Ciao, lovely friends, welcome to Bottega Penang!
I’ve always wanted to visit Bottega Penang since it opened, but I never got around to organizing lunch with friends.
The group of adventurous eaters has dwindled to just a handful of hardcore foodies.
Bottega at Muntri Street, in the heart of George Town, is one of the best spots to satisfy your Italian cravings.
It’s open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., so you can plan your visit accordingly.
The restaurant established its presence in Kuala Lumpur and is well-known to Italian food enthusiasts.
The trattoria (small Italian restaurant) boasts an extensive and diverse menu featuring Italian Charcuterie boards, Italian-styled Toast, Pasta, Pizza, Meat dishes, and Desserts, promising a culinary adventure for every Italian food lover.
Keep an eye out for its monthly specials, which feature dishes like the Chef’s Mama’s recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients such as sea urchins.
These dishes are all worth trying and add a unique touch to your dining experience.
If you need help reading the Italian menu, remember that “Zuppa” means soup and “Insalata” means salad.
Other standard terms you might encounter include “Pasta” for pasta dishes, “Pizza” for pizzas, and “Carne” for meat dishes.
The menu is designed for easy navigation, even if you know only a few Italian words.
The attentive servers are always ready to assist you with your order, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience.
Bottega Penang Menu
Bottega Penang has emerged as a beloved destination for Italian food enthusiasts.
Its popularity, evident in its often fully booked status during peak hours and long weekends, adds to its allure and leaves you eagerly anticipating your visit to experience its delectable cuisine.
The restaurant’s popularity is attributed to its delectable cuisine and limited seating capacity.
For those who prefer table seating, making a reservation in advance is crucial to ensure a spot and avoid disappointment. You can make a reservation by calling 017-747 7902 or visiting their website.
Parking
Finding street parking in the bustling George Town, particularly on Muntri Street, can be challenging.
However, a private car park is conveniently located at the junction of Muntri Street and Penang Road.
Although it is a little pricey, it provides visitors with a stress-free and convenient alternative to street parking, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience.
Love at First Bite
My first visit to the restaurant was in March.
I ventured solo in the noonday heat because I was craving pizza and eager to try their offerings.
As I stepped into the cool interior of Bottega Penang, I was immediately greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and the sight of the bustling kitchen.
It was a welcoming sight after the sweltering heat outside.
Bottega Deli
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bottega Penang is its delightful dual experience as both a restaurant and an Italian deli, offering a unique and exciting dining experience.
Here, you can savor the full-bodied flavors of authentic Italian food in the heart of George Town.
Bottega grocer with imported wines, ingredients in cans and jars, cheeses, fresh homemade pasta, and meatballs.
Bottega Penang is an unpretentious gem that combines an Italian cafe with a delicious menu, a pizzeria, and a grocer.
At the entrance of Bottega Penang, you’re welcomed by imported, top-quality groceries flown in monthly from Italy, Spain, and France.
Here, you can enjoy imported Italian delights, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and a variety of groceries like cheese, wine, ham, flour, coffee, salami, sauces, and more.
Chilled items, like homemade meatballs and freshly made pasta and sauce, are also available for those outside George Town. These allow you to recreate the taste of Bottega at home.
Bottega Restaurant
Inside the renovated shophouse, the restaurant kitchen takes center stage with all the action and cooking.
The decor is a charming blend of rustic, with warm lighting and comfortable seating.
Right next to it, a long bar invites you to sip your wine while watching the chefs expertly prepare Mediterranean cuisine with love and skill.
Choice of dining table or bar dining to watch the chef at work
The vibrant atmosphere promises a delightful dining experience, leaving you eagerly anticipating your meal.
Pizza
Fume—Speck—Scamorza, priced at RM40, was the first pizza I tried, following the server’s recommendation.
It featured Mozzarella, Speck, Smoked Scamorza Cheese, and Tomato Sauce.
The pizza was huge and incredibly delicious.
It was my first time trying Smoked Scamorza Cheese, which had a slightly salty and subtly woody flavor profile.
I did very well and finished half the pizza.
Fredea Lemon Soda and Fume—Speck—Scamorza Pizza
I had two orders of Fredea Lemon Soda (RM12), a popular Italian lemon soda beloved by many, to quench my thirst and cool off from the noonday heat.
After traveling to Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou and indulging in plenty of Cantonese food, I craved Italian cuisine.
Bottega June Special Menu
Last Friday, Miss Lisa and I tried the Bottega June Special menu and were delighted with the flavors.
Day 1
We weren’t that hungry, having had a late breakfast, but we were greedy and decided on a starter and pasta to share.
We had enjoyed the salty and sweet combination of Prosciutto and Melon before and wanted to see how Bottega’s version compared.
Prosciutto “San Daniele” Melone, Aceto Balsamico (RM38)
“San Daniele” Ham, Melon, and Balsamic Vinegar.
I’ve tried ham-wrapped melon wedges before, but this version was much nicer.
The Chef cut the melon into chunks and arranged paper-thin slices of ham around it, drizzling it with Balsamic Vinegar.
Gnocchi Di Patate, Gorgonzola, Noci Tostate & Pere (RM34)
Handmade Potato Gnocchi, Gorgonzola Cheese, Toasted Walnuts, and Caramelized Pears
The Gnocchi with Gorgonzola, Walnuts, and Pears is an absolute delight! Picture soft, freshly made gnocchi with rich, salty, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese.
From the very first bite, the pillowy softness of the gnocchi will make you marvel at the wonders a skilled chef can create with just a few potatoes, some cheese, and walnuts.
Combining creamy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet, juicy pears creates an unforgettable symphony of flavors and textures.
Ham and Melon with Gnocchi and Gorgonzola Cheese
It’s so incredibly delicious that I couldn’t resist returning to enjoy it two days in a row!
Day 2
The next day, I was with Miss Irene, who asked if there was anything we could try in George Town.
Miss Irene is my partner in crime regarding tasty food; her tastes are spot on.
She has taken me to the best Michelin-starred restaurant in HK, Macau, and China.
We went again on a Saturday as the Bottega June menu was closing, and we slid in for lunch.
We ordered a starter salad and a main as we wanted to diet (LOL)
Insalata Di Finocchi Cotti Bottovuoto, Quinoa, Melograno, Dressing Al Sesamo (RM30)
Sous Vide Fennel, Quinoa Salad, Toasted Walnuts, Pomegranate Seeds, Sesame Dressing
I hadn’t tried fennel before and was looking forward to its refreshing, mild anise or licorice flavor in a vibrant dish.
We expected the sous vide fennel to be tender and flavorful. However, it turned out to be too fibrous for my taste.
On the bright side, the nutty quinoa, crunchy walnuts, bursts of sweet-tart pomegranate seeds, and the sesame sauce tied everything together beautifully, adding a unique and delicious touch.
I believe its ingredients are ones I will grow to love.
Mains
Involtino Di Pollo, Pancetta Tesa, Funghi Porcini, Scamorza Affumicata (RM75)
Sous Vide Chicken Breast Wrapped in Cured Pork Belly, Filled with Porcini Mushrooms, Smoked Scamorza Cheese
We didn’t know there was a QR code link to a picture menu, but when Mr. Ramon kindly alerted us, we were thrilled to order the mains.
Remember, we girls were on a diet and didn’t want to eat a lot of chicken (grins).
The Chicken Roll is a savory delight.
Juicy chicken breast is rolled and filled with rich, earthy porcini mushrooms and Smoked Scamorza Cheese,, all wrapped in crispy bacon.
Every mouthful is a fusion of perfection, offering a satisfying and indulgent experience.
We are grateful for Mr. Ramon’s guidance and for discovering this delicious dish!
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Roll with Fennel Quinoa Salad
Drinks
While the drinks menu looked tempting, the noonday weather in Penang could have been better for wines.
Instead, we found great alternatives in sodas and organic fruit juices.
Conclusion
As we wrapped up our meal, we wished we had more friends to share more dishes and order desserts. We managed a starter, pasta, and a main with two drinks, and we were so full and happy.
We couldn’t wait to get hold of the July menu and return for more delicious food.
Bottega Penang (Non Halal)
Address: 76, Muntri Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Hours: Daily at 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: 017-747 7902
Google: https://g.co/kgs/btM4J3W
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
