La Bottega in Belfast

We had high expectations, based on reviews and word of mouth. We shared an arancini starter then had lasagne and gnocchi, with a green salad, a bottle of still water and a bottle of Soave. The food was OK although the lasagne was lukewarm. The bill for £95 seemed excessive, then we discovered that we had been charged £47 instead of £35 for the wine. Management were very apologetic and immediately refunded the difference. However, even then £83 feels very expensive for what we had, so I don’t think we will be back. An Italian bistrot should be cheap and cheerful. It’s a shame as an authentic Italian restaurant is a great addition to this part of Belfast - but at these prices I’m not sure it will last.

Love the food, been twice now for dinner, once on Sunday when they only serve pizza and once of a Saturday night. Can not fault the quality and flavor of the food but the portion size is a huge let down!!! The bruschetta was two very small pieces at £7!!!! The lasagna was also very small in size! My husband was hungry leaving. Service was good, but restaurant is very cold! Especially if you are sitting towards the back! There is a draft coming from the stairs to the toilets and kitchen, I had to keep my coat on the whole time and I noticed a couple near by done the same. Turn on a little heat and bring the potion size up a little and this would be a 10/10.

Excellent Italian restaurant. We have visited several times with friends and family. The food is freshly made and delicious and will make you think you are in Italy. There is also a good selection of Italian wines. The staff are friendly and courteous and many are Italian. We took an Italian friend form Rome who said this was the only ‘real’ Italian type restaurant in Belfast - and she loved it! I hope to visit again very soon.

I've been a few times this year and last time went with my family for pizza on Sunday. It's a great spot, really friendly staff and the food is fantastic - really authentic and you can tell they use proper ingredients and make food the Italian way. That's what it seems like to me anyway and I suppose another good sign is that you always hear Italians in the place.

Really enjoyable evening with authentic Italian hosts and fantastic food! We arrived not knowing what to expect, but were warmly welcomed by Italian owner. We got amazing pizzas, some of which were really unique and had beautiful ingredients from the delicatessen. Place is really cosy and decorated with Italian products. The Prosecco was excellent, as were the Peronis. Desserts top notch, especially the tiramisu and torta della nonna. Staff all really friendly and helpful with food allergies. Want to go back to try the lunch menu! Can highly recommend!

Very disappointing experience. After reading reviews I was mistakenly given the impression there was pizza available here… very limited menu, very expensive. Visited for dinner before concert and my lasagne arrived due to a ‘kitchen mishap’ 20 mins after my fellow diners. It was roasting and inedible as burnt my mouth and we had to go or risk missing the main act. I had three bites and gave the rest to the hubby who has a mouth that could cut asbestos. The servers realised after they delivered the other three mains…and should have offered some cheese and cold meats or salad but I sat while the other 3 ate with no food. At close to 200 pounds for 4 mains (two portions of a few small pieces of meat - bizarre mix of sausages and lamb and 2 single pieces of lasagne ) 2 bland arrancini balls, a nice bottle of red wine and three beers, I would not recommend. Lasagne was 16 quid for just the portion with a few tiny pieces of sourdough. Not the wonderful experience I expected.

Tasty authentic Italian food- a bit pricey though. Wine selection particularly expensive. A good lunch venue if you are not purchasing alcohol.

Just a very simple and short review: for my money, La Bottega is one of the best spots in Belfast. The staff are always lovely, the coffee is fantastic, the food is excellent, and the atmosphere is always great. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Very authentic Italian from start to finish. Highly recommended! From Spritz to Fiori di zucca to fritto misto to trofie al pesto to dolci to amaro!

Great food,atmosphere and service in a relaxed vibe. Genuinely feels like you’re in Rome, tha atmosphere is so authentic. Excellent wine, albeit a little pricey. The tiramisu is incredibly tasty, portion could be a little bigger maybe.

Beautiful Italian food & wine. What a great experience. We loved the savoury foods & the desserts. A real warm Italian feeling without a pizza & pasta overload. It was more complex Italian cuisine than would be the norm in typical Italian eateries in Ireland. Very impressed

Brilliant Italian restaurant in Belfast. Staff are awesome and the whole experience is very authentic. Menu changes regularly with a great selection of Italian classics

Disappointing. My parmigiana was lukewarm and thus was not enjoyable. A £7 portion of bruschetta amounted to one slice of bread with a couple of tomato bits and a pinch of pesto. Very poor value. The large measures of wine seem very miserly in volume but not in price! Also, my water glass had a lipstick mark on the lip! Ugh!! I'll not be rushing back.