First Glance: Bottega, Sanlitun

Bottega is the latest eatery to enter the fray that is Beijing's crowded pizza market. Specializing in Neapolitan style pizzas (think a thinner, chewier base, cooked quickly at a high temperature with fewer toppings), in the kitchen are brothers Daniele and Paulo Salvo (the "Fratelli Salvo"), who have previously worked with La Pizza and Matta. 

Tucked away in the alleyway across from Page One, next to Alameda, the restaurant opens up into a 60-odd seater space. Decor is slick, in a "we could roll this out nationwide" kind of way. The soft opening menu focuses on the classics pasta, pizza, and a few appetizers and salads. 

We started with the Positano salad (grilled chicken, spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan, orange and grapefruit), which, while perfectly serviceable, paled in comparison to the delicious frittatina di maccheroni, spaghetti mixed with bechamel and ground beef, then breaded and deep fried.  

But of course, the pizzas are intended to be the highlight here and boy do they hold up their end of the deal. The puffed up, lightly charred crust is tasty enough to stand on its own, but also works well against the judiciously applied toppings. 

All went down nicely with a well rounded glass of Sorrentino Lacryma Christi (RMB 40), although if we were to nit pick the pour size was a little on the stingy side. However, if this is the only flaw in their soft opening period, then we foresee very good things ahead for Bottega.  

Bottega Fratelli Salvo
Daily 6pm-midnight. 18 Sanlitun Lu (in the alleyway across the street from Page One, next to Alameda), Chaoyang District (6416 1752)
朝阳区三里屯路18号

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Photos: Robynne Tindall