Bigger, Bolder & Bangin': Bottega Opens 2nd Location in Jing'an

By Sophie Steiner, August 30, 2024

Everyone’s favorite Napoli pizza joint, Bottega, has expanded into Jing’an, with an even bigger second location in the new food complex on Shaanxi Bei Lu, just north of the Beijing Xi Lu intersection.

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

Paying tribute to Italian fashion and culture – through collaboration with popular Italian brands like Aperol, Ferrero Rocher, La Gioiosa Prosecco, and Bialetti – expect a vibrant disco atmosphere.

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

In the same vein as the original Shanghai location, the space is decked out with a DJ booth for weekend parties, neon lighting, spinning disco balls, a reflective domed pizza oven, portraits by the talented photographer Chiara Ye, as well as pop culture art of Italian icons (like famed Napoli-native cinema star Toto).

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

While the vibe may have been revamped, the new venue still boasts the same authentic Neapolitan pizza that has won international acclaim; family recipe pastas; righteous regional Italian starters, snacks and sides; and some seriously diet-destroying (but beyond worth it) desserts, all while delivering consistent quality.

Mediterranea (RMB159) – San Marzano tomatoes, grilled local octopus, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, grilled lemon. Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

And with the current number of pizza offerings nearing 30, there’s something for everyone, every season, and on every occasion.

Calzone alla Mortadella (RMB109) – Fior di latte mozzarella, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, basil, pistachio. Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

Embodying the motto, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and with lines out the door on any given day at the original location – over a year after opening – Bottega is clearly doing something right.

Gnocchi Salsiccia e Friarielli (RMB119) – Gnocchi, clams, sausage, pesto, chili, friarielli (leafy Italian bitter green). Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

A welcome addition, Bottega has also just launched a stellar lineup of homemade, bona fide Italian gelato – perfect to round out summer.

Available at both locations with a rotating selection of 10 weekly flavors – from vanilla or chocolate, to Sicilian pistachio or milk chocolate hazelnut (aka bacio), from coconut or mango to raspberry or coffee – this is some of Shanghai’s silkiest, creamiest, most legitimate" Italian gelato available, enough to earn the pistachio flavor our That’s Shanghai stamp of approval as the best in town.

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

Bomboloni alla Nutella (RMB49) – Mini Italian donuts (served still steaming and coated in cinnamon sugar), Nutella drizzle, and sour raspberry coulis. Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

The new Bottega also features a dedicated wine area, where customers can open the designated fridges and grab a bottle of their choosing, organized by price rather than region, in increments of RMB288, RMB388, RMB488 and up to RMB788 for some big-name Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone

It makes for a more approachable customer experience, without any wine knowledge pretension.

There’s also an extensive list of Italian bubbles – prosecco, Lambrusco and even non-alcoholic brut from Veneto – providing ample options for those choosing to imbibe or abstain.

Oliva Sour Martini (RMB79) – Olive infused vodka, dry vermouth, olive honey, lemon, egg white. Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

On the drinks front, the same curated roster of Italian classics by barman Peter Kwok makes a showing, so expect the sours and spritzes to flow like Nongfu Springs.

We highly suggest the creative riffs on Italian favorites, like the Nocciolato Sour (RMB79), a peanut butter infused Vecchia Romagna brandy sour, shaken with hazelnut-laced Frangelico, citrus and egg white for that velvety, full mouthfeel.

And look out for a new drink menu release in the coming season.

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

At Bottega, every day is spritz day, with an Aperol or Campari spritz going for just RMB70 – a true aperitivo hour, at any hour.

Image by Sophie Steiner/That’s

With seating for more than 100 people inside, another 30 on the side terrace, 20 in front, and a mini rooftop out back that’s under construction and set to open next year, the space is surely fated to become Shanghai’s next big foodie destination.

Bottega Jing'an, 457 Shaanxi Bei, by Beijing Xi Lu 陕西北路457号, 近北京西路

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[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]