on the menu so we could try a little of each - I can't pick a favorite. The tiramisu was exactly what you might expect, but delicious nonetheless. I could have eaten an entire plate of the chocolate cake, but didn't love the topping. The strawberry cake was a pleasant surprise - very refreshing and simple, but oh so delicious! I wish I lived in the area so I could come back for often!
(5)Kim M.
Atmosphere is too stuffy and food was ok but not great for the price we paid. Wait staff was nice and knowledgeable. The Tirimusu was wonderful.
(3)Brad S.
Frank Sitts is among the best things Birmingham has going for it, and while we can't all afford to eat at Highlands every night, Bottega can be a more cost-effective alternative (on the cafe side, anyway), exchanging his take on Southern cooking for modern Italian. The rapidly-rotating menu means you can't eat what I ate, but all the same, the asparagus salad with pancetta and a poached egg I could eat for days, and the tortellini with peas and chicken in a light cream sauce placed as much emphasis on the bright vegetables as it did the starch or protein. Bottega is casual, fun, and (at least in my case), cooked really, really well.
(5)Lindsay M.
Me and my fiancé went to Bottega (Non Cafe Side) last night. We did not realize there were two sides and we had looked at the menu online. Unfortunately, not knowing that the two sides were different we were seated on the Non Cafe side but we had been looking at the Cafe side menu. Luckily, they let us order off of the cafe menu but we felt uncomfortable about it the whole time. It was a nice place, but we will definitely be going back to the Cafe side next time. It's more our speed.
(4)Katie P.
I honestly hate that I have to write this review....I had been looking forward to this night out with my good friend for some time. It's rare that as a mom of two young children that I am able to step out to a nice restaurant with a good girl friend a just have a good time. The best thing about the whole night was the Gobe Refresher cocktails we ordered from the bar while we waiting for our table. Our reservations were for 7:30, we arrived at 7:20 and we weren't seating until AFTER 8. We were left to stand at an entrance by the bar (there was no room at the bar as people weren't sitting there drinking, they were eating their dinner) for over 45 minutes. Unacceptable to me for a well run, established restaurant that should be able to better plan tables by now. Then we get our table and proceed to order. The beef carpaccio was as everyone states, lovely and delish. The parmesan soufflé to me was mediocre and lacking in flavor...the texture and appearance were great, but we didn't even finish it it was so unremarkable. Our entrees fine...I had the pork shank with orecchiette. It was mediocre and a good size bone pretty much out a nail in its coffin. Dessert was meh...Nothing was bad, but there was not a single thing that would make me return either. My next date night with my husband or night out with a girlfriend will be somewhere else.
(2)Luigi C.
Good food, nice variety of wines, great service...really enjoyable place!! Even more amazing, this place was open on a rainy Monday night. Also, used to East Coast classy restaurants, I thought it was very reasonable. In essence, Bottega is highly recommended. We'll be back!
(4)Kristina V.
Yum. Fresh food, lots of it is local. They have creative and always delicious pairings! See the other reviews. I can't add more.
(4)Kate K.
Bottega was a wonderful treat when I found myself in Birmingham. I don't know that I'd make the trip three hours one-way to go there again, but if I'm in the area, I'll definitely return. I was a little unsure of the place at first.. When we got there, we had to walk through the cafe portion of the building and through a service hall to get to the actual restaurant. The atmosphere was pleasant, if a little country-clublike, very bright, as if people go here to Be Seen. Our server gave us plenty of time to get comfortable, maybe a little too much time before giving us the menus, but was warmly attentive throughout the meal. A nice touch from the server was a warming lid on my colleague's entree when she excused herself before the food arrived. I started with the baby lettuces with pecans, persimmons and rochetta, which was lightly dressed with a vinegarette that did not overpower, but rather let the flavor of the greens shine through, The lamb in my entree was perfectly seasoned and cooked to medium rare, topped with a pesto that was piquant with garlic and basil. The cannelini beans that came with it were a touch underdone, I made do with the scrumptious bread and high-quality olive oil. We were too full for dessert and instead had cappucino, which was robust and full-flavored without being bitter. A lovely finish to a generally fantastic meal.
(4)Ananda Z.
European fare meets Southern charm at Bottega Can you ever go wrong with one of Chef Frank Stitt's restaurants. (The answer, of course, is no). Located just off the downtown restaurant and night life hub of Five Points, Bottega and Stitt's other restaurants have made Birmingham a food lover's mecca. Pumpkin cheesecake, tender, succulent bone-in pork chops (the best thing I've ever eaten) on a bed of polenta.
(5)Ut T.
Best Beef Carpaccio I've ever had, definitely a must. Lamb was perfectly pink and tender. Flounder was TOO salty, but was quickly remedied. Everything else was on par with in terms of taste and details. Service was excellent as well...reminded me of Europe, where waiters are not bothering you every 3 mins to ask "how are you doing". You were allowed to enjoy the dining and atmosphere with your guest(s), but they were still quickly available when needed. A big PLUS in my book.
(5)Roll T.
Bottega has phenomenal food, but I'll admit that I am even more enamored by the ridiculously gorgeous clientele that frequent this place (damn, I miss the South!). Having said that, the food is great as well. Definitely one of the better places to eat in Birmingham, AL (along with Cobb Lane)...
(4)Louay B.
Another Frank Stitt creation. Frank has taken an old office building off of highland ave and turned it into two excellent restaurants. The oldest side, Bottega Restaranta, features an upscale Italian restaurant that uses local ingredients. Please don't come here looking for an Alfredo sauce or Italian dressing with your house salad. Most of the dishes consist of traditional northern Italian recipes. The menu changes weakly, so I find it difficult to recommend anything.
(5)Heather H.
Amazing food! They focus on seafood and they do it well. We started with the Parmesan soufflé and the fried oysters. My husband had seafood pasta and I had the venison. All were cooked perfectly. For dessert we had the creme brulee served with fruit and biscotti. It was a delicious finish to a great meal. The atmosphere was cozy and good for a romantic date. Service was great too. I will definitely be back!
(5)Michael R.
Interesting space food just OK. Service was good and unrushed. Expected more for the money and other reviews. Other reviewers raved about the beef carpaccio but it was horrible. PS real Carpaccio isn't smothered in mustard cream sauce. It should only be "lightly dressed"
(2)Chris A.
One of the best places in Birmingham! It's worth putting a sports jacket on for. The food and service are amazing.
(5)Jay D.
This was truly a wonderful dining experience. My wife and I expect quality service from nice restaurants and this one was spot on. The servers were prompt and polite which made the night enjoyable. The "by the glass" wine list was short but powerful and the martini was delicious. The appetizers were pretty large and very tasty and that rolled into the main course. The iron steak and the duck were cooked perfectly and we managed to save room for two outrageous desserts. We will be back as often as our wallets will let us.
(5)Scott L.
We arrived for a later seating after being on the road all day. Have been looking forward to eating here again after having the privilege of eating here once before. Asked for a "Jubilation" cocktail that I saw posted by a reviewer from three years ago. None of the bartenders even knew what it was - but it was only a minor setback. Ordered the Parmesan Soufflé appetizer - DELICIOUS. Tasted the beets and the soft shell crab. The beets were excellent but the soft shell crab - while good - was not amazing (but I'm from Baton Rouge/New Orleans area, so.....). So then the mains arrived - Atlantic Wild Salmon, Short Ribs and Veal Tenderloin. The Salmon and the Short Ribs were very good, but the Veal Tenderloin? Off. The. Charts. Perfectly cooked, wonderfully complemented by just the right vegetable combination. AMAZING. Don't even think about ordering anything else.
(5)Nick B.
It was just okay. Among other activities to celebrate our very first anniversary of marriage, my wife and I had dinner at the (non cafe side) of Bottega last month. Atmosphere is just fine. You shouldn't feel cramped or uncomfortable in any way. Lots of space that even includes an upstairs section. The highlight of the night was the service. Our waiter was very patient as well as informative, as it was our first time and we needed that extra nurturing. To accompany it being our anniversary, he even concluded our dinner experience with some very good champagne on the house. Now to the food... Not sure why so many people in Birmingham rant and rave about this place unless we just happened to get 3 things from the menu that were just ok. The wife had Red Snapper for an entrée and found it to be average. Good flavor (although she didn't care for the embedded mint leaves) but nothing that made her say "wow" as we were expecting. I tried a couple bites and feel the same. Same story regarding my pork tenderloin entrée. Just ok. It was prepared perfectly regarding the cook on the meat, but it simply was not a dish that made me say "wow". Definitely a great portion with the greens and potatoes, but no exceptional flavors to write home about. I also ordered some sort of basil linguine as an appetizer. It was yet again decent, and very oily. Speaking of oil, the pre-meal bread and oil honestly had much more flavor than either of the three (appetizer & entrées). To each their own but Bottega simply didn't wow our taste buds. If somebody has had either thing mentioned in this review and agrees that there are better menu items... Please recommend!
(3)katherine c.
Loved it! Service was excellent and food was superb. We each had something different and had the fried okra for the appetizer. All were outstanding. We went for lunch and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend.
(5)Lauren S.
I've eaten here 50+ times, I've never had a bad experience with the food, service or cocktails. The burger is always amazing, all the pizzas, chicken scallopini, Mac n cheese, beef carpaccio, coconut cake, are all of my "go tos."
(5)John-Bryan H.
The best in Birmingham , from a long time foodie, alway interesting and seasonal. If you are look for a 'no fuss' ,elegant place to eat. I can't think of a better place in town. Prices are comparable to MANY of the other fine dining places in town but worry not, you will not be disappointed if you are looking for a 'chef' driven restaurant.
(5)Benjamin V.
I took my wife and her family here for her birthday. This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The food was delicious and the service is top notch. The only fine dining restaurant in Birmingham that I will go to from now on.
(5)H K.
Absolutely disappointing for the amount of hype it gets. I have been forced there multiple times and thankfully not when I'd be paying, so I've had a good amount of experiences. 1. I'm always confused as to why it is called an Italian Restaurant. There is absolutely nothing that would be Italian about it, besides they have a few pizzas on the menu, but doesn't any kind of restaurant these days? 2. The service and food take FOREVER. It's like they want you to sit around long enough to "appreciate" their famous food. When the real reason you scarfed it down it is because you were starving and are tired of the rude servers and hostesses continuously staring you down so they can go home. 3. Everything is generic and bland. Just because an ingredient has a unknown name, does not mean it is worth the money or even eating. Save yourself the money because there are PLENTY of places in Birmingham to spend your money and be glad you did!
(2)Raye F.
We celebrated our first anniversary by having a fancy dinner at Bottega(a restaurant that we normally wouldn't dine). It was a-ok. I thought it would blow me away because I really love Italian cuisine, but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations. The service was excellent in that if you weren't interested in an appetizer, wine or dessert then the server would do a great job in 'talking it up'/offering samples of the product to entice you more! The fresh (local) basil was outstanding! I had the red snapper with crab avocado relish. It was intertwined with mint. I enjoyed the snapper, but the mint I disliked. My husband had the pork tenderloin and claimed it to be delicious. For the price; however, we both agree that the flavors overall could've been more wowing. The atmosphere is romantic. Ladies, be sure to put on a nice dress and Men wear a jacket. We've had happier eats, but we encourage you to give Bottega fine dining a try.
(3)Sheila M.
Food was excellent! Try the pizza with pesto and chicken. Yummy.
(4)Ab C.
Our dinner was very pleasant. The building and space for the restaurant is stunning. Service was great but our server was kinda arrogant. We couldn't tell if it was us or him. We were clearly underdressed. I'm glad they tucked us into a quiet corner. The Parmesan Soufflé was the best thing I've eaten in Birmingham (2 lunches, 3 dinners). It was so good that I immediately searched for the recipe online and bookmarked it. I got the grouper for entree. The fish was seasoned and cooked well. The pasta "salad" underneath was interesting. I wasn't sure what to expect. It wasn't bad but I wouldn't order it again. We ordered the cauliflower side. I wasn't crazy about the kalamata olives they added. They messed with the flavor I was expecting, in a bad way. We ordered the Bombolonis for dessert. The chocolate sauce is to die for. Very deep and dark, not sweet to balance the sugar rolled on the Bombolonis. The Bombolonis themselves weren't anything spectacular but the chocolate sauce redeemed them.
(5)Tracy C.
Fabulous evening - reservations needed and well in advance though they do have a waiting list and they work it. Pasta dishes, Parmesan soufflé , arrancini, fritti misto were all incredible . For dessert, the strawberry freddo was the best . My favorite restaurant any time I visit Birmingham
(5)Katie B.
It pains me to write this review, particularly after seeing so many great ones about this restaurant. And to be honest, this review has more to do with the service than the food. My boyfriend and I arrived a little early and were seated right away. Then our waiter arrived. He looked and acted like he would have preferred to be anywhere but there. He lacklusterly took our drink order, grabbed the drink menu, and slinked away without another word (like offering up appetizer recommendations). The same thing happened when he brought our drinks... it was a drop and run. (I should note here that it wasn't like the restaurant was packed. Tables were full, yes, but shouldn't the wait staff at these types of establishments be able to handle that?) It was also VERY loud in the restaurant and the waiter was talking quite softly. We asked him to repeat nearly everything he said. We ordered the Maine Lobster Arancini for an appetizer (delicious). When it was time to order entrees, the waiter explained how the grouper was prepared, but there was no mention of grouper on the menu. My boyfriend asked about where the grouper was listed on the menu and the waiter half-heartedly pointed and said "there." We asked for another minute to review the menu (and search for the grouper). When the waiter returned, my boyfriend again asked about the grouper, and the waiter said something along the lines that he guessed it wasn't be offered anymore (shouldn't he know the menu?). My boyfriend then asked the waiter which of the two fish dishes was better... and here's where I decided my first trip to Bottega was likely my last... the waiter INTERRUPTED the couple next to us and asked them to provide reviews of the meals they just ate. I was embarrased, the couple was obviously peeved, and we still didn't get an answer to the question. My boyfriend ended up getting triggerfish and I ordered Chestnut Pappardelle. Both good, neither the best dishes we've ever had. We didn't order dessert (partly because nothing looked exciting, partly because we wanted to get out of there). We just moved to Birmingham and were excited to try this restaurant, as we've heard so much about it. My boyfriend and I bemoaned our experience the rest of the evening. It was expensive - which isn't a complaint, we knew that when we made the reservations - but we surely expected to get what we paid for.
(2)Kimberly H.
I enjoyed the margherita pizza very much. I had a number of different people serving me, which was a little confusing, but I believe I'd arrived shortly after the lunch rush. My meal was delicious and delivered fairly quickly, regardless. I'll return if I'm in the area again.
(4)Karyn L.
This place was frustrating. I love Italian food and was looking forward to our meal here, but we left unimpressed. Upon first glance, it is elegant and comfortable, with great people watching and good service. The bread and light and sweet olive oil is a nice start. We each had a salad to start, and no complaints there. But the meals were just above average. I had Chicken Saltimbuca and he had shrimp risotto. They sounded amazing. However, both dishes were totally not memorable except for being too salty. I might go back and try something else here, because I did enjoy the atmosphere. Just not sure it's worthy of its ranking or price.
(3)Hamsa H.
The restaurant is adorable and the courtyard is quite cute. The parmesan souffle was very good. I wanted the lamb chops but they were out, so I ordered the scallops and they were a SALT BOMB. I have never had a restaurant dish that salty before in my life. Not only was the pasta full of olives that hadn't been rinsed (seriously, unless you are chopping them very fine and using them sparingly, rinse your damn olives), the scallops themselves seemed to have been literally dipped in kosher salt. My dining companion tried it too, and we had to send it back. I think this is only the second time in my life I've had a dish so bad I couldn't eat it. I chugged four glasses of water (kudos to the waiter for hovering understandingly with the water pitcher). They offered to bring something else out and I declined, just because I felt so gross after eating the scallop that I didn't want anything else. They brought me out a halibut on greens with potatoes anyway, and I had a tiny nibble, but left the rest of it untouched. Sadly, I passed on dessert, because the dish was so awful that it completely killed my appetite, along with the half gallon of water I had to pound. The staff was nice, and it's not their fault the dish wasn't edible, but it was a bummer because I was visiting Birmingham and had only one night to try a local restaurant and had really been looking forward to it. Also, what is up with the bathrooms? Try turning on the faucet on the weird harem-looking sink and not getting doused, and the weird bathroom gate-in-lieu-of-a-door on one of the stalls was missing the hook to close it. Awkward. Even with them comping my entree, the bill was still over sixty bucks.
(2)Jason L.
Another delightful eatery in Birmingham. Excellent food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend it.
(5)ben h.
Frank does it right everywhere he is involved. Great Italian food and great surroundings. Wait staff is excellent and host/hostess are always friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a great place for a drink, they have about 8 stools at the bar. First come first served, and if you get hungry looking at others eat, you can get the full menu without ever getting up. Outside dining is spectacular on nice cool evenings. Try it you will not regret it. Enjoy!
(5)Caleigh R.
Fancy birthday dinner for me! We shared the antipasti platter as a starter--plenty of food. Probably should have only ordered one dinner. We agreed on the swordfish special and the lamb sausage pizza. Loved the pizza--not very pleased with the swordfish. Finished with a blueberry dessert---pretty good. Great crowd on a Thursday night--but would have preferred sitting outside as it was too loud inside.
(3)Katie S.
My co worker and I went here for dinner. The menu was small and I am kinda picky so it was hard for me to find something I liked/heard of. I ordered the fancy mac and cheese after I got rave reviews about it from the waiter. The mac and cheese was ok, nothing special. It was a small serving and the top was burnt a bit. I wouldnt order it again. My co worker got some chicken dish though and that was amazing, I wish I ordered that. From the outside you would expect this place to be a museum or something, not a resturant. I would go back again but not for the mac and cheese.
(4)Bill S.
The second of Frank Stitt's distinguished Birmingham restaurants is actually divided into two sides: a more casual cafe on the right and a slightly more formal restaurant on the left. The restaurant is not always open during lunch hours, apparently, although when we dined there with a modest sized group, we were seated in the restaurant. The menu is extensive, moderately priced, and by all accounts of our table partners, delicious. The fish and pork received high marks; the cucumber soup was a delightfully refreshing summer treat; the chips with charred onion dip a tangy feast; the mac and cheese (served with a surprisingly large house salad) was baked a la casserole and a perfect blending of crust, noodles and cheese; and the chicken paillard with its thinly sliced chicken was superb. The house desserts are fine, though we were disappointed not to be able to crown our chocolate rum ice cream with even more chocolate fudge. Everyone voiced pleasure with the partially frozen, fruity Semifreddo. The service was good but not quite exceptional as we found at Stitt's other restaurant, Highlands Bar and Grill. That may have been because we were in a small group rather than dining by ourselves, but we'd have to give Bottega 4.5 stars as a result. Needless to say, we hope, we'd give Bottega a warm endorsement no matter which side you choose.
(4)Ayon J. R.
One of favorite joints in BHM. Good food, wine and service. The outside seating area is awesome in nice weather.
(4)Scott M.
Simply the finest restaurant in Birmingham (and indeed the state of Alabama). Great bar, fantastic food, very good service.
(5)Susan W.
Got this as a recommendation from an apartment manager while I was house-hunting. She said it was "great for kids" and casual. I would disagree that it's great for kids, thankfully it was loud because my 9 month old niece had quite the story to tell and was a little too hungry when we got there so there was some screaming, nobody seemed to mind though. I wouldn't call it casual, we were in very casual, beat-the-heat house hunting clothes, a little out of place, but again nobody seemed to mind. Wait staff was nice and attentive and engaged in my niece's favorite game of "drop the spoon the floor so you'll pick it up for me." I had a pizza with caramelized onions, salami and prochuitto (sp?) The crust was FANTASTIC but the cold-cuts were just that, COLD. Once I let the pizza warm them up they were warm, but then they tasted like eating raw slimy bacon, I was hoping they would cook them with the pizza so they were nice and crisp on the top. My sister had a pasta dish that was decent but had too many burst cherry tomatoes for the amount of seasonings to call it sauce. Valet parking is a plus, nice place without the uppity people. Probably wouldn't be a repeat customer for entree because of the price. Maybe drinks and appetizers.
(3)mario a.
Just tried Bottega last night for the first time and was thoroughly impressed. Very interesting menu, with the papardelle pasta with duck a highlight. The Parmesan souffle is a classic and worth a visit just to get it. Nice wine list, providing good bottles at any price range. Service magnificent. Bread plate always full, water always replenished. If there was one minor setback was that i wished they would have (or enforce) a minimum dress code. Kids in ripped jeans and rock show tshirt took a little from the experience. In short, a great meal, great experience , terrific service and wonderful evening. Cant wait to go back.
(5)Chris B.
I've heard about Bottega for many, many years and I finally got the opportunity ti sample their fare while in town recently. Bottega is widely acclaimed in the Birmingham food scene and is well reviewed by local, regional, and national food critics. Having heard so many great things about the place I was excited for my visit. The atmosphere was loud (Friday night) and the ambiance was upscale classy. I ordered the crawfish Tagliatelle to begin and while the pasta was absolutely stunning, the dish had absolutely no seasoning. Overall the app was a 3/5. I had the duck for an entree which was perfectly cooked but again lacked any seasoning whatsoever. Entree was a 3.5/5. Dessert was the highlight of my experience. I had the Italian donuts with mascarpone and berries. Out of this world delicious! 5/5 If I had to describe Bottega in one sentence I'd say it is a somewhat confusing fusion of Italian and southern cuisine with lofty aspirations and only adequate execution. I'll be heading to Highlands Bar and Grill from now on.
(3)Jody J.
Looking for somewhere to celebrate a great accomplishment or just a nice date night? Bottega is 110% your place. We came with a party of 15 to celebrate a medical school graduation and from the call I received a day before from the hostess to make sure our reservation was as I desired to the service we received from the moment we walked in the door, Bottega is the top notch. Our server and those assisting him were attentive but unobtrusive. Our lead server was very dedicated to our experience and customer service. You would be lucky to be able to have him at your table. We noticed Frank Stitt, executive chef, wandering the restaurant and within moments of my mom mentioning to the server that I was dying to meet him Chef Stitt appeared at our table. He was humble, gracious and spoke to me like I wasn't wasting his time. The timing of the food was impeccable and we felt neither too rushed or like we were waiting an eternity. The food quality was superb and the drink list was excellent. I feel as though I chose well for a medical school gradation dinner. What we ordered: beef carpaccio to start and salmon as the entree. The carpaccio was melt in your mouth high quality amazing beef. The salmon was perfectly cooked and accompanied with delicious artichokes and fingerling potatoes. Be sure to finish with the blueberry tiramisu if possible because your mind will be blown with yen complexity of flavors.
(5)Eduardo F.
Have been here for lunch. Looks like a place where the wealthy people from BHM gather for their lunch meetings. The food was absolutely fantastic, a bit pricey for lunch but well worth it. The only downside here is that the bar waiter was not too friendly and wasn't really paying attention to our needs. The food made up for his lack of people skills.
(4)Grace Z.
I expected better, honestly, I expected way better. Maybe the bar in my head was set way too high so I didn't enjoy my meal that much. It was pretty disappointing, especially after trying Frank Stitt's Highland Grill. I expected something at least on par with that. Service: Professional, but the waitstaff don't really care. After raving about the tuna dish, the waitress did not even bother to ask about how the dish was and when told that the dish really wasn't satisfying, she didn't even bat an eye and just gave us a check. Otherwise, it was pretty similar service as the Highland Grills, with the matching towels and bread crumb service. Food: We had 3 appetizers and 4 main courses for a party of four. The food was okay. First we started off with the bread, which was pretty tasty, however drenched in oil--albeit still tasty. The three appetizers we got: Frito misto, Parmesan souffle, and grilled oysters. The frito misto was decent, but not mind blowing, it was basically fried food. Parmesan souffle was really good, had flavorful mushrooms and prosciutto which I really enjoyed. The grilled oysters was not on par with the New Orleans char grilled oysters, but decent. For the main courses: my mom had the flounder, my dad the risotto, my husband the cavatelli nero, and I had the tuna. I got to try a bit of everything and unfortunately I didn't care for much of it. The flounder was flaky, decent, and flavorful. My dad's risotto was great with a touch of prosciutto with risotto stuffed noodles. My husband's dish was tasty, however it looked too much like black worms--it wasn't very aesthetically pleasing. My tuna was very unimpressive. I ordered it rare, however it tasted cold as if it was sitting out for a while. I couldn't even finish the whole thing. The worst part was when the waitress was notified, she didn't even care. Overall: The ambiance is quiet, with a professional/fancy restaurant feel, however the food did not meet the expectations or what I personally expect when I shell out that much money. If I were you, I would head over to Frank Stitt's other restaurant, Highland Grill and save your money on this one.
(2)P M.
Top notch "soup to nuts" two days ago. My second or third visit. This visit combined extra friendly knowledgeable staff, great valet and Solid food and specially bottled chardonnay not to mention Solid food from the Pita with three dips app (deliciois), to my first taste of rabbit which I sadly liked (because I also adore bunny rabbits and won't make this a staple) to the coffee gelato all 6 in our party were full, happy and delighted to share each others company. Thank you Frank stitt. The herb garden out front was lovely too. Nothing like a meal elevated to a memory thanks to a well run talented restaurant
(5)Brett W.
As wonderful as always! I've been eating here over 20 years, and it's great to see that nothing has changed. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Thank you for all the great meals!
(5)Augusto R.
Service was top notch and the food is really great. Appetizers, entrees and desserts, the whole package!
(5)Mark F.
Overall a good choice for special occasion celebration. An interesting menu featuring dishes unique to this establishment. The menu was a bit limited and does not feature classic Italian fare. The bread for the table was above par. Each entrée was executed as advertised and everyone enjoyed their choice. The steak and duck were standouts. The desserts were outstanding with the pistachio ice cream being the best anyone at our table had ever eaten. The service was very good. Our waiter was informative and enthusiastic. The outside of the restaurant was impressive to look at. The interior was average looking. We will visit again on our next visit. Valet parking is a must at this tough location. Roll Tide!
(4)Rebecca M.
The entire experience was very good. The service was good from beginning to end and the food was great. We started with brussel sprouts and chickpeas - the chickpeas were my least favorite dish of the night but still good, but the brussel sprouts were fantastic. They were flavorful and cooked perfectly so they were slightly crispy on the outside. I ordered the ribeye as my entree but also got to try the lamb. My conclusion is that you really can't go wrong no matter what you order - they were both paired nicely with a starch that complemented the flavor of the meat, and the tempranillo paired very nicely with both. Between the 3 of us, we ordered all of the desserts on the menu so we could try a little of each - I can't pick a favorite. The tiramisu was exactly what you might expect, but delicious nonetheless. I could have eaten an entire plate of the chocolate cake, but didn't love the topping. The strawberry cake was a pleasant surprise - very refreshing and simple, but oh so delicious! I wish I lived in the area so I could come back for often!
(5)Kim M.
Atmosphere is too stuffy and food was ok but not great for the price we paid. Wait staff was nice and knowledgeable. The Tirimusu was wonderful.
(3)Brad S.
Frank Sitts is among the best things Birmingham has going for it, and while we can't all afford to eat at Highlands every night, Bottega can be a more cost-effective alternative (on the cafe side, anyway), exchanging his take on Southern cooking for modern Italian. The rapidly-rotating menu means you can't eat what I ate, but all the same, the asparagus salad with pancetta and a poached egg I could eat for days, and the tortellini with peas and chicken in a light cream sauce placed as much emphasis on the bright vegetables as it did the starch or protein. Bottega is casual, fun, and (at least in my case), cooked really, really well.
(5)Katie P.
I honestly hate that I have to write this review....I had been looking forward to this night out with my good friend for some time. It's rare that as a mom of two young children that I am able to step out to a nice restaurant with a good girl friend a just have a good time. The best thing about the whole night was the Gobe Refresher cocktails we ordered from the bar while we waiting for our table. Our reservations were for 7:30, we arrived at 7:20 and we weren't seating until AFTER 8. We were left to stand at an entrance by the bar (there was no room at the bar as people weren't sitting there drinking, they were eating their dinner) for over 45 minutes. Unacceptable to me for a well run, established restaurant that should be able to better plan tables by now. Then we get our table and proceed to order. The beef carpaccio was as everyone states, lovely and delish. The parmesan soufflé to me was mediocre and lacking in flavor...the texture and appearance were great, but we didn't even finish it it was so unremarkable. Our entrees fine...I had the pork shank with orecchiette. It was mediocre and a good size bone pretty much out a nail in its coffin. Dessert was meh...Nothing was bad, but there was not a single thing that would make me return either. My next date night with my husband or night out with a girlfriend will be somewhere else.
(2)Luigi C.
Good food, nice variety of wines, great service...really enjoyable place!! Even more amazing, this place was open on a rainy Monday night. Also, used to East Coast classy restaurants, I thought it was very reasonable. In essence, Bottega is highly recommended. We'll be back!
(4)Jay D.
This was truly a wonderful dining experience. My wife and I expect quality service from nice restaurants and this one was spot on. The servers were prompt and polite which made the night enjoyable. The "by the glass" wine list was short but powerful and the martini was delicious. The appetizers were pretty large and very tasty and that rolled into the main course. The iron steak and the duck were cooked perfectly and we managed to save room for two outrageous desserts. We will be back as often as our wallets will let us.
(5)Scott L.
We arrived for a later seating after being on the road all day. Have been looking forward to eating here again after having the privilege of eating here once before. Asked for a "Jubilation" cocktail that I saw posted by a reviewer from three years ago. None of the bartenders even knew what it was - but it was only a minor setback. Ordered the Parmesan Soufflé appetizer - DELICIOUS. Tasted the beets and the soft shell crab. The beets were excellent but the soft shell crab - while good - was not amazing (but I'm from Baton Rouge/New Orleans area, so.....). So then the mains arrived - Atlantic Wild Salmon, Short Ribs and Veal Tenderloin. The Salmon and the Short Ribs were very good, but the Veal Tenderloin? Off. The. Charts. Perfectly cooked, wonderfully complemented by just the right vegetable combination. AMAZING. Don't even think about ordering anything else.
(5)Nick B.
It was just okay. Among other activities to celebrate our very first anniversary of marriage, my wife and I had dinner at the (non cafe side) of Bottega last month. Atmosphere is just fine. You shouldn't feel cramped or uncomfortable in any way. Lots of space that even includes an upstairs section. The highlight of the night was the service. Our waiter was very patient as well as informative, as it was our first time and we needed that extra nurturing. To accompany it being our anniversary, he even concluded our dinner experience with some very good champagne on the house. Now to the food... Not sure why so many people in Birmingham rant and rave about this place unless we just happened to get 3 things from the menu that were just ok. The wife had Red Snapper for an entrée and found it to be average. Good flavor (although she didn't care for the embedded mint leaves) but nothing that made her say "wow" as we were expecting. I tried a couple bites and feel the same. Same story regarding my pork tenderloin entrée. Just ok. It was prepared perfectly regarding the cook on the meat, but it simply was not a dish that made me say "wow". Definitely a great portion with the greens and potatoes, but no exceptional flavors to write home about. I also ordered some sort of basil linguine as an appetizer. It was yet again decent, and very oily. Speaking of oil, the pre-meal bread and oil honestly had much more flavor than either of the three (appetizer & entrées). To each their own but Bottega simply didn't wow our taste buds. If somebody has had either thing mentioned in this review and agrees that there are better menu items... Please recommend!
(3)katherine c.
Loved it! Service was excellent and food was superb. We each had something different and had the fried okra for the appetizer. All were outstanding. We went for lunch and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend.
(5)Lauren S.
I've eaten here 50+ times, I've never had a bad experience with the food, service or cocktails. The burger is always amazing, all the pizzas, chicken scallopini, Mac n cheese, beef carpaccio, coconut cake, are all of my "go tos."
(5)Riley H.
Absolutely incredible meal. My husband and I shared the Parmesan soufflé for an app. So full of flavor. For entrees I had the scallops with zucchini "risotto". Really buttery tasting and light at the same time. My husband had the corn and crab agnolotti....little raviolis filled with creamy corn filling topped with a light tomato sauce & crab. I could have dish that forever. HIGHLY recommend. For dessert we had the blueberry tiramisu.So fresh & light. Nothing like the original tiramisu in flavor (no chocolate, coffee, rum etc). I loved this dessert so much. The mascarpone was incredible with the blueberries & sauce. And the polenta pound cake layered between was a great most texture. I definitely recommend the corn agnolotti and the blueberry tiramisu. Impressed our socks off!
(5)Jeremy E.
I have never been disappointed with a dinner at Bottega. Frank Stitt has created another amazing restaurant that, while not as acclaimed as Highlands, is every bit as delicious! I have been able to try a lot of interesting menu items that you won't find just anywhere (such as fried sweetbreads...which were amazing.) Everything is always cooked perfectly. The cocktails are also amazing as well. The only thing I am not a fan of inside is the banquette seating area. I always specify to sit at a table when I dine inside. The last thing I want is to be so close to another table when enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner. I do enjoy sitting in the quaint courtyard patio out front when weather permits. If you are looking for the same caliber food for a lower price point, be sure to check out Botegga Cafe on the other side of the building. Amazing food there too!!
(5)Tomas H.
I've been to a couple decent restaurants in my days but this is the 1st where I order a drink & the server comes back & ask me if I am sure if I want to order the drink because of how much it will cost... A little surprised & disappointed in the service but the food was delicious.
(3)Katerina C.
I don't think I can put into words how wonderful our experience was at Bottega for our anniversary. We were seated right away, and the server promptly came over with a drink menu. He let us sit a while to settle in and brought us our cocktails before giving us the dinner menus, which we loved because we were there to relax and enjoy the night. My gin martini was so smooth and so amazing. One of the best I've had in Birmingham. For our appetizer, we enjoyed the Panzanella. Seriously phenomenal. We would have ordered another serving, but we got way too focused on the delicious focaccia bread. For my entree, I had the red fish with grilled green tomatoes and peach ensalata. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the sides balanced out to make the perfect summer dish. My husband enjoyed the crab and lobster ravioli, which he only wished there was more of. And the dessert... so much to say about all of Frank Stitt's desserts. We split the peach cobbler and the flourless chocolate cake. And by split, I mean my hubby did his best to wrestle a bite away from me. So, so good. I could literally go on and on. Fantastic service, great food, romantic atmosphere... we couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate our first year as a married couple.
(5)Tracy C.
Fabulous evening - reservations needed and well in advance though they do have a waiting list and they work it. Pasta dishes, Parmesan soufflé , arrancini, fritti misto were all incredible . For dessert, the strawberry freddo was the best . My favorite restaurant any time I visit Birmingham
(5)Lindsay M.
Me and my fiancé went to Bottega (Non Cafe Side) last night. We did not realize there were two sides and we had looked at the menu online. Unfortunately, not knowing that the two sides were different we were seated on the Non Cafe side but we had been looking at the Cafe side menu. Luckily, they let us order off of the cafe menu but we felt uncomfortable about it the whole time. It was a nice place, but we will definitely be going back to the Cafe side next time. It's more our speed.
(4)Katie B.
It pains me to write this review, particularly after seeing so many great ones about this restaurant. And to be honest, this review has more to do with the service than the food. My boyfriend and I arrived a little early and were seated right away. Then our waiter arrived. He looked and acted like he would have preferred to be anywhere but there. He lacklusterly took our drink order, grabbed the drink menu, and slinked away without another word (like offering up appetizer recommendations). The same thing happened when he brought our drinks... it was a drop and run. (I should note here that it wasn't like the restaurant was packed. Tables were full, yes, but shouldn't the wait staff at these types of establishments be able to handle that?) It was also VERY loud in the restaurant and the waiter was talking quite softly. We asked him to repeat nearly everything he said. We ordered the Maine Lobster Arancini for an appetizer (delicious). When it was time to order entrees, the waiter explained how the grouper was prepared, but there was no mention of grouper on the menu. My boyfriend asked about where the grouper was listed on the menu and the waiter half-heartedly pointed and said "there." We asked for another minute to review the menu (and search for the grouper). When the waiter returned, my boyfriend again asked about the grouper, and the waiter said something along the lines that he guessed it wasn't be offered anymore (shouldn't he know the menu?). My boyfriend then asked the waiter which of the two fish dishes was better... and here's where I decided my first trip to Bottega was likely my last... the waiter INTERRUPTED the couple next to us and asked them to provide reviews of the meals they just ate. I was embarrased, the couple was obviously peeved, and we still didn't get an answer to the question. My boyfriend ended up getting triggerfish and I ordered Chestnut Pappardelle. Both good, neither the best dishes we've ever had. We didn't order dessert (partly because nothing looked exciting, partly because we wanted to get out of there). We just moved to Birmingham and were excited to try this restaurant, as we've heard so much about it. My boyfriend and I bemoaned our experience the rest of the evening. It was expensive - which isn't a complaint, we knew that when we made the reservations - but we surely expected to get what we paid for.
(2)Kimberly H.
I enjoyed the margherita pizza very much. I had a number of different people serving me, which was a little confusing, but I believe I'd arrived shortly after the lunch rush. My meal was delicious and delivered fairly quickly, regardless. I'll return if I'm in the area again.
(4)Karyn L.
This place was frustrating. I love Italian food and was looking forward to our meal here, but we left unimpressed. Upon first glance, it is elegant and comfortable, with great people watching and good service. The bread and light and sweet olive oil is a nice start. We each had a salad to start, and no complaints there. But the meals were just above average. I had Chicken Saltimbuca and he had shrimp risotto. They sounded amazing. However, both dishes were totally not memorable except for being too salty. I might go back and try something else here, because I did enjoy the atmosphere. Just not sure it's worthy of its ranking or price.
(3)Hamsa H.
The restaurant is adorable and the courtyard is quite cute. The parmesan souffle was very good. I wanted the lamb chops but they were out, so I ordered the scallops and they were a SALT BOMB. I have never had a restaurant dish that salty before in my life. Not only was the pasta full of olives that hadn't been rinsed (seriously, unless you are chopping them very fine and using them sparingly, rinse your damn olives), the scallops themselves seemed to have been literally dipped in kosher salt. My dining companion tried it too, and we had to send it back. I think this is only the second time in my life I've had a dish so bad I couldn't eat it. I chugged four glasses of water (kudos to the waiter for hovering understandingly with the water pitcher). They offered to bring something else out and I declined, just because I felt so gross after eating the scallop that I didn't want anything else. They brought me out a halibut on greens with potatoes anyway, and I had a tiny nibble, but left the rest of it untouched. Sadly, I passed on dessert, because the dish was so awful that it completely killed my appetite, along with the half gallon of water I had to pound. The staff was nice, and it's not their fault the dish wasn't edible, but it was a bummer because I was visiting Birmingham and had only one night to try a local restaurant and had really been looking forward to it. Also, what is up with the bathrooms? Try turning on the faucet on the weird harem-looking sink and not getting doused, and the weird bathroom gate-in-lieu-of-a-door on one of the stalls was missing the hook to close it. Awkward. Even with them comping my entree, the bill was still over sixty bucks.
(2)Jason L.
Another delightful eatery in Birmingham. Excellent food, service and ambiance. Highly recommend it.
(5)ben h.
Frank does it right everywhere he is involved. Great Italian food and great surroundings. Wait staff is excellent and host/hostess are always friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a great place for a drink, they have about 8 stools at the bar. First come first served, and if you get hungry looking at others eat, you can get the full menu without ever getting up. Outside dining is spectacular on nice cool evenings. Try it you will not regret it. Enjoy!
(5)Caleigh R.
Fancy birthday dinner for me! We shared the antipasti platter as a starter--plenty of food. Probably should have only ordered one dinner. We agreed on the swordfish special and the lamb sausage pizza. Loved the pizza--not very pleased with the swordfish. Finished with a blueberry dessert---pretty good. Great crowd on a Thursday night--but would have preferred sitting outside as it was too loud inside.
(3)Katie S.
My co worker and I went here for dinner. The menu was small and I am kinda picky so it was hard for me to find something I liked/heard of. I ordered the fancy mac and cheese after I got rave reviews about it from the waiter. The mac and cheese was ok, nothing special. It was a small serving and the top was burnt a bit. I wouldnt order it again. My co worker got some chicken dish though and that was amazing, I wish I ordered that. From the outside you would expect this place to be a museum or something, not a resturant. I would go back again but not for the mac and cheese.
(4)Bill S.
The second of Frank Stitt's distinguished Birmingham restaurants is actually divided into two sides: a more casual cafe on the right and a slightly more formal restaurant on the left. The restaurant is not always open during lunch hours, apparently, although when we dined there with a modest sized group, we were seated in the restaurant. The menu is extensive, moderately priced, and by all accounts of our table partners, delicious. The fish and pork received high marks; the cucumber soup was a delightfully refreshing summer treat; the chips with charred onion dip a tangy feast; the mac and cheese (served with a surprisingly large house salad) was baked a la casserole and a perfect blending of crust, noodles and cheese; and the chicken paillard with its thinly sliced chicken was superb. The house desserts are fine, though we were disappointed not to be able to crown our chocolate rum ice cream with even more chocolate fudge. Everyone voiced pleasure with the partially frozen, fruity Semifreddo. The service was good but not quite exceptional as we found at Stitt's other restaurant, Highlands Bar and Grill. That may have been because we were in a small group rather than dining by ourselves, but we'd have to give Bottega 4.5 stars as a result. Needless to say, we hope, we'd give Bottega a warm endorsement no matter which side you choose.
(4)Jason S.
Eaten here many times over the years. They have a great bar with cocktails featuring seasonal favorites paired with what produce is available. You can never beat the Frank Stitt classic 'Orange Thing', a naughty citrus delight from Harry's Bar. When it comes to starters, you are committing a crime if you don't get the Parmesan soufflé with prosciutto and wild mushrooms. If they made a giant birthday cake-sized version of this, I feel certain I could keep eating it until I passed out from rich-food shock. Same deal goes for the beef carpaccio - always spot on. Okay, okay, and the foie gras. Can't... stop...drooling...while typing. My wife likes the gnocchi, but she's a vegetarian, so can you really trust her? As for their entrees, they always have interesting Italian treats with a Southern element. Some of my favorite dishes have included their offerings of veal and duck - they seem to do especially well with those. Local seasonal produce is a key part of what they do here, and that tends to change the menu frequently. I've been here with small groups and a group as large as 15 - they had no issues accommodating us as we had made reservations well in advance. I highly recommend chef Stitt's cookbook 'Bottega Favorita' - not only does it have great commentary and feature the best recipes from the restaurant, it also has great cocktail recipes for the specialty drinks. The service has always been great here for me as well, another feather in the cap of this establishment.
(5)Paul S.
Italy meets the South. Farm and table collide with high society. Frank Stitt's ostensibly Italian restaurant with handmade everything and superhuman service will charm corporate and romantic alike. Professional, creative, dazzling. Worthy of its legendary status.
(5)Sarah H.
Had a very nice meal here recently. A great menu with very authentic dishes. A good selection with lots of yummy dishes to choose from!
(4)Sarah M.
I tried out this fantastic little Birmingham joint last week as part of a grad school interview at UAB. Wow. So awesome. I would consider moving to Birmingham just for the grilled chicken and roasted pepper pizza alone! And I live in Durham, a city that definitely qualifies as a foodie's happy place. I went with a group of current students and other applicants for lunch on a Friday. The place was packed, and we ended up waiting about 20 minutes or so for a table. There are two sides to this place -- a "cafe" side and a more formal side. Both are equally charming. Had it not been chilly out, we probably would've sat outside on the cute patio. The foccacia bread and olive oil that were served before the meal were super tasty. As previously mentioned, I ordered the grilled chicken and roasted red pepper pizza. Unreal. I've had some tasty pizza in my day, but this was spot on. The chicken had a tangy yet sweet glaze, the dough was the perfect combination of crusty and doughy in all the right places, and there was the perfect ratio of cheese to bread. My favorite part of the pizza was the tomato chutney -- so delish. Two of my fellow diners ordered the mac 'n cheese, which also looked awesome. Our drinks were never empty, and all of us left with full bellies. I highly recommend this place as having excellent food and a great atmosphere. I'd love to try it again someday for dinner and a little vino!
(5)Meri D.
I celebrated my last birthday at Bottega before moving to Seattle, and I remember really enjoying it. I had been there on several occasions (cafe, dinner, dessert), and it was always very good. The building is very beautiful and stands prominently on Highland Ave. The cafe is nice and quaint, but the dining room is much more of a fine dining experience. If I recall correctly they prefer you to dress up a little before darkening the doors of this establishment, and you'll want to because it just feels right. The food preparation is thoughtful and the cooking style is inspired. Ingredients are fresh and the menu has many colorful entrees that you won't find many other places in Birmingham... the best thing about it is that they seem to pull them off nicely! Be prepared to drop a little cash for this meal, but also know that you're going to enjoy yourself immensely. On my next trip back home I will most definitely be carving out a time to eat at Bottega.
(4)Justin W.
Delicious! You can't go wrong here. Food for thought, they do have two sides to the restaurant; the more affordable fare is on the right side ("cafe"). It is busy every night of the week and for food reason. You'll have to spend some dough, but you'll be happy about it.
(5)David B.
This was one of the best dinners I've had. I have no complaints at all, the service was great, the food was really great, and the restaurant itself is comfortable and pleasing - no over the top decor. I had the lobster ravioli for an appetizer and the seabass with pesto sauce for an entree. They were both amazing, the lobster was light and creamy at the same time. My friend had the arugula salad for an appetizer. That was a fancy looking salad! It also tasted great...I had a bite of it when she went to the restroom. The vinaigrette dressing tasted like I imagine love must feel like. She also got the veal special with truffle oil and bruscetta. Afterwards I gave her a stern lecture on the evils of veal. When it became apparent she wasn't getting the point I asked her if she would be upset if I chained her grandmother to the floor so her muscles atrophy and become tender. She informed me that her grandmother recently died...so I asked her if she would be upset if I exhumed her grandmother's grave and chained her to my floor. She said she would be.
(4)Danielle G.
I love this place! From the beautiful decor, to the classy waiters, to the fresh and ever changing menu. Food is amazing! Absolutely love this place! Great place for date night!
(5)bananas T.
So disappointing to come home for a visit and go to an old favorite, twice, and both times can't remember why it was an easy go to. Went there for lunch and ordered the "fried egg" salad. In my mind I was thinking one of those salads when you poke the yolk and runs into the greens and is a perfect mix with the lardons, in this case pancetta... anyhow, came to the table and it was a scrambled egg. To add insult to injury, when the unreasonably rude server asked if everything was OK, I said I thought on the menu it said fried egg? She responded yes, that's what that is, I said no, this is a scrambled egg, she said it's the process of cooking it in the frying pan, I said yeah, it's called scrambled, a fried egg the yolk would be intact. I just love when you know more than a server who clearly wouldn't know different ways to cook an egg, unless Stitt told her... Don't get me wrong, I have the upmost respect for Cheff Stitt, and Bottega and have been a favorite growing up here, but I've also dined in the best restaurants all over the world. I believe the servers are a reflection of the establishment, and there's no reason for unwarranted snobbery. I boxed up my omelette with a side of greens and took it home to my dog. He loved it.
(2)Robin W.
Ahhh, la Bottega - a Birmingham legend. I spent many an evening dining with friends on the outdoor patio. I haven't been there in many years, but the food was always creative, the wine free flowing (thankfully I lived only five blocks away) and bread fresh. Aside from the food and atmosphere, it is THE place in south side to see and be seen, if you're into that kind of thing. I recommend the Bottega to anyone I know who is planning to visit B'ham.
(4)Cameron D.
To be clear the 3-star rating does not tell the whole story. Food (4 star): the food was quite good but I would argue with anyone who says this is Birmingham's best restaurant. I had the cobia, which was very nice and the homemade ravioli w/crabmeat, which was just okay. Service (2 star): in my opinion there are too many people working here to the point where it is almost awkward (my brother and I dubbed one guy working there who had no clear purpose as the official "creeper" of the restaurant, as he essentially walked around like a creeper the whole time). Despite the abundance of staff, it still took us 2.5hrs to get though the entirety of the meal..even though we had an early reservation and the place was not packed. Essentially they just draw out the whole process and make you wait for your food unnecessarily. Ambiance/comfort (2 star): don't get me wrong, the place is nice, but the tables are packed in as tight as they can get them. If you are sitting on the booth side of the table and you are over 5'8" or so, you will be uncomfortable as the table will be pushed right up against you and there will be table legs everywhere to contend with (I'm 6'1"). The nature of the density of the seating also results in a less than ideal, and rather loud, noise level. Final verdict: come back for lunch, avoid dinner
(3)Kate K.
Bottega was a wonderful treat when I found myself in Birmingham. I don't know that I'd make the trip three hours one-way to go there again, but if I'm in the area, I'll definitely return. I was a little unsure of the place at first.. When we got there, we had to walk through the cafe portion of the building and through a service hall to get to the actual restaurant. The atmosphere was pleasant, if a little country-clublike, very bright, as if people go here to Be Seen. Our server gave us plenty of time to get comfortable, maybe a little too much time before giving us the menus, but was warmly attentive throughout the meal. A nice touch from the server was a warming lid on my colleague's entree when she excused herself before the food arrived. I started with the baby lettuces with pecans, persimmons and rochetta, which was lightly dressed with a vinegarette that did not overpower, but rather let the flavor of the greens shine through, The lamb in my entree was perfectly seasoned and cooked to medium rare, topped with a pesto that was piquant with garlic and basil. The cannelini beans that came with it were a touch underdone, I made do with the scrumptious bread and high-quality olive oil. We were too full for dessert and instead had cappucino, which was robust and full-flavored without being bitter. A lovely finish to a generally fantastic meal.
(4)Primo L.
Exciting food but the pretentious staff that wouldn't let our group of 12 dine outside nearly ruined our evening until a local woman interceded on our behalf. Don't bother with the carpaccio, it's gets in its own way. Once the logistics were taken care of this was an otherwise highly enjoyable meal.
(3)Stacy Z.
Walked in and realized we were super underdressed, but the staff welcomed us portlanders with open arms. Our group started with a couple of appetizers; squash blossoms (never even heard of before, stuffed with cheese and crab, yummers!) and crostini (makes me excited to grill bread on my BBQ this summer)and drinks of course. Moved on to entrees I had the red snapper with polenta, cooked to perfection! Sampled my friends ravioli, so light it was almost like a thin boiled wonton, delish as well. Also tasted the triggerfish (another new one) which was ok, but a little too bland for me Finished up with a few desserts, the peach cobbler and chocolate jack Daniels gelato were sooo delicious. Sadly the tiramisu wasn't quite up to par too much chocolate not enough espresso. Overall a great dining experience for my first time in the 'ham
(4)Ananda Z.
European fare meets Southern charm at Bottega Can you ever go wrong with one of Chef Frank Stitt's restaurants. (The answer, of course, is no). Located just off the downtown restaurant and night life hub of Five Points, Bottega and Stitt's other restaurants have made Birmingham a food lover's mecca. Pumpkin cheesecake, tender, succulent bone-in pork chops (the best thing I've ever eaten) on a bed of polenta.
(5)Thomas C.
Great service, outstanding food, and made for a fantastic night Ambience/Service: Made a reservation online with a note about it being my girlfriend's birthday and that I was vegetarian. Both were noted when we walked through the door - a nice touch. We were seated upstairs on a night that was relatively empty, which worked out well. Service was exceptional, perfect tempo and just enough attention to allow us to have an intimate experience. Food: The most memorable part of this meal was a vegetarian mushroom agnolotti. Wow was it amazing. Perfect flavors, delicious mushrooms, flavorful cheese. One of the best composed dishes I've had in a while. It also looked beautiful. My girlfriend had a fish dish that looked like a piece of artwork. I've been to Bottega Cafe and Highlands and all 3 have excellent food that you can tell they take great care to make. The tiramisu was very delicious as well and came with a nicely decorated Happy Birthday on a thin piece of chocolate. Overall: Really great experience for a special night out. Will definitely come again.
(5)Nickie G.
Man, I am really digging these Frank Stitt restaurants. Since we tried Highlands last time, we decided to give Bottega a try this time. We made reservations and headed on over. This place definitely has a different vibe! The patio had a lot of people just hanging out and drinking....perhaps they were waiting for a table, perhaps they just came to drink. I am not sure but it was lively. There's a cafe side on the right and the main dining room on the left. We had reservations for the dining room. Note: the website says business casual and then says "no shorts in dining room". That's a long way from business casual....so the gist is that you can wear jeans with a cute shirt, jacket not required. Much more laid back vibe than Highlands. I ordered a drink off the drink menu and it was good but a little too sweet for me. It did have a delicious slice of pear in it though. I switched to a wine for dinner. So on to the food! For appetizers my vegetarian friend got the Parmesan souffle with mushrooms. She's a vegetarian but since the prosciutto is on the side she still got it and me and her husband ate it up. We shared a salumi plate. All of it was top notch. Fresh spicy meats, crunchy bread sticks. The souffle was creamy and soft and mushroomy. Mmm! For dinner I had the redfish which came with mushrooms, snap peas, and sweet peas. Everything was cooked perfectly. Our waiter was fabulous - he answered questions, made sure everything was going well, and brought us some limoncello after dinner. NICE TOUCH YO! I think we also ordered dessert but by that point I was pleasantly tipsy off wine and a glass of limoncello soooooo I cannot remember what it even was. I always preferred booze to dessert anyway! So yet again, a fantastic experience at a Frank Stitt restaurant. This guy knows what he's doing and so far both have knocked it out of the park. I'll be baaaack!
(5)Craig M.
Loved Bottega. I recommend this restaurant to everyone. The starters were both amazing. Carpaccio and insalta di mare were a perfect start to the meal along with both our cocktails. I had the leg of lamb and my girlfriend had the swordfish and both were amazing dishes. Can't wait to try some of the fresh pasta next time we are in town. Also don't skip desert that. You would regret it.
(5)Matt C.
After trying the "Big 3" in Birmingham, Botega, Hot & Hot, & The Highlands Cafe, this one stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Eating here on two occasions, I've not had a bad bite (or drink for that matter), but my single favorite dish is the beef carpaccio. This carpaccio will turn even the casual fan of cured meats into a plate licking fool. If you do nothing else right, make sure to order the carpaccio. Outstanding wait staff is knowledgeable of every ingredient within every dish, and is happy to explain. Solid local draft beer selection. Business casual attire, formal ambiance, normal noise level.
(5)John-Bryan H.
The best in Birmingham , from a long time foodie, alway interesting and seasonal. If you are look for a 'no fuss' ,elegant place to eat. I can't think of a better place in town. Prices are comparable to MANY of the other fine dining places in town but worry not, you will not be disappointed if you are looking for a 'chef' driven restaurant.
(5)Benjamin V.
I took my wife and her family here for her birthday. This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The food was delicious and the service is top notch. The only fine dining restaurant in Birmingham that I will go to from now on.
(5)H K.
Absolutely disappointing for the amount of hype it gets. I have been forced there multiple times and thankfully not when I'd be paying, so I've had a good amount of experiences. 1. I'm always confused as to why it is called an Italian Restaurant. There is absolutely nothing that would be Italian about it, besides they have a few pizzas on the menu, but doesn't any kind of restaurant these days? 2. The service and food take FOREVER. It's like they want you to sit around long enough to "appreciate" their famous food. When the real reason you scarfed it down it is because you were starving and are tired of the rude servers and hostesses continuously staring you down so they can go home. 3. Everything is generic and bland. Just because an ingredient has a unknown name, does not mean it is worth the money or even eating. Save yourself the money because there are PLENTY of places in Birmingham to spend your money and be glad you did!
(2)Raye F.
We celebrated our first anniversary by having a fancy dinner at Bottega(a restaurant that we normally wouldn't dine). It was a-ok. I thought it would blow me away because I really love Italian cuisine, but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations. The service was excellent in that if you weren't interested in an appetizer, wine or dessert then the server would do a great job in 'talking it up'/offering samples of the product to entice you more! The fresh (local) basil was outstanding! I had the red snapper with crab avocado relish. It was intertwined with mint. I enjoyed the snapper, but the mint I disliked. My husband had the pork tenderloin and claimed it to be delicious. For the price; however, we both agree that the flavors overall could've been more wowing. The atmosphere is romantic. Ladies, be sure to put on a nice dress and Men wear a jacket. We've had happier eats, but we encourage you to give Bottega fine dining a try.
(3)Sheila M.
Food was excellent! Try the pizza with pesto and chicken. Yummy.
(4)Ab C.
Our dinner was very pleasant. The building and space for the restaurant is stunning. Service was great but our server was kinda arrogant. We couldn't tell if it was us or him. We were clearly underdressed. I'm glad they tucked us into a quiet corner. The Parmesan Soufflé was the best thing I've eaten in Birmingham (2 lunches, 3 dinners). It was so good that I immediately searched for the recipe online and bookmarked it. I got the grouper for entree. The fish was seasoned and cooked well. The pasta "salad" underneath was interesting. I wasn't sure what to expect. It wasn't bad but I wouldn't order it again. We ordered the cauliflower side. I wasn't crazy about the kalamata olives they added. They messed with the flavor I was expecting, in a bad way. We ordered the Bombolonis for dessert. The chocolate sauce is to die for. Very deep and dark, not sweet to balance the sugar rolled on the Bombolonis. The Bombolonis themselves weren't anything spectacular but the chocolate sauce redeemed them.
(5)Marietta M.
My husband took me here for our anniversary. It was an outstanding evening! We were shown to our table as soon as we arrived. We brought a bottle of wine with us, and the knowledge of the servers with regard to temperature and serving of out wine was top notch! The food was excellent - the parmesan soufflé was to die for. Although we aren't from the area, we will definitely make it a point to dine here again. Thank you Bottega!!
(5)Christie R.
Love Botegga Cafe.. GREAT DRINKS and love the Goat Cheese on those peppers! Wonderful food everytime! Frank Stitts rocks! I have all his cookbooks too!
(5)Michael R.
Interesting space food just OK. Service was good and unrushed. Expected more for the money and other reviews. Other reviewers raved about the beef carpaccio but it was horrible. PS real Carpaccio isn't smothered in mustard cream sauce. It should only be "lightly dressed"
(2)Chris A.
One of the best places in Birmingham! It's worth putting a sports jacket on for. The food and service are amazing.
(5)Kristina V.
Yum. Fresh food, lots of it is local. They have creative and always delicious pairings! See the other reviews. I can't add more.
(4)Ut T.
Best Beef Carpaccio I've ever had, definitely a must. Lamb was perfectly pink and tender. Flounder was TOO salty, but was quickly remedied. Everything else was on par with in terms of taste and details. Service was excellent as well...reminded me of Europe, where waiters are not bothering you every 3 mins to ask "how are you doing". You were allowed to enjoy the dining and atmosphere with your guest(s), but they were still quickly available when needed. A big PLUS in my book.
(5)Roll T.
Bottega has phenomenal food, but I'll admit that I am even more enamored by the ridiculously gorgeous clientele that frequent this place (damn, I miss the South!). Having said that, the food is great as well. Definitely one of the better places to eat in Birmingham, AL (along with Cobb Lane)...
(4)Louay B.
Another Frank Stitt creation. Frank has taken an old office building off of highland ave and turned it into two excellent restaurants. The oldest side, Bottega Restaranta, features an upscale Italian restaurant that uses local ingredients. Please don't come here looking for an Alfredo sauce or Italian dressing with your house salad. Most of the dishes consist of traditional northern Italian recipes. The menu changes weakly, so I find it difficult to recommend anything.
(5)Heather H.
Amazing food! They focus on seafood and they do it well. We started with the Parmesan soufflé and the fried oysters. My husband had seafood pasta and I had the venison. All were cooked perfectly. For dessert we had the creme brulee served with fruit and biscotti. It was a delicious finish to a great meal. The atmosphere was cozy and good for a romantic date. Service was great too. I will definitely be back!
(5)