Osteria 177 — Restaurant in Annapolis

I tried to make a reservation last night and was unsuccessful. After a long day of work I just wanted to get some food. And only had a short period of time to do so before closing.

I've come across this place plenty of times and was extremely interested in eating here.

I walk in. It's a full house. Tables are full. I encounter the hostess to whom said they were full. But there may be a bar seat and she would have to run it by the chef. I got the all go! Off I went to the bar...

I wasted no time and ordered the duck breast (anatra con ciliege) and a glass of chardonnay. Suggested by the bartender/server, Jake.

As I waited, I admired all of the paintings, the atmosphere, and the decor all over. It reminded me of a little Baltimore (Hampden) in Annapolis.

My food arrived looking and smelling amazing. It was the perfect amount of veggies (carrots and green beans), whipped potatoes, and a nicely medium cooked duck breast with a nice portion of the cherry reduction sauce. It was like nothing I've ever had before. I've had duck in a lot of places and styles. Very tasty, savory, comforting, and calming. Perfect!

Last I went with the berries and Zaba dessert. I was already stuffed as is, but I was curious. And wasn't disappointed at all.

As a former single mother, foster mom, after losing my home due to the pandemic, and losing everything I've worked my entire life for this experience was phenomenal.

Thank you! [I'll definitely be back!]

Came back for Easter Sunday Dinner. Everything was premonition! Short ribs ravioli, Caesar salad, and a pistachio cream...

Weak experience. I had high hopes, and when I read the menu descriptions and saw the (quite high) prices I was expecting to be impressed. Far from it. My wife’s cioppino was okay. Our salads were bland (both the Caesar and the arugula) and not noteworthy. There was a gnocchi special tonight, with mild Italian sausage, truffles, Parmesan, cream sauce, etc. Now I do love truffles. I also know how expensive they are. And I know that a little goes a very long way. Had no perceptible truffle flavor. None whatsoever. And surprisingly enough (considering gnocchi is a regular menu item) the gnocchi itself was some of the worst I’ve ever had. Horrible texture. I’ve done better with the stuff in the vaccuum sealed bag from the cold case at my local grocery. The entire dish had virtually no flavor. Perhaps a dash of salt might have brought some flavors forward, but there was none on the table. The place was packed. We don’t drink, so I can only assume that either the wine is great, or they are filling it up simply because it’s the most expensive joint on the main drag in a tourist town, because the food is just not a draw for anyone with any kind of developed palate. I’d lean toward the latter, because I’ve seen it way too many times. We are here occasionally , but won’t be trying this one again. Can’t recommend, and I’d say spend half the money elsewhere if you want to...

If I could leave no star I would. I’m a local to the Annapolis area. My extended family and friends dine here frequently but I have not. I thought it would be nice to make reservations for an early Mother’s Day celebration. I made the reservations over 10 days ago for two people at 6 PM. My mother and I arrived punctual and ready to have a fabulous evening. Upon arrival, there was no kind greeting and they tried to seat us at the only table in the bar area. All the other tables were vacant with the exception of one booth. They said all the tables around us were reserved and the only option would be to sit at this random tiny two top in the bar area. Having made reservations in advanced we were disappointed and requested to speak with the manager Brian/Bryan. Brian was not only rude he didn’t even make an attempt to accommodate us and actually did not introduce himself properly we had to ask for his name. Verbatim Brian said, “we turn people away all the time.“

So we left and went to Ruth’s Chris across the Eastport bridge. It was exceptional service, and I highly recommend Jessica‘s section. The manager checked on us four times we had a fabulous meal.

The most delicious food in the world cannot make up for Osteria’s lackluster decor, horrendous and abysmal customer service.

We were looking forward to a fabulous evening and we had one, just...