Bottega PJ
[Non-halal] Bottega PJ is a new branch of the popular family-owned Italian deli in Bukit Bintang.
We’ve visited the Italian Deli in KL a few times and have always enjoyed the food there. Hence, we were happy to learn that they have opened a third outlet in Taman Megah, PJ.
Bottega PJ in Taman Megah
Bottega KL started as a family-owned business in 2011.
Literally called “shop” in Italian, Bottega KL is located in an old apartment-style building on Jalan Ceylon and is just a stone’s throw away from the bustling and boozy streets of Changkat Bukit Bintang.
We’ve visited the deli a few times over the years – and enjoyed the charming space, and affordable Italian food as well as produce meticulously sourced from the Mediterranea. It’s a good spot for both casual and business meals.
Given its success, we are not surprised that it found fresh capital to expand into Penang (we’ve seen the space – very charming) and now in PJ.
Bottega PJ offers imported groceries and cold cuts
Opened in late May, Bottega PJ occupies two shop lots in Taman Megah – which is fast becoming a hot spot for dining following the erection of Megah Rise Mall (pardon the pun).
Similar to its two outlets in KL and Penang – the front of the shop is mainly occupied by the “grocer section”.
Bottega has been importing quality groceries from Italy, Spain, and the Mediterranean region for years – which include aged cheese, meats, pasta, vinegar, truffles, and wine.
Bottega’s offering of cold cuts and charcuteries are definitely their highlights here – and a dear friend swears by the burrata.
Aside from imported goods, Bottega also sells their homemade sauces (e.g. arrabiatta, pesto) and pitted olives, which we cooked with pasta at home in the past.
Bottega PJ offers more seating capacity
Given its location, we thought that Bottega PJ somehow lacked the intimate and “neighborhood” feels of the original KL outlet (and even Penang).
There are definitely more tables (and workers) in this outlet – but it has a more generic and corporate setting, and lacked warmth.
I’m sure this will improve in the future as the folks take some time to settle in.
Italian food and more
Nevertheless, this is more than made up with the attentive and friendly service, and the food.
Similar to its KL branch, the menu remains quite expansive and is reasonably priced too.
Find everything from pizzas to pasta to hard-to-find-dishes-in-KL such as the Risottino (Italian carnoroli rice) and braciola (pork shoulder rolled with bacon and cheese).
Cozze is a whole lotta mussels
Since it was just the two of us for this maiden visit – we ordered three dishes and house wine (RM28 for a decent Cabernet) which was more than enough to fill two tummies.
The Cozze (sauteed mussels in white wine/tomato sauce with crispy bread) was one of the most value-for-money starters we’ve eaten in years.
For RM26, we had a full portion of mussels (600g we reckon) which seems more like a main portion than anything else.
The white wine version we ordered was lovely. The mussels were decently-sized and fresh, and we like that good garlicky hit with a bit of freshness from parsley.
There’s also enough headiness from the wine in the broth.
The only drawback of this dish is the hard-as-rock bread which did not even yield to the broth when dipped.
You make my heart Polpette
Two dishes left for the night – and it only seemed appropriate to get one pasta and one pizza.
The pasta of choice: Pasta Con Pulpette (RM29).
This may look like a generic Bolognese Meatball Pasta, but it’s anything but.
The pasta is served al-dente (which we liked) and the sauce is beautifully seasoned with enough aromatics and spices to please any Italian tongue.
Good texture as well from the polpette (meatballs) with enough fat to a truly satisfying bite.
Yes, I Picante you
Even then, we actually prefer the Pizza Picante (RM36) that night.
The dough has a nice chew and is topped with lovely gooey mozzarella and zesty tomatoes, with lovely hits from spicy salami, nduja (spreadable pork bits), and red onion.
This pizza was greasy in all the right way (natural and flavourful oils from the salami and nduja), with just the right tang, spiciness and fat from the base cheese and tomatoes.
Summary
Bottega is in PJ and we’re happier for it.
We’d definitely come back for more authentic Italian fare here.
Bottega PJ
Address: 15, Jln SS 24/8, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Hours: 11am-10pm Daily
Phone: +60 11-1666 3711
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