"Bettola is an all-day Italian spot that’s great for a last-minute date night in the Richmond. Come in, split a carafe of lambrusco and a heap of crispy sliced porchetta, and maybe take home some pasta from the market in the back. The walk-in-only spot serves a tight menu of solid appetizers, baked pastas, and rotisserie—stick with the well-seasoned meats and golden brown pizza al trancio. Or swing by with someone you like during lunch, when they serve delicious crusty paninis stuffed with meatballs, chicken, or porchetta. If you and your date run out of things to talk about, turn your attention to the silent film that’s being projected on the wall, or practice your shuffling skills with the deck of cards hiding in the silverware holder. photo credit: Brit Finnegan photo credit: Brit Finnegan photo credit: Brit Finnegan photo credit: Brit Finnegan Food Rundown photo credit: Brit Finnegan Pizza Al Trancio - Rossa The tomato sauce and glug of olive oil on top are on the sweeter side, and we’re not mad about it. This centimeter-thick flatbread is simple with just tomatoes and oregano (cheese is an optional add-on, and you don’t need it). It’s satisfying and great to share with another person. photo credit: Brit Finnegan Porchetta The porchetta is carved up and served in a mound of crackly slices. It’s a good entree to split, but make sure you have some vegetable sides (like the eggplant) or focaccia to balance out the richness of this meat palooza. photo credit: Brit Finnegan Pasta E Fagioli Nice in theory, especially on a gray day in the Richmond, but it’s bland. Chicken Panino If you’re coming here at lunch, you should order this. The rotisserie chicken drippings mix with the aioli and ooze out of the bottom—it’s a salty, saucy dreamboat." - Julia Chen
