Oooo, I love writing a 5 star review. It brings me joy and warm fuzzies and I think “damn I hope these kids get to see this. And I hope their bosses do. And their bosses bosses. And they buy them margaritas and feed them cheese.” We were excited to have a mid week dinner out. We’ve been to Osteria before and it’s been good. There’s a nice vibe about the place which I can’t quite put my finger on; which is a compliment. Whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it naturally. We were warmly and enthusiastically greeted. This is a BIG WIN in my book. Nobody wants to walk in to a restaurant and be met with apathy. The waitress we had was a delight. I had channelled my inner pleb and asked for ice in my wine. Terribly uncouth, but I’m paying for it so it’s my right. She wasn’t put out in the slightest. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to eat. Coming to an Italian restaurant when you don’t eat pizza or pasta is odd some would say. But Osteria has enough to offer reasonable alternatives. The first time we came there was a stunning veal saltimbocca but sadly this hadn’t been on the menu for some time. I opted for a platter and asked for them to go easy on the bread. (I’m a difficult customer) and the Favourite Husband took a trip in to retro land with the prawn cocktail. The prawn cocktail was tasty and basic, there was no trying to drag it in to the 2020’s and that’s ok. My platter was lovely. I had envisioned myself languishing over it, seductively nibbling on an olive, whilst sipping my wine for an hour. But I eat like a pig who’s been starved for a week. So there was nothing seductive or lingering about it. I inhaled that sucker. I’d have liked to see a hard cheese thrown on there and maybe some crackers or nuts but it was good. The Favourite Husband outdid himself with a steak that, in his words, was “right up there with the best I’ve ever had” with emphasis on the “ever.” Which was slightly rude as I cook him steaks … It was good value, good food, good vibes and good service. Good job