Osteria Trulli Cucina Pugliese — Restaurant in Wheeling Township

I am not quite certain how to start this review, in as much as my instincts tell me that there is a touch of greatness in this restaurant and chef/owner. Normally I am not the sort of person to complain about minor details, as long as the food is spectacular. But in all honestly I have difficulty giving TRULLI a 5 star review. The issues cover a myriad of things pertaining to the food and service. This was our first time here. We had been patrons of the chef's previous venture in Chicago; TRATTORIA TRULLO. I have nothing but praise for our past experiences, so we entered TRULLI with great expectations. So let's get past the "nitties". We were the second party in the door at 5:00 PM. They had our reservation set up back in a corner of the restaurant, sandwiched next to another table of 6, so tight that we couldn't get around the table without being uncomfortable or disturbing the adjacent party. So, I asked to be moved to a different table. It felt like they complied reluctantly, but we had to move all of our table set up ourselves while the help stood by and watched. The waiter we had was O.K. for the most part but did not seem very knowledgeable. We asked several questions about different dishes, and every time , he had to go ask the chef. ODD ! Never really came back during the meal, to fill water, and wasn't too quick to offer up the desert menu. Also all the menus look like they had been around for 20 years or so. Very tattered. Very plain tables; uncomfortable chairs, and no table cloths, which for a place of this stature, I would have expected. Now the food. We ordered three different dishes. Stuffed giant pasta shells with meatballs; an eggplant dish; and a pasta dish with duck ragu. Both the pasta shells and the eggplant were served in a "swimming pool" sized dish right out of the oven. It was hard not to burn yourself on the dish. The ingredients of both were literally "swimming" in a bath of sauce, which overpowered any of the distinct flavors of the other ingredients. The duck ragu with pasta looked like some sort of "boxed quick prep" dinner. The duck was ground up; mixed with the pasta and looked very pasty. Nothing like ragu's I have had at quality restaurants. Well, to bring this to a climax, we each took home about 1/2 of our meals. Surprise - surprise; all of the sauce was left behind and only the other ingredients were sent home. So, the wife and I had the left overs for lunch today. Without the sauce bath, all of the other flavors you would expect, came through as I would have thought, and may I say that the meatballs included with the pasta shells were spectacular. Probably the best meatballs I have had in many a year. And pretty much the same for everything else. So, - - - what does one say about something like this. I noticed that the chef had 3 apprentices in the kitchen. Is it possible that they were to blame here. I don't know !! The restaurant seems to be doing extremely well, overall. I guess I am going to chalk this up to "the wrong day and time". I will go back and try them again, especially, that I happen to know the chef makes probably the best Italian Sausage I have had anywhere. I would suggest go with caution. I hope this was a one...

I’ve been to this restaurant three times. The first two times were fantastic, and all three times the food was enjoyable. The chef and the quality of food is unfortunately, this locations only redeeming quality. I could probably write a book on my last experience with this restaurant, but I’ll spare you the details and give you what you need to know.

This restaurant, for whatever reason, is located in a very cramped, and small area. Because of the high quality food, the restaurant is usually crammed, and jam, packed full of people. Like sardines in a can, people often bump in the each other, and have to wait for a table to open up before they are seated.

My experience started by arriving 10 minutes early to a reservation that I had made days in advance. Because of this disposition, I unfortunately had to wait for the reservation I made. This is understandable, and I was familiar with the situation, but I never could’ve imagined, waiting over two hours for my table. All the while, me and my family witnessed multiple parties, without a reservation, waltz right in and be seated immediately right in front of us at tables, that could very well accommodate the group of three that I was with.

The staff was nice enough to apologize, and even offered drinks during the wait. They even said that due to the long wait, they would cover the cost of the drinks.

After waiting two hours, and eventually being seated, the food was good, but the kitchen twice messed up our order, and brought us dishes that had absolutely nothing to do with the order that we placed. Additionally, when I received the bill afterward, I saw that they charged me for all items, including the drinks that they had said that they would cover.

My experience with a Osteria, Trulli was truly frustrating, and unfortunately my last.

Good luck to the restaurant, chefs, and even more luck to anyone who wishes to dine at this place. Be aware that if you wish to dine here for dinner, you will have to wait, sometimes hours, for the reservation...

Just got back from Osteria Trulli celebrating my birthday with the family. The vibe of this place is great. Kate made us feel welcomed the moment we walked in the door. We sat down at our table and it felt like we were sitting at a table in a friends house. A familiar homey feel.

The food was great and I smiled with every dish. Hats off to Chef and his crew!

We started with the Carpaccio and Tavogliere Salumi. Man, that Mortadella was sooooo good! Mains of Sea Bass and Red Snapper were so good, grilled to perfection and served with a sea food risotto that was out of this world and could be a main dish on its own. One teenager ate the Margherita Pizza with crumbled sausage and complimented every bite. The other had the Orecchiette con Ossa e Bracciole and wondered if I can make this at home for him. (I cannot)

Had a bottle of the Papale Primitivo wine and that was so delish! Perfect with food and without.

Kate brought the table some Tiramisu for dessert and sang happy birthday to me. Thanks again Kate!

Need to get back there soon with some friends as there are more things I need to eat at this place! The vibe, for me, was reminiscent of Italy as we were made to feel welcomed, not rushed, attended to when it was needed and waddled away with a full belly and a happy heart.

Thank you Chef DeNigris and team for making my birthday evening...