Bottega, Austin’s New Italian-Inspired Cafe Serves Ice Cream, Coffee, & Charcuterie in Mueller
A trio of local restaurant creatives opens an inviting neighborhood cafe over Labor Day weekend
This summer of all summers, we have learned that going out for ice cream is an essential activity. In fact, we may go as far as saying it’s our new hobby, and a perfect motivator to get us out of the house in this relentless heat. With this ice cold treat at the top of mind on a regular basis, we are thrilled to learn about the brick-and-mortar opening of one of Austin’s trendiest ice creams, Merry Monarch Creamery within a new Italian-inspired cafe, Bottega. Bottega is opening in the Mueller area this Labor Day weekend. Ice cream is just a part of the fun indulgences you’ll find at Bottega. This cute new spot will also include coffee, savory light fare, and beer and wine offerings coming soon.
Opened by friends for friendly people
Bottega is a collaborative project from friends Gregory Maze of Merry Monarch Creamery, Kati Luedecke of Neighbors Dog Park & Coffee Shop, and Chef Rudy Rivera III formerly of 3 Michelin restaurant The Inn at Little Washington in Washington DC as well as Austin’s Wink.
What to order at Bottega
Of course, you can dive into some delicious scoops of Merry Monarch, which recently won Austin Monthly’s Best of ATX “Best Ice Cream” award. You can’t go wrong with any of their unique flavors. Try their popular Oreo Miso (Oreo and white miso ice cream with chunks of Oreo cookies and dark chocolate hazelnut truffles) or Persian Honeycomb (roasted almond, cardamom, ricotta, and vanilla ice cream with swirls of saffron, rose, and ground pistachio honeycomb candy). They will have a rotating selection of ice creams and sorbets to choose from.
RELATED: Merry Monarch Creamery Ice Cream Is Fit For a King
For something savory, choose from a menu of light options from Chef Rivera. Offerings include Stone Fruit Bruschetta (grilled peaches, cherries, herb goat cheese, arugula salad with a mint vinaigrette): Garden Toast (house hummus, cherry tomato, seasonal squash, pepitas, salsa criolla, herbed salad with a balsamic drizzle); Hearts of Palm Ceviche (cucumber, supremes, pearl onions with a Meyer lemon emulsion). You can also opt for Beef Tartare, a Tinned Fish Board, and Chilled Crab Salad.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty snack, try one of the charcuterie boards from Casero’s or sample their award-winning paté. Take note that a nice selection of beer and wines will be offered soon at Bottega.
When and where
Bottega will open on Saturday, September 2 at 2pm. It is located at 2100 Robert Browning Street. Following Saturday’s initial opening, Bottega will open for walk-up or indoor and outdoor seating every day except Mondays. You can view their daily schedule and learn more on Bottega’s website and Instagram.