Bottega and Bottega Café opened (in 1988 and 1990 respectively) to wonderful reviews. Located in the historic Bottega Favorita building on Highland Avenue, this is the second of three in Frank and Pardis Stitt’s family of restaurants. As the name implies, Bottega is indeed a little workshop, the implements being the essences, traditions and ingredients of Italy, north Africa and the Mediterranean. At Bottega Café, a true trattoria atmosphere is predominant where the patio provides Birmingham’s most popular and lovely outdoor dining (and room for an overflowing crowd). Casual, but with no compromise in quality or presentation, the seasonal menu offers fresh gulf seafood, naturally raised meats and locally grown organic lettuces and vegetables. The wood-fired brick oven crisps the flatbreads and pizzas just so and gives the roasts and braises their signature hickory seasoning. Open Monday thru Thursday  11am - 10:30pm, Friday 11am - 11pm and Saturday 11:30am - 11pm, the café is an ideal spot for pre and post event gatherings.