Located in the heart of downtown LA, Bottega Louie–part Italian restaurant, part French patisserie, and part market–is one of the hottest places to eat in the area. Near the entrance is the beautiful café and market section, with a stunning and mouthwatering pastry case. But walk back a little deeper and you’ll find the award-winning restaurant that exudes such class and elegance that I decided I want to celebrate all special occasions there for the rest of my life.
Louie is perhaps best known for its towers of brightly colored, French macarons displayed beautifully in the windows – and for good reason, they are so delicious (and gluten free)! The service was just as outstanding as the food – our waitress knew absolutely everything on the menu that was gluten free without even having to ask her manager. She also proudly told us that anytime a guest is gluten free, the kitchen uses fresh, clean dishes, pots and pans, etc. to prepare everything for them, in order to ensure there is no cross contamination. The French fries are cooked in the same frier as other menu items, so the restaurant does not recommend that gluten free guests order them due to the cross-contamination risk. Our waitress highly recommended the brussel sprouts (to die for!), and the Branzino, which was cooked to perfection. These were great recommendations – they were our favorite dishes! My table also tried the Grilled Octopus, Burrata with Roasted Vine Tomatoes, and the Rib Eye (substituting the Truffle Mashed Potatoes instead of fries). Every single item was so good that the only consolation for not cleaning our plates was that we got to experience the flavors all over again by taking the leftovers home. But be sure to save room for the long list of gluten free dessert options! Our favorite was the Butterscotch Budino, which our waitress accurately described as “butterscotch candy on crack,” something you can only understand after you try it. This dessert is served with a Salted Caramel Macaron (their most popular flavor), and it was unlike any I’ve ever had. We also tried the Princess Cake, which was a delicious, chocolate ganache cake with a macaron inside it! Next time I want to try even more of their unique macaron flavors – the Earl Grey one sounds delicious. I have also heard that Louie has a fabulous brunch, so I have to come back to try that as well.
With its high ceilings, marble floors, and brass trimming, it is easy to feel like royalty in Bottega Louie and the food is fit for a king.