With an open kitchen lined with pots of herbs, a chef with experience in a Michelin starred restaurant and an Italian owner who looks like he might have just wandered in off the bacchi ball green, Alla Osteria not only creates a genuine Italian ambiance, it also serves up deliciously authentic Italian food to boot.
While the interior doesn’t necessarily conjure up imagines of a dusty Tuscan café, the food more than makes up for any shortcomings in décor.
For starters try the insalata di polipo (62RMB), a fresh octopus salad served with a perfectly tangy lemon and olive oil dressing. If you’re looking for something a bit meatier, the antipasto assortito (75RMB) offers a large plate full of fresh, thinly sliced Italian cold cuts served with tomato halves and arugula.
Entrées are divided up into pasta and meat dishes and the fetuccine con d’Anata (48RMB) is one of the best options for a traditional hearty pasta with tomato-based sauce, prepared with a choice of either tuna, duck, beef and chicken.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heavier, the risotto con spumate e formaggi (58RMB) is a creamy pasta dish cooked with sparkling wine and aged cheese creating a sharp, tangy flavour.
From the meat selections, the grilled Australian tenderloin (248RMB) is served with a succulent gravy, but lacks anything special enough to make up for its hefty price tag – so perhaps it’s best stick to the Italian fare.
However, save room for some of the homemade deserts – the tiramisu (45RMB) and panne cotta (45 RMB), a chocolate mousse set in a rich gelatin base, are both too good to miss.
Alla Osteria has a modest wine list that they import themselves and offer very generous by-the-glass pours ranging from 40-138RMB. Try the Montelpuciano D’Abruzo Red (45RMB) for a fresh and fruity wine that pairs well with nearly everything on the menu.
The chef and owner make everything served in the restaurant from scratch. Their attention to detail and desire to serve fresh, real Italian food is ever-present and help will help make Alla Osteria one of the premier Italian spots in town.
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