Bottega Italian Restaurant

I think I am spoiled by New Orleans cuisine that this place didn’t have a fighting chance with my taste buds. I left feeling unsatisfied. The food wasn’t bad. It was cooked well and had flavor. I just wanted more for a restaurant with such high ratings.

I was expecting a lovely meal when my boyfriend made reservations 5 days in advance. I was not disappointed! For the appetizer we had the lamb neck. This lamb neck was so tender I simply had to touch it with my fork for it to fall apart. It was served on a bed of field peas, and it was so savory and hearty for an appetizer. It easily could have been my meal. The only issue was that it was a tad salty, but the flavor overcame that.
For the entrée I had the yellowfin tuna, rare. It was served with carrots and cauliflower with a dill sauce. Holy cow, that tuna was perfectly seared and flavorful. The only thing I would do would be to add more carrots and less cauliflower. The sweet carrots paired with the seared fish much better in my opinion.
My boyfriend got the veal. It was such a hearty portion of meat with potatoes and a cheesy sauce. He really loved it, but it was slightly rich for my preferences.
For a nicer restaurant the portions were massive, and we didn’t even have room for dessert, which was disappointing. We’ll be back

Great service, beautiful building, and tasty food! We came here for dinner with a friend. We ordered apps off of the café menu (Mac and cheese and the quail). For mains we had the veal and the gnocchi. The boys loved their veal, it was flavorful, cooked to the perfect temp, and a huge portion size. The gnocchi was flavorful, veggies al dente (which I prefer), and the portion was also generous.

My girlfriend and I hadn’t gone out in some time. We decided to spruce it up a bit and made a reservation for Friday night. Be sure to make your reservations a few days early. Everything was booked between 6 and 8 so we chose a 6pm meal which was later changed to 6:30.
We valeted the car and were seated promptly. We both ordered a cocktail to start off with. I dont see a cocktail menu on their website but I had a gin-​type of drink that was alright. My girlfriends cocktail was quite delicious though.
We ordered two appetizers. Local Lettuces and the Parmesan soufflé. Both very delicious. We then ordered our entrees and they came in a very timely fashion.
The first time I went to this restaraunt the food, the service, everything was out of this world. I order a NY strip this time around and wasn’t really impressed with how it turned out. It was good but not worth the price, in my opinion. It was too charred on the outside for my liking. It also may have been very slightly over cooked but the thicker portion of the steak was cooked correctly (med rare). I did not send it back or inform the server, as I can happily enjoy a steak cooked anywhere from rare-​medium. Again, only the charring on the steak made it taste below my expectations. My girlfriends pork chop was cooked in a similar fashion.
The service, like always, is absolutely stellar. Matt knocked it out of the park with his knowledge on the entrees and answered, in full detail, any questions I had regarding the menu.
Their take on a s’more for desert was incredible and we had a nice port to finish.
It took some time to retrieve our valeted vehicle because a lot of people happened to have left when we did which caused us to stand in the cold for several minutes. One lady even went inside to wait for their car. I would suggest putting a propane patio heating lamp for the waiting patrons in the future.
I’d definitely return here. They have a very interesting menu that’s constantly changing.
4 stars only because the cocktails and main course was sub-​5 star material.

What can I say? Well for starters maybe I’ll start with «wildly impressed.» I’ve heard of Bottega (and Frank Stitt) but, before yesterday, I hadn’t any convergence of reason nor proximity to actually go.
But then business lunch happened.
With a loosely overcast but otherwise balmy autumn on Highland as the backdrop, I took in Bottega in about three phases in about 2 hours. The patio hid us slightly from the road noise while our server cooly put on a subdued show of expertise and attentiveness without being overbearing.
For starters it was gulf shrimp, calabrian chilis in a light brandy oil that was just perfect pairing with thr Andalusian cocktail (sherry) and their requisite bread. But the homemade Pita chips and tzatziki, hummus and tomato salad took it up a notch.
I worked in a bottle of Nebbiolo (Pratogrande) – which our server said was second rate to Perbacco but was still superb – with the daily fish special which was a sheepshead over southern greens, lima beans, and a smattering of egg in a broth that really tied the flavors together.
The result… Thoroughly impressed and sated. Now next time I’ll wait til nightfall and try the bar inside.

Saturday night we were going to see stand up comedy at the BJCC Legacy Arena in downtown Birmingham for a much deserved night out with friends. We had a 5:30 p.m. reservations and the food was great and service awesome. Our waiter was very knowledgable about the menu and elaborated to the point that I changed my order from pizza, very quickly.
For an appetizer my husband and I had the Fritto Misto fried snapper, gulf shrimp, oysters with a spicy aïoli sauce which better than I believed it would be; loved the aïoli sauce.
Main Course
I had the Joyce farms grass fed flat iron hasselback potato, horseradish cream, pancetta, onion jus and my husband had the Red Snapper roasted carrots, okra, red onion, farro verde, gremolata. My husband and shared our food as usual and I enjoyed both.
Our friends had for appetizers the manchester farm quail and Fritto Misto. I got to taste the quail it was so cute and tasty.
For main course they had Mississippi Rabbit with eggplant, san marzano tomatoes, niçoise olives, potato purée * 2 orders of Lamb porterhouse Chops with beluga lentils, chickpeas, radishes, scallions, yogurt and Red Snapper. Everyone enjoyed everything the atmosphere was very pleasing. Our waiter rocked.

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

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 entrée, 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.

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
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!

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.

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!

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 Café on the other side of the building. Amazing food there too!

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 entrée. 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.

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.

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!

I’ve been to a couple decent restaurants in my days but this is the 1^st 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.

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.

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 Café 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.

After trying the «Big 3» in Birmingham, Botega, Hot & Hot, & The Highlands Café, 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.

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 café 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 soufflé 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 soufflé 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!