Bottega Louie

A recipe for perfection...right down to the ribbon.

Cross the regal opulence of Versailles with a playful Italian wholesomeness. Top it off with a laid back Los Angeles vibe, and what do you get? The answer is one of downtown’s latest additions, Bottega Louie.

Walk through the glass doors of this restaurant, bar, and market, and one is easily transported to some kind of European fantasy, all the sophisticated artistry with none of the pretense. I can’t help but wonder whether Marie Antoinette would have fared a different fate had she taken a cue or two from this charming establishment.


Welcome to the Court of Louie

With floor to ceiling windows, bold white walls and sleek marble floors, the space exudes celestial perfection. Roam the shelves and you’ll notice that every detail is accounted for, right down to the ribbons. The market offers counter service for an assortment of delicate pastries, full coffee bar, fine cheeses, meats, jams, spices, and gourmet deli items (They even have kugel!), It’s an impressively deep and varied offering, one to keep in mind for future picnics, entertaining at home, or just a quick fix for those folks employed downtown.


Exquisite pastries send my sweet tooth into hysterics.


Honey dates, and fresh figs, and fine cheeses, oh my.

Despite the decadent surroundings, Bottega Louie boasts a supremely egalitarian ethos. All are welcome. No reservations. Last week, the crowd was a diverse bunch. The huge dining room held a cluster of kids celebrating a birthday, several serious business types working through a power lunch, bohemian rocker artists sipping wine, old ladies who lunch, a couple on a romantic rendezvous, and yours truly enjoying the boisterous, bustling Court of Louie. Yes, depending on the time of day, the place can get pretty darn loud. So prepare yourself.

As for its food,this isn’t the place to go if you want gastromolecular flourishes or fusion gimmicks. The menu is simple and straightforward. Classic, comfort food fit for a king. Dishes are traditional without feeling dated or dull. I recommend the farmer’s market breakfast, two poached eggs over a medley of roasted shitake mushrooms, green beans, golden beets, cherry tomatoes and potatoes.


Farmers Market Breakfast

Or the smoked salmon benedict, two potato pancakes covered with wilted greens,smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraiche, red onions, and topped off with poached eggs. I was not particularly impressed with their pizza. Something about the relationship between cheese, sauce, and toppings tasted confused. But I suppose they gave it a good enough try. Za Czar that I am, there are few places I can trust for a great slice. All in all, the cooking here feels fresh and easy with a refined touch. Even the to-go items are special. A vegetarian sandwich I had one afternoon was the perfect blend of paper thin cucumber, hearty nut bread, buoyant sprouts, and spicy mustard.


Mixed berry tart with vanilla cream and shortbread crust

As for desserts, the mixed berry tart with vanilla cream filling and shortbread crust is a delight. I can’t bring myself to order anything else.

Though the restaurant is open for dinner, I prefer idling away my mornings and afternoons here, when the bright sunshine fills the space up with an invigorating, unbridled energy. That said, every time I glimpse sight of the sexy bar, I entertain fantasies of charming a mysterious baron over cocktails. However you choose to spend your time here, one thing is certain, you can easily pass away the hours like a queen, eating as much cake as you like without fear of losing your head.

- Sascha