Ottava Via 🍝 | Detroit

Ottawa Via (Detroit) – Cozy Retro Italian Spot for Truffle Pasta & Crispy Margherita Pizza 🍝 If you’re craving Italian food in Detroit, look no further than Ottawa Via! I stumbled on this spot while searching for highly-rated pasta joints, and it did not disappoint. From its romantic retro vibe to the no-fuss, delicious menu (perfect for indecisive foodies like me!), it’s a total keeper. We visited on February 10, 2023, and left already planning our next trip—here’s the full scoop 🇮🇹 ✨ The Vibe: Retro Romance, No Fuss The restaurant has such a warm, vintage feel—think soft lighting and classic Italian touches that make it feel romantic, but not overly fancy. Best of all? The menu is small! No scrolling through endless options—great for anyone who gets stuck choosing (guilty!). 🍖 Appetizer: Chef Polpette (Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce) We went for the daily special: Chef Polpette—three big beef meatballs smothered in mushroom sauce. The meatballs themselves had a strong herb flavor, which was just okay for us… but the mushroom sauce? Chef’s kiss! It was rich and packed with umami, though a little on the salty side. Even so, we dipped bread in it until it was gone—hard to resist that savory goodness. 🍝 Pasta: Truffle Butter Pasta Steals the Show! We ordered two pastas, and one was a clear winner: Truffle Butter Pasta: 4/5 stars from me! 🌟 The truffle + butter combo wasn’t overly cheesy, but the garlic aroma was incredible—light, flavorful, and so satisfying. It’s the kind of pasta you’ll keep twirling on your fork long after you’re full. Cacio e Pepe: A classic white sauce pasta with tons of cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy flavor—delicious if you love that indulgent vibe! But fair warning: it gets salty and heavy after a few bites. If you’re a die-hard creamy cheese fan, go for it—just maybe share a plate. 🍕 Margherita Pizza: Simple, Crispy, & Delicious We rounded off the meal with a Margherita Pizza—basic in the best way: fresh tomato sauce, melted cheese, and bright basil. The crust was thin and crispy, and the flavors balanced perfectly—no fancy toppings needed. Pro tip: If you love bold flavors, grab the extra cheese and chili flakes from the table (they leave them out for guests!)—it takes the pizza to the next level. 📍 Final Thoughts: We’ll Be Back! Address: 1400 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 Between the cozy vibe, solid Italian eats, and easy-to-love menu, Ottawa Via is a Detroit gem. Whether you’re here for truffle pasta, a crispy pizza, or a low-key romantic meal, it checks all the boxes. We’re already counting down to our next visit! #Detroit #AnnArborFood #ItalianPasta #CreamyPasta #FoodDiary #FoodShare #DailyEats #DetroitItalian