Nestled in Detroit’s historic Corktown, Ottava Via is a charming Italian restaurant with a rustic ambiance that transports you to Italy. Our server explained he’d take our entire order upfront, pacing the meal perfectly. The dishes arrived well-timed, though boxing leftovers and settling the bill took longer than expected.

While browsing the menu, I sipped an Italian White Sangria—refreshing, not overly sweet, and bursting with citrus notes of limoncello and grapefruit. The wine list is extensive, but I opted for a Peroni, a rare find that pairs wonderfully with pizza.

The menu features shareable small plates, pastas, and pizzas. On our server’s recommendation, we ordered the Arancini, Ragout Alla Bolognese, and Short Rib Pizza. First up were the Arancini—crispy fried rice balls stuffed with prosciutto and cheese, served with pomodoro sauce. The restaurant was bustling that evening, and the presentation suffered slightly; one ball looked haphazardly plated with splattered sauce. A quick cleanup would’ve elevated the dish. The flavor was decent, though the prosciutto was subtle, barely noticeable in taste or appearance. The crispy, non-greasy texture was spot-on, but the star was the pomodoro sauce—fresh, slightly sweet, and full of vibrant flavor.

Next, the Ragout Alla Bolognese and Short Rib Pizza arrived together. The Bolognese, a tomato-braised veal and pork ragout over house-made pappardelle with ricotta, looked divine. The rich tomato sauce, tender meat, and creamy ricotta delivered an outstanding flavor, but the noodles disappointed. Some stuck together, forming clumps that I had to cut rather than twirl, disrupting the experience.

The Short Rib Pizza boasted a thin, perfectly crisp crust with Tuscan-braised beef short ribs, provolone, onions, pepperoni, and pepperonata. I dipped some in the Bolognese sauce—delicious! We ordered half without onions and pepperonata, but that half felt sparse on short ribs and pepperoni. The full version was a bit heavy with toppings, overshadowing the meat. The pairing of short ribs and pepperoni was intriguing but not my favorite; still, it was worth trying.

I’d return to Ottava Via, hoping our visit caught them on an off night. For a quick meal, I’d try a simpler pizza like the Margherita. If you’re in Detroit, this spot deserves a visit for its cozy vibe and bold flavors.

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