Bottega Launches New Sunday Brunch, Making Xinyuanli the Ultimate Brunch Haven

Bottega is always our go-to place for the award-winning and addictive traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, appetizers to share (oh, that involtini di capesante), meat and fish, and desserts. The good news is, that their bigger branch in Xinyuanli, has just launched its Sunday brunch, running midday-3pm, providing salads and sides, brunch plates, carved and roasted meat, and sweets – just enough inspiration to crawl out of your warm bed on Sunday morning, head out into the frigid winter, and carb-load for another dreadful Monday (don't remind us).

We loved both of the salads: The ave cesare (RMB 65) – featuring kale, crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, quail eggs, and focaccia croutons, and a rich Caesar dressing – and the insalata di quinoa (RMB 58) – offering mixed black and white quinoa, asparagus, tomato, and basil. You could also go for roasted potatoes, officially known as patata bollente (RMB 35).

The frittata al forno plate (RMB 78) was quite cheesy and heartwarming with feta cheese, prosciutto, broccoli, and parmesan cream paired with two toasted bread slices. You can also order uovo al forno (RMB 60) for an alternative, which includes spicy Nduja sausage; or lasagna (RMB 78).   

The porchetta (RMB 88) – slow-roasted Roman-style pork belly – was a bit fatty but the crisp skin, house-ground pesto, and senape mustard certainly helped to clean the palate. If that’s not enough, try the salsiccia (RMB 78), which is flame-grilled Italian fennel pork sausage with garlic aioli and senape mustard.   

Our favorite dessert was the tentazione al cioccolato (RMB 58) – the chocolate ganache and gelato unleashing rich and creamy textures, while the raspberry puree balanced it out with an abundant fruity and acidic flavor. Be warned: This dessert is so good that anyone near you on a low-carb diet may lose their mind and fight you for another bite. The Sicilian-style cannoli (RMB 55) is worth a try too, with creamy mascarpone ricotta garnished with chocolate and candied almonds. For a boozy punch in your sweet treat, go for the budino al bourbon (RMB 48): butterscotch and bourbon pudding topped with caramel biscuit and a dash of sea salt.

For hair of the dog, choose any one of the cocktails on offer – all priced RMB 50 each during the three-hour brunch – such as Aperol spritz (our favorite), Bellini, negroni classico, bloody Mario, Vin Brule, and gin and tonic. A glass of prosecco, house red, or house white costs RMB 40.

For a hobbit-endorsed "second breakfast," Bottega’s next door neighbor Q Mex Taqueria also has brunch on Saturday and Sunday, with muchos Mexican dishes, such as chorizo eggs Benedict, a brunch tamale, tacos, and an all-you-can-drink deal (RMB 188). So yeah, we'll see you at Jinshang every weekend.

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: courtesy of Bottega, Tracy Wang