La Bottega Nicastro Fine Food Shop

Hands down the BEST sandwich in Ottawa. The price point is perfect for the hulking sandwiches they give out. I recommend the focaccia bread and their prosciutto is incredible, too.
The store is amazing, too. You would expect this spot to be pricey but it really isn’t. I get 1.99 $ packs of gnocchi there all the time and they have great deals on little things like tea and chocolate!

Update: I’ve had their sandwiches from the lunch bar over a dozen times in a month, so I think I have some notoriety when it comes to judging their quality and consistency. During the week, the sandwiches are always near perfection. Always jam packed, always delicious. I recently stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and was kinda disappointed to see the sandwiches’ quality vary when made by different staff. The quantity of meat and toppings, of all three sandwiches I purchased that day, were comparably less than compared to what I typically get during the week.

THE best place for a sandwich. The meats are delicious and the toppings are even better. The spicy eggplant is a must try on every sandwich. I admit before coming here I was ignorant to fine meats and cheeses so the first time I went there I asked the gentleman behind the counter to throw together his best combination and I never looked back! My father-​in-​law and I stop by for a sandwich every time we are in the Rideau Centre area. I recommend this place as often as I can, my only regret is there isn’t much seating, only a few tables outside so you have to learn to eat your sandwich on the run!

Very displeased with customer service. Went 2 days in a row and after purchasing food at the sandwich counter, the cashier at the front had an attitude, did not give me a receipt and just crumpled it without even asking if I’d like it, and was denied from eating my food I had just paid for in their dining area… As a paying customer I should be allowed to eat my purchase in their dining area without discrimination. I had no where to eat and basically had to leave and walk and find somewhere to eat in an area that doesn’t have public seating or tables. I also can’t just walk into another store and eat in their dining area.
The day before I had forgotten a bag and came back for it. The same cashier looked at me and didn’t even approach me standing at the door of the store to even see what I wanted. She ignored me. Also while eating the first day someone who appeared to be a manager or supervisor stood over me, made me uncomfortable, and made me leave. I was disrupted 3 times total. Creating a bad dining experience, bad appearance for someone who should be good with customers, and considering I had only 2 bites of my sandwich left and forced me to leave… Not impressed.
Love their sandwiches and the people who served me but the way I was treated by both individuals… I wouldn’t ever recommend someone eat there… They need to seriously review their dining policies and/​or work on their customer service and attitude with regards to the 2 mentioned employees

Great place to buy italian products (food & drinks). Perfect to organise an «apperitivo» (Italian tapas) with food and Spritz. We bought a mix of olives to bring it to friends, they have many different kinds ! It was excellent. Some products can be a bit expensive such as the cheese whereas it’s always a great quality. You can buy your sandwich to go that they make in front of you with your favourite products ! You can also buy a dish to go like the lasagna or risotto.

Head to the back of this store for some big, well priced (~$ 7), fresh made-​to-​order sandwiches. You choose your bread, meat, cheese, sauces, and toppings. I went around 1:30pm and didn’t have any problems with a line. The staff are friendly and put up with me struggling through my first order.
Sandwiches were huge and I was happy with the quality of everything! They pack lots of meat and toppings in these for a product that’s at least a pound (0.5 kg) each. I went with a friend and he couldn’t finish his. I think you’ll get a sense of the quality from the overall store when you walk in.
My only wish is that they had more options for sauces. The only options are mustard, dijon, and mayo. Some house-​made options, maybe one with an olive oil base, would be a good addition. This place isn’t big in the back so I would expect a wait during prime lunch hours. Sandwiches are CASH ONLY.

Yum, yum, yummy sandwich! Walk to the back corner of the store for a super cheap and super fresh sando. Various bread options, marinated peppers, eggplant, mayo, mustard, italian meats galore. Great… now I’m hungry.

I was attracted to this place because of the hyped up reviews on Unilocal.Overall, I was not disappointed.
As I am an amateur of coffee, I tried their espresso as well as their coffee. They were both flavourful and had more depth than your usual Tim Hortons cup. I then tried their sandwich which I filled with 2 cold meats and a variety of vegetables. The ingredients tasted fresh and the pickled vegetables had a good kick to them. I am not a very big fan of pickled vegetables but I am sure that if you are, you will love their products. The prices were pretty fair and the service was friendly.
I had nothing negative to say about this place maybe except the fact that I expected more from the sandwich after reading through the reviews.

MHHHHMM that’s one darn good sandwich.
I ordered a genoa salame and ham sandwich with provolone cheese on focaccia. The cheese was melt-​in-​your-​mouth, the balance of the ham with the salty salame was perfect, and that bread was so fresh and well seasoned. With every bite of the sandwich, the flavor just intensified.
The only thing I didn’t like was the dijon — it had a very strong tingly sting, like wasabi, and was a little overpowering.
This is no ordinary sandwich. All the components are extremely fresh and flavorful, and for the cost of $ 6 (for a large and filling portion) — what a deal.
If you don’t know where to find the sandwich counter, it’s at the very back of the store. Don’t be afraid to go at lunch. The lines may look long, but they actually go pretty quickly (unfortunately they don’t have any preset menus so you better know how to make a darn good sandwich!). Be sure to grab something delicious from the Italian grocery store on your way out.

Popped in here the other day was trying to figure out what to cook for dinner. Decided to try some of their store made pasta sauce and it was delicious! If you are looking for some good quality Italian goods tis the place to go.

Not only does this shop have the best italian products around and at the best prices (I only buy my olive oil here) but this place has the best sandwiches around.
I am not sure if there is anywhere inside to eat but I always take mine to go and they have a couple of tables outside in the front of the store.
They are also the only shop that I found that has real saffron for sale, none of that fake stuff. They have black garlic and all kinds of interesting pastas.

This review pertains only to the deli. If I lived in the Byward Market area, I would probably be here all the time. The gourmet grocery options are endless, but as a visitor just in need of lunch on the go, I wasn’t blown away by the quality of their sandwiches. I went here at least 3 times, probably because of the lack of competition in the Byward Market area and the prices. For less than $ 6, you pick 1 of 4 breads, select up to 2 meats from about 8 options, 1 of 4 cheeses and about 8 condiment options. The portion sizes are average so you definitely get your money’s worth. I think all they really need to do win 4 stars from me is expand their options and offer oil and vinegar. Then again, other customers don’t seem to care, as evidenced by the inevitable line here during lunch time. Expect to wait anywhere between 10 – 15 minutes to order.
No minimum purchase for credit card transactions.

La Bottega is a great and cheap place to catch a quick lunch and do my groceries at the same time. Iv’e eaten way too many delicious and filling sandwiches here. The staff is very nice and the deli offers some very good sales.
For those complaining about lines, it’s never a long wait. People love to go because it is that good!
I usually split my sandwich into two meals. Too bad they don’t crisp the sandwiches a bit, but I usually do that at home anyways and it would be too time consuming for them.
For under 6 $, I can’t complain.

I heard a lot appraisals of La Bottega before I visited Ottawa, but I felt it was a little overrated. The shop provides various kinds of Italian fine good and fresh made sandwich inside. And there is a little restaurant served some pasta and pizza in the back of the shop.
I came there twice when traveling around Ottawa. First for the cold sandwich, you pick your bread, meat, cheese and some vegetables to make a sandwich without toast. Actually, it tasted very salty and not very comfortable. Latter, I seat in the restaurant for lunch combo a bowl of lentil soup and an individual size of pizza. There were good but just normal. But the tiramisu was pretty good! It was moisture and sweet. The price of this meal was not cheap at all…
At lunch time, it was very crowded. Staff sometimes were too busy to keep being kind to customers. Many people came here for sandwich, but I could only say trying once is enough.

Si vous êtes un européen expatrié à Ottawa, La Bottega sera votre sauveur. Ici vous trouvez principalement des produits italiens mais aussi d’autres pays européens. Halleluja! Quand le manqué de nourriture du vieux continent se fera sentir — ça finit toujours par arriver — vous vous retrouverez ici en une fraction de seconde.
Une irrésistible envie de fromage français, c’est aussi que vous trouverez vôtre bonheur, envie de charcuterie française et italienne, the place to be… Envie de biscuit de la Mère Poulard, de gavottes et même de lessive le Chat, oui c’est possible à la Bottega. Les plus fanatiques iront même jusqu’à acheter du foi gras ou du canard confit.
Je né sais pas combien de fois je suis venue aussi ici pour compléter mes courses et retrouver un petit goût comme à la maison. Évidement les prix des produits importés sont élevés. Mais en cas de véritable manqué, vous serez capable de débourser 6 $ pour du camembert de Normandie ou autre folie.
Au contrario certains produits italiens importés en grand formats sont très économiques comme les tomates séchées en pot de 1L qui vous dureront une éternité.
Il est aussi possible de manger et de prendre un bon café à la bottega. L’un des seuls endroits dans toute la ville où il est possible de boire un véritable expresso serré, un ristretto en somme.
Et né partez pas sans avoir acheté votre poche à provision tomates, genre maintenant vous êtes membres du club — ceux qui sont en manqué de calendos et veuillent des intraveineuses de petit Lu.

Such a hidden gem in the Byward Market.
I came here based on Unilocal reviews and was meaning to try one of their sandwiches because they are so highly rated. I would have never imagined that there was a quaint little restaurant in the back of the aisles of groceries.
My plan to try one of their sandwiches changed when the waiter gave us his own recommendation: the pasta of the day, bucatini alla carbonara. I took him up on his recommendation and was so glad I did! It was amazing. Pasta is a bit al dente, just the way I like it. The sauce and texture just melted in my mouth. Service was great. The price was reasonable at $ 12. I will definitely come back on my next visit!

A lot of people I know kept suggesting I go to La Bottega, but I put it off for awhile after hearing about the long lines. When I had some time to go for lunch during the week, I made a stop here to get a sandwich and stood in the long line while checking out the menu on the board. It’s actually quite simple — you pick your bread, cheese, meats, and extras/​condiments.
Because I’m so indecisive and pretty greedy, I asked how many different meats you can choose and they told me 3 – 4. I made a few random picks was good in the panini I chose, but I was very disappointed to get back to work with little time to eat, only to discover that they forgot the ingredient I was looking forward to the most — the marinated spicy eggplant! It sounds ridiculous but after waiting in line for so long (almost half an hour), you start to get hangry and really look forward to finally eating what you ordered. There were tons of people so it was easy to miss something small, but it was something I was craving and my sandwich felt a bit incomplete without it.
The sandwiches are affordable, a little over $ 5 plus tax, and the groceries are priced similarly to other specialty food shops. I’ll have to back when it’s a little less busy (if there’s ever a time), and write an updated review.

La Bottega is my favourite sandwich place, I would say in Ottawa, but really it’s of any place I’ve been to – full stop. Their sandwiches are made on fresh made bread and layered with high quality deli meats and cheeses. I have been a frequent visitor over the past several years and have yet to meet a sandwich there that I didn’t like.
They are also an amazing grocery run by some of the most helpful and knowledgeable staff out there. I was having a dinner party and wanted to make fresh pizza with Italian appetizers. One of the general managers, Stephen, helped me to find everything I needed. I needed a top up on olive oil. I had bought an incredibly tasty bottle several months earlier, but despite remembering the price ($ 21.99), I couldn’t remember its name. I described it and mentioned the price and sure enough it was located with ease. It’s Otto extra virgin. Trust me, this product can change your relationship with salad. If you like olives, especially of the garlic stuffed variety, you can’t go wrong here. Anyway, I made eight different pizzas with varying ingredients from mediterranean with a lovely soft crumble feta and balsamic glazed tomatoes to Margharita with fresh basil to a five pound (slight exaggeration) deluxe including carmelized onions, crunchy bacon, and spicy sausage — all of these ingredients and more can be yours at this fantastic establishment!
Last night, I had the opportunity to experience this place in a whole new way. A friend of mine booked a group cooking class for her 30^th birthday. The party was held in their cozy restaurant at the back. We were able to decorate while beautiful music played in the background. Led by chef Alea Cardarelli, we got to learn new techniques such as how to make a meringue and how to properly prepare candied walnuts. We got to stir, fry, beat, all with a glass of wine in hand. Then we got to eat the end results and they were delicious. The pork medallion served with Tuscan apple marmalade was a perfect taste compilation. The chef and her assistant were friendly and made a point of getting everyone involved. My friend had a lovely birthday and all the diners enjoyed their meals. The price for the cooking class was $ 65 which included a four course meal and two glasses of wine as well as the hands on cooking demo. All in all we were there for close to three hours and the time flew as we were having so much fun! The location easily accommodated a group of 13. I look forward to trying more cooking classes at La Bottega in the future.

I finally was able to get a seat at the little eatery in the back of the store. I ordered the warm roast beef sandwich (garnished with onions and provolone) which came with a side of mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. I ordered a blood orange San Pellegrino as drink.
I really liked the sandwich. It was grilled enough to melt the cheese and bring out the flavour. The roast beef was moist and the onions slightly caramelized. I am not a great fan of plain mixed greens salads but this one was very fresh.
The service was prompt and polite. It looks like a spot where a lot of regulars go to and I can see why. If only I lived or worked closer to this location, I would be a regular too.
Eatery aside, the store is stocked with a lot of fresh and decently priced Italian food, many that can be bought by weight: cheeses, deli meats, olives, marinated eggplants, biscotti, etc., etc. and served by helpful staff.
I give it 5 stars because it is all around a great experience and everything you can wish from a trip to the store, including getting a great meal.

I found this place thanks to Unilocal,the high ratings are well merited!
I was here for lunch on Canada Day and was surprised that there weren’t more people. Even though La Bottega seems very popular online, I felt like I was entering a hidden gem in Ottawa and in my head, I was laughing at all the other tourists paying for their overpriced special menu lunches in the Byward Market.
I came strictly for the sandwiches prepared at the end of this little shop and didn’t really browse through any of their other products.
For about 6 $ a sandwich, it was great value for money. Quality ingredients, generous serving that could have fed two people with a normal appetite– made how you want it and truly better than Subway! Simple and satisfying, a must try.

This review is solely based on my experience with the deli at the store.
Holy. did I just have a whole mouthful of salt?! The sandwiches are freaking salty. I went through most reviews and I really wanted to try out the spicy eggplant that everyone was raving about. I asked the staff if they had any suggestions for the meat and cheese which would go well with the eggplant and all i got was… «they are all the same». So I decided to get the prosciutto with mozzarella. Maybe this combo was what gave birth to this salt bomb. However, with the options on the menu I cannot see anything except a vegetarian sandwich being less salty.
The meat and cheese were good by themselves but I could not enjoy them together without having to wash down all the salt. After eating half the sandwich (and gulping down a whole bottle of water) I was done. I guess next time I will just buy the ingredients separately and make a sandwich with more veggies.

C’est un must à Ottawa. Le Club italia ou même tout sandwich avec focaccia, viandes et augergines épicées, le tout avec salade en accompagnement. Un must!

Tous les produits de la cuisine italienne: huiles, vinaigres balsamiques, pâtes, sauces, antipasti… à des prix très raisonnables. Sandwiches et cafés à déguster sur place ou à emporter. Un des seuls endroits où l’expresso n’a pas ce goût de brûlé caractéristique au Canada.