Osteria Italian — Restaurant in Cleveland

Quick hits: Authentic Italian fare (and more) Very generous portions Unbelievably friendly service Lively bar

Deep dive: Absolutely a hidden gem. ("hidden" only because the entrance is on Walnut adjacent to E 9th, and you wouldn't necessarily expect this level of cuisine on the street level of what is otherwise an office building)

I was referred to Osteria from family who knew the original location on St. Clair; the new iteration pays homage to the legacy of the restaurant and prior owners with an updated flair and modern touches to the menu.

Food: Bolognese is my "benchmark" measurement for any Italian restaurant I try; Osteria does it right. Pappardelle in a flavor-rich & meaty sauce, and honestly it's enough for two meals. Once I'd tried that, I was hooked to keep coming back.

The Rucola (arugula) salad is not to be missed; simple preparation with lemon & parmigiano, but the addition of truffle oil in the lightly dressed salad is what makes it stand out to me.

The "bar bites" menu has some smaller options that aren't on the main dining room menu, and they're absolutely worth it. The happy hour wine list has some good selections at a great price, too.

Having said all that, my wife & I tried the Orecchiette last night (on recommendation), and it's going to be hard to order anything else now! A little spicy, bold tomato/basil/cream sauce - really well executed - this is an exceptional dish.

Service: I've visited three times and each time have been greeted warmly and made to feel at home. It doesn't matter who you encounter first - host, server, bartender, owner, chef - everyone here has been quick to say hello with a smile as soon as you walk through the door.

The only caution I'd give is that it can take a little time for food to come out. Said differently: plan ahead, or if you're in a rush to make it to a show/game/other engagement, communicate that when you sit down. Otherwise, have a glass of wine, relax and enjoy your company! (It's a good sized space, and a menu with a good amount of variety, so with a team that cares about the quality of each dish the way Osteria does, it can some time to execute... be patient, it's worth it!)

Space: They have done a great job making it feel like you're NOT in an office building once you pass through the door, but it's worth mentioning the layout feels a little odd at first. (constraints of the physical space they occupy) You will necessarily pass by the bar to be seated. I've found the bar to be lively, full of friendly folks (both patrons and staff) with great conversation. They've done a good job of separating that experience from the more formal dining room area, but also have a couple high-top bar tables for a more casual atmosphere if you desire.

It is a great location downtown - you're about a 6-8 minute walk to Playhouse Square, Guardians/Cavs games, East 4th, and most anything else in the central business district.

Bottom line: As a downtown resident, I know I'll be back periodically - but even if you're coming from the suburbs or out of town, I'd put Osteria on the shortlist of great options for downtown...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Osteria restaurant in Cleveland, and I must say that it was an extraordinary experience. From the moment my party and I were greeted at the door, to the moment we left, our evening was elevated by Jada's outstanding service.

Jada's warm demeanor and genuine smile instantly made us feel welcome. Her knowledge of the menu and recommendations were spot-on, ensuring that we had an unforgettable dining experience. Her attention to detail impressed us - she took the time to explain each dish in delightful detail, which made our decision-making process so much easier.

Throughout the evening, Jada effortlessly anticipated our needs without being intrusive. She was attentive without being overbearing, striking the perfect balance in her service. Every request was met with promptness and precision, and she was always available to answer any questions we had about the menu or the restaurant.

What truly set Jada apart was her exceptional ability to make us feel valued and appreciated. Beyond her professional skills, she took the time to to ask about our preferences and ensuring that each course was tailored to our liking. Her personalized approach made us feel like honored guests, creating a memorable dining experience unlike any other.

Furthermore, Jada's enthusiasm for the food and its presentation was contagious. She described each dish with such passion, making us anticipate the flavors even before they arrived at our table. Her knowledge of the ingredients and the techniques used to prepare them added a layer of appreciation to our meal, enhancing the overall experience.

In conclusion, our evening at Osteria was truly elevated by Jada's exceptional service. Her warm hospitality, adept menu recommendations, and unwavering attention to detail made us feel pampered and valued throughout our visit. It is rare to encounter such exemplary service, and Jada's dedication truly made our dining experience extraordinary. I highly recommend Osteria in Cleveland, especially if you have the chance to be served by the amazing Jada.

We...

My partner took me here for my birthday celebration, and It's truly one of the best restaurants I've been to in Cleveland. It has a romantic classic Hollywood flare I could imagine Marilyn Monroe dinning at. Italian art on plush fabric walls. Mood lighting to make anyone look good especially wearing something fancy and polished. Not sure if there is a dress code but this is not the place for t-shirts and jeans. Make it classy.

The food was delicious, fast ,and hot on the plate. Service was warm, welcoming, friendly, and we just had a good time. They have very punctual and attractive staff who always checked in and took their time to make sure we were satisfied.

We made reservations at 6 pm, on a Saturday, walking in they were not crowded so we got seated right away. By they time we left, they really picked up a crowd with couples celebrating and a few large groups. Still was not terribly busy but lively.

Starting with risotto balls which were creamy, chessy, and crispy outside. Flavor was fantastic and came with an amazing pesto and house tomato sauce.

Then, I had a caprese salad that was so fresh and refreshing. Excellent for starting the rack of lamb. The lamb was grilled to perfection being tender, juicy, and robust. I melted on the first bite. My partner had Mushroom Marsala with brown butter pasta. Yummy! Pasta was perfect and sauce had cream to balance the tartness.

Last, I finished with cheese cake with fruit. It was light, sweet, and hit the spot.

This was a great experience and I absolutely recommend and look forward to going again. The charm and comfort is enchanting so bring someone you want close to you.

The only thing is the price point is a bit high so this will be a special occasion destination. I do think the food and service was worth it. If you want to impress than come here.

Location is good with lots of parking options. Just be careful on Progressive's Field event as parking...