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Bottega Louie
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Bottega Louie
8.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A grand, high-volume Downtown institution that pairs reliable Italian comfort with a patisserie and market feel. Pastas and pizzas come out fast and consistent even at peak crowds, and the bright, bustling room works well for kids, groups, and celebrations without feeling like a compromise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, House-made pastas (ask for daily standouts), Macarons and pastries from the patisserie counter
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A Downtown Italian powerhouse with a full patisserie that keeps families happy.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting a dependable DTLA staple.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for easier seating.
What to order: Margherita pizza, a pasta to share, pastries for dessert.
Insider tip: Grab dessert first if the case is packed—favorites sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at The Bloc or nearby garages (5–10 minutes’ walk). Street parking is scarce, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; families come relaxed, but many diners lean polished due to the patisserie’s upscale feel.
Noise level: High-energy and loud during peak hours; conversation is doable but expect a lively, echo-filled dining room.
Weekend wait: 45–70 minutes without a reservation, especially 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal waits; 5–15 minutes during the midday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—salads, pizzas, pastas, and vegetable sides hold up well.
Vegan options: Moderate—several customizable salads and veg plates, but limited dedicated entrées.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—GF pasta and pizza available; ask staff to guide safe bakery picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy over intimacy; the room is impressive and lively but too loud for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak windows. Walk-ins move faster for lunch or after 8pm; larger groups should book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—big tables, fast pacing, kid-pleasing pizzas and pastas, and a dessert case that doubles as entertainment. Best for ages 4+ due to noise and crowds.
Best For
Better for: High-volume consistency, fast-paced Italian favorites, and an on-site patisserie that wins over families and groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic Italian dinner or a slow, intimate dining experience—this space is built for bustle, not serenity.
Bottega Louie
8.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A bright, high-volume Downtown landmark where pizza is part of a broader Italian comfort lineup, but comes out consistently well even under heavy traffic. Thin-crust pies balance crisp edges with clean sauce-and-mozzarella flavor, and the patisserie energy makes it an easy family win. Expect bustle, fast pacing, and a room that feels special without being fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Prosciutto arugula pizza, Macarons from the patisserie case
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Massive DTLA institution pairing solid pizza with a world-class patisserie.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting a dependable downtown staple.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to dodge peak crowds.
What to order: Margherita, prosciutto arugula pie, a dessert box.
Insider tip: Grab pastries early—top picks sell out fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Structure parking at 7th & Grand and adjacent paid lots; street parking is limited and tough during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; families and groups are fine in relaxed attire, but many diners lean slightly polished.
Noise level: High-energy and bustling; conversation is doable but expect a steady background hum during peak periods.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though it can fill quickly around the 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes naturally fit vegetarian needs.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; some pizzas and salads can be modified, though no dedicated vegan cheese program.
Gluten-free options: Partial support; GF diners can rely on salads and certain mains, but there is no full gluten-free pizza crust.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energetic, stylish downtown energy rather than intimacy; the room feels vibrant and polished but not quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially for small parties; be prepared for a wait during weekend dinner or prime brunch windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—highchairs, spacious seating, fast pacing, and pizzas/pastas that land well with most ages; best for kids 4+ who can handle a lively room.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, lively family meals, and consistently good thin-crust pizzas in a polished, photogenic setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, or you need fully gluten-free pizza options.
Bottega Louie
8.8
A grand, high-ceilinged DTLA landmark where you can do a proper pasta-and-wine dinner and still end with a stroll through the patisserie counter. The room is bright and bustling rather than hushed, but the food holds up at scale—thin-crust pizzas, careful pastas, and a dessert case that turns a date into a full night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto di Parma pizza, Tagliatelle bolognese, Macarons and seasonal pastries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Italian comfort cooking paired with a destination-level patisserie in one stop.
Who should go: Couples who want dinner plus dessert spectacle.
When to visit: Weeknight or early weekend dinner for best pacing.
What to order: Prosciutto pizza, a house pasta, pastries to share.
Insider tip: Pick desserts first if the case is packed—favorites sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at 7th & Grand is the most reliable; street parking is scarce and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean stylish but relaxed; jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate-lively; you can hold a date-night conversation, but the room’s energy is bright rather than intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on peak patisserie traffic and large parties.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; usually seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple pizzas, pastas, and salads that work well for vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and a few modifiable dishes, but not a dedicated vegan lineup.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodations—several menu items can be modified; no dedicated GF pizza dough.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, impressive room with great food and a built-in dessert finale. Not ideal if you prefer quiet, low-key intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits grow quickly around peak dinner and weekend dessert rushes. Arrive early or consider a late dinner slot.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids do fine thanks to pizzas, pastas, and the patisserie; younger kids may find the noise and crowd levels a bit much during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: A grand, lively Italian experience with standout desserts and a visually striking dining room—great for dates that want energy rather than quiet.
Skip if: You want a candlelit, intimate Italian dinner or strictly gluten-free options; choose a quieter, more specialized trattoria instead.
Bottega Louie
8.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A grand DTLA café-restaurant with an Italian-leaning menu and a patisserie counter that makes family meals easy: big tables, fast pacing, and something for every age. Pastas and pizzas hold up at high volume, and the dessert case is a built-in reward for kids. Bright, bustling, and reliably polished for group outings.
Must-Try Dishes:
GF margherita pizza, short rib pasta, macarons
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-volume Italian café with a top-tier patisserie in the same room.
Who should go: Families and groups needing broad crowd-pleasing options.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner before peak rush.
What to order: Pizza, a pasta, then pastries to share.
Insider tip: Grab desserts at arrival—favorites sell out by night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available at The Bloc or nearby structures; street parking is limited and competitive after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and comfortable outfits are common, but many diners lean polished for photos.
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak hours; manageable at off-peak times but expect energetic family-and-group chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; large parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait before 12pm; light to moderate queue between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage—pastas, pizzas, salads, and pastry options make it easy.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and a few modifiable plates, but not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be modified GF, but no separate prep environment—best for moderate, not strict, GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something lively and casual; it’s bright and bustling, not intimate. Great for fun, low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak times—arrive early or come outside lunch/dinner rush for the fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, large tables, fast pacing, and a pastry counter that keeps younger diners excited. Good for ages 3+.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, families, and anyone wanting a broad, crowd-pleasing Italian menu with a built-in dessert destination.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or strict dietary accommodations that require dedicated prep environments.
Bottega Louie
8.8
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Business Lunch Power Players
A DTLA institution that blends Italian-leaning dining with a patisserie counter, and it’s one of the easiest places downtown to eat gluten-free without feeling limited. The kitchen handles GF pasta and pizza well, and the bakery case adds safe sweet options if you ask staff to guide you. Busy, bright, and reliably polished despite constant crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-free margherita pizza, Gluten-free pasta pomodoro, Macarons from the patisserie counter
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Massive, high-volume DTLA favorite with strong gluten-free pasta and pizza execution.
Who should go: Groups wanting a downtown staple with GF flexibility.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner before peak crowds.
What to order: GF margherita pizza, GF pasta, macarons.
Insider tip: Order GF early in the meal—kitchen gets slammed after 7pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at The Bloc or 7th & Grand structures is the most reliable; street parking is scarce and competitive after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but flexible. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean business-lunch or chic weekend attire.
Noise level: Lively. Expect a steady hum during peak hours; conversational but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait before 12:15pm; a short queue forms after.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple pasta, pizza, and salad options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few salads and modifiable plates.
Gluten-free options: Very good—GF pasta and pizza are handled with care, and staff can guide you through pastry-case safe picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an energetic, stylish downtown setting. It’s not intimate, but it’s impressive, bright, and keeps conversation easy with a lively but controlled room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a wait during dinner rush or brunch peaks. Walk-ins are common—going early or late smooths the process.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids; the big dining room, pizza options, and pastry counter appeal to younger diners. Not ideal for strollers during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: A polished, high-volume downtown experience with some of the most reliable gluten-free pasta and pizza options in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want something quiet, ultra-fast, or hyper-authentic Italian; the scene-forward atmosphere and steady crowds are part of the experience.
Bottega Louie
8.6
A grand, high-energy downtown brasserie that stays open late and consistently turns out crisp, thin-crust pizzas alongside its broader Italian-leaning menu. The pies balance clean dough snap, bright sauces, and well-judged toppings, making this a reliable late-evening stop that feels distinctly DTLA.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Truffle Mushroom Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A landmark DTLA dining room with a late-running, high-volume pizza program.
Who should go: Night-owl groups wanting a real sit-down slice.
When to visit: Late evenings, especially Fri–Sat.
What to order: Margherita, prosciutto-arugula, truffle mushroom.
Insider tip: Grab a bar-side table for faster turns and peak people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available on Grand Ave (typically $12–$15). Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby garages at FIGat7th or The Standard often have availability.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—think elevated casual for downtown.
Noise level: High-energy and loud, especially later in the evening. Conversations are possible but expect a lively room rather than a quiet one.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7:30–10pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; quick seating unless a convention is in town.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection, including multiple pizzas, salads, and vegetable-focused plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some pizzas can be modified, and a few sides/salads qualify.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pizza dough, but gluten-free pasta is available; cross-contact possible due to a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-energy, visually impressive setting. The room is vibrant and lively, but not ideal if you want intimate or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially at the bar or for smaller groups. Expect a wait on weekends; put your name in early and explore the pastry counter while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a loud dining room. High chairs are available, but the space is fast-paced and better suited for families with kids 6+.
Best For
Better for: A buzzy, downtown-luxe atmosphere with consistently solid thin-crust pizzas late into the night—more energetic and design-forward than most DTLA pizza options.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, gluten-free pizza, or hyper-regional, Naples-style pies—smaller artisan pizzerias may fit those needs better.
Bottega Louie
8.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A Downtown institution that works like a polished European brasserie for power lunches—fast-moving, high-ceilinged, and built for seeing and being seen. The menu spans crisp pizzas, clean pastas, and a pastry counter that lets you end meetings on a sweet note without dragging. Reliable execution at scale makes it a default when you need a sure thing near Grand Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Spaghetti pomodoro, Macarons from the patisserie
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Grand-scale brasserie energy with a market-patisserie that keeps lunch efficient and impressive.
Who should go: Client lunches and downtown teams.
When to visit: Weekday noon–2pm for peak scene.
What to order: Pizza, a classic pasta, pastry to share.
Insider tip: Grab pastries at the counter to end on time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available at nearby garages along Grand Avenue; street parking is limited during weekday business hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—office attire fits naturally, but polished jeans and a button-down are common.
Noise level: Lively and high-energy; conversations are doable but expect a bustling brasserie backdrop.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak early-evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Often a 10–20 minute wait during the noon rush; near-zero wait before 11:45am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—salads, pastas, pizzas, and several vegetable-forward plates.
Vegan options: Moderate—some salads and customizable dishes, but options are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation—many salads and some mains work; pizzas and pastas are limited for GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can be, if you want a lively, high-energy setting rather than an intimate one; better for casual dates than romantic ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a short queue during peak lunch hours; arriving slightly early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids; the space is loud enough for families, but there are no dedicated kids’ amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, polished business lunches with broad menu appeal and a strong pastry finish.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, fine-dining pacing, or a menu tailored to strict dietary constraints.
Bottega Louie
8.4
A grand, always-buzzing DTLA café-brasserie hybrid where the patisserie case and cavernous dining room create nonstop motion. The food spans pizzas, pastas, and breakfast-leaning comfort, executed with enough consistency to support the crowds. Trendy in the old-school downtown sense—still a magnet for meetups and photo stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Macarons & Pastries, Truffle Pizza, Pasta Classics
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic DTLA patisserie-brasserie with constant city energy.
Who should go: Friends meeting downtown for a lively meal.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or weekend brunch.
What to order: Truffle pizza, pasta, dessert box.
Insider tip: Grab pastries to-go if the main line looks wild.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking at nearby structures along Grand Avenue; street parking is limited and competitive during evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but relaxed fits in, especially for brunch and daytime meetups.
Noise level: High – expect a lively, echoing dining room where conversation is doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak brunch-to-dinner turnover.
Weekday lunch: Often a short wait, though the pastry line can move faster than the main dining queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong – multiple pastas, pizzas, and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited – a few salads and customizable plates; pastries are largely non-vegan.
Gluten-free options: Moderate – several salads and entrées are workable; pizzas and pastries remain limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual or brunch-style first dates where energy is the point; not ideal if you want a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially off-peak; expect a queue during weekend brunch and prime dinner hours, but walk-ins are common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are common, and the spacious layout plus pastry counter make it engaging for kids aged 6+; toddlers may find the noise overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: A lively, photogenic brasserie scene with reliable crowd-pleasers and standout pastries under one roof.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, chef-driven tasting menu, or low-traffic environment; consider a calmer DTLA spot instead.
Bottega Louie
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Brunch Bliss Spots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Bottega Louie anchors downtown’s Grand Avenue corridor with a sprawling Italian restaurant, gourmet market, and patisserie under one roof. Guests come for wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and brunch plates backed by a constantly humming open kitchen and bar. The bright, high-ceilinged space feels more like a bustling European food hall than a quiet neighborhood trattoria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portobello Fries, Margherita Pizza, Rigatoni Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-energy Italian restaurant, patisserie, and market that defines downtown dining.
Who should go: Groups, brunch crews, and travelers craving lively downtown Italian plates.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak lines and noise.
What to order: Portobello fries, margherita pizza, rigatoni bolognese, signature macarons.
Insider tip: Hit the pastry counter first and box desserts before dining.