Bottega Penang — Restaurant in George Town

Visited this place on Sunday, 16 July 2023.

Was on a holiday in Penang when my cousin suggested that we should visit this nice Italian restaurant after having many delicious Penang delicacies.

We arrive at about 7.45pm. Parking is a challenge. We parked quite a distance from the restaurant after going rounds.

When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a friendly waiter and was seated on the 2nd level. The place is spacious and cozy. We had a nice long table for 8 of us. There were 2 birthday celebrations that evening, and we sang along. It was so much fun!

The food was amazing! Especially the folded pizza. The pork ribs, gambas, and cold cut platter with cheese are really good, too.

The waiters are courteous and professional and speak good English. The captain will come around to ensure that everything is in order and we are properly served. Unfortunately, I did not get their names as I was too carried away enjoying myself in this wonderful restaurant

I'll definitely be visiting again for my next trip to Penang. Told all my friends about this place, as some of them will be visiting Penang soon. ........................................

One year later, after much ravings from friends who visited Bottega over the one year, I returned with much anticipation.

Made a reservation about 2 weeks for 14 June 2024. This time round for 12 pax. Planned to have a good dinner here after a very good experience last year. Brought some friends and relatives. Was telling them tbis is the place to come and can be verified by our common friends.

However, 3 days before my arrival, I received a call from a lady from Bottega.

I was informed that there is a minimum spending of RM150 per pax as we are a big group. That works out to RM1800. She sent me a menu on my request. From I can see it's obvious we can't eat so much food.

She recommended some wines. Granted. Unless I buy high-end wine, otherwise it'll be difficult for my group to spend up to Rm1800. She recommended that I take away wine if we can not finish.

At this point, I was getting disappointed. Now my understanding is that if we dun spend that amount of money, we won't be entertained. After I informed my group, we decided to cancel our reservation.

The good thing is, we found another restaurant. We were even offered a private room without minimum spending restrictions!

I have to share with my friends the unfriendly policy that Bottega has so that they won't be disappointed if they do plan to visit.

I'm sad that I'll miss the nice food, great ambiance and impeccable services I once enjoyed. But then again, there is always another place to try in Penang for that...

A Memorable Culinary Experience at Bottega: A True Delight

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bottega, and I must say, it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. The ambience, the delectable food, and the impeccable service all contributed to an unforgettable evening.

From the moment I stepped into Bottega, I was captivated by the inviting and warm atmosphere. The restaurant's stylish and contemporary décor created a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. The soft lighting and tasteful furnishings complemented each other perfectly, creating an ambiance that was both intimate and elegant.

Now, let's talk about the food. I ordered the steak and salad, and I can confidently say that both dishes were a culinary masterpiece. The steak was cooked to perfection—juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. It was expertly seasoned and seared to create a beautiful crust while maintaining a delightful medium-rare center. Each bite was a succulent symphony of taste that left me craving more.

The accompanying salad was a refreshing and well-balanced complement to the steak. The fresh, crisp greens were accompanied by an assortment of vibrant vegetables, creating a colorful medley of flavors. The dressing was light yet flavorful, enhancing the natural taste of the ingredients without overpowering them. It was evident that attention to detail and high-quality ingredients were of utmost importance in the preparation of this dish.

Aside from the exceptional food, the service at Bottega was exemplary. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were quick to offer recommendations and suggestions, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was taken care of. Their genuine enthusiasm and passion for their craft were evident, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

In conclusion, my visit to Bottega was an absolute delight. The combination of an inviting environment, perfectly cooked steak, and a refreshing salad made for an outstanding culinary adventure. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual night out, Bottega will exceed your expectations and leave you with...

Date of Visit: 8 July 2022, Friday ✅ Vegetarian Options ☑️ Vegan Friendly (request to customize)

Ambience: Casual dining spot with open concept kitchen. Nice chill and cosy vibe. Chairs aren't the most comfy but alright.

Space: Limited tables, with some bar/counter seating and outdoor seating so definitely book a table ahead.

Food Ordered: Intigoli, Cozze (mussels in white wine sauce), The New Sorrento, Rissotino, Les Champignons Ravioli, Genoa Pizza, Marinaio Romano Pizza, Tiramisu

One Bottle of Pinot Grigio that was pretty good and reasonably priced!

Food: INTIGOLI - The pesto was thick and fragrant. Other 2 dips were meh. The bread small... more like crostini. Ratio of dips to bread was a bit off. 🌟COZZE (MUSSELS) - Lovely succulent & sweet mussels with the refreshingly tasty white wine sauce (I pretty much drank it all!) 👍THE NEW SORRENTO - Delicious! Bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella and savoury gnocchi. Gnocchi was a bit on the soft side, but still good! RISSOTINO - Average. The rice was undercooked. Sauce was silky and savoury. 👌LES CHAMPIGNONS - Loved the rich savoury porcini mushroom sauce! Could be a bit less thick (so it's not as dry). Ravioli was slightly undercooked. Lots of spinach filling, could be more generous with the ricotta. 🌟GENOA PIZZA - Nice crust, dollops of rich pesto and juicy eggplant. A good white pizza! 🌟MARINAIO ROMANO PIZZA - Nice crust, good tomato base balanced with the right amount of savoury anchovies and sweet roasted garlic! TIRAMISU - Pretty big portion. Not too sweet and pretty good - creamy yet light, just not the best I've had in Penang. Could use more liquor and coffee.

Service: Needs improvement. Waiters doesn't seem to know much about their menu. Food was served pretty fast tho.

Parking: As expected in George Town, quite difficult to get as you have to find street parking

Overall: 👍 Would definitely recommend this for their authentic and tasty Italian food! I will be back for sure. Easily one of the best pizzas I've had in Penang so far! Prices are reasonable too for the quality and taste, portions are ok - standard. Risotto and pastas need some quality control and slight...