The Beginning
A pasticceria in Torino
Monica Pozzolo’s grandparents ran a pasticceria in Torino for over 40 years. The kind of shop where the neighborhood came every morning and the recipes never changed because they didn’t need to.
Her parents brought the tradition west. In 1978 they opened The Italian Bakery on Quadra Street in Victoria — the city’s first authentic Italian bakery, and a sibling shop still run by Monica’s brother Alberto today.
1997
A tiny former hair salon
In 1997, Monica and Andrew Moyer opened Ottavio in a tiny former hair salon on Oak Bay Avenue. They scraped hairspray off the light fixtures and opened their doors.
They drafted the plans themselves. Built the bread rack. Grouted the tiles. The space was small. The ambition wasn’t.
They wanted a place where the bread was real, the cheese had a story, and everything tasted like it was supposed to.
Today
The place people bring visitors to.
Today, locals line up for bread that’s gone by 2 pm. The staff stocks shelves from a kitchen you can see through the back.
The deli carries over 100 cheeses, imported meats from small producers, 50+ olive oils, and a curated selection of Italian pantry goods. The caffè serves Illy espresso in ceramic cups. The patio now hosts happy hour.
Same family. Same philosophy. Same bread.
2017
A group of Oak Bay neighbors and long-time staff bought Ottavio — not to change it, but to keep it. Same recipes. Same suppliers. Same bread on the rack at 7 am.
Day to Day
Made here, most days.
Almost everything we sell — beyond the imported dry goods — is made by hand. Bread, pastries, cookies, gelato, the lot.
The baker starts at 4 am. The cheesemonger will cut you a sliver before you commit.
Come see for yourself.
2272 Oak Bay Avenue. Vi aspettiamo.
Visit Ottavio