Bottega Louie - One of the Only Reasons to be in Downtown LA

BOTTEGA LOUIE - http://www.bottegalouie.com/
700 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, Ca 90017
Map
213.802.1470
Mon - Fri 10am - 11pm
Sat - Sun 9am - 11pm (Brunch and Limited Menu exist during the day so check before you go)

The only way I would have been happier dining at Bottega Louie is if their wonderful food was served by naked Victoria Secret Models.  I've now been twice and neither time have I seen a Victoria Secret Model or a naked person.  After having one of the best Pizzas of my life the first time I had to go back.  I was already in Downtown for the Grilled Cheese Invitational, which was a horrible unorganized joke of an event that I'd never go back to again, so I jumped at the opportunity to go back to Bottega Louie.  After eating this pizza, if I was in therapy I would give it up, cause no person could make me feel as good talking to them as this pizza made me feel eating it.

On my first visit I went with the Meatball pizza.  The meatballs are mind-blowingly delicious.  And combined with the 100% fresh mozzarella, that is uncompromisingly good (it should be a law that all pizza is made with 100% fresh mozzarella) and their perfect crust, which is so tasty and unmatched being crispy and doughy at the same time.  This pizza instantly became one of my top three favorite pizzas of all time.  On my second visit I wanted to try another pizza, but this one was just so good I couldn't resist having it again and thankfully it was as good if not better then I remembered.  We also added pepperonis the second time.



I also tried a side of Brussels Spouts that were grilled in an olive oil with almonds and seasoned.  They were very tasty and had a slight tough of wasabi which was a really nice idea.

On the second trip we also happened to be there during brunch so we tried the Pancetta and Burrata Scramble.  It was good, not amazing, but I also like my pancetta cut thicker.  However, the burrata cheese makes anything tasty.  My complaint with this dish was the cost versus value.  This tiny scramble that doesn't come with potatoes or anything is like $12 bucks.  That's crazy for a few scrambled eggs.  If I was a midget, small guy or whatever little people liked to be called these days then this little dish might have been the perfect size, but then again everyone knows they also have little pockets and $12 probably doesn't fit in them.  For me, it just made me feel like a giant.

The pizza isn't exactly cheap at around $16 dollars but it's huge and it's so good, I'd pay upwards of $25 for it.

Bottega Louie is an interesting place, it feels very glamorous, but it's also very plain and hollow.  I guess that's what makes it LA.  The restaurant sits in what appears to be a warehouse that they turned into a restaurant.  Everyting is white and clean, but the walls are empty and the space isn't decorated at all.

You go to Louie for the Pizza, but I'd also go to Louie for the sweets.  They have got something for everyone.  The pictures say more than I ever could with words.

They call these Macaroons and they are worth killing over.  When a friend in Hawaii tasted them she said, "Oh my God!  Where did you get these?" And when they melt in your mouth you'll be asking, "How do I get more of these?"

Apparently, Bottega Louie is owned by a couple that was not previously in the restaurant industry.  But you wouldn't know it by eating there.  On the surface and with the food they are doing everything right.  I'm a big fan and whenever I'm near Downtown I will be scurrying to Bottega Louie.  Be sure to save some cash for parking.  It's not easy in downtown and will cost you anywhere from $3 to $10 bucks.  But the first bite of Meatball Pizza makes it all worth it.  If you can't afford the parking and pizza quit going to see your therapist and use that money.  This will make you feel better then lying on a couch and talking to some quack.  Anyone that says food isn't love hasn't been to Bottega Louie.