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
Oak Bay Avenue, today.
Today, locals still come for fresh bread, the cheese case, and a true Italian espresso at the caffè.
The deli carries more than 100 cheeses, artisan salumi and cured meats, 50+ olive oils, and specialty items imported from Italy and across Europe. The patio is open year-round.
A little taste of Europe this side of the Atlantic.
Day to Day
Before the doors open.
Ottavio brings in specialty items from Europe, including cheeses, cured meats, coffee, and pantry goods. The bakery and kitchen make the shop’s own bread and prepared foods here in Oak Bay.
The kitchen and bakers work overnight so the first bread is ready for the morning. At the cheese case, ask the Cheesemonger for a taste before you choose.
A little taste of Europe this side of the Atlantic.
2272 Oak Bay Avenue. Vi aspettiamo.
Visit Ottavio