Bottega – Edmonton, Alberta
In this Italian restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta I celebrated my 1st birthday, but I must admit that it was not a great experience. That’s why we decided to go back because my parents loved the place, but they were fairly disappointed with the experience in general. Our 2nd time was really great both in terms of hospitality, food and atmosphere.
First, I must say that we visited the Bottega on 104 Street, at the edge of Jasper Avenue. The restaurant is full length and looks like old Europe while combining a touch of North American modernism. The atmosphere is hushed, with orange lighting and leather banquettes, with the wood oven at the end of the bar completing this very warm decor. During the summer, it is possible to eat outside, at the front of the restaurant.
During our first visit, we chose the mussels and the deli platter as appetizers. Everything was excellent. As a main course, we had steak and pasta carbonara, and that’s where our good experience ended. The service, provided by a young inexperienced waitress, was very slow. It took us three hours (on a Tuesday night!) to eat. I must say that I was looking forward to receiving my first birthday cake!
Recently, we went back to the restaurant so as not to dwell on our bad impression. We had a salad as an appetizer, steak with shrimp as the entrée and pistachio ice cream for dessert. Everything was excellent, and I must add that the shrimp were perfect. The manager offered my parents a food and wine pairing with the three services, and they seemed delighted.
This experience is a perfect example of how sometimes a bad experience is an isolated case, and that the next day we would not have experienced such disappointment. What we really like when we eat in a restaurant is when the manager goes around the tables, is interested in his customers and listens to share their experience. Here, it is the case with Flavius who takes care of his customers like a real Italian mother. I highly recommend Bottega!
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Message From My Parents
La Bottega is a great restaurant to visit as a couple. Every time I go with the baby traveller, I think we would have been better as a couple. The restaurant does not offer a high chair or booster seat, which makes it difficult for a toddler to enjoy a meal.
