Restaurante Osteria 44 — Restaurant in Coimbra

This review is a compilation of two visits to Osteria 44.

LOCAL The place is big and spacious, with discreet yet tasteful decor, medium light and high ceilings. Due to the acoustic characteristics of the space, it can get noisy if filled. Nothing too bad, though.

SERVICE One of the times, we were greeted by a polite gentleman who accompanied us to a table, handed us the menus and patiently helped us choose our meals with his own recommendations and insight. The second time, we were serviced by a Brazilian waiter who, unfortunately, did not have the same helpful and caring attitude, and that was a shame. Also, he got upset when asked if there was a chance of changing one ingredient in a pizza, with no reason as we addressed him calmly.

FOOD Regarding the food and drinks, the sangria is very good and the food is of great quality, whether you choose a salad (which are enormous), pasta or pizza. The plating and presentation are delicate and fill the eye. The food features great flavour, with a good balance between the different elements. The pizzas have the perfect thin thickness, the pastas are creamy and so tasty. Great selection of cheeses.

PRICES The prices are alright, not cheap but also not expensive, but since the food is so nice, the quality/price ratio is very good.

RECOMMENDATIONS Salad - Insalata di Tonno Pizza - Pizza Alheira / Calzone Osteria Pasta - Pasta alla Carbonara Dessert - Panacotta or Afogatto.

PROS: Definitely the food. Outside tables which are very nice when the weather is good.

CONS: The menus could have a better presentation, more worthy of the chicness of this restaurant. Also, the not-so-nice attitude we were greeted and served one of the times, which is the reason this is not a 5 stars review.

Will definitely return and hope I am "forced" to change my critique...

Como cliente frequente deste restaurante italiano, sempre fico impressionada com a sua consistência em oferecer pratos de alto padrão. A entrada caprese é um deleite à parte, com mussarela fresca, tomates maduros e manjericão aromático, regados com um azeite extra virgem de excelente qualidade.

O calzone, a minha escolha recorrente, é uma obra-prima culinária. A massa é fina e crocante, acabadinha de sair do forno a lenha e a estalar, o recheio de queijo, fiambre e vegetais (frescos) e na dose certa, saborosos e crocantes. Os ingredientes são cuidadosamente selecionados e fornecem um equilíbrio perfeito de sabores e texturas.

Além de desfrutar da atmosfera do restaurante, também aproveito a opção de take away, que mantém a qualidade e a apresentação dos pratos. A minha experiência é complementada com a sobremesa tiramisù, um clássico italiano, que é executado de forma exemplar, com entradas suaves de creme mascarpone, um cheirinho de marsala e os savoiardi embebidos em café e licor.

Este restaurante é, sem dúvida, uma excelente presença da gastronomia italiana em coimbra, que merece ser experimentada tanto no local como em casa. Recomendo vivamente a todos os apreciadores da cozinha italiana.

Outras sugestões que me são familiares e deliciosas: Risotto de cogumelos, Pizza (todas) , pastas (todas)...

had a wonderful lunch there yesterday with a big, tasty Pizza napolitan style. Personally we prefer pizza dough a tad crustier, but it was really great and we totally enjoyed the whole experience. The place is spacious and stylish and the waiters were helpful. Had to wait a little since the place got really packed. Glad I reserved a table before. I'd wish for more vegetarian...