Bottega

The delicious aroma greets you from several doors down the street, a combination of freshly baked pizza, pasta, meats and vegetables that has your mouth watering well before you enter the authentic Italian delicatessen that is Bottega. Not just another Wellington deli and borne from a desire to bring a taste of home to the neighbourly suburb of Berhampore, owners Giulio and Patricia (of Cicio Cacio Osteria fame) have created a place where quality food takes precedence.

A chef of 20 years, Giulio is passionate about serving food “as good as your mother makes, perhaps even better” he says with a grin. Old family portraits adorn the walls and he points out a photo of a small boy holding a record nearly as big as he is, “that’s me there”. A large Sardinian flag takes centre stage and the building’s original wooden bar looks beautiful in the bright space. If you look closely you will notice a tiny door set in at the base of the counter, it’s a mystery where it leads.

‘Bottega’ in Italian means an artisanal shop that specialises in a particular product, and in this deli you’ll get plenty of choice with a mix and match service that allows you to try a bit of everything and put together a meal exactly suited to your taste.

Among the most popular options are the meatballs and lasagne, but there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes to try as well. Almost everything is made fresh on site including the pizzas and salads, with a few dishes brought directly from Cicio Cacio each day to fill the cabinets and customer’s stomachs. Available for both dine in and takeaway, you’re encouraged to bring your own container and you can even go home with a little something extra from their range of high quality imported goods like pasta and tinned tomatoes.

The locals have quickly embraced Bottega and it has earned its place as a popular spot for regulars and visitors from further afield in search of fresh food at affordable prices. If you want to try some new food in Wellington and get out of the city, this should definitely be at the top of your list.