I've been going to La Bottega Nicastro, on George Street in the Byward Market, since 1999, and probably once a month for the past 6 years... Nestled in the back of a bustling Italian fine food store, it's one of the best kept secrets in Ottawa. The concept? Take fabulous fresh ingredients from the in store deli (they also make the best takeout sandwiches in the Market as well), and serve them up a nice menu of paninis and pizzas made right in front of you if you sit at the bar.....
There are also usually a soup of the day, and pizza and pasta specials. Although they serve a few stand alone salads - go for the panini & pizza, which have a very generous salad included!
Two of our favs - Calabria Mia - spicy calabrese salami with goat cheese, roasted red peppers and rosemary and ....
... the Angelica pizza with proscuitto, mushrooms, onions, mozzarella cheese, and drizzled with spicy olive oil.
A bottle of Farnese Sangiovese goes down nicely - very affordable.
Part of the fun is the bustling store, and realizing that many people in the store don't even realize what's in the back!
Finish of your meal with a real italian latte or cappucino - try the canoli and other pastries from Montreal each Saturday morning....Lunch is served Monday to Saturday 1130 to 3pm. You often have to wait for a table, but it's worth it.... Thanks to Zorica and Carmella (l & r) for all their hospitality!
