When I told my friend I was headed to Birmingham for 24 hours, he suggested we try Bottega. Right off the interstate, we went for a late lunch, and the cafe was still lively. We were worried about our attire at first because we had on travel clothes, but despite the fancy shell, it also has a down-to-earth vibe. We got a table inside, and our table neighbor shared he visits often when in town for work and shared his favorites. Everything was delicious, and I'm looking forward to returning when in the area. There's valet parking, and we found free street parking. Many of their items are seasonal, and I didn't take a photo of the menu. Some foods are described without the name. Love: service (kind, helpful); chicken scallopine (great flavor & good portion); fried calamari (crispy, hot, fresh); salmon with salad (unexpected but a refreshing take); spice cake w/brown butter cream cheese icing (yes, the icing was incredible!) Like: focaccia (fresh, prefer warm bread) read more

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Yes, please, and thank you, again! Ambience - not uptight, classy laid-back Drinks - Napoleon Appetizer - well thought out Food - delicioso read more

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Have heard about the place anytime good in Birmingham gets brought up. Outside waiting area was a great spot to drink while waiting for a table on the cafe side. The pork chop was insanely good and the service was over the top. read more

Bottega Cafe - Smoked Salmon - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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The cold weather did NOT keep away the crowd!! It was 22 degrees outside but warm and friendly inside :) I went during lunch time, and had to wait about 30 minutes before I was sat. My waiter was very kind and treated me well. I ordered the baked feta and it came with bread that was crunchy outside but soft inside and it hit the spot!!! I also got the roasted cauliflower but was so full I could only eat a couple bites, plus I was saving for dessert! I got the zuppa inglese, which is like an Italian trifle? With a kahlua pudding, chocolate cake crumbles, and candied hazelnuts. O.M.G. read more

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I've only eaten at Bottega for dinner so I was delighted to try the Cafe for lunch. No reservations available but it's pretty easy to get seated. We came at peak lunch time and we didn't have a wait. We started with the eggplant crostini and the focaccia. Both were great. I wish the focaccia had been warm but even served at room temp we ate it all (so soft..yum!). For our meal we had the fish sandwich (oven baked swordfish today) and the chicken scaloppine. Fish was cooked perfectly and the home made potato chips were a nice side! The chicken scaloppine was a clear standout and the polenta that it is served with just makes every bite so delicious. We finished off the meal with the honey cake. It. Was. Superb!! Not too sweet and definitely big enough for two or even three to share. I'll definitely be back for another slice!! read more

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Best dining experience in Birmingham! Everything was exquisite from the food to the service to the ambiance. Looking forward to returning at the first opportunity! read more

Bottega Cafe - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I met some coworkers here for lunch today and this was my second visit here, with the first being in September 2022. Last time, I rode with others, but today I drove. Why does this matter? Because parking situations, especially in unfamiliar urban areas, drive my anxious brain crazy and Bottega's "valet only" is no exception. Full disclaimer, I'm not from Birmingham so I'm not super familiar with the city. Anyway, I arrived a few minutes before they opened and was the 2nd car waiting for valet. He was fast and friendly but watching him back my car into the busy street and park literally across the street a stone's throw away in the "do not enter, valet only" lot that I could have so easily parked in... well, the whole charade seemed silly and pretentious. My coworkers chose to park up the street, but they live in Birmingham and were already familiar with the area. We were seated immediately and service was professional and kind, but they're not exactly fast... but it's not that type of place. You order your appetizer (called "Snacks" on the menu), then the Snack is brought out, you eat it, then they take the plate and you place your entree order... you get the picture. We ordered 2 "Snacks": spinach arancini and bear creek beef carpaccio. Both were good, but I preferred the spinach arancini. My entree was the Bottega Bowl, mainly because I'm trying to eat healthy. It was very good, but I was starving 3.5 hours later. Also, the place filled up very quickly, with no empty chairs in sight, which made the room extremely loud. My noise app on my watch even went off, giving a "loud environment" alert. We left, my coworkers heading to their vehicles and I stood on the sidewalk, looking around in confusion for the valet guy. Bless him, he was working so hard, handling everyone's vehicles and he eventually appeared, but it's a weird feeling when you're standing there alone looking at your car, but you don't have your key fob. Haha! He pulled my car into the busy street and parked it (!!) and I quickly tipped him and jumped in as cars whipped past me. The food is good, but does it offset the parking mayhem along with the loud dining room? Eh. But based on the extremely crowded restaurant, I must be in the minority on this one. read more

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Every town has a gem, for Birmingham, it's Bottega Cafe. They have a restaurant and a café side and I've dined at both but a general consensus is that the Café is the way to go. They serve a lot of the same foods, in addition to the fact they have pizzas and other menu items on the café side. It's a great spot to come for lunch dinner or even happy hour. Their pizzas are amazing, but you must get their baked feta and their café mac & cheese. They have one drink that's not even on the menu, but it's their most famous drink and it's called the Orange Thing. I even have an Orange Thing tshirt, it's that popular. It is a delicious fresh squeezed orange martini, and the best part is, is that they give you the shaker with the rest of the martini in it, and you can continue to pour the rest of the drink. It is literally the drink that keeps on giving. The service is always impeccable and I like that inside the café you can dress up or be even a little more laid-back. It's such a cute spot and on the patio when the weather is nice it makes you feel like you're in a little garden. read more

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The food was amazingly put together. The tuna bread was delicious. The fried oysters were cooked to perfection. The lamb shoulder was nice and tender. The pizza was amazing. The coconut cake was definitely chef kiss. The service was great. The ambiance was soft lite. read more

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Perfect date night or girls night out spot! Started with the baked feta and focaccia bread. Easy and delicious dish for sharing if bread is your thing. Will never pass up a dirty martini with blue cheese olives! While most girls got the chicken scaloppine, which is an all time favorite, I opted for the hanger steak. They cooked it perfectly medium rare. Only downside is that I wanted a few more slices! Our server was very attentive on a busy night and was super accommodating. Look forward to going back and sitting on the patio on a nice night! read more

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Gorgeous atmosphere with attentive staff. The beef cheek orecchiette is the best in Birmingham in a delicious wine based sauce. It is a must! The seafood risotto was delicious as well, with ample shrimp and scallops. The bottega bar was delicious, and the flavor kept building upon itself with every bite. read more

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Another amazing meal at a Frank Stitt' restaurant! We are so fortunate to have him in Birmingham! I started with the perfect t icy Cosmopolitan with just the perfect sweetness! No appetizers since we were saving room for dessert. We both ordered the dry aged NY strip medium rare with the panzanella salad and it came out perfectly cooked. A side order of field peas with purslane completed our dinner. As good as those steaks were, the field peas were the star of the show! For desert, we ordered the peach and blackberry cobbler and the basque cake with creme anglaise and chantilly creme. The basque cake is one of the best things I've ever eaten! So delicate, but so incredibly flavorful! The service was perfect! There when we needed him, but gave us time to savor our meals and visit together! A perfect anniversary dinner for two! We will be back! read more

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The orange thing cocktail is all you need to know about for Bottega. It's phenomenal and you get plenty of it. It's sweet with a little tang. We had the feta dip for an appetizer and it was delightful. For our entrees we had the chicken and the steak. Now I typically don't prefer chicken at nicer restaurants but this was the one exception I don't regret. The steak was asked to be prepared medium however some of it was little more medium rare, but my husband enjoyed they way it was cooked. Additionally the pizzas are amazing here too! The area and ambiance of this place is cute and intimate. We went with a group of friends and had to wait around 45 minutes, however there is a place across the street where we had cocktails while we waited. Overall I recommend this place for a Friday date night or catching up with old friends! read more

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Great as always! I love the laidback atmosphere of the Cafe- I always get the "Orange Thing" a Bottega cocktail staple. I had the rigatoni with chicken thighs & mushrooms which was delicious! read more

Bottega Cafe - Rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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This place is one of my absolute favorites. It is part of my regular lunch rotation with friends. I have visited numerous times. During lunch, only the cafe is open. So you cannot make reservations. So we generally get there around 11-11:15. I usually do valet because there is no parking lot, only street parking close by, and it's a bustling area. So valet is an excellent option if you are like me and don't like to circle the block or park far away. Everything that I have at Bottega is absolutely great. I mainly get the Chicken Scallopini. It comes with polenta and the capers make for an amazing dish. It also comes with a mixed greens salad. I always recommend getting their bread with olive oil, too, as an appetizer. It is the best! The dessert is also the perfect ending to a great visit. Their coconut cake is always a hit, but I absolutely love their Tiramisu and their chocolate budino. Their cappuccinos are also the best!! You have to get one while you are there. This place is such a gem. Their service is always great, and there is no long wait for your food. I highly recommend that you give them a try! You won't be disappointed. read more

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Great service, drinks were delightful. Lamb chops were exquisite. Definitely get a reservation

My oh my. What can I say? The food, service and surrounding are beyond compare. The vibe is upscale, comfortable and welcoming. You really would have to work at it not to enjoy this fine restaurant. One of my Bham favorites. Bottega never lets you down. read more

My friend picked this place for her birthday. I ate pretty light and paid too much for what I ordered but it's Bottega, so.. I got the white bean dip app, the winter salad and the least expensive glass of red. Bill was $50. This was expected - just a heads up. My selections were fresh and well prepared. The bread was excellent. The salad was like an art project. Beautiful. My friend ordered the tiramisu and loved it. The restaurant was busy and loud. read more

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The food and service were outstanding, and I highly recommend the burger! I will definitely be returning!

Incredible service! I came here on a Weds night with a group of 10 and ate on the cafe side. The cocktails were amazing and the food was phenomenal. The service was also very attentive and helpful. read more

I really enjoyed this quaint, semi-authentic Italian cafe. The atmosphere was incredible as well as the service. You could definitely tell their pasta and sauce was made from scratch, but I felt that is lacked certain essential spices. The arancini was average, nothing too special. I will be back here again to try some of their more complex dishes! I recommend if you are looking for a good lunch spot in Birmingham. read more

Bottega Cafe - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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I was in town with colleagues for a conference at a local church. My uber driver suggested the Cafe as one of his favorite foodie places. We went there on Thursday evening and enjoyed it an our server so much we went back on Saturday and waited an hour to be delighted to have the same server. The meal on Thursday focused on main courses and specials and none were disappointing but we started with the arancini and roasted vegetables and they were to die for. You could tell that massive amounts of time went into each and the favors were spectacular. For mains, I had the pork chops, another was the fish sandwich and our other had steak. Each and everyone had raves about the flavors and the actual cook. We finished with great coffee and I indulged with their coconut cake...it was the capper to a great meal. On Saturday we did tapas it's their appetizers and each was done so well and it was perfect for three of us to have a meal in having four appetizers to share. There was not a bad one in the lot. For dessert, one colleague had grapefruit sorbetto and was amazed at the flavor of both the sorbetto and the custom tuile beneath. I had the Bottega Bar and it delivered so much more that was even described. our other colleague had a non alcoholic drink and it too was great. All in all, we almost wanted to move to Birmingham just to be closer to Bottega. Our server, Brett, was great but he and his the others all looked to be consummate professionals loving their jobs. If you live in Birmingham you are more than fortunate, if you visit GO There. read more

Every visit has been 5 stars! Their service is always stellar and staff are more than happy to help when you cannot decide which dish to choose from. I also love the ambiance, which is lovely and nice. While it may sound childish, their mac and cheese is one of my favorite dishes. I have not had better mac and cheese yet in this city! Make sure to try out their coconut-pecan cake as well. It is divine. I cannot wait for their sister restaurant, Highlands, to open back up one day! read more

Bottega Cafe - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Probably my favorite restaurant in Birmingham. I always get the chicken scaloppine which is pictured here. The grits are excellent and the capers not too strong. It usually comes with a side salad but I opted for the zucchini and rice gratino (pictured). Love this place and I always come here for nice occasions. Never been to the dining room side but I would like to sometime. read more

Bottega Cafe - Chicken Scaloppine, Capers, Polenta. Side substituted for the gratino - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

I could see this place being in Italy. The waiters are formally dressed and well-informed on the ingredients of each dish and the ambiance is casual enough to compliment the more formal side of the restaurant next door. I asked the waiter to surprise me because I couldn't choose between the 5 cheese Mac n Cheese or the Orecchiette Bolognese. He chose the bolognese and it was divine, such rich flavors and a smooth, chewy texture. One of those moments where you need to close your eyes and focus on what's happening in your mouth. ;) I ordered the coconut-pecan cake to-go because I well...carb break. Great spot that I will return to next time I'm in town. read more

Bottega Cafe - Orecchiette bolognese - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

We missed an exit and had to turn around right in front of Bottega Cafe today. The car just magically turned into the parking lot and came to rest. We took this as a sign that it was snack time . We got there right at 3:00pm and were seated right away but the place was PACKED the entire time we were there. Karlee took care of us and she was a delight. Since we were only in for a "snack" we split a pizza but everything on the menu looked pretty amazing. I got the Bottega version of a white Negroni (one big clear FAT ice cube. So clear you could read the menu through it!) that was great but the pizza, oh my the pizza was just way past amazing! Great crust but the quality of the meats used was very evident and sent it to another level. If you're in Birmingham please do yourself a favor and go here, it's worth the calories! read more

Bottega Cafe - Butcher's pizza. I can't ever remember to take pics BEFORE I eat - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

This food is AMAZING! I had the chicken (that I compared to a dish I order at our regular Italian place) and it is by far my favorite! The sandwich was full of flavor also, and let's not forget their spin on my favorite dessert, tiramisu! Phenomenal!! Then the service. Although busy, our server was courteous, knowledgeable, and attentive. We opted for outdoor dining, and with fan circulating a nice breeze, it was a beautiful place to enjoy a meal! We will definitely be back! read more

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Just a wonderful lunch. Indoor and outdoor seating. The only negative with outdoor is you do hear the road noise. Wonderful and friendly service. The menu had a lot of variety and very seasonal. We had the spring lettuce salad with peas and dill. It was just a delicious taste of spring greens. We then had Margherita pizza and crawfish & sausage pizza topped with arugula. The dough was light as air and toppings fresh and tasty. Recommend reservations if you can plan in advance. $$$ read more

Bottega Cafe - Spring lettuce salad - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

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Glad we tried this place. Setting was nice and comfortable. Our server was over the top amazing...super friendly and helpful either way descriptions of the dishes. Everything we tried was super yummy. read more

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It was perfect. In every way. I have no critiques and I would like to use the interior design of it as inspiration for my next home. The food was an inspiration. No such thing as an "ok" bite. Above and beyond down to the last detail. read more

Bottega Cafe - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Always delicious, great service and ambience! Beautiful garden area to dine and have drinks if you like

I was determined to get my hands on a slice of that coconut pecan cake !! Mission Accomplished! This was a delicious yet small slice of cake! All good. When I placed my order by phone they gave me all the instructions on what to do when I arrived for curbside pick up. I arrived a little early so there was a little bit of a wait. The gentleman brought my order out and placed it in my back seat... all contactless. My main course was the veggie plate. It consisted of a nice portion of about 6 freshly made veggies and a piece of cornbread. My favorite was the fried green tomato! It was so fresh and the right size tomato to experience the taste! Excellent! There is one knock on this visit . My food wasn't as hot as I prefer but still was appetizing! The staff was prompt and operating within the appropriate guidelines as it relates to Covid 19. Great experience! read more

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Food was amazing, the ambiance was really good. The service was great and our server was really joyful. read more

Bottega Cafe - Really good cake. Chocolate Budino - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

a group of 8 friends came to Birmingham for a golf outing. someone suggested we try Bottega Cafe. We made a last minute decision to eat there. we travel around the country on our outings and this was the best meal we have ever had. Every thing was tremendous from the bread and oil to the pizza (we had as an appetizer) to the fresh salmon with orzo, roast beef sandwich on fresh focaccia and, the best dish, the rigatoni with chicken thighs and the absolute greatest sauce I have ever tasted was delicious. And our server Brent was great. I rarely do reviews but felt I had to do one here as it was so I good. Don't pass on this place. read more

Bottega Cafe is absolutely top notch with fantastic entrees, desserts and cocktails. Everything was delish and our bartender was friendly, attentive and kept the cocktails flowing. This is absolutely a must-visit restaurant in B'ham. I had the chicken scaloppine which was to die for and the affogato which was amazing. My favorite drink was the Sting like a Bee, like a Bees Knees with the addition of Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur and let's just say, it was very difficult to stop at two. The atmosphere is fun and colorful and I cannot WAIT to return and try more dishes. read more

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Shrimp and crawfish risotto was amazing! The Crawfish was better than any lobster I've had. Highly recommend this place. Awesome vibe and the bartender, Chris, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the food menu read more

Bottega Cafe - CRAWFISH & SHRIMP Risotto - Italian Near Me - Birmingham, Alabama

Delicious! I mean really, what else is there to say other than delicious from start to finish. The carpaccio was paper thin and so tender. I could have eaten the entire appetizer myself! We also had an order of fried squash blossoms that were so delicate. My daughter inhaled her chicken scallopini. My husband ordered the NY strip and only wished that it was larger. My pork was incredible. Full of flavor, and the grits and vegetables were the perfect accompaniment for it. We did have dessert and ordered the burnt honey cake as well as the coconut cake. This is a beautiful place for meals and I know hat we will be back very soon! read more

Went there to start the week festivities celebrating my daughter's birthday and we all enjoyed it. The food was delicious and celebratory cocktails were reasonably priced and tasted well. Pleasing atmosphere and decor was pleasing to the eyes. read more

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Delicious! Service was great, wine was delicious, and we just had a great time with the environment. I got a pizza and it was great.

Yet another great time at Bottega! During COVID, they're only seating on their front patio, so make sure to bring blankets, etc. if it's cold. They're also taking reservations on the app Resy, which makes it very easy if you plan in advance. To start, everyone in our group ordered their signature Orange Thing martini. It's great because they serve it in a traditional martini glass, but they also give you the excess in a silver cocktail shaker, so it's really more like 1.5 martinis. For appetizers, we ordered the baked feta dip and the sweet pepper pizza. Both were so good, maybe better than the actual entrees. I ordered the Orecchiette Bolognese and is was delicious. It was meaty and creamy and topped with fresh basil. I would have liked a little bit of red pepper flakes because there was no heat whatsoever. The only disappointment was the black truffle risotto. The truffles and mushrooms were delicious, but the risotto was very bland and flavorless. Nonetheless, it was still a great experience and one of my favorites in bham! read more

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