L'Osteria

My wife and I were invited to lunch by friends of ours, who had heard of a hidden jewel in Boston. Being a skeptic, I went along and was I glad I did. This was one of the best days of my life. While dining on some fantastic food we met the owner, who sat and had coffee with us. I immediately felt like I was home. The restaurant has a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere and the food was absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. The icing on the cake was the people who make a living from this place. There was great service and they know just what to do from start to finish. From the time we walked in, we felt like we were with family. We try to get back to this restaurant whenever possible and that feeling hasn’t changed. I highly recomend trying the L'Osteria. You will not be disappointed.

When the restauant we used to frequent changed its menu (and dropped from a traditional trattoria-style menu to a "snobby", over-priced one) and began really mistreating its patrons, both myself and my girlfriend searched for a new place to try. Only steps away on Salem Street is Trattoria L'osteria. Tradtional in every way, both on the outside & inside decor, and most importantly...THE FOOD! Delicious, vibrant and authentic, the menu has many traditional choices but also some more elegant dishes as well. Thier specials this weekend (4/4/09) were very appealing, as I enjoyed the fresh homemade gnocci in meat sauce, while my lady enjoyed the Pollo Pizziaolla with penne on the side. Their wine menu has very fair prices and a good selection. The waitstaff is friendly, efficient and knowledgable. The woman who is the "greeter" is warm and friendly, reminding me of a grandmother who loves you regadless of how little you visit her. There is a bar downstairs with beer and wine, so if there is a wait for a table, head down for a glass of chianti to begin your dining experience. Many thanks to L'osteria for making our North End experiences fun and enjoyable!