La Bottega Nicastro, ByWard Market in Ottawa
64 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5V9, Canada
About
Ottawa's Italian Food and Wine Destination. Unique market featuring a restaurant, coffee shop, signature sandwiches, cooking classes, wine tastings, private events, catering and fine food shop.
Business Hours
Services
Photos
Reviews
Most Mentioned
Ottawa’s best kept secret for Friday night Dinner!!! My husband and I stumbled upon this gem. The food was remarkable, the wine selection superb it’s cozy, and inviting atmosphere and the staff delightful. This is by far one of our favourite restaurants. We can’t wait to return soon! Thank you La Bottega Nicastro!
I love shopping here for deli meat and cheeses. They have a great selection of Italian goods and I was able to find Guanciale here. The sandwiches are so good. It's cheaper than Subway but way better quality.
I visited La Bottega while in Ottawa, following a TikTok recommendation, and it did not disappoint! The margarita pizza and rosé were perfect, and the quiet, quaint atmosphere made for a relaxing meal. The staff went above and beyond when they found out it was my birthday, even getting the whole restaurant to join in on singing. The tiramisu was light and delightful—a perfect ending. Highly recommend!
We got a sandwich for 9.73 and a large iced coffee for 4.50. Sandwich was very big, we split in half between two people. Iced coffee was also really smooth, strong coffee taste without being bitter.
I loved this store, the sandwiches and the random items they sell in the store. This is the first time I have ordered something from the deli though.. I do not recommend it. I asked for the Canadian prosciutto (and the guy initially grabbed some kind of white meat, chicken?, definitely not prosciutto, and I had to correct him. I asked for thin slices (and reminded him multiple times) and when I got home I discovered the thickest slices. Almost unusable for my purposes. I could have done better with a blunt knife at home. Point it.. I don't recommend the deli.
Came here with a friend who used to lived in the area and highly recommended we eat lunch here. You may not realize there’s a sandwich shop in the back unless someone shows you. It’s quite the hidden gem and so worth your time. Not only do you get a choice between four different fresh breads to choose from but there’s a dozen different meats and cheeses and toppings to create amazing sandwiches. Then there’s real Italian espresso drinks to pair with your lunch. Can’t really say much about the grocery store (though it did look amazing) but I can definitely recommend the deli and cafe!
Omg, this is a must go. If you can go have lunch at Isabelle's Cafe inside, it's truly amazing. Probably the best Italian food in Ottawa. The simplest and tastiest menu that changes on a daily basis. If you don't have time, you NEED to grab a sandwich. The place is a bit small and can get chaotic but it's totally worthwhile, their products are great quality and not too expensive. Do yourself a favor and just go check it out!! 10/10
TLDR: Boutique Italian grocer with New York Bottega vibes in the heart of Ottawa. A family runned business that you MUST check out if visiting the Byward Market. Packed with all your Italian essentials including hard to find items that regular grocery stores don’t provide. This is the store your friend’s Nonna will recommend you check out. A solid 5 out 5 on the total shopping and food experience. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hey family, Here’s my honest review of La Bottega Nicastro. I made the visit with my partner in May, 2022 and I wanted to share my personal experience with you below: Location: 1 star. Located in the Nation’s Capital, La Bottega finds itself nestled in the famous Byward Market. The store isn’t difficult to miss as you will see some outdoor seating and many patrons coming and going. If you ask any local in the area where to find the store they can easily point you in the right direction. Staffing: 1 star. As this is a family runned business most of the staff share the same family values. All departments are well staffed including the deli, hot table and check-outs. We asked a staff member for some assistance and they were happy to assist. No attitude or lack of respect as some previous reviewers mentioned. Food: 1 star. All of your bakery and Italian classics are available for dine-in or take-out. We unfortunately didn’t buy anything to eat as we were just visiting but the sandwiches did look good. Service: 1 star. The store can be busy as it receives a lot of daily visitors or locals who visit the shop daily. On the day we visited it wasn’t too busy so there are no complaints there. Wow factor: 1 star Bottegas success comes from its rich history in the city. The wow factor has to be how well stocked the store is, the plenty of rare food items it offers and its unique business model of wholesale foods, hot table, deli, bakery and some kitchenware items. The store can be a bit overwhelming but rest assured it’s all worth it. If you're looking for that rare olives you tried at a family gathering I can almost guarantee you’ll find it at this store. If you’re planning a visit to Ottawa ON, especially the Byward market area in the new year, I strongly recommend checking this store out. I give it a rare 5 out of 5 stars. Until next time…
fire sandwich!
A wonderful grocery store with all the delectable things you miss from Italy. I thought the prices were fair and the selection to be fantastic.
Who ever was working the sandwich counter on Saturday november 2nd, closest to the coffee machine did not put the correct toppings on, didn t know the bread types, didn t know how to cut the bread, and wasn t fit for customer service in that position. 2 stars because the sandwich is always amazing, zero stars for that employee
I just wanna come here on the comments to say this is the best sandwich place I ate by far and the price wow
Always have the items I want. DELICIOUS SANDWICHES
Veggie Sandwich was good!
Got a sandwich and the server Cartic was simply amazing
Great service, ambiance and tasteful stuff. Thanks!
The food/drinks are authentic and high quality. It hasn t changed since day 1. everything is so appreciated.
I ve been here a few times and it s always been fairly good but yesterday I went and got a sandwich and found this hair/string inside of my sandwich. Very unpleasant to experience. The guys behind the sandwich counter seemed more concerned about talking to each other than helping the customers and seemed annoyed that they had to help a customer.
I like their small restaurant inside the market. The food and the service are great.
Really nice place, very complete in all the diversity of Italian cuisine
Awesome shop and great sandwiches for a reasonable price
Great Italian market! Everything you can imagine.
Feels like I was in Italy. Very nice selection of products, helpful staff. But cannoli were not good. Not completely filed, flavorless shell, tasteless ricotta
Very high-quality products from Italy. Friendly service and staff.
The absolute best. Special thanks to Antonio.
Our go to for team lunches. The food is fresh, delicious and flavourful. Reasonably priced for what you get!
Always great service
If youre looking at the map and trying to figure out where this place is, its inside of home société. Sandwiches slap.
Love it! Friendly staff and good prices!
Wonderful!
Its a 45 minute drive one way for me now that Merivale is closed. Still worth it. Today was special. Joe was there. I had to hold back tears is was so good to see him again. First met him when Merivale opened. He always treated me like an old friend and made sure I got everything I needed. (No matter how dirty I was from work.)Today was the same.Tonight I eat like a King again. Cant thank you and all the staff enough. See you all again soon.
best sandwiches and cheese/meat in ottawa. would 100% recommend
Isabelle Bistro in the back is fantastic. Isabelle is a serious chef who knows what shes doing. Delicious food. You can tell she has the culinary touch. Always a great specials board every week and the regular items are solid. Fun atmosphere, especially if youre sitting at the bar.
Small but amazing Italian market! It s full of fresh Italian products and delicacies that you wouldn t find anywhere else. There s a small stand at the back where they make you fresh coffee and there s also a bar for drinks. There s also fresh cheese and meats (like prosciutto) and they also make incredible sandwiches for 9,75$ and you can put whatever you want in them. It s worth the price and the staff is really nice and efficient and of course helpful. It s opened all year round and it s located in the ByWard Market. Truly a hidden gem. We stop here every time we come to Ottawa without exception. 5 stars, would recommend.
Speciality store with many Interesting goodies. You would think its very pricey but it has everything at a broad range of prices to suit your budget. Wholly please try the freshly made sandwiches and chewy biscotti!!!
As usual, fine fresh Italian pastries and my marinated eggplant. Full of nice little treasures and lets not forget the best fresh Italian sausages that dont shrink when you cook them...
Wonderful little store. Probably my favourite place in the market.
Precious store , unavoidable place. On the other hand , have not often been treated with respect from the staff and the owners . The cashiers, mostly student girls ,which are usually the best mannered, are not staying long . It says a lot. Unfortunately.
In my opinion, La Bottega Nicastro is the Best Italian Deli, Sandwhich Shop, Huge Pasta Selection, Various Spices, Olives, Coffees etc. The choices are endless!! When visiting Ottawa, it is my go to place to stock up on all my Italian needs/whims!! Also, their little Cafe in the back of the store is to die for! Best Italian dishes in Ottawa!! A must place to go to in Ottawa!! Highly recommend!!
I love this place, the little Bistro in the back is amazing.
A truly disappointing experience Despite the expectations of an Italian service, unfortunately, these guys do not seem competent in their work. We ordered sandwiches and onion soup, but everything we were served was cold. The soup was so cold that the fat had solidified and was floating on the surface, while the sandwich, with its untoasted and crumbly bread, had no flavor at all. The quality of the cured meats offered is highly questionable. Ultimately, an experience not to be repeated.
Always a great place to get a taste of Italy.
Best lil Italian shop downtown Ottawa. Great assortment of food from European cuisine and take out.
Awesome as usual
Amazing service as always...
Sandwiches have gone so far downhill it s unbelievable! Don t believe all of the fake reviews that come after a real one on here - don t be fooled. Meat is little to none same with toppings. Bread was hard and stale. Never going back! Used to go here every day in university.
Sandwiches are awful and overpriced. Used to be delicious!
This place makes the best fresh sandwiches
We use La Bottega to cater many of our events. Best sandwiches in the city. Thank you for the amazing service always. Highly recommended.
Amazing place with near unbeatable prices on cheeses and cold cuts. And the quality is always top notch and super fresh. When you go through as many cold cuts and cheeses as they do on a daily basis, its not surprising. Take out sandwiches are great and the little restaurant in the back has some good options. A definite recommend!
One of the best places in town to get fresh pasta and sauce. Great deli inside as well. Love the shop and glad to see it grow over the years
if its Italian food, theyve got it. mmmm
I love La Bottega! The sandwiches are the best in the city. The prepared pasta is always amazing. They have a great selection of everything you would want to see in a gourmet, food shop, including some of the finest olive oils, balsamic vinegars, cheese, chocolate etc. Staff is always courteous and knowledgeable. Pat Nicastro the owner is highly engaged in the business. We are lucky to have this store in Ottawa. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
It just the best...
We didnt go to the restaurant, just the store. So many wonderful things. Its not cheap, but everything is top quality. We love it!
A must when we are in Ottawa! We take the opportunity to buy fresh pasta, burrata, and oils! Everything is excellent. Quality Italian products. I love this place, thank you!
We cannot love Nicastros more. Amazing, authentic and quality Italian foods make for fun surprises every time we go in. We love getting fresh pasta and accompaniments to make a quick and easy dinner.
Must go lunch spot in Ottawa! Small, cozy and delicious
Wonderful variety of delicious food and wine.
Lots of great selection of European treats and super helpful staff!
Best sandwiches in town and live going in for fresh meats and cheeses when we decide to cook
Love this place! We dont get there often, as we dont live really close by. However, every single time we go, we find products weve never seen or heard of - even excellent gluten-free products!!
Great little market, with an even better restaurant/bar component hidden in the back!! The staff are friendly and the chef (Isabelle) makes some of the best pasta dishes youll have the pleasure of tasting!! Now while the bar is predominantly a wine bar, be sure to ask Isabelle to make you a Gin Sonic!
Wonderful and yummy place!
Been craving a Bottega sandwich for days so took advantage of rare Monday off and drove downtown! Wow the deli has gone down hill! My soft panini was hard as a rock! The thin layer of Turkey was barley visible and the sandwich maker basically just threw it into a bag. I ll just go to subway next time
Go to the Deli at the back for an amazingly good sandwich!!! I highly recommend this place. Everyone I know who is in Ottawa goes there now. Enjoy!
Fantastic Italian deli in the heart of the city. Great value fresh sandwiches
Its a great Italian market. They have the best sandwiches in town for a very reasonable price.
Best cannoli in town hands down
Great store for cheese and cold cuts .Many choice for your oil and vinegar.
Wonderful UNTIL you get to the snooty cashiers who are not interested in saying something like thanks, goodbye at the end of your transactions. Cold.
Great sandwiches!
Great products! The store makes it easy to create authentic Italian food! Service with a smile to boot. The Tiramisu is
Always a nice selection of special and unique groceries
Beautiful little Italian grocery store, we love going there every time we go to Ottawa
The service is exceptional and there is a great variety of products. I heard rave reviews of the heart shaped raviolis available on Valentine s day. Will make sure not to miss out on this opportunity next year!
This great eatery is a diamond in the rough and one of the markets best kept secrets. Food is delicious; service very personal and wine is exceptional. Congrates to chef and assistant staff for making this cozy luncheon engagement with my friends a great experience.
I loved this place as I did when I was younger, a warm, welcoming little place and I found my little happiness. Thank you
Great food, great wine, great staff. Whats not to love
Best sandwich in Ottawa. There, I said it.
Used to be the best sandwich in town. Its still good, but theres way less piled high happening at the sandwich counter. Great shop for high end Italian deli types wares.
Excellent delicatessen in Ottawa. Ideal for a lunch stop also with fresh sandwiches, made to order. Tons of product choices from all out, you wont be disappointed.
Hidden gem in Ottawa, loaded with huge selection of authentic Italian food and the deli meats are delicious! Especially prosciutto and Jamon! The little restaurant located in the stores is also worth a visit.
Good affordable sandwiches, coffee and pastries on top of a fantastic bottega type shop.
Isabelle at the bistro is worthy of a great chef, her food is sublime and her welcome is very warm.
I felt I was a guest in someone s kitchen. Chef Isabelle is an exquisite host and our meal was quite memorable. We ll go back on our next stop in Ottawa.
Such good food
I miss the pickled mushrooms section....
Great selection of Italian items and the sandwich is always great
Best italian store in town!
Overpriced for what it is. Crowded and food was meh. Could find cheaper and better food in little italy.
Well stocked, especially if you are European foodie.
Great Italian grocery with a great selection of both dried, canned, and fresh goods including cheeses and deli meats. The deli counter is especially good, for $8.85 at the time of writing you get a huge sandwich with a generous amount of meat of your choice, and a selection of great toppings. Probably one of the best places to go for a deli sandwich.
I am not sure if you know but there is an amazing restaurant inside
Interesting choices of products. A must try sandwiches and olive oil
Ive been shopping here for 5+ years and love it. The sandwiches are well priced, packed with meat and delicious. I exclusively get my olive oil and pasta from here whenever it is on sale! Keep a lookout for their flyer, lots of good items at a good price!!
Nice little shop! The cashier we had was not very pleasant , but the store has tons of options for yummy goodies
best place in all of Ottawa to get a deli sandwich, dont @me
Super market, their fresh food is amazing too. Very recommended.
Great selection of products from Italy. We were able to find Grand padano cheese, a wide selection of gluten free pastas and Caputo gluten free flour to make pizza. Its a fun shopping experience.
Good sandwiches. Would be better if all bread options are available all day.
What has happened? You guys sell moldy Tiramisu? It s disgusting. I am looking for an answer La Bottega.
Strike 3 for the Deli Bar . We had their sandwiches last week, and for the 3rd time, they were abysmal. Our soft panini bread was stale, toppings barely noticeable and worst of all, the amount of meat was about 1/4 of what it was a year ago. I reached out by email to express my disappointment, their response was that the bread was all baked fresh that day and the true price should be around $15.00 . Really??? I have been shopping here since the place opened for my imported Italian foods, however I will not buy another sandwich at their deli bar again. In addition, the customer service has also taken a nose dive. Rude and unfriendly staff as of late (newer ones)Time to pick up your socks La Bottega. Take some of the profits from the 500 sandwiches you claim to have made last Wednesday and invest in some customer service training.
The best sandwich in Ottawa, hands down. Staff is super friendly, fast and efficient. Great job La Bottega, Ottawa is lucky to have you!
Great sandwiches!
We stopped in to grab a sandwich from the deli counter. There are a good variety of bread options, the focaccia was by far our favorite. All the ingredients were high quality. There were lots of specialty items at the store. Definitely worth stopping in and giving their sandwiches a try.
The Market location is our go to and we love it. The Maison Corbeil location was great when I went a couple of times after shopping at Ikea. I really enjoyed the Amalfi chicken sandwich. Today, we went in to get a sandwich, and had a really disappointing experience. There was a young man and an older woman working and no customers at the counter. We stood at the counter for a good 5-8 minutes talking excitetly about sandwiches expecting one of the staff to pay ask what we wanted. The young man was making coffee so I understand he was busy. The older woman was on her phone almost the whole time except when she walked up to the young man and started chatting with him completely ignoring us. My husband was completely unimpressed so we left to get gyros at the Nutty Greek where the ladies treat everyone with such warm kindness. Well stick to The Botega in The Market from now on and I hope that theyll start serving the Amalfi chicken sandwich at the Market location because its really tasty
Still one of the best (and most affordable) places to eat in the Byward Market. This family owned and operated business has been a staple in the market for decades and they continue to deliver and not impress. From their prepared goods, to their coffee and sandwich shop, to their outstanding deli, La Bottega is a must stop if you are in the market and hungry.
Great sandwiches and excellent variety of specialty groceries.
Wooow flavour
Good food
It s all about cheese yummy yummy
Where s the meat? Deli sandwiches now contain 40% of the amount of meat compared to last year while the price increased. Shrinkflation at its best.
Amazing Sandwiches! Great price and so delicious. The patio outside is so nice to sit and enjoy all the action of Byward Market
Italy in Canada
Fresh and delicious sandwiches at affordable price!
Great sandwiches. Value for your buck.
The place to get your fix of Serrano ham, and Manchego cheese. Not Iberian chorizo anymore sadly
Ive been shopping here for years. Prices are reasonable, great selection of products, helpful staff, and delicious sandwiches, coffee, and pre-made meals make it one of my favourite stores in Ottawa. As well, prices for many deli meats and cheese are much cheaper than grocery stores - and quality is better too. Ive recommended the store to many people over the years due to all this.
Many thanks to Carol in the deli who graciously put together a dinner bundle on short notice to deliver to a family. I appreciate her kindness in going above and beyond.
This is one of the best Italian Markets outside of Europe I have ever seen.
Still the best grocery store in Byward Market.
Loved this little shop with the café in the back! Had a late lunch and it was so good. The rabbit parfait was delicious and they have a very nice selection of wines and a very well stocked market. You must buy some of the Parma Prosciutto (outstanding quality), a baguette, some cheese, olives and maybe a bottle of wine to enjoy for a laid back night after a long day sightseeing, you will not regret it. Looking forward to coming back!
My go-to after work bottega! Cannot beat the selection of products, homemade fare and great service. Great for gifts for anyone who enjoys good food and/or cooking.
Omg, best deli sandwiches Ive had
Listen: I worked in the byward market for years and la bottega has the best sandwiches of anywhere I ve ever gone in Ottawa. But I m leaving this review with 5 stars not to penalize this location but to share my grievance over the sandwiches served at the la bottega franchise in the Ottawa airport which isn t on Google maps. $19 for one of the worst, most pathetic sandwiches I ve ever eaten. If I were an Ottawa tourist and I tried this at the airport I d then avoid the byward market location. You re doing a disservice to yourselves. I don t know how the management differs between the two but I would reconsider what you re doing in the Ottawa airport.
The sign said $4.99. When scanned, the computer said $4.99. The older woman cash attendant with short grey hair looked at me and looked at the pasta and based on nothing but I assume vibes and aura, decided the pasta MUST be $7.99 and charged me that price. She had scanned everything else but before even scanning it, decided to ask the girl the cost rather than just scanning it. And even after doing so, decided, it was wrong. I was in a rush. And yea, it s only $3. But trust me, i m never shopping there again.
Beautiful Italian grocery store! Good sandwich prepared on site to eat on the go!
Manager reamed cashier for not greeting customers appropriately after transaction. Poor kid could ve been handled better privately, manager doesn t know how to manage. Love the store definitely a sour experience tho.
Their prosciutto cotto is the best Ive ever had. The staff are lovely and shopping there is wonderful. Went back again today. What a treat!
One of the best place in town to buy Italian products! Great selection of gluten free products as well
La Botega is a classic in the market for good sandwiches and good food.
We ordered deli, cheese and vegetable platters for our condo holiday party and were extremely happy with what we received. The platters were beautifully presented, so plentiful, fresh and delicious. The food was a huge success and delivered on time!
Wonderful shop, products and staff. We used the catering boxes and everything was perfect. Nice quantities, nice balance between meats/ cheeses/ crackers/ nuts/ olives. It has become an instant classic. Great job to all and our thanks to the Bottega to be such an amazing store in our city.
Everything is amazing in there.
Some of the best Italian food in Ottawa, great prices but prepare to want to buy everything.
Uses their Twitter account to spread misinformation about Catherine McKenney. So unprofessional for a business and I am never coming here again.
Very fine produce and friendly staff
Great sandwiches for great price! The coffee is a must!
Authentic Italian grocery and deli. Best homemade sandwich in the Market!
Great selection and prices for cheese, olive oil and fresh pasta; we buy most of our specialty cheeses there. Aisles are narrow and sometimes crowded, like grocery stores in most European cities, but we love the ambience. Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about their products.
Absolutely love their deli sandwiches!
My favorite place in Ottawa! Since last year I have regularly gone to do my grocery shopping there. The products are quality. Its perfect for cheese and the prices are very reasonable. Recently I was able to try the restaurant, and it is as good as the store! The charcuterie and cheese plate was a treat and the squash pizza a great discovery. One of the best pizzas in Ottawa, that s for sure! $26 for a pizza is probably a bit expensive, but its worth it if youre looking for quality. The service is top notch, very welcoming (and bilingual, that s a plus). If I could give 6 stars, I would! In short, I really recommend this place.
Love that place for grocery shopping...except for the second time, I order a sandwich and the bread is not that fresh
Some great products and amazing sandwiches.
Expensive and nothing special
Great store for everything Italian. If theres a specific thing youre looking for, youll find it here.
Amazing store. Incredible staff.
I love that place!
Very good sandwiches, recommend doing here!!
Italian food at its best.
Fulfilling and delicious.
Good place to have italian food
Pretty cool grocery store with lots of Italian imported food, some rare and unique too, and a great selection of alcoholic beverages. People say they make the best sandwiches in all Ottawa
I used the catering service for an event after hearing good comments from colleagues. However, the customer service was very poor. Why have a dedicated catering phone line if it is inaccessible and the voicemail is full? Their website states that orders must be placed by email, but correspondence was very slow and by the time I was two days away from the event, I didnt even have an invoice or a delivery time. I had to go there in the morning of the event to check if my order had been processed. The time had to be adjusted, as I would never have received my order in time. Fortunately, the food was excellent, otherwise I would have left a 1 star.
Great stuff. Dont buy their bags though -- theyve broken on me more times I can count.
Wow! Not only is this a great store but the prices are very reasonable. Check out the wall of pasta on your left as you enter the store and the cheeses at the back. Staff is super friendly. Its well worth the trip, I highly recommend.
Chef Isabelle is incomparable, food is incredible and just watching her preparing the food makes you want to go to La Bottega everyday
Very nice market with different products
Great selection of Italian produce. Also, a good deli section. I believe the café at the back of the shop is a nice one though Ive never eaten there myself.
I can spend hours in here! They have a lot of selections of cheeses and sardines and many more. The price is also very reasonable.
Best sandwiches, good prices on food!
The sandwich is fine but not great. The guy who prepared it was kind of rude without reason. Weird.
I always find what I m looking for here! Great selection and incredible staff
Nice store best sandwiches
Very fine collection of Italian pasta, sauces, oils and . Their famous sandwiches that we heard they have was really nothing special portion was very small ( the fillings was less than normal I think) their coffee was good.
We had the famous sandwich! The portion is small, I believe that the ratio of bread to the things that they put in the sandwich is not good, I mean when you bite, it s mostly bread instead of that tasty deli. I requested for and extra spicy eggplant, but I couldn t even feel the taste a bit.
Good selection of products. Some prices a little high compared to other towns but not unreasonable. Store is smaller than other towns as well but does the trick there. Excellent selection and pricing for pestos and pickled vegetables. Excellent selection of cold cuts, cheese, balsamic vinegars.
Good prize and quality ..I will like a little Moore different flour like zero ..and perboiler rice from italy
Really good sandwich deli counter inside.