We went here for an anniversary dinner last week and I cannot believe how I was treated. We were with several people, couples actually and the server kept making inappropraite comments on my girlfriends chest size. I asked to speak to a manager and was told she wasnt there. Really? The food came and it was so salty I thought I had heart palpitations after eating. My eyes became swollen because of such high salt content and my knees felt weak. To top it off there was a curly hair hair in our cannoli. Thanks guys!
(1)
David W.
I was freaking hammered and stuffed by the time the main dish showed up. We had the Italian dinner, with the wine pairing, what they term "just bring me wine". There's different levels of wine depending on how much you want to spend. The wine pairing is what did me in. I usually have 1 glass of wine with my entire meal. We had some nice pours with the pairing.........almost full glasses. The wife had the top level wines, I got the mid level. Towards the end, I was double fisting, both levels... After dinner, we had to goto American Girls to buy her niece a present. I have to say, going to American Girls under the influence makes it much more enjoyable for a guy. So, I can't say whether the food was as good as I remembered because of the wine. I just remember there being alot of food, almost too much. The Italian dinner came with 5 different antipasta, and you get to choose a pasta and meat, and there was even dessert..... I was gorging myself with food and wine. but the service was great, wine decent, food enjoyable, thus the high ranking. I'll return soon, next time, less wine.
(4)
Kathryn M.
Absolutely beautiful restaurant! My fiance and I celebrated our anniversary here. The restaurant itself is extremely romantic with low lighting and tea candles. it's a simple, but warm and inviting design. Our waitress was wonderful and knowledgeable about the menu. She picked out two great wines for us, a Chardonnay for me and Chianti for the future husband. We started with roasted potatoes which were excellent. We had a hard time deciding on our entrees, we each decided on the gnocchi and it was perfect. We ended our meal with a flour-less chocolate cake and limencello. It was a perfect evening!
(5)
ChiTownJuls A.
I thought this place was great! I sat outside and had a great meal. Their gnochhi is great and a perfect serving, not too big.
(4)
ER S.
I hadn't been here in a while, and they've made quite a few changes. Now there's an a la carte menu, but they still encourage the "family dinner", which is what we came for anyway. The level of what's included in the prix fixe has definitely declined. There was only one meat-based item in the appetizers this time... veal meatballs (not my favorite). The others were (a) tiny balls of fresh mozzerella -- three of 'em! (b) sliced onion baked with parmasen, (c) roasted radicchio with a vinaigrette dressing. All pretty low rent. The two pastas were too similar to each other, and they were served in the tiniest bowls I'd ever seen. One was a basic meat sauce (yawn!) and the other was a tasty homemade sausage-based sauce. Finally, the entree list has been expanded a bit, but more than half of the choices had upcharges! (It used to be that the only upcharge was for the steak). And the upcharges were not small... most were $8 and some (like the steak) were $12. We selected entrees that did not have upcharges... I chose the shortribs and my husband had lamb. They were nice, but in no way would those be considered full portions. The whole process only took about an hour... in the past, this was a two hour dinner. I might have felt better if the prices were lower, but this was $39 per person without upcharges! Basically, guys, if you really can't do a good job at $39, raise the price. Don't downscale the food or kill me with upcharges.
(2)
Shana W.
This place has so many great reviews I feel like a party pooper for disagreeing, but overall I have to say I would not eat here again. The restaurant was pretty busy for a Tuesday night, with what looked like a lot of people getting together after work and some couples too. The restaurant seemed to be providing good service with this level of activity. Even though I didn't have reservations, I was seated quickly. The bread served before our meal was very good. When I ordered the seafood linguine the waitress wanted to make sure I could handle a spicy dish. I assured her I could. For this reason, I was completely shocked to find my pasta sauce tasted a lot like ketchup. I'm not sure anyone would have a problem with that level of "spice". The scallops and shrimp in the meal were good and well cooked but they would have been much better served alone. My husband's meal was tastier, but not by much. His risotto with beef short ribs really seemed more like Dinty Moore beef stew. Perhaps we happened to order the worst things on the menu, but I don't see how anyone could love this food unless they regularly eat out of a can.
(2)
Susan B.
Our party of 4 dined inside , July 9th. Our server greeted us with a negative attitude that continued to deteriorate until my daughter-in-law requested another server. The hostess spoke with our server who then proceeded to be civil but it made for a sub-par evening. I was told by the server that I was ordering too much food, My husband was chided when he asked that his small plate pasta be served before the entree (as the custom in Italy). He was rudely told..we don't do THAT here and the service was exceeding slow with having to wait for 55 minutes for first course salads. Food prep, presentation and taste are most important but attitude and service must be great or the experience is poor. Will we return??? I am not so sure.
(3)
Rich L.
Highly recommended. I came here a few months ago and was very impressed. I've lived a block from this restaurant for four years and never got around to trying it out; I'm glad I finally did. I strongly suggest choosing their prix fixe meals along with their wine pairings. I think ordering individual entrees is possible, but you'd be missing out on A LOT. Although following my suggestion will require a willingness to spend a bit more money, it's well worth it. Besides, if you're coming to a nicer place like this, why be cheap and miss the whole experience? The food was excellent and the courses were all very well timed. The service was great, plates were always cleared off immediately, water was always filled, and the waiter constantly checked in on us. The only complaint I had was that each time the waiter came to our table to check in, to describe a wine, or to explain something to us, he looked at my girlfriend the entire time he was talking, and I got a quick glance every so often if I was lucky. My girlfriend noticed it as well. We both found it funny, but now I know how girls feel when men stare at their boobs the whole time they're talking to them.
(4)
Marti G.
Excellent choice! I have been three times...once to try the prefix menu which was nice but too much food for me...it is a good way to try everything though. Then again for a la cart and this was a much better choice. The Parmesan chicken and brussel sprouts are out of this world! The "Just bring me wine" program is a great way to try their large selection of fine wines. Although the pours are a little large so make sure you take a taxi. The servers are really nice and how could I forget their bread it's amazing! So soft and they serve it with olives and olive oil. Yum.
(4)
Claire P.
After a day of shopping I chose here for a dinner with my mom and sister. We had a Let Us Entertain You giftcard and after searching their website I discovered Osteria Via Stato. The atmosphere was comfortable and the food was delicious. I didn't think it was the best italian I have ever had but I was satisfied. In this very touristy area you get a more comfortable laid back feel.
(4)
Michael C.
We had a wonderful dining experience here. Seven of us had the Italian Dinner Party as well as the wine pairing. Great food--probably one of the best Italian meals I've ever had. There was so much food we could barely stand to leave (or what that due to the wine?). Don't think twice before eating here; you won't be sorry.
(5)
Alexzandra A.
I love Osteria! I work next door, and do have the luxury of eating here as often as I want. The homemade fettuccine is to die for. The first time I tried it I fell in love and literally ordered it the next 10 days in a row. Everything I have tried here has been fabulous and I always suggest going here when you're hungry. The Italian dinner party is the best way to go, but if you just want a light meal try the pesto pasta or the fettuccine with cherry tomato's and basil. EDIT: I ordered the Gorgonzola filet Mignon for my boyfriend and it was dynamite! Cooked to perfection, and even the non-steak eater loved it.
(5)
Alexandra B.
can you say TOURIST TRAP? well i mean obviously, it's on the corner of state & ontario. but as a local who had still never dined here (and i walk by it every day), i figured i would just try it since my goal in life is to eat at every single restaurant in the city (difficult feat). aaanyway...ive totally experienced better. the service is really great and our server was good but the food was subpar! it was truly nothing special; it was very simple which can be great if it's done right, but this meal wasn't. the veal meatballs (antipasti) reminded me of something that came frozen out of a bag from costco, and the chicken ragu pasta reminded me of ragu brand spaghetti sauce straight out of the jar. and my braised short rib...it reminded me of dinty moore beef stew. and THAT is bad. honestly tho i think it's because we did the "dinner party" meal, where you pay $38 per person and get unlimited salad, unlimited antipasti, unlimited pasta, one main course and 2 side dishes. i should have known that deals like this are never good news, but i ordered it anyway and quite frankly i could have made better food myself for way cheaper. actually, screw that, i could have had a delicious, legit $40 steak at the chicago chop house down the street! that's what i should have done. for the money, it is NOT worth it. just go to any other famous chicago italian eatery or chop house and spend the same amount on something truly worth it that you'll remember! i would MAYBE consider eating here ONE more time, this time ordering from the a la carte dinner menu, just to see if the experience is any better ordering off of the dinner menu rather than the mediocre food you get off of the dinner party menu. then again...maybe not.
(2)
James Z.
The Osteria via Stato is a treasure. Italian colleagues visiting Chicago called this "the real thing." It is -- personable service, fine attention to detail, excellent menu choices, well-selected and distinctive wines, and a wonderful atmosphere. Every guest I've taken here says "Wow!" and we do, too, even after visiting it regularly. If I were ever asked to be on CheckPlease! this would be my first choice. For those unfamiliar with the menu, it's worth attention, since items change when seasonal produce offer some alternatives. The signature dishes are worth sampling. And the wine list is incredible. You can find wines here which are otherwise available most easily in Europe. (Try the Cesanese from Lazio for a real treat!) Most of all, give this a try if you haven't and return to it if you have! This is a special place!
(5)
Caroline F.
I was disappointed in this restaurant. I was expecting something a little better since it is a LEYE restaurant. The salad portions were very small. My friend ordered the beet salad and it looked so small on the plate. My husband got the braised short ribs. He said that they were good but he wasn't satisfied. I won't be going back. There are so many more delicious italian restaurants in Chicago that are much better then this.
(2)
Patrick P.
Stopped here late on a Sunday night and had drinks and a margarita pizza. It was fantastic, and sitting outside that night was great. It was nice to find beers that you wouldn't find at a normal restaurant or bar, so that was a pleasant surprise.
(4)
L Z.
My parents and I were on our way to Bar Toma for my birthday lunch (early July) when we stopped by Osteria via Stato instead, in light of traffic. We got a nice outside table and enjoyed the Umbrian farro salad, parmesan crusted roasted onions, and a small pizza. I can't remember what type of pizza we ordered. Whatever it was, it was good, but the farro and onions were definitely the stars of the meal. Both were excellent. I have never eaten farro, but will definitely look out for it again. Can't wait to try the onion recipe at home. If you are not a home cook, make sure to order the onions when you are at Osteria. So good! On another note, I ordered the flourless chocolate cake for my birthday. It was all right, but it didn't have the texture I was used to for flourless chocolate cake. It was more like a chocolate tart and didn't have the density I look for.
(4)
Mary d.
Ambiance is key. This place has it in spades...the lighting, the stonework, the tables. It sets the mood immediately when you walk back from the host station and into a seemingly rustic Italian setting. The food was good. We shared a few small dishes and enjoyed a fantastic, smoky wine. The service was very friendly and accommodating, and they were aware that our conversation was significant, so they didn't make a production of themselves when they came to the table. Kudos to them on that!!
(5)
Taylor A.
This place is great! One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. They have wonderful mini veal meatballs served with sauce, short rib ravioli, gnocchi and great penne with a spicy tomato cream sauce with chicken. I can go on for ever. The ambiance of this place is amazing. Love the decor. Very romantic inside. Great for a date as well as a girl's night out. Highly recommend!
(5)
Kirsten A.
Great food, great wine, and great atmosphere. We sat outside at the beginning of September and it was lovely. Our waiter, Bill, was fabulous. You can order half orders of some entrees and pasta dishes which is nice if you want to save room for the key lime pie. There's also some great boutique shopping across the street at Alessi and Posh.
(5)
Erin R.
Really enjoyed my dinner here. Went for the in-laws to meet each other for the first time and both my parents were sick (good times). If they were not sick I bet I would have given this 5 stars because we would have stuck around longer. Loved the decor, the big wood table we sat at was nice and different loved it. Had a great bottle of Italian wine, and had the spicy tomato penne in the half size. Love that they had two options of meal sizes, mainly because it helps me to stop eating so much! My fiance had the veal meatballs which were great in a nice tomato sauce. The citrus olives were very good and tangy. Service was great, next time would love to go and sit outside.
(4)
Jackie R.
One of my favorite restaurants! We went here on our anniversary and I was really impressed with the "Dinner Party" dining- which is the family style pre fixe menu. They bring you out an array of tasty starters, pastas, and sides to the entree of your choice. It can get alittle pricey because certain entrees add an extra charge on top of the Dinner Party price, and of course the entrees we wanted were in this category! I definitely recommend it though as the food and service were fantastic!
(5)
Patti B.
We usually go to Quartino's when we're around this area but we decided to try across the street last week, and I think we'll be sticking to Quartino's in the future. While the atmosphere is dark and romantic, almost every dish was too salty, which is a dealbreaker for us. I thought it was neat that they offered a "Dinner Party" menu, where you get to try various appetizers, two pastas, and an entree, and if you like one a lot, they'll bring you more. We didn't ask for more but if we'd loved one of the dishes it would have been a nice perk. I wanted to substitute one of the pastas and the waitress was really inflexible about it - I mean, if the restaurant is really trying to be as upscale as it looks, then you'd think they'd be flexible about their menu - but after we asked the second time and pointed out the price of the item, she relented and I got my gnocchi. Good thing too because it was one of the better items of the night. Of the appetizers, I thought the italian vegetable salad was the best and the parmesan-crusted onion was next. In fact, we liked the salad most out of everything. The gnocchi would have been good (though definitely not my favorite gnocchi) if not overcooked as it was a little mushy. The papardelle was nice because of the thin pasta but again, too salty. My short rib was also salty and the boyfriend's halibut was a little bland. There were also a few side dishes - slightly browned asparagus and very, very crispy potatoes. I like crisp and crunch but these were a little too much even for me. After all this, we decided not to stay for coffee or dessert, and I'm definitely sticking with the tried and true (across the street!) next time I'm nearby.
(3)
Rita W.
I have always wanted to check this place out since I always pass it on the way to work. I was not dissappointed. I like this place because they have half and whole portions so you don't feel as committed if that makes sense. The bread here is AWESOME! It is soft and chewy inside with a soft crust on the outside! My favorite kind of bread. I would just come back here for the bread. If you got the time I would suggest checking out the pre-fixe menu. I am definitely looking forward to coming back for the bread and to try the pre-fix menu! I had the beet salad and the gnocchi and both were very good!
(4)
greg b.
great service last night. only beef: no pizza on one side of the restaurant. and bread was great, but leave the vinegar out of the crushed garlic and olive oil. let us mix it ourself
(4)
Lisa H.
We stumbled upon this restaurant by accident, but what a great find! We chose the Italian Dinner Party menu, which was both a fun way to try their specialties and a decent value also. We got antipasti, which included veal meatballs that we re-ordered multiple times, two pastas, and the chicken and salmon we chose for our entrees. All were excellent, with fresh ingredients and an authentic Italian touch. We also had outstanding service and a nice pace to our meal. I would definitely recommend Osteria Via Stato. If we're in Chicago again soon, we'll definitely stop in and try whatever is on the current tasting menu.
(5)
Zach B.
I just moved to Chicago from NYC, and since my brother helped out a lot with the move took him and my wife out to dinner to celebrate. There is definitely not a lack of service.. plates and silverware are taken away and replaced, and water glasses are constantly refilled (you have the choice of still or sparkling). Which was nice.. one of my brother's pet peeves is when he finishes a glass of water and has to wait for a refill, to the point where he has gotten up and taken the pitcher back to the table himself after waiting too long. I also liked that the water was served chilled, instead of cooled with ice. But I guess that's enough about water. They start you off with a plate of olives and some bread. No butter, but the oil in the olive dish is great for dipping the bread in. We decided to do the prix fixe menu that they say they're known for. Appetizers were nothing spectacular, but were still delicious, and we ordered seconds of a few. My brother ordered a gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon for dinner, and said it was probably the best steak he has ever had, which is something since he loves to order steak. I also ordered steak and thought it was delicious, and my wife ordered veal. She also had wine flight, and the tastings were very generous.. pretty much amounting to 4 full glasses of wine. Not sure how often I'll go back since it's a little more than I like to spend when going out for dinner (we paid extra for the steaks, and ended up around $50/head for food), but I would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Melanie P.
We had a great meal. I had the trout as well as te Caesar Salad. Service was prompt and there was a good range of menu options. Definitely a great dining experience.
(4)
Steve T.
Really great dinner! We took our friend out for her birthday here and called ahead and asked for the happy birthday gelatto platter to be brought out at the end. Everything was taken care of, and the staff was great and very knowledgeable about the food. The calamari was very fresh and soft, and all of our dinners exceeded our expectations. The a la carte menu is also very reasonably priced, as well as the wine. We'll be back for sure!
(4)
Jon J.
A great dining experience. We came here with a group of 12 and had a great meal. The fixed price meal is definitely the way to go, especially with a large group. The antipasti kept flowing, and all was delicious, especially the veal meatballs and parmesan onions! Each course was timed well, and our server and bussers were attentive. Things flowed like a well-oiled machine for the most part, although there was a hiccup at the beginning that ended up in them not having our table ready until about a half hour after the reservation time. Food overall was excellent, and the prices were fair for the serving size. Only complaints: bathrooms upstairs in the Embassy Suites? WTF? And there's not enough space in the bar area. Other than that, great.
(4)
fab f.
Went Sat night for a birthday, we were 20. Very busy, pretty elegant. I asked for a negroni, they wanted to sell me a cherry negroni. wtf. Threw it back. Appetizers ok/good. pasta bad (pesto and no parmigiano on the table...), pork ok. Certainly not an Italian experience, even if they're so proud of their models. Service, bad that charged a lot for the numbe of our group. They were never around. I knew the wine list and few were interesting. I knew most of them, but asked a suggestion to test the woman. Obviously she offered the most expensive one, that was not even special. So I switched to a much lower priced wine. I hate when they do that. If it was for me, no tip. 2 stars just for the nice girls around.
(2)
Jarrad M.
My folks were in town and staying at a nearby hotel. They wanted a "nice Italian dinner" that was close to their hotel off the Mag Mile on a Friday night. This is a recipe for disaster under most circumstances. I called for reservations with other restaurants but most couldn't give me a table before 9pm on a Friday night. Others simply said "Show up! We should be able to accommodate you..." which sounds a little sketchy for a "out-with-the-parents" kind of meal. However, Osteria via Stato not only took a 7:30p reservation but actually sat us at 7:30p! Now, you jaded folks out there are probably murmuring "well, there is a reason why they were able to give you that reservation and seat you so quickly..." and I thought those very same thoughts initially. But we had a very nice meal (we went with the multi-course/prix fixe thing) and a had a really nice time. So you suspicious types, I suggest you stop reading and move on. You're not going to rain on this parade! The service was pretty good. I did notice the waiter was less attentive once we settled on the prix fixe dinner. The food was very tasty. The wine selection was impressive. The lighting was low. The acoustics were fine, which allowed for a decent conversation to be had *without* shouting across the table. Quite possibly a Mag Mile first! So, in the end,it was a very pleasant experience. We were not rushed. We ate a nice meal in a pleasing space. It was not cheap by any stretch of the imagination but they wanted to "go out". Everything ran smoothly, perhaps even a little too smoothly. I am debating in my head whether Osteria is a corporate restaurant (it does color the experience a little somehow...). Regardless, my folks talked about the meal the rest of the weekend. I know, they're pushovers but what can you do?
(4)
Peter W.
I loved this place... good food, but I most liked that my family stayed late and closed the place down, but the waiter hung in without a complaint and the valet stayed until the last keys were gone. I was impressed!
(5)
Zack C.
The pappardelle was fairly mediocre.
(3)
Ben N.
The waiter and staff were delightful. Unfortunately the food simply did not deliver. The meet in my dish was delicious but the noodles did not taste as if they were made from scratch by a reputable chef
(3)
Natasha P.
Ooh try the cavatelli with wild mushrooms. This dish was incredible. I totally would have gone back to get it again before leaving Chicago if they were open for lunch. Great food, service, and ambiance... I will most certainly be back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Jessica M.
I really love this place. It's got a relaxed, rustic, but still sophisticated atmosphere. The service has always been very good. And the food is amazing. Last time we ate there they brought out garlic cloves with olive oil and brown sugar to eat on the (hot, fluffy, crusty) bread. It was different, and SO good. That's not an exception; everything I've had there has been superb. The following are highly recommended: the onion tart, the veal meatballs, the papardelle with veal bolognese, and the parmesan crusted chicken. Also -- this is kind of a random recommendation -- I must insist that you get the burnt carmel gelato for dessert. I don't usually order ice cream or sorbet for dessert, but this stuff is amazing. UPDATE 7/31/07: My best friend and I went here for drinks a few weeks ago and received terrible service. But -- the manager has gone out of his way to appologize and rectify the situation. I'll be back for sure -- I'm hoping it was an abberation!
(5)
Megan M.
After I became a regular here, my brother decided to host my birthday party at Osteria. The staff were so, so attentive and made me feel so special. Bill, our favorite server, was there just for me. Everyone went out of their way to make sure I had a great celebration and that all of the guests in my party were happy. Yet another awesome reason to love Osteria.
(5)
Michelle P.
My friends and I came in for dinner after a long afternoon of sightseeing. We looked at several other restaurants in the area, but they all had long waits and we were very hungry. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before being sat in the warm and friendly dining room. We were at a communal table, which we shared with another group of 4. Over the course of the nearly 3 hours we spent there, we had 2 bottles of wine, 2 tasty appetizers, 4 incredible dinners and 2 delicious desserts. Our server was so wonderful that we wanted to take her home with us. The best part for me was the Amish chicken, which was probably the best chicken I've ever eaten. I look forward to going there again.
(5)
Morgan H.
This place has it all - great service, great ambiance, great food, great drinks. The pre-meal bread is incredible. I can't put my finger on why, exactly, but it is. I went with the four cheese pizza. Very thin crust, which I love (I know it's blasphemous to say that in Chicago), baked to flaky perfection. There was a little more oil than what I'd ideally like, but we are talking about four wonderful cheeses, after all. The service is great. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful, and at the end of the meal brought us out a little treat! I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Genevieve R.
I came in for a pre-dinner drink and was pleasantly surprised. We sat at the bar. We had a knowledgeable bartender who explained to us the different kinds of wines. I ordered the Alcamo which was perfect before my seafood diner at Joe's. The white wine was served in a mini-craft (I don't know what the proper name is) which equaled two glasses of wine. bottom line: It was the perfect pre-diner experience and drink, and I will be going back to try some of the scrumptious pasta I saw the chefs preparing as I enjoyed my wine.
(4)
Eden M.
Yum! My husband and I went here to celebrate our first anniversary. Loved the atmosphere - each room has slight variations in the decor, but it all flows together. Nice, open space, not too quiet and not too loud. Our waitress was attentive and helpful. Had a bottle of wine that was not expensive and quite good. The bread and olives are delicious. I had a roasted beet salad and scallops with mushroom risotto. There was a tiny bit of grit in one of the scallops, but overall, it was a really good dish, and I would order it again. The beet salad was just wonderful. My husband had the chopped salad (good, but big), and pappardelle with meat ragu (delish). We split the raspberry granita for dessert. I'm telling you, I could eat a bucket of that! Nice and light (perfect after a big Italian meal!), and the crunch from the shaved ice with the raspberry flavor and fresh raspberries - YUM! Oh, and the prices are pretty nice, too!
(4)
sandra h.
I was in very early labor on Christmas eve and this was my "last supper" before heading to the hospital. I adore the food here and always end up eating too much. I haven't tried the a la carte menu - we always get the "Italian feast" so that we can have a little of everything. I would be happy just eating all of the things that come before the main course. . . the veal meatballs and roasted onions are to die for and the pastas never disappoint. The craziest thing is that they will bring you as much food as you want. I suggest fasting for a few days to take full advantage of this. We have since returned with our baby. YUM!!!
(4)
Neil K.
Thought the food for the most part was pretty average. One thing you should consider especially when dining in the summer is that it gets really hot and uncomfortable eating here. There's Air Conditioning in the lobby, but not in the actual dining hall. Also, the place is a little too dark for my taste. We liked their appetizers that came out and also the main rib dinner entree, but other than that, the wait for the food, the dark look, and the hot environment sort of took a lot out of the whole dining experience.
(3)
E D.
Awesome pizza, nice place, very relaxed... Quality Italian foods.
(5)
Alison R.
This is a great restaurant in a great location. I would highly recommend getting the "Italian Dinner Party" as a meal. It's a tasting menu for a good price, but you should come with an empty stomach as there are many courses. Also, there are wine tasting menus as well that make for a really nice evening. I think this is a great date place, but would be great for a more upscale dinner event for multiple people as well.
(4)
April K.
I had a FANTASTIC meal that this place. We got the dinner party menu and everything we ate was amazing. My favorite part of the meal was the Chicken Mario. Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us pick out exactly the right wines to go with our dinner. SO tasty! Go here for a nice date or with a big group. Awesome!
(5)
Melissa M.
The site of a wonderful family birthday celebration! Very well-paced meal, helpful yet unobtrusive service and tasty dishes. We were delighted to discover this place and only did so because we had a pile of Lettuce Entertain You dollars to spend. Now we're looking forward to our return. Generosity governs the spirit of this cozy spot--the family-style platters were plentiful and refilled on request; we were given plenty of time to enjoy each course; and the kids' meals were significantly discounted despite their formidable appetites. The waitress even brought us a couple of complimentary desserts! One gets the feeling that generosity prevails in the kitchen, as well, with lots of carefully prepared dishes and well chosen ingredients. We were impressed and delighted.
(5)
Flo J.
Veru good service, great wine. We loved the Family dinner and got to try a lot of their food. Veal meatballs were delic and the lamb shoulder. The prawn dish needs rehabbing. The prawns were a bit small and the sauce needs to change but overall, wonderful.
(4)
Anthony S.
Went for restaurant week. Great chicken dish (I know, chicken), but yes it was fantastic. Very good wine flights for the price. Not the usual swill. A little loud, but not ridiculous. Bathrooms are in the hotel, which is awkward far and requires a walk through a crowded bar. Service was good. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
shelly p.
My husband and I took advantage of the restaurant week's $32 prix fix meals here the other night and we were pretty impressed. This is a nice, cozy Italian restaurant that's not pretentious. We got unlimited soft, warm bread, olives, mozzarella balls, veal meatballs. fried cheese smothered onions and salad for our appetizers. It was a lot of food for the fixed price and personally I was full at that point. I got the veal marsala and my husband got the short braised ribs. My meal was O.K, but the ribs were very tasty and juicy. Our meal ended with a delicious and creamy scoop of caramel and chocolate gelato. They also have an extensive wine menu and we all know wine nicely compliments all Italian dishes. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and the ambiance very much and recommend this place to anyone who wants to spend a couple of hours eating good food and drinking good wine.
(4)
Madeline B.
This is the best restaurant on the planet. THE BEST THE BEST THE BEST! I don't care what anyone says. It's just the best. THE BEST! The waitstaff and bartenders and friendly, outgoing, helpful, fun, good looking, nice, quick, efficient, great! The food is just ridiculous. The bartenders and fun and friendly. We go here at least once a week and we had our wedding here. I can't say enough how great OVS is. My favorite italian restaurant in the whole world... including in Italy!
(5)
Denton J.
I've now been here three times and enjoyed each visit. My girlfriend and I went here on our first real date almost two years ago and we stopped in again the other night after a few drinks at Pops for Champagne. The rustic interior gives it a nice feel and the fact that your party can share a table with neighboring diners adds to the liveliness of the place. My previously-living-in-Rome girlfriend loves the atmosphere and says it reminders her of a true Osteria in Rome. Our most recent visit yielded new information. They now offer a full menu from which you can order a "normal" meal. Luckily, they still offer what they call the "Italian Dinner Party." I must say, I find this new option a little saddening, as the original concept was a lot of fun. Of course, we ordered the dinner party and the "Just bring me Wine," which pairs a wine with each of the courses. The food was all excellent and the wine was especially nice, due to the special offering where we got the mid-level wines for the price of the low-level selections. The service was attentive and informative. Each dish was explained and served promptly. There were also several opportunities for us to have second helpings of the Antipasti or Pasta dishes. Despite the change, I still enjoyed my visit and I'm positive I will be returning from time to time, just make sure they keep things up to snuff. A lovely place to go, if you ask me.
(5)
Bethany H.
A beautiful restaurant with fantastic food! The service was great. I really can't think of anything negative to say about it.
(5)
Hold The Balsami C.
I felt as though I was back in Italy (where I lived for a couple of years) at a favorite restaurant, treated as a regular, (which by the way your treatment at restaurants in Italy only gets better and better the more you go) with solid, generous and unpretentious Italian cuisine. This is as good as it gets, as far as I am concerned. I wish I was local so that I could be a regular here. God I miss Italy...just for the food....too bad I have to take a plane from the East Coast to get to Osteria del Stato. I know that the owner is from Rhode Island, because I asked to meet who was in charge of such an extraordinary establishment the last time I was there. I wish he would come back to RI and open Osteria del Sperare or Osteria del Wickenden or Osteria del Westminster.......
(5)
Gfiddy F.
All sorts of tasty eats.
(5)
Melissa H.
Great Italian restaurant! We went here for NYE '06 and had a great experience. We went with the pre-selected courses for the antipasto and desserts. We were able to choose our main menu out of 3 and we weren't disappointed. The service was very friendly and the atmosphere was somewhat upscale. I didn't give it 5 stars because I really think Bice is a better experience overall.
(4)
cynthia t.
Very delicious dinner there last week....I had the scottish salmon with veggie ragu; my pal had the seafood stew. (we were trying to be healthy). The food was flavorful without being overwhelming... Though we waited 30 minutes past our reservation time, the host stand was gracious and offered us some drinks to bide the time. The atmosphere was lively but sufficiently romantic. The chef even stopped by to ask how our meal was...A great dinner, all in all, and reasonably priced.
(4)
Joy D.
Overall I love this place. I started going to the Pizzeria Via Stato side (yes, they are in the same building yet somehow different in that you can't eat the main courses at Osteria in Pizzeria and vice versa, but some apps are the same). I've been to both sides many times and have always enjoyed the food and service. It's very darkly lit with candles on every table so it can be a very romantic spot for a date. Since this is strictly about Osteria I'll stick to that side in this particular review. For starters the wine selection is decent, not huge and BTW I'm not a wine connoisseur. They don't have a large beer selection especially on tap. I am particular to an Ebel's Weiss by Two Brothers which comes in a bottle. I love the crusty bread they bring out to your table. It's accompanied with roasted garlic cloves in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Since the bread has a wonderful crunchy crust and yet is so incredibly soft inside, it's perfect for dipping. For apps I love the mini veal meatballs, they are very flavorful and melt in your mouth. The octopus and fingerling potatoes are a delicious choice for an appetizer, if you like octopus obviously. I enjoy the tangy vinaigrette that it has and think it cuts some of the fishy taste some octupus can have. I've also tried the artichoke dip that is pretty typical, although tasty. One of my favorite things here is the beet salad with goat cheese. First of all I'm sold with goat cheese anything, but the beets have a delicious tangy flavor that makes them taste pickled even though they are called "roasted beets". I also love the homemade pumpkin ravioli and the homemade ricotta gnocchi. Both are pretty small portions but with a full coursed meal (which is how I almost always like to order) it's more than enough food. The gnocchi is lighter than a potato gnocchi and definitely tastes homemade (although why do they need to say that when it should be implied!). My husband has gotten the carbonara, which I think tastes too rich due to the amount of bacon they use. And I do love bacon for the record. My friend has gotten the lamb here before but it's not always on the menu. To finish the meal I like the espresso gellato that has tiny crunchies on top (the best part). They also have given us a chocolate bar with sugared orange peel and almonds that my husband is obsessed with. Anything for free always tastes better in my book. I love finishing my meal off with a nice cappuccino and theirs is delish! The best thing about this place to me is the value. Two people can eat four courses and have drinks for under $100. The food/cost ratio is way higher on the food side to me.
(4)
Grace L.
The atmosphere is a comfortable.."we look like countryside in Italy'" look, as is the service. We have always gone with the dinner party plan and have not been disappointed! Can not speak for the fish...but the beef and pork dishes have been well spiced and are cooked well. A couple of things I really enjoy are the fact you can choose sparkling or still water with your meal (sparking is not extra!). Also, if you are lucky and are there when they have the blood orange granita..get it.
(4)
Kathryn R.
I have a great expeience each time I visit this restaraunt. The service is excellent and I have enjoyed multple entrees but the Chicken Mario is my favorite. They also offer a prix fixe menu where you and the table can sample multiple appetizers and pastas, and choose an entree. Great location, nice atmosphere and delcious food!
(5)
Ria C.
I had set up a corporate dinner here and the night couldn't have turned out any better. I was a bit nervous booking with another LEYE restaurant due to the horrible experience at Nacional 27 the week before, but I decided to take a chance on Osteria via Stato. This place gets 5 starts for the combination of quality and value. Stellar place for food and wine for about $125/person including tax and gratuity. The atmosphere is very cozy and subdued--very fitting for a cold autumn's night in Chicago. We were accompanied by a few sales execs from Boston and immediately they were very impressed. The service was phenomenal as was the food and wine pairings. 1. I had picked the wines prior to the event--required if choosing the Italian Dinner Party Option. Both were ventures between Mario Batali and italian wineries. Tocai Friulano Bastianich 2006 (white) was light and fruity which paired very well with the appetizers and first courses. Morellino di Scansano "I Perazzi" La Mozza (red) was a medium-bodied sangiovese that paired very well with the pasta and second courses. Very smooth and calculated movement from the white to the red, and was very well suited as we progressed through our courses. 2. At the table: Salt-crusted ciabbata bread-good but I didn't enjoy the sweetness. Marinated Mozzarella with fresh basil and chili-also very good. Shaved Prosciutto and Apple-Stellar. This was one of the freshest slices of prosciutto I have had apart from Pastoral's selection. Olives-Good. 3. Antipasti: Caesar Salad and Calamari-Good. Parmesan-crusted wood roasted onions-PHENOMENAL. I have never had onions presented in this fashion with a creamy and slightly torched cheese crust. Delish! 4. Primi: Parpadelle with Duck Ragu-Yummy. Fresh Cavatelli with Mushrooms & Brown Butter-TO DIE FOR. This is one of the best pastas I have ever had, and I've been to spiaggia and the likes. This surprisingly is up to par with the quality, taste, and ingenuity of the pricier venues. 5. Secondi: Prime Ribeye with crispy shallots. SUPERB. I have been to several steakhouses: chophouse, gibsons, david burke, tavern, keefers...you name it. This might be the best ribeye I have ever had, 20oz. on the bone, charred to perfection and cooked exactly to Medium. 6. Sides: Calabrian Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts-Very good. 7. Dolce: Double chocolate tart-simple and a fine end to a perfect meal. This was one of the best 5 course progressive dinners I have had and I forgot to mention the best part: each course, with the exception of the second course, is UNLIMITED. We were too full to oblige, however, this option is perfect for hungry groups. OSTERIA-understated indulgence.
(5)
Rebecca S.
Great food, great menu options, great wine list...what else can you ask for? I loved the Prix Fix menu option. $39.99 per person! You can't beat that for the great variety of course options. Seared Scallops and Roast Duck leg were perfect. They also have a terrific selection on wines by the glass if you can't finish another bottle. Service was impeccable (sp?). Dessert list could have been a little more impressive but I was full by then anyway. I was also suprised by the lack of other customers. Great place for a not-to-fussy but great dinner.
(4)
Larry B.
went there last week. for the first time in a while. the main room is separate from the bar area now. Not sure i like that. still aside from the useless hostess and equally useless waiter we had some excellent crispy thin crust pizza and apps. decent wine list still. I still like the place but the waitstaff needs work and the dolts who stand around the hostess area need to get something to do other than act like boorish Fratboys.
(4)
Blake W.
I've got to say the night didn't start off great. The first thing I noticed was the awkward entry as we walking in the restaurant. It seems the front door and waiting area was hardly even an after thought. There was no room unless you wanted to pack into the tight bar and hover over other tables while they ate. The hostess stand was up on a pedestal as if to direct traffic. The Bar tender wasn't fast and poured a Gin & Tonic with out the Tonic (I guess that's really a +, it made the $10 drink almost worth it) Once we sat down thought it was a whole different story. Our waitress was impressively confident and knowledgeable. My girlfriend loves her bottle pick and I did as well seeing as it was a much cheaper (But damn tasty) version of the Amarones that she loves. We went family style which for my was great I didn't really have to pick anything, just the Entree -- Braised Pork over polenta. Damn tasty a touch on the dry side but the sauce on the plate fixed that. We went double helpings on the simply roasted sweet onions with parm. I was very impressed with everyone who came to our table. I don't do many LEYE restaurants but this place has convinced me to try some others. The place was well done (Entryway not included) on the inside. At the end of the meal I was actually disappointed that we didn't score a communal table. Hopefully next time as that just seems like so much more fun.
(4)
KM I.
Annoyed, made a reservation for Valentine's Day. We frequent Frankie's Scallopine and the owner recommended OVS because the chef is the head of the Lettuce Entertain You chain.... They called to confirm the reservation day before the scatterbrain of a hostess said "Oh by the way the menu is a prix-fix menu". ME: okay, what are you offering? SB:Oh...umm....not sure I think a pasta dish and meat maybe. ME: Um, well....what about the regular menu? SB: No, we are just offering the prix-fix. ME: OKAY, well if you can't even tell me whats on the damn menu just cancel the reservation! How do you expect someone to come in and only have 2 things available to eat without even knowing what they are. Needless to say, we were left without dinner reservations in Chicago on Valentine's Day weekend. So we had to go to our tried and true establishment without resi, Frankie's. Which ALSO offered a prix-fix menu, IN ADDITION to their normal offerings. Got the Filet Mignon, arugula salad, and chocolate creme brulee from that menu and I wanted to die and go to heaven. So good, and I never eat meat out.
(2)
Marty G.
Been here twice and I keep coming back. The cheesecake is amazing and probably the best cheesecake in the area. The second time we didn't make reservations...and they sat us in the communal area. If you want the full experience of a romantic dinner, would highly recommend making reservations so you can get a little table w/ candles and really great intimate setting. Staff and manager were really great to make the best of our communal seating arrangements with numerous freebies throughout the night overall a must try.
(5)
Brandon M.
I visited Osteria Via Stato this past Saturday evening. We had reservations for 2 and arrived and was seating within less than 2 minutes. The garlic olive oil and the bread they serve every table won me over from the start. My boyfriend and I spit everything so we ordered quite a few things to sample. We started with the Grilled Octopus and Potatoes, This was a little taste of heaven. We then went onto the biggest disappointment of the meal, the Short Rib Bruchetta. We were looking for something lighter with some short rib pieces mixed in with the fresh tomatoes or a piece on top of a standard bruchetta. Instead, what was sent out was a piece of toast covered in short ribs, with a cherry tomato slice in half on top- it was very heavy and somewhat unappetizing. I do not recommend this. We followed this course with a pleasant salad with bacon and a buttery cheese that just melted in your mouth. Very Delicious but I the name of the salad escapes at this time. The last thing we ordered was the special for the evening, Lamb Sausage Risotto. This was delicious however a tad runny for risotto standards....nonetheless i would order it again. As we finished our meal and were deciding upon dessert, the waiter just brought us a chocolate bar topped with candied oranges, pecans and brittle. It was the perfect end. The main highlight besides an almost perfect meal was also our waiter Bill. He made the table feel comfortable by not talking too much but wasn't impersonal- something i find rare now a days. Overall, great experience and will be back soon!
(4)
Alex J.
I went out with my boyfriend to this place and we had gift certificates to pay for our meal. I checked it out online and made a reservation. We intended on getting the pre-selected three course meal for $38 a piece. We ended up just ordering off the menu. I had the duck and wild mushroom risotto and my boyfriend had a parmesean encrusted steak with a side of broccolini. I thought the food was good, the waitress bugged me a little because she was so robotic, but overall if I actually paid for this meal I would have been disappointed. Just overpriced.
(2)
Elizabeth A.
LOVE this restaurant! I think the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. The veal meatballs are a must! I'm not a big veal eater, or even a big meat eater, but I order the veal meatball app everytime! I have tried most of the pasta dishes and I'm never disappointed. The service is always friendly and the atmosphere is energetic. Oh, they also give you a balsamic, oil and garlic blend with amazing fresh bread to start. Yum!
(5)
Joscelyn M.
This is a fabulous place for a group. I love how all the apps and pastas come out family style and you just choose your main. The food is super yummy and I left sooo full! Dark and cozy, but a bit noisy.
(4)
Holly C.
My Mum (yes Mum, not Mom) came to town on a work function and I was given the job of picking a restaurant for 11 people. I had previously arranged a work event at Osteria Via Stato for a group of 20+ and it was a huge success so I opted to give it another go. I had to change the reservation from 11 to 12 and then to 13 at the last minute and they were super accommodating. Any parties above 10 have to agree to do the Italian Dinner Party menu. This means that there are fixed appetizers, fixed pasta, your choice of mains and 2 fixed side items with the mains. The appetizers included a mozzarella dish, veal meatballs, olives, salad, and maybe something else. They were all great. The pastas were a bolognese style pasta and a chicken sausage pasta. My Mum failed to inform me that we had a veggie in the group and when I found out (late on in the pasta course) I felt panic. Fortunately, she had looked online and was really excited to come to this restaurant because they are on some list of great veggie restaurants - who knew? They brought her special dishes in lieu of the meat she could not eat. I asked how everything was and she gave me a big thumbs up! For the main course the table ordered a variety of dishes (including scallops, belly pork, white fish, special fish dish, gorgonzola filet mignon, parmesan filet mignon, 20oz Ribeye and something veggie). Everyone was really happy, one guy after eating the 20oz stated, "funny that the best steak I ever had was at an Italian restaurant." The sides were a polenta thing and sprouts with bacon - someone also added that, "I don't even like sprouts and I like this!" We ended up having dessert, limoncello, and a few other beverages before we left. They also gave us some tasty chocolate with candied orange peel as a pre-dessert snack. The service was really great - I really have no complaints. It is so awesome when you have the pressure of keeping a large group happy to exceed their expectations! The next day someone was pondering where to do another group dinner and I was forced to recommend Osteria Via Stato!
(5)
Philly D.
If I told you the best pizza in Chicago wasn't from one of those deep dish places, would you believe me? Eat here, and you'll know what I'm talking about.
(4)
Ric S.
David D (the culinary talent here) cooks real Italian food. Just get the preset menu, pick your entree and relax with good conversation. Creamy polenta, is always money and any veggies David is roasting is a good bet. They know how to slow cook pork Italian style too!
(4)
Y V.
They had an interesting option for diners - the $37 "Italian Dinner Party", which includes antipasti, pasta, an entree, and sides. They give you a selection of antipasti and pasta to choose from, and you can ask for seconds. We had the fresh mozzarella and the house-marinated olives. We did ask for seconds for the antipasti. Our pasta was pretty good, but by that time we were ready to dig into our entrees. He chose a steak entree, which cost an extra $12. I opted for the short ribs, which were quite good. Overall, the food was excellent and the Italian Dinner Party option was a nice, well-rounded meal.
(4)
Rob C.
2.5 prefixe dinner here. problem is that all the dishes were too salty. from the salmon, to the shortribs, to the chicken. dry, oversalted. the appetizers were slightly better, and the chocolate dessert was good. mozzarella balls soft and good. has the space for a large group, but not a memorable menu.
(3)
peerapat c.
the food is good, service inconsistent. in the past couple of years, i've been here for dinner a handful of times and lunch a handful of times. i can say that my experiences with the food have been pretty positive overall. the food always has tasted of fresh ingredients and has been well prepared. the service on the other hand has been across the board. sometimes service is fabulous (engaging, courteous, knowledgeable and friendly), other times i've been made to feel unwelcome and a burden to my server. unfortunately, what is spurring me to write this is an unpleasant lunch i had just last week. as expected, i thoroughly enjoyed the food. but the service? not so much. we were sat down on arrival, cool. then waited around 10 minutes before someone came over to acknowledge us. booooh. we finally got set up with waters and were able to order drinks. putting the initial service hiccup past us, we ordered, got served, finished eating and were in good spirits. then, while contemplating dessert, we decided to order some coffee. the server was a challenge to track down, and even after letting him know we wanted coffees, he really took his time to get back to us just to take our order. we went on to wait for another 15 min before the coffee arrived with no apologies for having to wait (the restaurant by the way was not slammed by any means). the coffee i ordered tasted old and two of my friends were served capuccinos that were no longer hot! needless to say, it put a big damper on what would have been an agreeable lunch hour.
(3)
Nancy S.
Been there 3 times. Good food. Good service. Nice price!
(4)
Lindley E.
An excellent fun restaurant to enjoy courtesy of your expense account, if you have an expense account. Food is good, but not necessarily "i'll spend my own money here" good...know what I mean? What to say? Portions are huge, it is impossible to leave hungry or sober... Expect slowish service, longish waits, but deliciousish food...
(4)
Iris F.
They had me with the cheese plate and wine!!! Can't wait to go back for a full course meal. Service was lovely as well. This place is connected to Embassy Suites.
(4)
Lisa R.
Dined here during our get away weekend in Chi-town this weekend on Saturday night with reservations booked through OpenTable. You can order Pre-fix or Ala Carte and they have a unique wine offering called "just bring me wine" which is either $20 or $40 per person and they bring you wine with each course to sample. We did not choose that option but rather just ordered a bottle of Chianti. A bit disappointed that most bottles of wine were priced over $50 which seemed odd because menu prices were quite reasonable. Bread and roasted garlic and olive oil served first was exceptional if you are a garlic nut like we are. Calamari was cooked perfectly, and we each ordered a pasta dish. Perfect portion size, not too big, just right. Service was good if almost too "hovering". They actually were not swamped busy and I think our waiter was a bit bored, he asked up every 5 minutes how we were doing, did we need anything....that was over kill to me, I was on a date with my husband, not a double date with him :-) Over all it was good, we may return again.
(4)
Jenna D.
I recently had my wedding at Osteria Via Stato and was thrilled with the venue and the service. I was aiming for a classy dinner party with great food and good drinks that would impress guests and be something different then your standard overpriced ball room wedding that all look the same and have very mediocre food. I got exactly what I wanted. The guests raved about the food and the service. We had about 100 guests and the space was perfect. Its intimate without being stuffed in and the location downtown was perfect for a wedding. Working with Allison their event manager was a treat. She is extremely professional and very easy to work with. I can't say enough about the food; it was amazing with many of the guest's commenting that they cannot wait to go back. The only complaints on this venue for a wedding or event that I have is that it was a little warm and they didn't really seem able to do anything to bring the temperature down. Also the bathrooms aren't ideally located so your guests have to leave the restaurant and use a bathroom in the hotel that is attached. Overall I give it 5 stars. It was a pleasure working with everyone there and looking back it was the perfect evening with a fabulous location in Chicago and really impressive food.
(5)
Kristy C.
Mixed reviews on this place, I loved the setting- dimly lit, wood and rock like you were sitting by the fireplace in your house... The wine was good, the service was good, the bread they bring is amazing... Appetizers were pretty good- veal meatballs, some sort of pan fried onions, put the meatball and onions on the bread, made a yumm sandwhich! But the spaghetti arrabiata was fairly flavorless for a dish with peppers (and temp was just warm), the signature meat sauce was nothing compared to my moms or even mine - isn't this an italian place? But the risotto was amazing, hands down the best thing there, funny because I wasn't excited about this non italian dish and i was happily surprised.
(4)
Kathleen O.
We opted to do the "Dinner Party" and we all really liked everything we got. The meatballs were a hit with all of us, as well as the onion appetizer. The parmesan crusted filet was very tasty. Good selection of wine, as well.
(4)
Liz A.
Wow. My husband and I just dined at Osteria. Amazing food and even more amazing service! Our waitress, Keirstan, gave us great recs for wine (we don't know Italian wines very well). Every single suggestion she gave us was perfect for what we had wanted. In addition to that, she was, quite frankly, one of the nicest and most helpful servers ever. Go to Osteria and experience the love, for yourself!
(5)
Allison R.
One of the best restaurants I have been to! The food, atmosphere and service is second to none!! I cannot wait to come back!
(5)
Melissa S.
I am not a fan of the guy across the street, begins with a Q. So I love Osteria. I lived in Italy for many years and I think they have the best spin on an American version of what an osteria means. It is a lettuce entertain you restaurant lets not forget! The bread is fresh and warm, olive oil is the traditional pairing. The salmon is always crisp on top and perfectly cooked in the center. I am a young mom, so its great for kids (especially lunch) and great for my honey and I to have an early dinner glass of wine. Perfect for large parties.
(4)
Connie Z.
I came here last St Patrick's day with two friends, who wanted to get the prix fixe with an all-you-can-eat appetizer thing. They asked me to come along after I'd already had dinner, so they called ahead and asked if only some people at the table could get the buffet option- the answer was yup, it's ok to split dishes, even with some people getting an all-you-can-eat menu. We get there, and all of a sudden, (after we were seated and it was too late to leave) they were outraged that we would not all order the same thing. After making a huge fuss about it, our waiter looked at my friends, and said, "Fine, we'll let you do this. But if SHE takes any bites, even one, off your plates, we're charging you for it." SHE has a name, buddy, and SHE can be addressed directly. The night continued with 2-3 waiters/waitresses/busboys always standing at the end of our table, glaring at me as though at any second, I was going to grab an olive off my friends' dishes and sneak it under my soup and salad. Which, by the way, were nothing special (the soup was over-salted). Every time I talked to my friends, the glares intensified. I have honestly never gotten so much attention in a restaurant, nor have I ever felt so utterly disgusted. To be fair, my friends liked their meal, but agree that the glare-of-death pretty much ruined our night. This is one of those places that needs to clue its staff into customer service. Or at least get their communication straight on what is possible and not possible for customers to order. One thing's for sure, this customer felt wronged and completely insulted, and now loses her appetite whenever she thinks about eating at Osteria via Stato. Pick Quartino's across the street, or Chili's, where nobody will make you feel like a 3rd class citizen!
(1)
Nathan W.
When I was on my kick of going to pricey restaurants on the weekends, my soon to be married friends and I made a visit to Osteria and it was wonderful! I highly recommend the gemmelli alfredo and our server was dead on with the wine selection. I can't wait to go back. The atmosphere was superb and we all left feeling the most satisfied from a meal as we could recall.
(5)
daisy J.
it was excellent! four of us went to dinner and no one was disappointed. the atmosphere is standard - it would have been nice to dine al fresco - maybe next time. the only odd part is the bathroom, which is located far back in the hotel. we ordered the pulled mozzarella (basically a giant mozzarella stick) and fonduta for appetizers. the mozzarella was good - but standard. the fonduta was yummy - a tad oily, but with the crostini, delicious nonetheless. for dinner i had the cavatelli with wild mushroom (yum), i also tired the penne with chicken, gnocci with ariabiata sauce, and the risotto. the ONLY downfall was their risotto. the consistency was off and it was a bit bland. it was on special that evening, but i wouldn't recommend it in the future. we were too stuffed for dessert, but i'd love to go back and try 'pizzeria via stato' and stay for some sweets. i'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking for delicious italian food!
(4)
Alyssa S.
I was really enjoying my meal here, unitl I realized I had been eating a meat sauce with chopped up mushrooms, which I am allergic too. Oh Osteria Via Stato, why oh why were those not listed on the menu?
(3)
Mariangela S.
I had read about Osteria Via Stato in Bon Appetit and it seemed to come highly recommended from a variety of food related magazines and online reviews. Went there after dinner for cheese course and wine - what a mistake. First of all it took forever to get our glasses of wine, and when we tried to order the cheese our server was not familiar with the cheese selections. When the cheese finally arrived (we ordered 5 cheeses), the pieces were miniscule even by restaurant standards, and one of the cheeses had a horribly off taste. The three of us tasted it to be sure (2 of our group are professional chefs) and everyone agreed it was bad. We called over the cheese monger and he actually argued with us about the state of the cheese. He wouldn't even taste it to confirm - just told us he had been in the business for 20 years and knew what he was talking about. So pompous and no idea about service. I won't be recommending this place regardless of who owns it.
(1)
Carter G.
We were here last night and overall the experience was better then OK, but I rate strictly on food, NOT ambiance or service. We went with the prix fixe menu which around $45 a person. That was the mistake, and I think if we would of just ordered off the regular menu (which is what I recommend) the experience would have been phenomenal. Here was the problem half of the anti pastas they brought out were great and the other half not so good. The soup was decent and salad passed the test as well. However, the pastas they served us weren't so hot. One of them was way too salty. However, the entrees, I had the bouillabaisse and my girlfriend has the chicken were hands down the best part of the meal. The sides with the entress (potatos and brussel sprouts were nice as well). I think if we would of just ordered apps and entrees the food would of been better overall and the bill would of been slightly less. I would recommend Osteria Via Stato, but just don't do the "share meal"/ prix fixe option.
(3)
Beth H.
I went out with a friend after work, and tried getting into another popular Italian place down the street. This was an impromptu outing, so we didn't have reservations. The wait at the other place was 2 hours and we were starving. We walked the 20 feet across the street to Osteria Via Stato and spied the nice outdoor seating, that looked like there was open seating. We walked up to the hostess stand, and they sat us right away!! We were pleased as punch and then ordered wine and our entrees. The wine was really good. I had the Cabernet Savignon, whose name escapes me, but that's because the entire wine list is in Italian. I ordered the trout, and my friend ordered the chicken. Our meals came, and they were delicious! The food was reasonably priced for a nice night out on the town, we had no wait and sat in the adorable outdoor seating section. Overall, Osteria Via Stato was an unexpected but delightful surprise/find! I recommend Osteria Via Stato!
(4)
Sam S.
I feel really bad that they have the best Italian place in the city (Quartino) right across the street--it's a shame. I came here after Quartino to try their bacon, excuse me, pancetta infused martini. It was delicious! The staff was absolutely the snobbiest group of people I have ever come across in my life. I was with a group of people and we were having a good time and we got nothing but rude, unhelpful behavior upon entering. "Do you have a reservation??" when the restaurant was empty--give me a break.
(3)
Robyn T.
If you come to Osteria via Stato you must order the Chicken Mario. Yes, I know it's chicken and when you go out to a nice restaurant who really wants to order chicken right? Well, let me say that this is possibly the best chicken I've ever had. I was able to track a recipe only but I just don't think I can really replicate the flavor...the juicy chicken breast oozing with butter. Try it and you'll see what I'm saying. Opt to order the family style feast. It's a tremendous amount of food and you'll leave with your stomach hanging over your waistband but it's well worth the effort. The sauteed onions are amazing and family style guarantees you can order more of anything (except the entree) but are you really going to eat that much? If you are I'm not judging because the food tastes very authentic to me but it's very filling. Not crazy about the seating arrangements. We had a party of 6 and were seated next to a couple on a date. Very strange dynamic since their date was romantic and my dinner was a boisterous family meal.
(4)
Bryant C.
I was there for a pre fix deal. I would not recommend that. I feel the food is never as good on the pre fix as it is just ordering off of the menu. I would go back and try the regular menu again.
(4)
Sam W.
Called at 4:30pm on a Friday afternoon and succeeded in making a reservation for 6 people at 6pm. Arrived about ten minutes early and we all were sat right away. Nice looking restaurant inside of the Embassy Hotel. The food was hit and miss, and the portions were on the small side. I had the Chicken Pepporanata, which was one chicken breast sauteed and paired with sweet peppers and chicken sausage, with tomato sauce. The dish was amazing and very flavorful, better than anything else I saw. The other dishes ordered were pasta with meat sauce, marinara, and Alfredo ( decent sauces but nothing special), Chicken Parm ( really small with nothing much besides the chicken). We all ordered our own desserts (which were really small too) and those included the Cherry Crostada (again I win best dessert because this was like a small piece of cherry pie topped with vanilla gelato), Double Chocolate Tart, and Burnt Caramel flavored gelato. The service was hands down the best I have ever had as our waitress catered to every need we had. She even brought out multiple pitchers of diet coke, since we seemed to be consuming them quickly. She also knew everything about the menu and all of her suggestions were much appreciated.
(4)
Diana D.
This restaurant is pretty good. The atmosphere is really nice - I really like so many real candles being lit all around. The food and wine are both good - we ordered a la carte and I don't think you're really getting a very big meal when you do that. (A big meal for our big American bellies that is - it is enough to make it so you are not hungry anymore but there is no extra to take home.) I was impressed by the bread and olive oil that they served to start - the olive oil was set out with olives in it, the type with pits still in, which I love. I am sure that getting the family-style meal is the way to go, but for only two people, this option seemed to pricy and like it would be a waste on only us.
(2)
Alice L.
This place is amazing to say the least. As soon as you enter, the rustic feel engulfs you, and you really feel as though you're in Italy. I think the best way to go is the $35 Italian Dinner Party option. You get to choose from a variety of options, of which can be quite difficult b/c everything on the menu sounds absolutely delicious. The "just bring me wine" program is also great. It features tasting flights of three four-ounce pours throughout your meal, which complement each meal you're having. The service was great, and there were also several opportunities to have second helpings of the antipasta or pasta dishes. This is a great place to come as a group or as a couple, and be prepared to leave with a satisfied palate!
(5)
Esther A.
I just had my wedding here yesterday. It was soooo perfect. Allison, the event planner is on key and so professional. The staff was so helpful and made this day for my new husband and I incredible. My guests raved about the food and everything went smoothly. Thank you so much Osteria. We will be back again!!!
(5)
J. C. G.
For the extraordinarily impatient among us, Osteria offers the very tasty "Bring Me Food" and "Bring Me Wine" menu options. I can appreciate a place that isn't shy about bringing round after round of appetizers and pastas to your table, ensuring that you'll have to take advantage of their extra-charge "Roll Me Out To My Car" service.
(4)
K. B.
I thought I had an OK dinner at this restaurant. But then I checked my account balance the next morning and the waitress double-charged me for a not-that-great meal. I called the restaurant immediately to speak with a manager. Instead of apologizing and offering to immediately rectify the situation, he was a complete jerk. He did not apologize, defended the stupid little waitress as if she didn't do anything wrong, and then did not get the situation fixed immediately because he was "very busy". Really? So was I. But I had to take the time to call and deal with this. And then to call back because he still hadn't done it. And then to talk to him again...WASTE OF MY TIME. BAD SERVICE. Never eating at this restaurant again. Don't recommend that you do either.
(1)
Sarah S.
I wasn't too impressed with the menu, everything sounded very americanized. I didn't want to risk it, so i played it safe and ordered veal marsala. It was good. I would like to go back and taste risotto or pasta and see how they are cooked to be able to judge if it's a good Italian place. They have my fav wine thou (moscato d'asti) and I was very happy with it
(3)
Alice M.
Yes, this is Italian tapas--you get very small portions of food but we didn't feel the prices reflected the smallness of the portions Food is decent but we left kinda hungry. For our money, we vastly prefer Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba at Halsted north of Armitage.
(2)
Lisa S.
I would really like to give this place a 3.5 star, but whole numbers are the only option. I was visiting a good friend in Chicago and she took me here. The atmosphere was really great. The people that put together the space did a great job. We had to wait a bit for our table and so we ordered some wine at the bar. My friend wanted white wine. Since Sancerre seems to be my white of the moment I asked the bartender if he had any. Boy, did I get the stink eye! I know this is an italian restaurant, but, I didn't think my question should have been so repulsive to him. They have California wines on the menu for goodness sakes. Why not french? So, we ended up ordering an italian white of course. Now to the meal. I don't want to get too detailed. I just want to talk about the stand out moments. Let me start by saying the bread is some of the best I have ever had. I would have been satisfied just going there for bread and wine. My friend and I opted for the tasting menu which comes with several courses. One of the first courses was a salad that was absolutely delicious. It had a blue cheese dressing that was so mild that even my blue cheese hating friend loved it. Another earlier course was an onion tart that was outstanding. Next came two pasta courses. They were good, but not as memorable as the salad and onion tart. I just remembered thinking that the pasta was perfectly cooked. Next came my entree which was the braised shortribs in a red wine reduction served over polenta. It was good, but a little bit over salted. The service was very good. My only criticism is that the server didn't seem to be too knowlegable about the wine. But, that didn't really bother me. Overall it was a lovely dining experience. I recommend it!
(4)
Karen M.
Impressive selection of wine from many different Italy Providences. They just recently added an Italian-inspired a la carte menu, which we had the pleasure of trying during a wine tasting event we attended there last night. All of the new wines paired with the a la carte items were very tasty. This was our first experience at Osteria Via Stato, although it definitely won't be our last. As a side note, the restaurant is constantly holding wine tasting and dinner events through Lettuce Entertain You which are reasonably priced ,and they are always an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Natalie B.
This place was a great location for a business lunch with my department. The menu was selected in advance, but I did have a selection when it came to the main course. The pumpkin soup was to die for. I've been trying to replicate it but have failed pretty miserably each time. Also, this is the only time I have enjoyed brussell sprouts. Although what doesn't taste good when it is covered in butter (insert Paula Deen reference here).
(4)
Gail M.
A 5 star experience - phenomenal food paired with great service.
(5)
Jessie S.
A friend and I got a table at 830 on a saturday night within 20 minutes, which was pretty incredible based on the other places we had tried that night. Everything we had was outstanding, the roasted garlic antipasti, the calamari, the cavatelli was great and the gnocchi was FANTASTIC... writing this makes me want to order take out right now... The ambiance is nice, laid back yet high class italian. The wine list is comprehensive and pretty reasonable. However, I despise the split between the "pizzeria" and "dining room." It was repeatedly stressed that we could only order from one menu or the other, depending on where we sat. we chose dining room, so we weren't "allowed" to order pizzas or appetizers from the pizza menu? even though they come from the same place? but regardless, the waitress was nice, intelligent and informed, and the experience overall was very pleasant and we left satisfied! I'd definitely recommend for a date or group dinner.
(4)
Lauren A.
This is a great place to dine. Unique dinning experience. I recommend it to everyone.
(5)
Ashley K.
deliiiicious. the cavatelli is hand rolled and outstanding. i could eat it all day. pretty good wine list. tasty bruchetta. the service was good and ambience pleasant as well. seriously, get the cavatelli.
(4)
Cara M.
Amazing food. Favorite restaurant in the city.
(5)
Eric L.
I was surprised by how much I liked this place. Being attached to a hotel, I thought it was be one of the mediocre hotel restaurants. However, after being here twice now, I can say that this is one of the better italian restaurants I have been to in Chicago. Its been a while since I ate here, so I cant remember what we ordered (some type of pasta dish), but I do remember everything being excellent.
(4)
Megan W.
This restaurant is okay, just okay. It certainly isn't anything special. The food was simply fine. It wasn't anything that spectacular. In addition it seemed that for the money the portions were a bit small. I don't know that I'll be coming back here.
(3)
elizabeth n.
We wandered in here after the wait at Quartino was ridiculously long, and were pleased to be told that the wait for an outdoor table was 20 minutes. We put our names in and headed to the bar where we ordered a Mezzolito of wine which turned out to be around 3.5 glasses- perfect! After 15 minutes or so the pager went off and we were seated inside, even though we put our name in for outdoor seating. Oh well, whatever. Right away they put bread and a plate of olives with oil down on the table but there were so many olives in the oil that it ruined the taste since my fiance and I both hate the taste of olives. There was also no butter or anything else to dip your bread in so that was odd. I had a half order of the penne pasta which was a good portion size and had chicken and penne in a spicy tomato cream sauce. It was good but not great. We then topped off dinner with the double double chocoate tart which was OK. The chocolate was a little bland for my taste so I ate the redi whip that was on top- that was good:) Overall, it's a decent place with a great atmosphere, but I probably won't go back unless we can't get into Quartino again!
(3)
Amanda A.
As my boyfriend put it best, "solid performance!" We went to this restaurant over the weekend after hearing mixed reviews and still eagerly wanting to try it. As to be expected on a Saturday night, the restaurant was busy and we were asked to wait on our reservation. We found our way through the crowded host line to the bar area and I squeezed my way in for a few drinks. We were feeling pressured to stand in one of two awkward locations - either pressed against the other bar patrons or literally sitting on top of the customers who were unfortunate enough to be seated on the aisle adjacent to the bar - the same thoroughfare used to get to and from the coat check and hotel. Needless to say, we were anxious to be seated. I enjoyed my ginger pear bellini, although my boyfriend was a little disappointed by the limited gin options. We were seated shortly after the rest of our party arrived, and from there the night just kept getting better. We were unsure of what to expect as far as seating arrangements seeing as we knew this restaurant was known for their "family-style" dining. While we passed several communal tables - we were escorted to a more typical tableclothed arrangement. We were immediately greeted by someone offering complimentary spring or sparkling water - which by the way was not more than a quarter empty at any point in the evening before being refilled. The server came by our table shortly after presenting us with the menus and wine list - as she went over her presentation to us "newbies" it was clear that she strongly recommended the family style dining. For $36/person - the table got unlimited servings of 5 different appetizers, two different pastas, one entree from a list of about 12(some of the options are an additional upcharge), and unlimited quantities of 2 sides. This gave us an opportunity to try as many things of the menu as possible without having to do much choosing (and to be honest we didn't even look at the a la carte option). The wine list was equally catered to all knowlege ranges - offering a typical bottle list, about 40 red and whites offered by the glass/half-litre/bottle and a list of the top 40 wines they offered under $40. We chose a bottle and a mezza-litre and were well on our way. We loved everything we tried and highly recommend getting your hands on some of their carmelized onions with melted parmesan, the short rib over polenta and filet with blue cheese crust, and don't miss desert if not just to try their candied orange peels (made in house, blanched 7 times, carmelized and sprinkled with sugar and having the likeness to candy store bought crystalized orange slices). Each person that brought food to our table had impecible service skills and carefully described what we were about to indulge in. I would most definitely go back - and hopefully next time get a chance to sit at the communal tables - where people seemed to be having just as much fun sharing their experience at Osteria Via Stato with people they had just met sitting down.
(5)
Nicola C.
I just discovered this place a couple of months ago. It is primo, you get wine pairings with your meal and it is very authentic italien. You don't have to eat in the dining room, they also have a great bar area as you walk in where you can get great wine and small appetizers such as a cheese board if you are not that hungry. I highly reccomend it.
(4)
Carmen B.
There are many places which promise my perfect italian lunch - wood fired pizza and an interesting salad - but this spot delivers. Crisp fired pizza crusts with fresh ingredients, flavorful salads (arugula with dates and bacon with balsamic) and good wine pours. The staff is friendly, and the offering is well priced. Perfect for lunch!
(4)
Laura J.
I'm completely baffled by any review exceeding 2 starts for this place. I'm chocking it up to tourists and people who are blacked out (or both). The "Dinty Moore" stew comparisons are both accurate and hilarious. The "hostess" (I use this loosely) chastised my nearly-70 year old mother for asking to be seated. Though our whole party hadn't arrived, we had reservations...and the place was ghost town...on a Tuesday. Sure hope treating us like imbeciles gave her meaningless day a smidgen of joy. I cannot reconcile that somewhere like Owen & Engine (or any of Chicago's numerous and awesome food options) shares a similar 4 star rating. Heck, if it's Italian you seek, you'd be 100 times better off just walk one more block to Quartino. Unless you feel like inducing a migraine from food saltier than this review, avoid!
(1)
Christi R.
Absolutely love this place. I had my birthday dinner there last night with a group of 16. We took advantage of the Italian dinner party prix fixe. One of my guests was vegan, another was gluten-free and the staff took care of them like champs. The food was all incredible and aplenty (the three meat ragu was out of this world). The service, while a little slow to start (our poor server was being pulled in 16 different directions at once in addition to tending to a few other tables) was superb. I really can't sing enough praises here. And at the end, I got some (mind-blowing) salted caramel gelato while my friends serenaded me. What a lovely night. I'd recommend it to anyone and will definitely be back.
(5)
Sam M.
After a slow start, the evening turned out good. After trying to sit us next to the kitchen, we were moved to a table where we didn't need to here the cooks yelling or the plates being cleaned. This was not my first visit to osteria. Like all leye restaurants with the exception of Joes, the food is good not amazing. The service was solid considering it was packed at 9:30 on A Friday. About the food, our table ordered three appetizers (veal meatballs, prosciutto and mozzarella, and grilled octopus. All of the appetizers were very good. The bread is served with oil and crushed garlic, it is amazing. My entree was just okay. I believe it was called Mario's chicken. The chicken was cooked good but just had too much overpowering butter flavor. That is how it was described by the waiter but I expected more of a lemon chicken. Overall a good experience minus the location of the first table. Would go back but would try a different entree.
(4)
Katherine L.
This place is popular during tourist season and bustling, but the lighting in the dining room was romantic (we were in the side room, off the host desk and away from the bar). The food was really good, and the service was impeccable.
(5)
Erika G.
Love. This place had the feel of a lively Italian bistro in Milan. Seriously. The decibel level was a bit high at times, but that could have been the gaggle of suburbanite horse-laughter women next to me, not the restaurants fault. Friendly bartender, delicious wine. True to (my) form, this area is for the bar area only, and we only had one each. But, I'm motivated to come back if in the area to try the food. Or, dine outside when this hideous summer heat subsides.
(4)
Carrie S.
Osterio Via Stato made my first outing as Hospitality Chair of my professional organization a breeze. For our annual awards banquet, I wanted a departure from our tried, true, and boring mainstays. Through a series of emails to the LEY event planner, I planned my event quickly and easily. I never worried about the quality of experience we would have because the planning was through. When I arrived for our event on a cold, rainy Tuesday, the Osterio Via Stato staff had already helped board members with arranging tables and preparing for the event. I really didn't have to worry about it any snafus throughout the night. Our banquet room was a cozy, quaint room off of the main dining room. It gave an intimate feel to our awards banquet. During cocktail hour, servers attentively took drink orders and made sure guests were comfortable. Our banquet menu was spectacular. We started with salt-encrusted ciabatta bread served with roasted garlic and basalmic vinegar. The bread was fluffy, soft, and a little crusty. Osteria's one of those places that you remember the delicious bread from. Our group was next served a family-style chopped salad. The salad is notable for its addition of celery. Mmm, crunchy chopped salad! Next, we had a choice of entrees ranging from short-rib to chicken to salmon. I chose the salmon. Wow, it was perfectly cooked. Our tables were also served family style purple aspargus and roasted potatoes. The meal was delicious and satisfying. For dessert, we were served Italian cookies. One of the desserts consisted of a piece of dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and almonds. It was my favorite dessert!! I ate nearly of our table's orange peel. I loved the play on flavors. I had the best, first-time planning experience thanks to Osteria. Everything went smoothly. My professional colleagues remarked how nice and delicious the dinner and setting were. Thanks to Osteria, my first planned dinner was a success setting the bar pretty high for future events.
(5)
Phil G.
First of all, I thought the food was great. It was the service was Meh. I'd made reservations with pizza in mind only to find that the Osteria I'd reserved at was a different resturant than the pizza Osteria although they apparently had the same name and same entrance and everything. Okay, so it's dark, really dark, which I guess is okay for ambience, but our server didn't really help us at all. Didn't bother to tell those who ordered meat dishes that they were ala carte or offer sides suggestions, didn't offer any wine suggestions, and when I asked for cracked pepper, was handed two identical shakers and of course I added salt instead of pepper, which I didn't want. Not tragic, but with a hefty bill, nowhere near perfect.
(3)
Evonne S.
I have been to Osteria several times before and have always liked the food....especially the veal meatballs! Tonight I had the risotto special with braised short ribs and wild mushrooms....spectacular! The reason for my review tonight has to do with the service which several other reviewers have commented on and I have experienced myself in the past-tonight, however I was perturbed enough to take the time to write it in a review. I pulled up to the restaurant (my friend was already inside waiting for me at a table) wanting to valet. There were several parked cars in front leaving only the taxi cab lane vacant. There was no visible valet sign and the outside seating host was busy standing at his station doing nothing except being very good at avoiding noticing me in my car trying to get his attention to see if there was valet service (it was early and it was possible, although it would have been inconvenient, that valet service had not yet started for the evening). After several minutes and no valet and no hope getting the hosts attention I pulled up in front of the parked cars into what was now the valet lane for the hotel. I was approached by the bell boy who asked me if I was checking in and proceeded to tell him that I was there for dinner and had already waited behind the parked cars behind me. He was nice but did not offer to help or to go get the host from the restaurant so I got out of my car (to the bell boys objection) and walked up to the host who was now talking to a waitress and in short, asked him what was going on. The waitress saw fit to answer for him and proceeded to tell me that I would have to wait! There were several ways I could have responded to this snot who injected herself into the conversation, one of which was that I wasn't talking to her and second that my frustration was not in having to wait but in not being acknowledged, not knowing where I was supposed to wait for the valet, if there was in fact valet as there was no sign posted and finally in being told that I would have to drive around again and wait in the taxi line! Understand that you simply do not drive around the block here, because of all the one way streets it's 2 blocks south then several blocks back north only to go south again in order to make it back around again-a round trip that takes a minimum on 10 minutes! Restaurants are in the service industry and there is fierce competition in a city like Chicago, it is not enough to have good food....you have to actually treat your customers like you appreciate that they are taking the time to dine and spend their money at your establishment. It is NOT ok to treat people as though they are on their own until they get in the door and to be met with attitude when faults of the establishment are identified and challenged. My overall opinion is that the staff is poorly trained in terms of quality of service, our waiter was great but the bus boy and server were abrupt and clanged plates around like we were at a greasy spoon...it was all in all a very lack luster performance... The only reason for the 2 stars is the food.
(2)
Erin P.
I had an fabulous experience here. On a Wednesday night the place was packed by 7, luckily we had a reservation. The space is beautiful, the food incredible and the service fantastic (LOVED our waitress!). They offer a $40/pp Family Style meal that includes 4-5 antipasti and 2 pastas for the table and an entree each (served in 3 courses). It was so much food but so amazing. Luckily, we still managed to save room for their homemade gelato for dessert! Don't miss their Italian Manhattan with homemade vermouth!
(5)
Scott D.
Unfortunately, my personal experience was not as good as the overall rating for this restaurant. If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be pretentious. In other words, their attitude indicates they think their food, service and ambiance is better than it actually is. FOOD - Our table had a combination of chicken and fish dishes with salads and sides. The chicken was decent but it wasn't worth the amount spent on the meal. The fish, on the other hand, was downright terrible, according to my wife. The potato sides were oversalted and had way too much garlic. I normally love both salt and garlic, but these were way beyond acceptable limits by anyone's standards. We decided not to say anything about the food at the restaurant- mostly because noone ever asked us how our meal or experience was. SERVICE - Service was ok, overall. Our server was a little haughty and not overly-friendly, but not necessarily bad at his job. I noticed a difference in his attitude after our table decided to order ala carte instead of investing in the $40 per person italian buffet. Guessing that's related to the potential tip or maybe something I said. No idea, but uncomfortable for us. The staff that actually refilled our beverage glasses, bread and took our plates were outstanding - very nice and friendly. My only comment for our server and the owner of this restaurant - if they read this- would be to do a better job making people feel welcome. This was our first visit to the restaurant and probably our last. While we weren't overly impressed with the food, the fact that I felt judged and unwelcome by the time we left is the main reason I wouldn't give this restaurant a second chance.
(2)
Lara N.
My meal here tonight was absolute perfection. We started off with the veal meatballs and grilled octopus. The veal meatballs were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The grilled octopus was incredibly tender and flavorful. Then my mom and I shared the seafood linguine, which was also excellently cooked. The seafood was cooked just right, and the sauce was sooo good. After just three dishes we were actually feeling really full, but the chef came to our table to personally tell us he was sending out a homemade blackberry gelato on the house, since our pasta took longer than expected to come out. The gelato was exquisite! One of the best I've ever had. The service was very attentive and made our experience all the more memorable. This was a meal I will not forget!
(5)
S P.
Mmmm just went here again and had the best meal!!! I got the hand made cavatelli with mushrooms and my friend got the fish special which was a perfectly pan seared flounder with potatoes and sauteed spinach. Everything was amazing including the yummy starter bread with roasted garlic olive oil dip. This is definitely my go-to italian restaurant in Chicago! I LOVED my server, he was so nice and helpful. The ambiance is beautiful and warm. Ahh go here if you haven't been!
(5)
Alison B.
Had a wonderful dinner here on my visit to Chicago. Since we had been snacking during the day, we opted for the ~$25 per person family style menu that included the appetizers and the pastas. Every single dish we were served was delicious! Our server also let us know that we could have more of any dish if we wanted. Great wine list as well, and service was on point. The amount of food was perfect, and for the quality of food, the family style dinner option is a great deal. Even though I know there are a ton of other great places to eat in the area that I could go to instead, I would still like to go back to Osteria Via Stato next time I'm in Chicago!
(5)
Mary T.
3.5 stars I came to Osteria Via Stato for an event, the set-up of which I found odd. I felt like the two connecting rooms we occupied could have been in separate zip codes, the only thing uniting them were the event's speakers, who stood in the opening between the rooms so we could all see and hear. From my vantage point I could only a handful of people seated on the other half of the space, it gave the event a lack of cohesiveness. To start we had olives (blech!), frisee salad, veal meatballs and bread served family-style; I didn't try the meatballs, but the rest were all good, but no standouts. I did love that, unsolicited, our server emphasized that she would be more than happy to replenish our salad or anything else we needed. For our mains we were given a choice of papardelle with a meat ragout, chicken mario (a breast served over baby broccoli), salmon drizzled with some sort of butter over mashed potatoes. I went with the salmon, which was just ok; it was moist and flaky, but I found the dish too rich. For dessert we dined on almond macaroons, shortbread cookies, and bittersweet chocolate with candied almonds. I didn't try the macaroons, but the shortbread cookies were great. The chocolate comes out in a slab, about 12" x 3" wrapped in paper and the server smashes it with a spoon to break up the chocolate and dumps almonds over the top. The chocolate was delicious, but messy; the small shards of chocolate melt quickly on your fingers. Service was extremely attentive and friendly, I just wasn't wowed by my meal and found the layout kooky. I would definitely consider a return visit, I think I'd probably fare better if I could order off the menu.
(3)
John K.
Stumbled upon this place for lunch while visiting from California. My daughter, who knows sandwiches proclaimed the chicken pesto sandwich "the best sandwich ever". My BLT was excellent and the mixed green salad was a good complement. The staff was excellent as we were thirsty and the made sure to keep our water bottles coming and bread basket full despite my daughter and her friend's attempt to eat as much of it as possible. Highly recommended.
(5)
Elyse C.
We came for lunch here on a Thursday, it wasnt crowded and we were seated right away. I started with and Arugula Salad, it has dates and bacon and it was really really good. I would come back just for that. I had the pork ppizza of the month which was very good. Like a sweet pulled pork sammie. The paper thin crust is a nice change but I didnt like the portions that had been charred. I would most defnitely come again and maybe try a pasta or sammie.
(4)
Leonard T.
Came here for dinner last Sunday night while in Chicago for the housewares show. We had reservations for 4 at 7:30 and got detained at our company event. Called and asked if the reservations could be moved back to 8:00 and they were very accommodating. Then we picked up an extra person who wanted to come along. When we got there, they said it would be a small wait while they set up a table for all of us. Probably would not have been able to accommodate us on a Friday or Saturday night, but that was a great start to the dinner. We all decided to do the Italian dinner, and each person picked their own entree. They just kept bringing us the food, and all of it was excellent. We all decided that the chicken was the best of the entrees. Three of us did the "bring on the wine" with dinner. All three wines that we received were really great. One white and two reds. Two of the party who didn't particularly like reds, loved them, and the white was very good also. The other two in the party had beer with their dinner. Altogether it was a great evening with friends from other cities, and made even better by a great meal.
(5)
Sarah S.
WAAAY better than that marginal place across the street called Quartino. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you'll be pleasantly surprised! They have great outdoor seating, but I noticed the inside was loud and sort of crowded like Carmine's. I'll put Osteria and Carmine's on the same level of food quality. They only lose stars for the atmosphere. The service was great here and the food was really good. They definitely accommodated my food allergies (like changed/added to a dish without complaining), which if you read any of my reviews makes me want to go back again and again. But yes, there is nothing too special about this place that would set it apart from say, Carmine's. Wine list was pretty decent. I had the Barbera del Monferato -- fruity, sweeter Italian red wine. My dad even liked it so much he ordered a glass and he only drinks "the house pinot grigio." ha
(4)
Caroline M.
I took my friend here last weekend for a delicious dinner and we both liked it for the most part. The restaurant is uber romantic with low lighting and solo tea lights at each table. We both started with girlie cocktails. Two bright pink cosmos, can ya get any more girlie than that? We then shared the calamari appetizer, which was pretty darn good. The breading was light and the dipping sauce was alright, too. For our main courses, my friend ordered the pork shank with kale and white beans. It was so fall apart tender! I kept stealing little forkfuls of pork from her plate. I went with the dish that contained all of my favorites: scallops, mushrooms and butternut squash. I was disappointed because my scallops were slightly gritty and there was a lot of oil on my plate. It wasn't a bad dish by any means, just needs to have a bit more attention to detail. While everything was overall pretty good I wasn't blown away with anything in particular. If you are downtown on State St. it'd be worth a shot to stop in, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here again. Also--don't check your coat, otherwise you may become a popsicle sitting near the window.
(3)
Melanie S.
I recently went here with the sole purpose of using a gift certificate that was burning a hole in my pocket. I've had it for over 18 months and wasn't all that excited to put it to use. I had been here once before when it first opened and I didn't remember if I liked it, but I know I didn't dislike it either. I went in with an open mind. It was going to be practically free, after all. As part of the Italian dinner party, you're given several courses of starters and pastas, followed by a main course. Dishes are seasonal, based on local ingredients. One glass of chilled Prosecco later and I was ready for the feast to begin. First up was fresh mozzarella with chili oil and roasted garlic drizzled with balsamic. I can't get enough of garlic, and this was delicious. Then creamy polenta with roasted wild mushrooms. Earthy and rich. Next came a cauliflower soup that tasted like pureed cauliflower with just enough cream to make it silky. It was decadent. I wanted to lick the bowl, in fact I may have. One dish I remembered from my original visit was roasted onions with parmesan, which they weren't serving, but the server was kind enough to scare us up an order. This was my favorite appetizer - basically french onion soup without the soup part. Heavenly. Then a couple of unremarkable pasta dishes. One was a papardelle with bolognese and the other was a rigatoni with cauliflower and spinach. I didn't eat much as I didn't want to fill up on pasta. My entree was the Chicken Mario, which was an organic chicken breast sauteed in brown butter. It was so flavorful and chicken-y tasting. I don't order chicken in restaurants very often as it can be dry, but this was so juicy. I added a squeeze of lemon and it was perfection. Entrees are served with spicy roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts. I am not a brussel sprout fan, but these were caramelized and had bacon bits mixed in. It's amazing what a little bacon can do to this otherwise humble vegetable. I skipped dessert because I couldn't eat another bite, but had something on the dessert menu really spoken to me, I'm sure I would have found room. I would happily go back, with or without a gift certificate. A solid dining experience.
(4)
Joanna T.
Truly a go to spot for me! If you eat at the bar, you can order from both the pizzeria and the regular menu. This is next to a hotel so the bar can get lively on weekends. It's very cozy and casual. If you like small plates, like to try a few different things, this is a must try. If you love super thin, crispy brick oven pizza, you must come here. I always get the chicken Mario, which is delish, I never miss the caprese salad, and the margherita pizza. Oh, and the Calabrese potatoes, crispy, a bit greasy, but yum! Every month, they have a few different wines and beer on the hand written menu to try, and they also have seasonal cocktails. Also, along with thier regular menu, they have new additions that change with the seasons, highlighting seasonal ingredients. This place is always fresh and always so good, and has something new to try as far as drinks and apps go. I can never stay away from this place for too long! As I mentioned before, this place has seating in the pizzeria side, and the regular restaraunt side, and this makes a difference since you get 2 different menus. If your indecisive like I am, or just want everything like I do, take a seat at the bar and you can have both. In the summer, the outdoor seating is fab. My only complaint, they are not open for lunch, otherwise my co-workers and I would frequent this place.
(4)
Howard L.
Went here with family and it was excellant. We sat outside and the weather was also great. The service was spotty but the food was terrific. The bread and dip was outstanding. My wife loved the gnocchi and I really enjoyed the chicken rigatoni. Highly recommended. It was a little confusing understanding why the pizzeria part of the resturant was off limits to those dining in this part of the resturant. I really wanted a pizza but couldn't get one. Very strange.
(4)
Tiffany L.
You know what I really love about Italian places? Warm bread and plenty of olive oil to dip it in. You what I loved about Osteria Via Stato? Their olive oil/balsamic vinegar/roasted garlic dip for the warm bread. Mmmm heaven. Everything besides that was just standard here. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. Our group shared the calamari appetizer. I hate to say it, but I still love the calamari at Cheesecake Factory more (even though I don't really like anything else at the Cheesecake Factory). We shared the arugula salad and a handrolled pasta dish whose name has left me for the moment. Both were good. The pasta dish was sauteed in a chicken broth with mushrooms and ended up a bit heavy, and the pasta shape reminded me of slugs, but definitely tasted better than it looked. Maybe because it was such a heavy dish, but the portion size did not astound me like people are saying. We got the full portion size but it looked more like a half. If you want large portions, go to Maggiano's, seriously -- now those are obscene portions. All in all, a good place to go in the area if you don't have to wait to long. They quoted us an hour wait, but I think we only waited about 20 minutes.
(3)
David S.
During the chaos of the weekend before Xmas we attempted to get into Quartino's restaurant amid great reviews. Staving,we decided to bag the 45 min wait and try the italian restaurant across the street. No wait, and a choice between a pizza side and pasta side. We opted for pasta side and all I can say is wow! Service was stellar and the food reminded me of an unsuspecting Italian cafe in Tuscany. I had the filet, my lady had the penne pasta with wild mushrooms. In fact it was so good we came back for seconds...the following evening for pizza. Highly recommend! A hidden gem.
(5)
Dan S.
This is a great reliable place, perfect for large groups. We had meatballs to start as well as Parmesan onions. Don't miss the onions. Outrageously good. We were so full from apps we didn't finish the very good main course of short ribs. Very good service too. Can't go wrong here.
(4)
Marie G.
Went there with husband and two teen daughters. meh! It was just ok. They have a brick oven pizza at their sister restaurant right next door right through a door and they would not make pizza for my daughters. They ended up having a salad and an appetizer they did not care for. Guess it is not for families just for older people.
(3)
Stephanie W.
I've walked past this place a million times without stopping in. A friend and I finally decided to stop in and give it a try and we were not disappointed. Wine, appetizers, and entrees were all fantastic, as was the service. I was definitely pleasantly surprised.
(4)
Kyle H.
Before my visit I had no idea what an Osteria was! But if this is what Lettuce Entertain You thinks an Osteria is, then I'm on the first plane to Italy to hit up some real ones! LEY has built a ruggedly beautiful, rustic restaurant and tavern that serves simple authentic italian food and wine. Stone arches, thick wood tables, low lighting...this place is perfect for that hot date and equally perfect for group dinners and celebrations! I was here for a late night snack, so I can't comment on the Prix Fixe menu, but loved what we ordered a la Carte! The artichoke bruschetta sounded heavenly, but we had to go with the red and orange beets with goat cheese and mixed greens. I'm part Polish but have never liked beets. But this beet salad was "Beet Happening!" Yum. Even though the homemade Pumpkin Ravioli looked yummy and was made with Wisconsin Pumpkins, this 'Sconny boy had to go with the gnocchi. Not a closed-shell gnocchi, like most I've had, this was a nice lighter take on the classic Italian dish. To me gnocchi is to Italian food, what mole is to Mexican food; it's a unique dish that speaks volumes about the restaurant. Osteria Via Stato's gnocchi was very good, but still had me thinkin' about that Pumpkin Ravioli.... Service was excellent all night! We went with the "Just Bring Me Wine!" special of 3 flights for $15 per person. We were brought a dry white, an earthy red, and a wonderfully fruity red called Librana Ciro, from the Calabria region. "To Calabria!" We lingered well after others had left, finishing our wine, and our server said that was quite alright! I imagine once I come back to try more of Osteria Via Stato's menu, this will get bumped up to five stars. Who's up for it? "To Osteria!" *ching, ching!
(4)
joshua d.
On a trip to Chicago, my lady friend and I came here for a nice dinner. We got the prix fixe option (they call it something different, I forget what exactly) that involved them bringing out delicious food for like an hour. Then, anything we liked, they'd bring more of it. It was completely luxurious and delicious. And I think it was only about $40/person. Even better, it was prix fixe with flexibility, where we could select our main entree from about a dozen choices. It was the best prix fixe I've ever done. The service was outstanding as well. Our server was very down to earth and casual, but still professional. We sat outside, which was a great way to people-watch in a new city. So excellent.
(5)
Lucas C.
This place is so overpriced and the pasta is terrible
(1)
Justin P.
I would like to recommend everything at Osteria with special kudos for the Ricotta Cheesecake which is out of this world! In general, this is my go-to establishment on State Street and the only one I actively seek out. The staff is great, they have a beautiful outside dining area in a perfect people watching spot.
(5)
Amy L.
A nice place for conversation. The wine list seems nice. Heavenly house salad. Seafood stew is magical although the waiter could have just left people alone a little more.
(4)
Murtaza M.
Working at a large Chicago hotel, I expect other hotels and restaurants to provide not just a great product, but great service as well. This place is clearly failing at that. I had been sending many of the hotel guest to this restaurant via opentable reservations, until I had a group that I couldn't book into Osteria online for a last minute reservation. I called and got the rudest and unaccommodating hostess on the phone. She even gave me attitude when the guest decided to change the number of people in attendance. She got annoyed at me for having the audacity to book a large group, I guess. She kept changing the restaurant's "policies" about large groups with fixed charges per person, then credit card holds. I know how restaurants deal with LARGE groups, and this isn't how its done. Needless to say, this restaurant has lost my guests, and my business. Good service, it's not impossible!
(3)
Jessica S.
Pricey, but one of best Italian ive had in a long time...and the Sangria is unbelievable!
(5)
Caroline B.
I stopped here with a friend for lunch on Saturday while we waited for our tour time at the Driehaus Museum around the corner. We had a delightful meal! We must have arrived at jus the right time because we snagged a window table and shortly after the place started to fill up. To start, the table bread is amazing! We asked where it was from (Red Hen Bakery) and if we could have some more :) I was even more excited because there is a Red Hen Bakery right in Oak Park where I live! My friend and I split the chopped salad and a penne dish and both were delicious. I found the service to be spot on, attentive but not annoying and I never felt like I was being pushed out the door. I would definitely come back here, and I'll come hungry!!
(4)
Christina M.
We (my bf and I) love the pizza at Pizzeria Via Stato! I always order the vegetable pizza without cheese and mushrooms and it's always been fantastic. They also used to have an appetizer made with a white bean dip, it was pretty darn good. Overall, this is a cute little place with good food, we'll certainly return.
(4)
Lisa Z.
I tried some of the pizzas from here, and they were good. Yeah, they were. But my general take on this place is that, if I lived near by, I'd be getting takeout from here all the time, but it's not special enough to really go out of my way to go to. I also shouldn't take any of this out on the fact that I visited here on a match.com date, and my date was rather bland. The pizza was not bland by any means, but the date's mediocrity didn't help.
(3)
Marc T.
Just attended a wedding here over the weekend. The food and service were fantastic. We had a wide selection, but I'd definitely return to order off of the menu or from the pizza bar.
(4)
Anna V.
I try so hard to hate touristy Lettuce Entertain You (yep, this is one, along with Mon Ami Gabi and the super popular Ba Ba Reeba) chain restaurants. I want to be a hater but I'm not. I have done a la carte, pizza, and prix fixe here with varying degrees of success. Pizzeria: fun and pleasant, good for friends if you all work nearby. We ate in the summer indoors in the evening for pizza and craftish beer. It's better outside, but it was raining. I'd try this again in the spring or summer on the patio. A la carte: was a date with one of the bigger d-bags ever - he wore designer flip flops. This was the saving grace of that meal, which otherwise pissed me off. The pasta is very good. So is the cheese plate. Quartinos of wine are a really happy thing to have when you're annoyed. Prix fixe: solid. I always dodge shellfish and they were good about accomodating it. Roasted garlic in balsamic is great. Salad, tomatoes, and cheese for the appetizers; a creamy mushroom pasta with asparagus and some type of thin brothy tomato sauce penne, and split entrees of gnocchi and short rib. We did the wine pairing and really enjoyed it. Nothing was bad. It was totally excessive but tasty. Is it kind of pedestrian? Of course it is, and snobs (especially if they're from New York) will tell you this immediately. I like it. I can't not.
(4)
Crystal X.
drink - prosesso fizz appetizers - house marinated olives, grilled octopus, funduta Our server forgot our drinks and ordered the wrong cocktail. Our table consisted of three people, it was on tuesday so it wasn't that busy either.
(2)
Donna L.
Absolutely delicious!!!! Love everything about this place! Of course the food was amazing, great flavors, but the ambiance was great, romantic yet fit for after work business dinners. Great wine list, great service, and you can beat the food, everything from the appetizer salads, veal meatballs, and especially their olive oil and bread! The best part is the pizzeria area in the front for more casual get togethers. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Gigi W.
Osteria Via Stato has an outstanding service and atmosphere. It was a very nice experience since the moment we got to the restaurant. The waiter was very attentive and recommended the Montepulciano Italian wine, excellent choice for our seafood dinner. We started off with calamari, then we each had a seafood stew which was absolutely delicious, the fish was fresh and the stew was so tasty; for dessert caramel gelato - Mmmm... This is a wonderful restaurant on State Street.
(4)
Eugenya B.
Amazing food and great service. I've come here many times for birthday celebrations or date nights and I'm never left disappointed. I honestly have not had one bad meal. The standouts are definitely the veal meatballs, arugula and mixed green salads, and of course the gnocchi...simply delicious! The pizzeria section is also great. The prosciutto pizza is seriously like heaven on earth.
(5)
Aldi J.
Went here for Valentine's day and we had a great time! Staff was very friendly and answered all our questions about the food and wine. She had the Chicken Mario and I had the Braised Short Rib. Both were very tasty.
(4)
Tracey M.
I left wondering, when can I repeat this meal? That is how good a meal at Osteria Via Stato is. I have to admit I had never heard of this place before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into the meal. Though there is an a la carte option, our group decided to do the Italian Dinner Party meal which includes Antipasti, two pasta dishes, a main course and sides for $38.95 a person. Note: this doesn't include any beverages or dessert. However, for the amount of food you receive it's not a bad price at all. All the food served to us before the main courses would have sufficed for me. Seriously, it's a lot of food. And it's endless. So, if you are like we were and just LOVE one of the dishes (such as the short rib brochette), you can get more. By the time my Scottish Salmon arrived I was stuffed, but I wasn't about to stop eating and I am so glad I didn't! Now, I have to preface my next comment. I think it's important to mention I order Salomon a lot when I go out to eat. I say this because the Scottish Salmon is AMAZING. It is quite possibly the best Salmon dish I've had at a restaurant. Also, I was leery of the butternut squash that the dish comes with, but honestly it just enhanced the flavor of the fish even more. Even though we were stuffed, we had dessert anyhow. Though it was good, I wasn't wowed by the dessert I had; however, the others in my party partook in their homemade chocolate bar and said it was very good. Oh, one other thing... the wine. This restaurant has a great selection of wine and we appreciated our server's input on our selections. Also, when it became evident that we weren't going to finish our second bottle of wine, he was kind enough to charge us by the glass vs. for the whole bottle which I thought was considerate. Speaking of our server... he did a very good job. I wish I had his name so people could requests him, but I unfortunately don't. Lastly, the environment. There is a fun, upbeat vibe to this restaurant. and is definitely a place good for many different occasions.
(5)
Stephanie W.
Fantastic service, totally nice vibe, and very wiling to accommodate big parties. They've got two menu options - a la carte and family style prix fix - and they just request that your table all sticks to one option or the other. If you have more than 10 people, you have to go with the family style prix fix. Everyone on the menu looks good, and the bread they put down on the table with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic is absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, though, at least 2/3 of the stuff our party of 7 ordered didn't actually taste good, and our boys went home still pretty damn hungry. I wouldn't mind coming back here for drinks or pizza, but probably won't rush back for dinner
(3)
Gia S.
I am guilty of always trying the new places but our extended family pretty much likes to stick to Italian. For a Holiday dinner I decided to take them to Osteria via Stato. I am the only one that had been and they just loved the place. It truly is an old classic still doing it right. Ambiance and decor are even better over the holidays, so cozy. Food was excellent, decent pricing and service was wonderful. Plus Lettuce Points for this Gold Member are always a plus. Always consistent and worth a visit. Not to be forgotten.
(5)
Trevor S.
Will be back soon.
(4)
Sonia C.
I came here with a very large party for the Italian Dinner Party - $39 for unlimited antipasti and pasta along with a choice of entree. The antipasti were decent - the veal meatballs and parmesan crusted onion rings were especially popular, though the tri-colored beets were my favorite. The homemade parpadelle with the meat sauce was much better than the other bland pasta with the white beans. The parpadelle was cooked perfectly al dente and the tomato meat sauce was light and tasty. The other pasta was left mostly uneaten. For my entree, I had the grilled ruby red trout. It was pretty tasty, if a little salty. Filleted but grilled skin-on, it was fresh and slightly crispy. My friends mostly ordered the short ribs or pork chops and everyone seemed pleased with their dishes. We were stuffed by the end of the meal, but I split the gelato platter with 2 other friends. The caramel gelato was excellent, especially since they served the gelato atop a little pool of semi-solid caramel. Our waitress was very nice and patient with our large party. After tax, tip, and two bottles of wine, we ended up paying about $64pp. A little pricey for what we got, and the reason I'm withholding a star.
(3)
Roy H.
This place was a great time for sure, the way to go for the meal is the Italian DInner Party. You better come hungry too, well...you don't have to if you want a nice lunch the next day. They start you off with an assortment of bread with a great dipping sauce (roasted garlic and balsamic I think). Then comes the round of appetizers shortly after. The mushrooms where amazing!! After the apps its time for some pasta. One with white sauce one with red. Both are pretty good. All of this you get to share with your table, family style. Also, at any point in the meal if you want more pf the appetizers/pasta/etc you can ask and they will get some some. Very nice touch. For the main course each person gets to pick what they want. I chose the special of the night (Duck with a cranberry based sauce - AMAZING) and my date went for the chicken which was also great. The main course comes with two sides - brussel sprouts (made with garlic and bacon, trust me its good) and potatoes. This great dinner will run about $40 a person. If you want a wine pairing (for each course) that is an additional $15 each or more depending on the wine group you chose. We got the $15 pairing which was very good. We couldn't stomach dessert so I cant comment on it. The dessert menu looked great, they had gelato too. Interior is very nice, dimly lit so a bit on the romantic side. I think it would still be a great for a group though. They sat us near the window, so it was a bit warm due to the heat vents.. The initial service (from time we got seated to when they took our order) was a bit slow, but after that it was perfect. I would have gone 5 stars if it wasn't for those two little things.
(4)
Ashley K.
This is a place I want to hate because I feel like it's in a super touristy location and as a real Chicagoan, I should be dining elsewhere. But you know what? I can't hate this place. I've been here 3-4 times and each time the food has been awesome. In my course of dining here that much, I've had the majority of stuff on the menu and I've never been disappointed. My favorite thing is probably the crispy potatoes (extra crispy thankyouverymuch) that come with a lemony aioli dipping sauce. The handmade pastas are outstanding and truly showcase why homemade is best. The space is adorable and I've always had impeccable service here. Cheers to that, Osteria, cheers to that.
(5)
Teddy B.
I've come back here multiple times whenever I visit Chicago, and the food is always the star. The pizzeria in front will fill up with cheapskates lacking much of any sense of culinary adventure, but ignore that boorish lot of palates and head for the dark restaurant in back. It has a lot of space and some nice decor, even if they play club music circa 2002 that is completely out of place. And yes, it is in an Embassy Suites -- which would normally only be associated with "good food" by someone who holds Howard Johnson's fried clams in the highest esteem. The wine list is eclectic and pretty good. The service is rough around the edges -- reaching over patrons and serving from the right side at times. Minor details perhaps, but clearly they are not trained. And yet the Italian food here always has a great variety and expression of flavor. It's the saving grace that makes this place particularly worth coming back to regularly. The prix fixe menu is a deal in terms of both experiencing that variety and doing it at a reasonable cost.
(4)
Erin J.
Went here for dinner last weekend with a friend and we enjoyed ourselves. The veal meatballs were delicious, as was the spinach and asiago dip we started with. The dish of bread and olive oil with bits of roasted garlic was tasty, too - I wish there would have been more oil/garlic because there was a TON of bread and bread is MADE for sponging up yummy stuff like that. My friend got the pappardelle, which she enjoyed. I got the gnocchi, which isn't your normal potato-based gnocchi; it's parm-based, iirc. So I thought that sounded fantastic. Not so much. While pretty much all gnocchi include flour, I could REALLY taste it in this dish. So much so that I couldn't eat more than a few. And they weren't light, but kinda gluey. Parts of them stuck to my teeth. The thin tomato sauce served with it did it no favors, either - I swirled my pieces in my friend's spicy sauce from the veal meatballs. To drink, my friend had her usual chardonnay and diet Coke (not together!) and I got a couple white peach bellinis. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't perfect. Not too sweet, just the right amount of bubbles...perfect. And it'd better be, for $11 per wee champagne flute. And dessert? Dessert was AMAZEBALLS. This review should be a solid 3 stars, but the dessert...my goodness. We each got gelato, she the carmel and me the hazlenut with chocolate. Hers made her eyes roll back in her head. She insisted I try it and it was really, really good. Mine was...there are no words. Imagine Nutella and vanilla gelato had a baby and that baby was delicious. Creamy and not tooth-achingly sweet, perfect consistency...someone in the kitchen really knows what they're doing. The gelato is enough for me to come back. I would specifically extract the bellini and the gelato, insert me and friends onto a table outside in the summer and boomboomPOW: happiness. For dinner, I think I'd only come back if other people suggested it.
(4)
I H.
Went here the other night for a late dinner with my wife and really enjoyed this place. While the food was not out of this world is was excellent and really tasty. I was glad to see that the portion sizes were not outrageous as can often be the case. That said, in no way did I leave hungry. I ordered the chicken thighs and they were excellent and my wives gnocchi was tender and delicious. Wine selection was good and service was excellent.
(4)
Oana A.
I've been an avid patron of Osteria Via Stato, since it opening. Its food and service has always been outstanding, which is why I was so disappointed to have SUCH difficulty booking my event there. I called a month in advance to book the private room, leaving a credit card to ensure I'd have it all covered. I called a week in advance of my even to check in, and not only was I not getting the room I asked for, but they couldn't even find my reservation. In addition, a manager was supposed to call me back to solidify my reservations-- which never happened. I ended up having to call them back (again) on Monday morning to press them for a contract and make sure my party was taken care of. If I didnt have 22 people already confirmed for this place, I would have cancelled right then and there. Then the night before my dinner --my bank calls to confirm fraudulent charges on my credit card because, someone ran my card for $1,000+ at Osteria Via Stato. I immediately called Osteria, who assured me it was a mistake and the transaction did not go through. I happened to be on the phone with the GM who promised me he'd stop by during my dinner to personally apologize for mischarging my card--never happened. Fortunately, my guest had a wonderful time -- and our server was really great, but I can promise you I'll never book a party there again--which is a shame.
(2)
Cynthia P.
I stopped by this restaurant and there was a wedding party there who had reserved the space so they opened at around 730...while waiting to go in I asked a couple of locals about it and they gave some suggestions for my dinner and said it was worth the wait...and they were right. I'm sort of an Italian snob after visiting Italy a few times and this place did not disappoint. I sat at the bar, which had a great selection of cocktails and an excellent wine list. A lot of options on the menu and from my perspective Really affordable. The bread is crusty and hot served with olive oil with roasted garlic---so yum, but don't fill up on the bread!! I went with the short ribs and wow simply to die for...service at the bar was okay poor guy was overwhelmed since the restaurant was practically sat at once...I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(4)
Comensal A.
We've been to Osteria Via Stato twice recently -- once with friends (when we had the "Italian Dinner Party" prix fixe dinner) and as a couple when we ordered a la carte. We've enjoyed this place in the past, and these recent visits continued that tradition. Everything was nicely conceived and well cooked. Our servers were knowledgeable, cordial and appropriately attentive & sophisticated. The extensive Italian-only wine list is approachable, with choices at many price points. The dining room we were in was warmly decorated and well-lit. All in all, this is another fine production of Lettuce Entertain You. We enjoyed all the food on these visits -- it's hard to point to standouts! The braised pork shank was everything I'd hoped: succulent, tender and rich. Short rib & mushroom risotto was perfect winter comfort food. A pan roasted flounder special with sunchokes, grapefruit and a Meyer lemon sauce was superb. Borlotti bean soup, polenta -- the list of pleasing dishes goes on and on... Like other Lettuce Entertain You ventures, Osteria is carefully crafted to offer a quality themed dining experience that is a little bit special, yet accessible to a mainstream middle class market. It's not edgy, not top shelf -- but it is well done & pleasurable, and it delivers good value. I'm a fan!
(4)
Chicago G.
Decent Italian food. Not hard to find in Chicago but nice outdoor patio and good service.
(3)
David B.
I love this restaurant. Some of the best cuisine in the city with an amazing Italian wine list. I was here for an anniversary dinner on Valentines Day. There was a set multi-course dinner with optional wine flights. Spectacular food and service.
(5)
Lauren K.
This restaurant is one of me and my husband's favorite. We have been there a total of 4 times in one year. We have ordered a la carte and also tried the Dinner Party option on the menu which is a fixed menu and you choose your entree. It is a wonderful concept and we are always pleased. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is romantic. I suggest everyone give it a shot. It is italian fine dining, and if your into americanized burgers and fries then you may not rave on the food. For us, it's our style and we like to eat on the healthier side. Also, if you order a la carte, try the calamari, it is wonderful here.
(5)
Terese C.
Service was extremely slow! We were greeted by our waiter, then left to wait and wonder when he would return, we approached a different waiter who went to get our waiter. We did remind him we had not given him our orders. He did apologize. And to top it all off, the food was mediocre. I would imagine that ordering the family style dinners would have been better. I'm disappointed because we have been to several LET restaurants and have been pleased. We will not return.
(2)
Amy M.
After a long search for the perfect venue for our Chicago wedding, my husband and I settled on Osteria Via Stato. What an amazing choice we made... Allison (from Osteria) was our event planner and organizer and I truly can't say enough kind words about her. She was professional, friendly, organized, accommodating and amazing to work with. We designed our own "cocktail reception" and "grazing party" and the food was OUTSTANDING. We were married 11 days ago and everyday I get another person raving about the food. Food favorites included passed pizzas, arancini balls, short rib crostinis, and the homemade ricotta cavatelli with wild mushrooms! Honestly, it was all amazing! For our cocktails the bartender designed specialty drinks for us that were out of this word....a blueberry spritzer, a fig martini, and a bellini with peach and raspberry. All truly delicious! The servers were so friendly and attentive to our every needs. Krista, you followed me around and always made sure I had what I needed. You were an angel. Thank you for making this truly the best day of our lives!
(5)
Gina V.
I don't even know where to begin.... 1. Service- Phenomenal...unfortunately I cannot remember our waiter's name, but he was so patient and always smiling. Really made my experience beside the fabulous food. 2. Bread was beyond fresh...mmmmmm 3. Pasta with red sauce was pretty good, but white pasta with spinach and salami was to die for 4. Filet Mignon was pretty good....average 5. Ricotta cheesecake was out of this world and their special doughnuts melt in your mouth! I have been dreaming about them for 2 weeks and cannot wait to go back! I can't wait to try other items on the menu!
(5)
Alana T.
This place was just ok. Our arrival was unpleasant. We had a reservation and there was a delay in seating us - and we were corralled into a crowded bar area to wait and rudely instructed not to go beyond this little wall. We were finally seated at the worst table - awkwardly big for two people to sit across from each other and right by the kitchen door. The waiter was very nice, attentive and accommodating. Food was good but portions wee small. Only one bathroom for the whole restaurant unless you venture into the hotel.
(2)
Jose C.
Incredible food and service! The bread was honestly one of my favorite things that they offered. The dessert menu had many great choices to choose from including many different flavors of gelato.
(5)
Meghan M.
Went here with a group for a business dinner and I was the only one that had visited Osteria previously. I recommended the onions (yum) and calamari (double yum!) Our server was fantastic and recommended some great wines and cocktails. Our table ended up ordering the flounder which was very flaky and tasty, the bouillibasse which was a great consistency and had a ton of flavor, the scallops which were some of the biggest I've ever seen and the filet which was cooked perfectly. Everyone pretty much licked their plates. I got the gelato sampler for dessert and everyone else just had to try it. The vanilla was creamy, salted carmel chocolate was to die for and the chocolate hazelnut was my favorite. Being able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the fresh air and people watching made it the perfect night!
(5)
Carrie S.
Went here on a Friday night. It seemed really noisy in the restaurant, so we chose to eat outside. Food was great. We split the antipasti platter, I had a caprese salad (which was probably the best I've had in a restaurant), and a short rib and wild mushroom risotto for my main. The bread with roasted garlic on the side was awesome. The "just bring me wine" option was perfect for me - three different wines chosen for me for $25. The service was friendly but not overdone. All in all a great night out.
(5)
David L.
Friendly staff. Nice ambience. Good bread. Great thin-crust pizza. Very good salads. To-die-for caramel gelato and bread pudding desserts force me to give Osteria five stars.
(5)
Chimmeree G.
I love this place! It is kind of pricey, but I manage it by coming here for special events - birthdays, anniversaries, and out of town friends. The wine list is fantastic - every thing pairs so well with the food. If you sample the menu the way they suggest you really come out a head. The service has never been less then stellar. The atmosphere really does take me back to Italy. After 5 years later, this place remains one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago.
(5)
Daniel M.
This place is awesome. They served us roasted garlic in balsamic oil with our bread when we were seated, it was amazing. The calamari was cooked perfectly, and served with marinara. (Can't stand places that serve it with cocktail sauce) For the main course I had the filet which was good. My fiance had the penne with chicken in a spicy tomato cream sauce which I tried and was also very good. I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Kellie B.
This Italian restaurant has a lot of presence in my opinion. The great smells preceded the meal, the pasta was served tradition style before the main entree (parmesan topped filet mignon), and the wine was served in a small decanter. Our waiter explained that two glasses of wine were served under the 'wine by the glass price' and that it was an excellent deal for the quality. I was impressed. The filet mignon was one of the best steaks I've ever had. It melts in your mouth. The experience was like tasting chocolate for the first time. Surprise, happiness, and anticipation for the next mouthful are the first thoughts that come to mind. Check out the picture of the steak!
(5)
Linda S.
I look forward to visiting Chicago again just so I can eat here again! They have a pizzeria which is more casual, but I ate in their more upscale (meaning linen napkins, not paper) osteria. The parmesan crusted onions (my mouth is watering just remembering them) are caramelized onions topped with parmesan cheese. These are good all buy themselves, but make an excellent topper for their wonderfully perfect bread. I also ordered the olives - these too were very good. Much better than the assorted olives across the street at Quartino. For the salad, I had the seasonal greens - the vinaigrette was nice and light. I also ordered the gnocchi which melted in my mouth. Ate every last one even though with the bread and the previous courses I was already full when the gnocchi arrived. I missed out on dessert, because I didn't want to be rolled out. I couldn't even eat a wafer thin mint. The food was so good that I gave them a 5 star, but their service probably was only worth 2 stars. Our server was inattentive and forgot to bring requested items. We didn't even get refills on our drinks. : (
(5)
John O.
Fine Italian in the heart of Chicago and I absolutely love it. I have not eaten quality Italian food for years and I'm glad I came here with my family. We were sat down immediately and our server was great too. The restaurant is divided into two parts, one is casual dining for Pizza and the other is fine Italian Osteria in the next room, where we were. After looking at their menu, I couldn't decide so I went with the special Lamb Sausage Risotto with roots and I loved it. I never knew risotto could be this good. I guess the other Italian restaurant i've been to in LA is on another level. We also ordered gnocchi with duck meat, spaghetti, and seafood linguine. Total came out to be around $150 including a liter of wine with tip for four people. I will definitely come back here when I am in Chicago.
(5)
Thatgirl T.
This is hands down the best food you will eat, ever. If you haven't dined here, please please PLEASE do. Chef David DiGregorio is charming. Ask to meet him if you haven't. The service is on point. The caliber of his cooking is not to be believed. I can't get over how delicious this is. I've eaten here several times - the last time we had a beat salad, risotto, a spicy seafood pasta, portabella mushroom milanese which was unbelievable, and homemade gelatos. I was in heaven. I can't describe the level of deliciousness. PLEASE EAT HERE. You'll be happy you did.
(5)
Jason V.
Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Food was excellent. Portions were not too large but there was still a lot of food after we ordered a salad and an entree each. The bread with olive oil, vinegar, and garlic started off the meal nicely.
(4)
Mandi G.
My first dinner of restaurant week brought me to Osteria Via Stato. They set the bar really high for the rest of my rw choices. They were able to fit me and the BFF in on a last minute later reservation. The atmosphere is very classy, yet warm. We were seated at a great table (which was a given considering we were the last reservation for the night and the place was empty, but still appreciated). The only hiccup happened at the very beginning. Our server really seemed to push the regular menu and almost seemed annoyed that we were only interested in the rw menu. However, as soon as he realized we were going to booze up our bill, he was happy. And he definitely didn't rush us, even though we were the last table for the evening, so he is forgiven. As for the food, everything was absolutely delicious and very generously portioned. I loved their bread and the roasted garlic that came with it. The braised short rib was perfectly cooked, as were the brussel sprouts with pancetta that we had for a side. The simple chocolate tart dessert was pretty boring, but we were so full at that point that it didn't matter. This is a lovely place to have a romantic dinner and I do look forward to returning.
(4)
Edmund L.
I was on business trip to Chicago. When I had some free time tonight, I went downtown and discovered this place. The restaurant atmosphere was very classy, cozy, and not noisy. Since I was by myself, I sat at the bar in the pizzeria section and ordered a margherita pizza. It was made of tomatoes, hand-pulled mozzarella, and basil. The ingredients were so fresh. The crust was paper thin and perfectly toasted. Every bite was light, fresh, and not greasy. To some of you, the portion looked like an appetizer. But it was enough to fill my stomach. It was the best pizza I have had. I am not a drinker, and I ordered a glass of ice tea. Even just the tea tasted freshly brewed and had full taste of tea leaves, and it was not watery. To complete my menu, I had a lemon gratin as the dessert. It was very refreshing, and it was a perfect compliment to wash down my pizza. My bill with a quite generous tip was just $24. It was surprisingly inexpensive. I am sure that it would be more than $30 if I eat the same items in the SF Bay Area. Too bad that I don't know when I can come back to Chicago next time. Otherwise, I would definitely come back this place and try other dishes on the menu. Yummy, yummy.
(5)
Leslie S.
Thank God for Osteria Via Stato. My husband had made a reservation at another Italian restaurant in the area, and after I had looked on yelp for reviews, we had decided to make a reservation for Osteria. And we both are soooo glad that we did! Our server, Angelos (?), was very knowledgeable of the menu, wine pairings, and how the dishes were prepared. He wasn't pushy, but was very attentive. The family style dinner menu was extensive and allowed us to take advantage of their specialties. Angelos was great about making our experience something special, and he did. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Can't go wrong here!
(5)
Boon K.
Hello Family style, very warm environment like someone's formal dining room. Great wine selection and nice warm bread. The pasta are pretty good and so was the short ribs. The calamari was ok. I was so full that I couldn't give a good judgment for desert but it look nice.
(3)
Robert M.
As a recent newlywed spending my first Valentine's day with my wife I wanted to take her to a nice Italian restaurant since this is her favorite type of food. She loves pasta. I live in the city and have passed this restaurant a hundred times with the intention of eating there one day. That one day came last night and boy was I disappointed. It started with the rude valet guy (to be fair the other valet guy was nice) who told me I couldn't park there as I was waiting for the Valet guy to come up. I've valeted my car 1000x in this city and never had someone tell me that I couldn't park there and to move my car while I was waiting for valet. Once inside we were right on time for our reservations and were promptly escorted to our seats (that was a positive). Once we sat down we realized that it was only a pre-fixed menu tonight and my wife who is vegetarian was going to have a hard time since nearly every single dish included meat. Not a huge deal since she's not a fussy person but when discussing the menu options it seemed like a huge hassle for the waiter. The service was slow, not friendly, poor wine suggestions, and a complete disappointment. The food compared to other Italian restaurants in the city was at best average.The only positive is that the pre-fixed menu was $40/each and they do serve you a lot of food which is the reason I gave it a 2 star instead of 1. I am usually a fan of leye restaurants and dine out frequently. I will not return to this restaurant again since there are countless Italian restaurant options in the city that far surpass this one.
(2)
Alice S.
wow. this was probably one of the most disappointing meals i have ever had. i went last night with my boyfriend and we both order the italian dinner party meal deal which is 35.95 for your choice of entree and a tasting of several antipasti dishes and 2 pasta dishes. To start, the usual bread with olive oil... but they put citrus peels in the oil so your bread tastes like oily orange zest. maybe some people like it.... it was not my cup of tea. but the bread was nice and warm and crusty-- the way i like it. the antipasti dishes--- the salad, ehh. it was okay. there was a tasting of some seafood dish that was... okay. the wood roasted sweet onions were probably the only antipasti dish i liked... just cause i love onions and i'll eat them done in any way. now the main courses, jeez what a MESS! my boyfriend ordered the veal medallions which were cooked well, but were drowning in a pool of whatever mess of a sauce they made. i hate restaurants that cover the quality of their meats with pools of sauce. what are you trying to hide. i ordered the braised short ribs with polenta. i was excited when i got the dish because the second i pulled at the short ribs with my fork, they just melted off. As i took a bite, I immediately thought, wow, tender, but all i taste is salt. i have never tasted anything sooo over seasoned. Basic skills of a chef, know how to season your food buddy! The short ribs were so salty that I started coughing right away. They were inedible.. Not only were the short ribs over salted, but they were drowning in a pool of the saltiest demi glace i have ever tasted. We sent it back and I ordered another dish from the menu. I ordered the lamb. It was brought out and again I was a little concerned because it was ALSO sitting in a pool of the lamb au jus. The lamb was tender, and while not as salty as the short ribs were, they were also over seasoned. I will definitely never be returning there again. Desserts as well were mediocre as was the wine. And our server while apologetic, had absolutely no personality at all. And I think sometimes a great server can make up for a horrible meal. Not at Osteria via Stato. SKIP IT! or better yet, avoid it like the plague.
(1)
penny h.
Great place to go for a nice dinner with a group of people. i loved the look of the restaurant, the service was good and the food was very good.
(4)
Ryan K.
Food: very very good. I was there with a large group. Before we actually sat down, appetizers were passed that included ricotta, sirloin and pizza. All were terrific. We had roasted garlic and olives with warm bread to start. It was absolutely fantastic and somewhat unique. Then came the veal meatballs which melt in your mouth. They are insane. Then the salad and onion and melted Parmesan cheese. The onion and cheese dish reminded me of some concoction that I would come up with at 2 am after a night at the bar, but it was amazing. A must if you like onions. For entree I was able to taste the short rib, eggplant parm, chicken Mario and trout with butter sauce. All were very good, but my entree, the short rib, did not blow my socks off. Homemade cheese cake for dessert was second only to the cheesecake at the capital grille although I thought the camel sauce was a bit burnt. Service: as good as it gets. Destiny and mark or Greg (I can't remember the guy's name) were awesome. They were so nice and attentive. Couldn't ask for anything more from them. Atmosphere: a bit upscale but not up-it's. Clean. Crisp. I had a great experience here. Everything was great. However, I want to be fair here. My short rib was just good. Also, they only have one single bathroom for the entire restaurant which is ridiculous. And they only have white napkins which can leave Lindt if you have black pants on. Outside of these three comments everything was amazing. A special shoutout to the staff. They were warm and they cared. It showed and earned this place my second 5 star review. I will be back.
(5)
Alex K.
The restaurant is connected to a Hotel, where my wife and I stayed. We came there at 10:54 to get a bottle of sparkling water for our room... The bartender denied that to us because they were already closed (6 min prior to their official closing hours) Sorry service nowadays is everything even if the food might be decent...
(1)
Anne S.
I love this place. This is my new go to special occasion restaurant. We came here with family a couple of months ago and were really impressed. It is a nice but comfortable atmosphere. Both times we went all of the staff was exceedingly friendly and helpful. The food here is outstanding. The trout I had yesterday is one of the best entrees I've ever had. Last night my husband and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary here. It was a perfect night to eat outside, so we sat on the patio. We ordered the Italian Dinner Party which is $40 per person. It was perfect. I told the waiter we didn't eat beef or pork, and he said that was fine they would just switch those parts to something else. When food was being delivered, we were told each time what type of meat was in a dish. This was a really nice and reassuring touch! The bread and roasted garlic are amazing. We had the pea brushcetta in place of the short rib brushchetta and it was quite good. We ordered seconds of the Italian vegetable salad, it was very good and close to being healthy. I'm not a huge fan of polenta, but it seemed fine. The Parmesan encrusted sweet onions was amazing. It really blew me away. The pennete pasta was fine, but not my favorite. The mezze rigatoni with chicken was great. We debated about getting more of it, but were getting full. You can order as much as you want of all of that! It was a lot of food though, so even though my husband and I are good eaters, we only ordered seconds of 2 things (salad and broccoli)! I would have been quite happy to end the meal here. In fact, maybe we'll come back and do just those parts since that's only $25 per/person. But then our entrees came out. I had the trout, and my husband had the chicken. The chicken Mario was great, but the Local Trout was one of the best things I've ever eaten. The entrees came with crispy calabrian potatoes which were delicious and broccoli which was very nicely cooked. My husband was shocked when I said I was too full to order desert, but really at that point I was uncomfortably full. I had been full for a while, but just kept eating because everything was so good. If you know me, you know that I like things to be a good value. In general I think a lot of places are not worth the cost. This place is not cheap, but it is a good value. It is amazing food in a nice setting with great staff.
(5)
L W.
Family style, prefixed menu. Normally I'm not a fan of either dining options, but I must say Osteria has won me over. I was with a very large group and the wait staff was extremely patient. The apps and the pastas were excellent but the short ribs were superb! Fork tender very flavorful and the red wine reduction topped it off. The roasted potatoes seemed to be over cooked at first glance but once you tasted them it was a type of seasoning or spice rub. Overall great night at Osteria.
(5)
AJ H.
Recently visited Osteria via Stato for Chicago Restuarant Week and they had thee absolute best Restuarant Week experience. For $33 you received a delicious six-course meal. Everything from the bread and olive oil through the dessert was phenomenal because of the detail they put into the meal. (The olive oil is marinated in shallots...yum!). The $15 wine pairing went perfectly with the meal, so I was extremely happy about that. Although I hardly ever get fish at Italian restaurants (because I'm a pasta girl) I had the trout, and it was seared to perfection. The service was awesome. Our server was attentive and very knowledgable. I'm glad I selected to visit during CRW and would definitely return.
(5)
Remy H.
I was getting a little depressed with the food offering around downtown Chicago after a couple days. It seems like the choices are either franchise restaurants catering to tourists or steakhouses catered to business travelers on expense accounts. Seemed awfully one dimensional... So we stumbled into this place because it was close to our hotel and it stays open late and it has good reviews in general, so we decided to give it a try. And it was a very very pleasant experience for me and my GF. We were one of the last tables to get seated, and we sat outside in a balmy beautiful Chicago summer evening. We had: Food: 5/5 Spicy Rhode Island calamarie Arugula salad Cavatelli w/ wild mushroom and ricotta cheese burnt caramel gelato While I wouldn't describe any of the dishes as earth-shattering or eye-popping, they are nonetheless well-made with quality ingredient and prepared with finesse and thoughts. They are the dishes with execution and presentation that just let you relax and focus on enjoy them. Ambience: 5/5 We sat outside so we can enjoy the beautiful evening. The fixture is comfortable and good looking, the lighting is soothing. Service: 5/5 Our water was replenished all the time. Our waitress was attentive, polite, personable, knowledgeable, smart, and really good at taking care of us. We were the last table to leave and we never felt rushed or neglected even for one second. Costs: 5/5 For what I got for the money. I think it's worth every penny.
(5)
Tim K.
Super cute little spot right inside the Embassy Suites. Can't beat the 3-course $10 lunch. Meatball sandwich hit the spot! Tap beer selection was just ok.
(4)
Dennis O.
Food was not bad. The Chicken Ragu was great actually. There was a wedding taking place in the event space of this restaurant that was super loud and horribly distracting throughout the meal. So if you want some decent Italian food with throttling loud bass shaking the walls this just might be the place for you. This establishment should be fully rented out for events or not at all.
(1)
Chad R.
Nothing remarkable, which is a shame. The place is cute and the service is good, but there's no unique differentiator here (unless the ridiculously loud trio of couples from the J Crew Spring catalog swearing, guffawing, and trash talking their friends-not-present counts). Which means I've experienced better. Originally chose a spot down the street which was packed-- like, super packed. This joint had plenty of available space. Makes one wonder. An' if I'm wonderin' if the other spot is worth the wait (and the Joey and Basic Battalions, respectively) then something's wrong, or at least not Right.
(2)
Cassandra M.
So far I have been to this establishment two times and it has been absolutely amazing. The first time we had an excellent waiter, great food and the ambiance was romantic yet relaxed. Of course we decided to return. The second time we entered I was pretty nervous. A wedding reception was happening right in the restaurant but this did not hurt our experience in any way. We could barely hear the music and still had amazing food and yet another excellent waitress. However, it is not only the waiters and waitresses that are amazing, the entire staff is on point and ensures that your entire stay is enjoyable from beginning to end. Oh, and did I say the food is amazing?
(5)
Ken O.
I had checked in with Shannon, Manager, who was very pleasant and was able to seated me right away. Due to a busy night, I was placed at one of the communal tables. There was a party of six guests at the the table and I was at the end of the table. There was a divider between us. I was checking social media during my meal so it wasn't a big deal with me. It wouldn't be for anyone. Liz had greeted within a couple of minutes after sitting. She was very gracious and answered all of my questions. I had ordered a Caesar Salad as an appetizer then the Salmon for the main entree with a side order of cauliflower. The Caesar Salad was delivered. The presentation was great. Instead of being chopped up, the leaves are long with garlic croutons. The dressing was so delicious - just enough garlic. Highly recommended to begin with. The salmon and the roasted cauliflower was brought shortly after I was completed with the salad. The salmon was crispy and so flavorable. The roasted cauliflower was stemmed and seasoned quite properly. The dessert menu had enough great options. I had the Gelato Platter. After a great meal, this really his the spot. Throughout the entire meal, Liz was fantastic. I look forward to my next trip back to this restaurant and would recommend it.
(5)
Don J.
We checked into the Embassy Suites in Chicago on a cold February night and didn't feel like venturing out in the 0 degree weather for dinner. Lucky for us, Osteria Via Stato, with an entrance in the hotel lobby, turned out to have outstanding food and service. Dinner started off with a complimentary helping of fresh-baked bread and olive oil with roasted garlic. We also went for a dish of the house-marinated olives - colorful and very reasonably priced, although I wasn't wild about the citrus flavor. The arugula salad had enough greens to make me feel like a healthy eater, but also came with generous amounts of peppered bacon and parmesan cheese. I demolished it. My tip on the main dishes: if you're a normal eater and you're getting a salad and pasta, the "side dish" portion of the pasta is plenty. I went for a side dish of the orecchiette with pork sausage and rapini. The pasta was done to a perfect al dente, and the overall flavor of the dish was complex and interesting. Osteria Via Stato also has a casual bar area with draft beers, wine by the glass and a good lunch menu. There was a $10 special when I was there that included a cup of bacon and bean soup, a sandwich and a piece of chocolate cake. My dad and I ordered the BLT and chicken pesto sandwiches and traded halves. I'm glad I got to try both because they were excellent, but the chicken pesto was my favorite.
I'm updating my review because the last several visits to Osteria have been great in terms of service...& as always, the food is consistently delicious.
(5)
Dan R.
What an awesome experience we had. Service was five stars. Food was five stars. The entire experience was five stars. And the price was very reasonable. Four of us had dinner here last night and we were greeted by a basket of complimentary crusty bread and a bowl of garlic cloves in olive oil.. My wife raved about the white sangria. We shared two appetizers- the Parmesan Crusted Sweet Onions ($6.95) and the Grilled Octopus with Fingerling Potatoes ($9.95). The onions were unbelievable- sweet, cheesy,buttery decadence! And the octopus? Holy moly was that good! Tender slices that tasted a little like scallops. This was just the second time I had octopus, the other time was at Costa Del Sol in Hartford and I don;t remember the meat being as tender and tasty as it was last night. The dish had a few chunks of potato in an olive oil & garlic dressing. It was amazing. My entree was Spaghetti Arrabiatta in an intensely delicious sauce of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and Calabrian Chilies, I went for the smaller portion (a steal at $5.95, and added a side of shrimp to the dish. The dish reminded me how wonderful a simple spaghetti and tomato sauce can be when the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce is stellar. I LOVED my dinner. Seriously. I also tried a few forkfuls of the night's risotto special- tonight it included some braised short rib. It was ridiculously good- melt in your mouth goodness.. Dessert for me was a scoop of melon granita served with cantaloupe cubes and that was a refreshing and perfect ending to the meal. Osteria also offers a $39.95 Prix Fixe "Dinner Party Menu" - a feast of Antipasti, pasta, sides and entrees, That would be a real blast.. So if you combine great food, great service, great value, and great atmosphere, you have Osteria. Come hungry.......
(5)
Sharon C.
I was in the pizzeria side of this restaurant for an early dinner, and I had a great time - the decor is a little a dark, but cozy, and I love the reclaimed wood look of the tables. We ordered grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes (the octopus was so tender and delicious) and the prosciutto pizza (I love prosciutto, and, between that and the arugula, it was the perfect balance of flavors). I also had a cocktail - I forget what it was called, but it was pink and pretty and sweet, with moscato and proseco (I think). Service was great - definitely not one of those restaurants where I spend half my meal planning how to get my water glass refilled - and I ended with a really, really delicious burnt caramel gelato. The caramel flavor was really strong without being overly sweet, and the gelato was, for the most part, really smooth, although I did get a few chunks of ice in mine. It was topped with some great almond praline, which tasted great but wasn't as crunchy as I might have liked.
(4)
Sara '.
I liked it. We ordered the beet salad for a starter, it was fresh and wonderfully dressed. This place offers family style serving, so we ordered the papperdelle ragu and short rib ravioli bowls. Both were yummy. The missing stars would be for the portion size. For being advertised at family style bowl, there wasn't quite enough for the 4 of us, also the waiter had a bit of a pretentious vibe to him and he was hard to hear. Other than that the place was very beautiful and clean.
(3)
Ashley C.
My friend and I came here for a weeknight dinner. It had been a while since I had been in, but I remember being impressed with their service. Overall, it was good, but not great and in need of an update. To start, we split the prosciutto appetizer and the gnocchi. The prosciutto was as expected and very fresh. The gnocchi dish was okay, but I thought it was a bit under seasoned and bland. I don't think its worth the $17 and I'd skip it next time. The entrees were solid. My friend ordered the Parmesan crusted chicken which she really liked. We split the spinach as a side. It was good but rather small. I had the short ribs. They were very tender and it was nice over the potato puree. Service was great. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. She was particularly helpful in recommending wine. We described what we liked and she pointed us in a great direction. She was also attentive without being overbearing. It is a solid 3.5 star spot. However, for a $140 tab for two (w/ a bottle of wine), there are just other Italian places I'd choose first.
(3)
Lisi Z.
Thumbs down. With all the amazing Italian places in the city- venture elsewhere. Although my server was as nice as can be, the hour wait to get my small portioned pasta served on a dinner plate was anything but nice. When my guest was handed his plate there was 4 stems of broccoli with a measly chicken breast on top, that should speak for itself. White sangria was tasty though!
(2)
Peter C.
Pleasant late-lunch Osteria a few days ago. HIGHLY recommend the pasta with mushrooms lunch special. We had a great table outside with excellent service.
(5)
Lauren B.
Cozy and elegant atmosphere. Wonderful appetizers, I suggest the fresh prosciutto and mozzarella. The bread and garlic oil to dip before your meal is 'melt in your mouth' delicious. Great wine selection (exceptionally priced) and wonderful specials! I would definitely go back again, what a pleasant experience.
(4)
Kait G.
I really enjoyed my time at Osteria. The place is nice but more laid back than other italian restaurants in the area. The pork ravioli had a wonderful rich flavor and was very filling. Service was excellent as our waitress had a good amount of knowledge of the menu and wine list. Our group never felt rushed and were able to take our time when ordering. We sat in the dining area but there is also the bar area which I believe is more pizza and drinks. Good atmosphere and good food!
(4)
Meghan F.
Went here on a Thursday night with my husband for my birthday. We did the family style dinner. Each salad and app was served individually about 20 minutes apart from each other. It took 1 hour and 30 minutes to get our main meal- which wasn't tasty at all. I got the chicken and my husband got the short rib. Wait staff ignored us all night and apologized at the end of our dinner by giving us free shots and a bar of chocolate. All I wanted was our food served in a timely way and a tentative server. I would never go back again.
The layout of the place is kind of confusing but after finding the hostess stand we were seated immediately. The food was all exceptional. We had the mussels appetizers, cavatelli and the cheese ravioli. The bread that you start with is rustic and crusty and mouthwatering. We mushed and spread the roasted garlic and olive oil on it. Heaven. The mussels were the highlight of the meal for me. I was literally using the shells to spoon juice into my mouth. Yes. The cavatelli and ravioli were both equally as good but in different ways. They both had similar ingredients- butter and mushrooms. But the cavatelli was enjoyable because of the soft dumpling-like noodles. The ravioli was more rich with the cheese and truffle oil together. Service was outstanding. The server was a chill dude who probably definitely gets high and eats high quality fare. Lettuce entertain you, you've done it. I'll be back.
(5)
Stefanie A.
Been here a couple times- always good, quality food. Tonight had the arugula salad, grilled octopus, and two pizzas- the salumi and the veggie (added sausage). Their pizzas are extra thin and crispy, which I love. Finished with the chocolate tart and the chocolate hazelnut gelato- SO DELICIOUS! Kiersten was our server and she great- recommended some great wines too!
(4)
Dannie C.
I've come here only once, so I may not be giving a fair rating. However, out of the dishes we ordered, I felt pretty ambivalent about them. Starter bread: Was psyched up about this from other Yelp reviews and it did not disappoint! Absolutely loved the dip. If they gave us bread that stayed warm for longer I would've been even more delighted. Italian sangria: Got it with white wine. Lovely drink if you like sweet cocktails. Grilled octopus: The octopus was drilled beautifully and the potatoes were the right softness. However, the lemon scent was too strong for our personal liking. I would reorder this dish in the future if the dish were less sour. Ricotta cavatelli: Definitely my FAVORITE of the night. I have a bias toward anything with mushrooms and this one did not disappoint. The sauce was fragrant and just the right richness. Pappardelle with slow-braised duck ragu: In contrast with the ricotta, this one was bland! The pappardelle also felt a bit crumbly. The duck ragu+sauce / pasta ratio should definitely be increased. Would not \ Braised niman ranch short rib: Excellent dish. The meat is very tender and juicy and the garnishes complemented it perfectly. Goes well if you're sharing (e.g. 1 full pasta + 1 protein) since it's quite a sizeable portion for one. Warm bread pudding with vanilla gelato: Can't go wrong with this one! I love apple/pear-based warm desserts with ice cream. So as you can see, I can't give this place 4 stars for its lack of consistency among different dishes. I don't mind coming here again, but I'd stick to what's reliable.
(3)
Suzanne O.
Pasta, salad and bread, all with a great outdoor dining area! We started out with the ciabatta bread with the roasted garlic, olive oil and balsamic dipping sauce. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside, and the dipping sauce was so flavorful! For my meal I got the arugula salad and a side order of the penne pasta. The salad portions here are huge, so I was happy I got the small size of the pasta. The salad was very good and had a light dressing. The pasta was also delicious and just spicy enough. I also tried the seasonal mixed green salad and the ricotta cavatelli. The salad was filled with walnuts and cherries, but I found the dressing a little too heavy and sweet. The pasta was nice and light, and the mushrooms were especially tasty. The menu has more choices than just pasta and salads, but if you're looking for value, then the pasta and salad is the way to go. Everything we ate was very reasonably priced and the portions were generous.
(4)
Molly A.
Came here for Chicago Restaurant Week 2015. We actually ended up ordering of the "Tonights Dinner Party" Menu and we were very satisfied! First off- this is an amazing deal for the amount of food you get. 4 course meal for $40 a person in River North? It's pretty much a steal. There are 5 different appetizer sized dishes that come out in the first course. They were all absolutely delicious. My favorite was the roasted parmesan onions. On top of the 5 appetizers, you also receive a pasta course that comes with two different delicious pastas. Each person at the table gets to chose their own main course from a list of about 8 entrees (note: there is an upcharge for certain entrees). lastly, on top of all that food... you get two sides which were also great.
I went for valentines with my husband and we loved it! Our waiter was super helpful he was very friendly and he was super joyous all night. The ambiance was romanic and personal even though it was busy and full of people. The food was fancy yet understandable (we're foodies who say mayonnaise not aoli). Everything was prompt and cooked to perfection. We loved the hunters stew and octopus appetizer and the dessert was just amazing!!! Cinnamon, Carmel, and chocolate gelato was very tasty. Highly recommend. Would definitely return
(4)
Chris T.
I brought my mom here on 2 occasions and she loved it. Now I should explain that my mother is the pickiest eater I know, which always makes her visits difficult as I never know where to take her. Especially when it comes to Italian food, as we used to live in Italy and she still lives in Europe - so this lady knows Italian food. But I put my trust in Yelp and found this place, and was relieved at her lack of a scowl upon tasting the food. Whew. What to eat: Veal Meatballs - everyone recommends it, so just go with it! The Antipasto Board - a selection of cheese and meats that I couldn't stop eating. Farfalle Pesto - I don't see it on the menu anymore but their pesto doesn't disappoint. The Polenta - yum. The pizza and the Chicken Morio were also good, but not standouts. So take your Mom here when she visits. And don't tell mine about this review.
(4)
Prerna D.
This is my go to restaurant when I am thinking - fancy, yummy and date night ;-) They have great Italian food - I love the penne pasta with rosa sauce and veggies. Also, the olive oil and bread (which comes free :P) is super duper tasty. Amazing wine selection too. Service is great. Food yummy. Romantic ambiance.
(5)
Jessica N.
This place does not disappoint. Service is always stellar and food is very good. Portions are great for sharing but not overly monstrous. Highly recommend the onions (never had anything else like it), the garlic olive oil is to die for, get the octopus, and all the pasta is delish Prices are also extremely reasonable for a great ambience, too. Always a great go-to!
Hands down this was one of the best restaurants I've been too in a long time. First off, the service was exquisite. The waitstaff was attentive and quick to replace a dropped fork or refill a water glass. They were attentive and yet you didn't feel like every move was being watched. The food was divine. We did the family style option and were impressed not only with the delicious pastas, salads, and steaks, but fell in love with the wine pairings for each course. For $40 a person it was moderately priced, too. Can't say enough good things about this place. The vibe was comfortable and welcoming.
(5)
Martin P.
Went here for restaurant week and had a great time. The Parmesan onions were great The olive oil, balsamic vinegar with roasted garlic and the veal meatballs were fantastic, coupled with the House Marinated Olives this is one place that is hard to NOT to enjoy! The star was the Braised Short Rib -with Roasted Tomatoes and Red Wine Sauce with the Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. Did not care for Yukon Gold Potato Puree ie: mashed Potatoes seemed out of place with the rest of the meal. But the whipped cream covered Double Chocolate Tart saved the show.
(5)
Adam M.
I'm normally a huge fan of Lettuce Entertain You restaurants but this one just didn't do it for me. The food here was very generic and not very flavorful. This is a place that has "chain-food" quality and with so many other options I would probably pass on coming back. I got the Homemade Gnocchi with Rosemary Butter and Simple Tomato Sauce. It was decent but nothing special. I also got the Veal Meatballs which lacked flavor. I would not suggest wasting your time/money on these. I never like to post poor reviews, but I really was not impressed by this place. I still want to give a 5-star rating for Lettuce Entertain You in general as I still love their other restaurants!
(2)
Astral R.
I LOVE it! I always get the lunch combo. Its very reasonably priced. You get soup, a sandwich and a dessert tart for only $9.95. If you're looking for a good soup this is the place to go. Their soups are amazing! Ive tried the chicken noodle soup, lentil soup and the chcicken and potato soups and they are yummy. The pizzas are excellent as well.
(5)
Susan B.
Wow, we just had to share how wonderful our wedding at Osteria via Stato was on 10-4-14! When we began our search for a venue, great food, great wine and a unique, intimate setting were all on the top of our priority list. We also wanted a downtown location that was easy for locals and out-of-towners. As soon as we started working with Osteria's on-site event planner Allison, everything started falling in to place. She was full of ideas, calm as a cucumber, and willing to amend our plan as our guest list kept growing. Being that we were two brides, you can imagine that our questions never stopped. And never once did Allison get rattled or sound annoyed. The night our our wedding was absolutely stunning. We had 130 seated comfortably around the arch for our ceremony, in rounded rows as we requested. The setting was charming, welcoming and intimate. We had a 3-piece orchestra for our processional and recessional with plenty of room to spare. We moved to the pizzeria for our cocktail hour, which was a little crowded but that was mostly due to the nasty weather outside and we couldn't make use of the outdoor patio like we had hoped. Drinks were plentiful and easy to get, and the passed apps were lovely. Dinner and toasts were in the front 2 rooms and the space was stunning! White table cloths on the round tables and the beautiful butcher block wood tables were left without linens, for the perfect classy yet rustic vibe. And the food was absolutely delicious. Our guests were all raving about the perfectly-cooked filets, as well as the other four offerings. The salads, veal meatballs and other starters left everyone feeling so much more fulfilled than a traditional wedding meal. Throughout the meal, the wait staff was amazing, never leaving a glass empty or anyone wanting anything. Bill and Maria were the waiters at our head table who had also served us on our tasting, they came in special just to work our event and both were spectacular. After dinner, we had a 8-piece band in the back room and the dance floor was perfect. Again, drinks were always full, late night pizzas were served and the staff was perfect. Allison and her team were a pleasure to work with and it was so reassuring to know that her team had all the details handled, especially since we opted not to have a wedding planner. I would highly recommend the venue for an unforgettable wedding that is intimate, turnkey, delicious and classy!
(5)
Stephanie G.
Wow wow wow!! My friend organized a surprise birthday dinner for me here and it was amazing! Perfect venue!! They got the host desk to play along with the cover story - I was shocked to find out that this was a surprise dinner!! The food was some of the best that I have ever had! We were a group of 17, so the menu was set up as family style and then everyone choose an entree from several preselected entrees. For appetizers we had marinated olives, parmesan crusted sweet onions, veal meatballs - every thing was ta-die for!! The Parmesan crusted sweet onions had so much flavor and were unlike any app I've had! We also had the mixed greens salad with dried cherries. I often have salads with dried cranberries, but these dried cherries were delish in this salad! I think I'll start making my salads with cherries! For dinner I had the braised niman ranch short ribs. Holy flavor explosion! Especially with the red wine sauce. Talk about meat done right! We had chocolate tort for dessert and my mom brought in birthday cupcakes. The restaurant had pre-printed menus for the dinner. This dinner was so special and they worked with my friend to make sure everything was just right! What a great place to celebrate turning 30 with friends and family!
(5)
Steve H.
Food was fantastic! It's a bit pricey, so I would only recommend for special occasions, but it was so worth it. I had the orecchiette, which was crazy good. Girlfriend had the Chicken Mario, which was one of the better chicken dishes either of us had tried at a restaurant in some time. We split a side of mashed potatoes, which were creamy and delicious. Even the bread/oil/garlic was fantastic. Our server was very informative and attentive. She checked on us just enough (and not too much!) and made great recommendations. They really allow you to stretch out your meal and they aren't all over you to order/pay/etc. It was a great dining experience all around. We originally found this place because another Lettuce restaurant (Saranello's in Wheeling) removed spinach fonduta from their menu and we really wanted to find another place with something similar. The fonduta was different (still very good), but the bread was so good that we would probably skip an appetizer next time. We will definitely come back, but like I said before, it will be for a special occasion.
(5)
Chris N.
Excellent food and service ! Best meal in a long while. If you happen to get Mark as your waiter your in luck, this guy knows his stuff.
(5)
Hillary P.
As long as the gnocchi stays, I will be frequenting here. A couple things I've learned recently - the Osteria Via Stato and Pizzeria Via Stato menus remain separate. You won't find pizza available on the Osteria Via Stato menu. Fortunately, the couple times that I have requested a pizza when dining at Osteria Via Stato, the waiter has been courteous enough to ask the chef (or manager, not sure..) if they can accommodate. I have not been turned down in terms of crossing over on the two menus. Still a top favorite on State Street!
(5)
Maria P.
I cannot believe I have not yelped this place before because I have been going for years-a friend of mine used to live nearby so we have gone many times. Now we both work near it. Today I walked to pick up my favorite salad in the city--chopped chicken--I do not know how they make a salad crave able but they have-and I hate salad in general! The bread I think is from red hen bakery but I am not sure--I just know I devour it. Service and prices are excellent, especially considering location and quality. Over the years, I have had pasta, pizza, meatballs, salads, wine, wine, and more pizza...I am 100% Italian and this is really one of my favorite places, which surprises me because it's a lettuce entertain you spot.
(5)
E S.
Definitely not worth it. The pizza with different cheeses were good, but it was like cardboard. Plus we ordered the octopus, and they were out. We entered the restaurant at 4:30, was given a lunch menu, but couldn't order the lunch options. They weren't clear about it, took forever to bring out the wine, and the olives were just meh. I wouldn't go back, it's a rip off and not worth the experience, I wish i would've gone to Quartino instead!
(1)
Ruby D.
This place has a class act. The friendliest and most accommodating staff. I love my prosciutto and pizza for lunch.
(5)
Anne M.
First al fresco dining of the summer season, and it was fabulous. This place is located on busy State Street, but there's actually a decent amount of patio seating. Our table was right against the building so we had more distance from the sidewalk (a good thing). As soon as we were seated we were given a basket of warm toasty bread, a plate of dipping oil, and glasses with a carafe of water. Our waitress was really nice and attentive throughout our entire (long) meal. We split two salads: caprese and roasted beets. The caprese was fantasic - thick slices of roasted tomato topped with thick slices of fresh mozzerella + basil and olive oil. Simple and delicious. The beet salad was great and pretty too - the beets were dark purple and a lighter pink shade, served with toasted hazelnuts, blue cheese, greens and a light dressing. We opted for the pizza of the month (white 'za with goat cheese, sliced asparagus, an egg and truffle oil). The pizzas are very thin and light and tasty. The flavor combo on this pizza was so good - I wish I had another right now.
(4)
Dalia M.
Everything was good. Service, decor, food. We wanted a decent Italian meal coming from out of town and we got it. It's Chicago so I'm holding it to higher standards. We weren't blown away but food was yummy. Meatball appetizer was the best part. Everything was good, not great, hence three stars!
(3)
Monica B.
I've lived next door for 6 1/2 years and last week was the first time I came here! My friend and I met for a last minute dinner and after a long week of work, I went for a glass of Barolo. It was so nice and smooth -- perfect for a chilly March night. My friend and I split the grilled calamari, chicken chopped salad and short rib ravioli. Everything was delicious and portions were perfect. Our waiter was a bit dry and straight to the point, not the friendliest guy. But overall, I'd come here again if I don't want to stray too far from my apartment.
(4)
Amit S.
The place is heaven for thin crust pizza fans. We just got the carry out for margarita and sausage pizza and it was so light that we even doubted it contained anything! The taste was just impeccable and they even paid heed to my request to additional vegetable toppings for the sausage pizza which made it even better in the end.
(4)
Puja B.
This place is a great fancy/casual restaurant. The bread and garlic/oil was amazing which comes free at your table. We ordered wine as well and the service was great. The dishes were just normal and nothing too fancy. We got the gnocchi which was literally gnocchi with sauce. Overall food was good and had the right portion.
(4)
Jonathan T.
Awesome atmosphere with plenty of wine options. The food was great and the price is as expected for a fine restaurant in downtown Chicago.
(4)
Kayla L.
Decided to try this place because of the Yelp reviews for my birthday dinner. This restaurant is amazing!! I am so glad we made reservations because the place was packed. As soon as we arrived they sat us for our reservation immediately. There are two sides of the restaurant, one is the pizzeria and the other is the nicer restaurant side. The atmosphere is very relaxing. When we got sat we where given this amazing garlic vinaigrette sauce for our bread. It was to die for. The bread was perfectly made it was fluffy and just tore apart so easily. The waitress was great and answered any questions we had. The wine list they have is HUGE!! Luckily, they have a program called "Bring me the wine" and what you do is tell your waitress what you think you will have for dinner and they bring you a glass or bottle of the wine that will pair perfectly with your meal. I told her I wanted the Linguine with clams and she brought me the most delicious white wine I've ever had (wishing it was 5 oclock somewhere right now). For appetizers we ordered the Spicy Calamari and the Grilled Octopus and both where so delicious. The portion on the grilled octopus was a little on the light side but that's fine since we ordered the Calamari also. For dinner I had the Linguine with clams. It was so good I ate my entire plate. The portions are not huge so it is the perfect amount. The wine was flowing and the waitress was great at keeping up with us. One of the best dining experiences I've had. I will definitely be back and I do high recommend this place to someone. If you like Italian food and wine this is the place for you! The restaurant is attached to the Embassy Suites so they have Valet parking right up front for you.
(5)
Lea T.
Great Italian at reasonable prices, atmosphere is very relaxed and inviting- service was asleep great. Many pasta dishes are offered as half portions and the Great Italian Dinner menu is a wonderful tribute to an authentic family-style meal. Try the crispy polenta and veal meatballs for appetizer! Arabbiatta and Penne pasta are both spicy and delicious! Ask for Angelo as your waiter!! Absolutely wonderful :)
(4)
Shereene M.
Yum! Had a delicious dinner last night. First off, the roasted garlic and oil should be jarred and sold. That was amazing! I got the lamb with potatoes and it was delicious!! I had a sangria and that was fine but the food was definitely the star. We sat outside so no idea how it is inside but it was nice to sit out and people watch.
(4)
John A.
Overall it was very nice. Reservation and coat check super nice. Valet was not easy to locate but cordial. Service: (Preface: it was a busy night.) Bar service seemed a bit rushed. Cocktails were strong but lacked the flavors they were supposed to provide. Served a broken glass and did not notice until later in the evening. Manager came over to personally apologize and comped one of our drinks. Nice touch. Wait service was efficient and pleasant but also seemed very rushed. Water was constantly refilled but a cheerful fellow. Other staff who were not directly taking care of us often checked in on us. Very good service. No complaints. Food: Appetizers were very good. Parm crusted sweet onion and antipasto board were very good. Main courses included parm crusted filet and dry aged ribeye and Calabrian potatoes. Steaks were so tender and flavorful albeit a little on the salty side. Bread pudding was tasty but on the small side. Price/value: it was on the expensive side for what you get. Maybe too expensive for what you get...hence 3 as opposed to 4 stars.
(3)
Diva G.
Fresh room temperature (wish it was warm) bread & roasted garlic in balsamic vinegar and EVOO with a glass of Avissi Prosecco was a GREAT start! The Mini Veal Meatballs in a simple tomato sauce with fresh parmesan was DE-LISH. I loved the Seasonal Mixed Green Salad with toasted walnuts, dried cherries and shaved parmesan tossed in a walnut vinaigrette. The walnuts and shaved parmesan were plentiful- not just 2 or 3 pieces. The textures and flavors blended very well together. The Penne Pasta in a spicy creamy tomato sauce with chicken breast and fresh mozzarella was absolutely devine! I added spinach to the dish which made it to die for!!! Server and busser were VERY attentive, but not very friendly at all. My server was actually quite dry and not engaging at all, but again, he was very attentive. The ambiance is rustic and the attire is casual, but neat- not athletic wear, t-shirt and baseball cap casual, but jeans and a collarless shirt will suffice for men. The price point is PERFECT for ambiance, service, and quantity & quality of food. Overall, Osteria Via Stato is a top choice for EXCELLENT food and GREAT drink choices located downtown Chicago that won't break the bank AND it's Italian!!! I'll be baaaaaaack...
(4)
Jenna S.
What a great Valentine's Day date night! My husband made reservations here because we both like Italian and we were looking to try a new place. Oh, we also had a Lettuce Entertain You gift card, so that helped us pick a place when the time came to make reservations. Cocktails were lovely. The menu is large and somewhat seasonal, so try something different. My husband really enjoyed his Manhattan (he's an amateur connoisseur) and I opted for a nice carafe of red wine, which was enjoyable and mostly inexpensive. Beet and Caprese salads are must haves if you're here for the first time. Both were really good and the beet salad had mostly beets and a tart dressing, which made for yummy slightly sour and smooth taste. For my entree, I had some kind of pasta primavera with tons of veggies and mushrooms. My husband loves veal and ordered the veal entree and was not disappointed - he recommends it. All in all, a good date night for two people on Valentine's day. The place was busy but not too packed, no kids in sight (thank the heavens) and service was prompt but not in the way. The entire place is warm, dark and reminded me of an Italian wine cellar. I enjoyed the atmosphere and it was quiet enough that I could enjoy the company of my husband without yelling.
(4)
Sanda V.
wedding venue! :))) we couldnt have been happier w choosing osteria for our ceremony + reception this past august. we wanted to have an intimate wedding, downtown chicago, w high quality food and service, and with a european flare as both my husband and i grew up in europe. allison, the event coordinator, was very patient and helpful. our guests loved the food and the service was impeccable! we have been back to visit the restaurant twice now! highly recommend this gem!
(5)
Lauren F.
Stopped in for dinner with my husband on New Year's Eve and while the ambiance and food were both enjoyable, neither of us were particularly wowed by the meal. They had a special tasting menu option for NYE that allowed us to taste a ton of their menu items so we went with that. For starters they brought out marinated olives, roasted fennel, a mixed salad of sorts, and I believe a polenta dish. The salad was very good and they brought more out for us when we finished our first plate, but the rest just weren't all that impressive. The next course was pasta and they brought out portions of the gnocchi, which was pillowy soft and very delicious, and I believe some kind of farro pasta that neither of us were big fans of. For the main course I had the short rib and my husband had the filet these were probably our favorites of the meal. Along with the mains they brought out a couple sides that were, again, not very memorable. With this tasting menu we also received dessert and a choice of Italian liqueurs. My husband had a variation of flourless chocolate cake along with limoncello and I had a bread pudding with the chocolate-cello. The desserts were good but just not something I'd feel like I have to go back for. Osteria Via Stato was recommended by a friend who has eaten at numerous fantastic restaurants so I'm thinking that maybe this dinner was just a fluke because we just weren't huge fans of the menu items we were served. If I do return, I'll definitely stick with pasta and maybe some of the more traditional Italian dishes and see if my opinion changes.
(3)
Kelly M.
We chose Osteria Via Stato for our 10/3/14 wedding - it was actually the only venue I looked at because I fell in love with it immediately - and we could not have been happier with our experience. The venue coordinator Allison was extremely helpful through the whole process, and was very patient answering all of our questions. We wanted our wedding in the city of Chicago since that is where we met and started dating, and I was looking forward to having our wedding pictures in an urban setting. The restaurant is in an amazing location (very close to all sorts of popular spots for photos), yet despite being in the busy city, the inside of the venue is very intimate and quiet, and not to mention beautiful and rustic. It also helps that it's connected to the Embassy Suites, which is where we stayed along with our families and bridal party, it was so convenient. We got so many compliments on our wedding thanks to Osteria Via Stato! People were either commenting on how stunning the venue was and that it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever seen, or they were commenting on how amazing the food was! Food is really important to us and we spent a lot of our early dating years checking out new restaurants and partaking in restaurant week, so we were so excited to spoiled our loved ones with the amazing food - the best meatballs I've ever had, amazing short ribs, mushroom cavatelli, etc - everyone was so happy with their meals and totally stuffed. The staff was also amazing; Allison made sure everything went perfectly during the ceremony, the waitstaff was all very attentive and made sure we constantly had drinks, and the bartenders were great. Our wedding day was absolutely amazing and everything we hoped it would be and more, and it couldn't have gone so well if it weren't for the amazing venue and their professional staff.
(5)
Sarah F.
Just ate here for the first time. The food was great, and staff was friendly enough, but still a bit disappointed in the overall experience with regard to time and the valet parking. I will first admit while we had a 7:45 reservation- we were a few minutes late. However, I called to warn them off that and they said it wasn't an issue. There are two sides to the restaurant: a "pizza side" and a more formal dining side, which takes reservations (but has no pizza). Ironically, we decided to eat on the reservation side in order to avoid a wait; however, we ended up waiting longer for our reservation than some people did for walk-ins on the "pizza side". Our reservation was at 7:45, we arrived at 7:55 (as I said we'd pre-warned them of our late arrival and told it wasn't an issue), but weren't seated until sometime after 8:40. When we were finally seated, we were promptly served water and bread (with a delicious garlic dipping oil), but it took about 30 minutes to get drinks and place an order. Aside from slow service here and there, the food was delicious and our waitress was friendly enough (probably over booked in her section). However, the kicker for me was the parking situation. Valet is $14 for 3 hours (pretty standard for Chicago). When we left and finally got our car we were told it would be $17 bc we'd exceeded 3 hours. Monetarily not a big difference, however after pulling away- we realized that we were actually under the three hours as we left at 10:50 and had given our ticket at 10:45 (reminder we got there at 7:55). Even if we had been late, it is also a bit irritating to have to pay an excess fee when our delay was a result of the restaurants reservation/time management. All in all the food was good, but I would not use their valet or go there expecting time efficient seating or service. Only go there if you have time to kill.......bc you will do just that. I will contemplate giving them a second chance- but was unimpressed by overall service. However- I cannot comment on the "pizza side".
(2)
Brian L.
My brother and I stopped in to have a drink at the bar but ended up staying for dinner. The warm and inviting atmosphere made for good conversation. They had a great selection of mostly Midwestern beer and a huge wine list. We kept it simple and ordered pizza. I had the prosciutto americano and it was absolutely delicious, one of the more memorable pizzas I've had. Highly recommended!
(4)
Christopher N.
Had a lovely dinner with my wife while in town for business. The server was awesome and the food couldn't have been better
(4)
Mirko P.
Nothing outstanding, but you get standard family pasta menu if you choose so. All guests in the party have to do the same choice. Food is good and quality of the service is above average. We didn't like that servers are quick to take the plate in feint of us including silver for no reason and then we had to wait to bring a new set. Doesn't make sense.
(4)
Prerna K.
I had $200 in lettuce entertain you gift cards and wanted to put it towards a nice dinner. The food especially the main course was underwhelming given the price point for this place. My husband ordered steak and he didn't like the cut. I ordered lamb risotto that had excessive salt ( And I'm the sort of person who likes my food extra salty and this was too much even for me!) Anyway, the service was nice, but the food was below par. Not sure I will be going back here.
(2)
Rob W.
A solid four star review - almost five. I came here for a wedding reception for about 150 people and overall it was a great experience. Abundance of hors doeuvres, my favorite was a wild mushroom with creamy polenta on Ry Krisp. Several wines to choose from - I mostly enjoyed the Tintero Barbaresco - a fruity red with a fairly full flavor. Dinner came with an optional flight of three wines paired to our order. Antipasti favorites were the Parmesan Crusted Onions as well as the Meatballs in Simple Tomato Sauce. Dinner included a Mezzi Rigatoni with Three Meat Ragu and a Ricotta Cavatelli with Wild Mushrooms - both were outstanding. Choice of entrees were Prawns, Chicken Mario, Gogonzola-Crusted Filet and a vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan. Our table sat 12 and 11 of us ordered the filet, which everyone enjoyed. A chocolate tort and wedding cake topped it all off - by all accounts it was a fantastic gastronomic affair! Service was excellent. Minor downsides - the entry couldn't accommodate a large group arrival and the only bathroom in the restaurant itself is a single unisex facility - the main bathrooms (in the hotel it is in) are upstairs a flight and quite a ways away. I look forward to trying this place sometime - had noticed it for years in the Embassy Suites - now I know that it is definitely worth a visit!!!
(4)
Sandor K.
Fantastic food and drink in downtown Chicago !! We were a group of 60 and the food and service was INCREDIBLE!! The Antipasta starters : caramelized onion, roasted garlic and bread, veal meat balls and salad were ever so tasty. Quick professional excellent service! Water and wine always topped off - new silverware with every course. The pasta course was incredible, great ragu and tasty pesto. I had the Braised short rib and WOW - it was delish. Could not get over the service - the wait staff did an excellent job and the kitchen was the tops! The chocolate tart dessert was over the top! Incredible Meal!
(5)
Elizabeth C.
Okay so busy friday night. ..I never expect the best service. Well... let me tell you..to say service was on point doesn't even express how impressed I was. Angelo was our server...and honestly I'd go back just to have him as our server. He suggested delicious wine and was super genuine in his entire approach with us. Literally start to finish service was impeccable and every single thing we ate was amazing. I had the whitefish special. ..so delish!!! Thanx Osteria for a taste of home. P.s If they have the chocolate bar for dessert. Get it!!! You won't be disappointed just enough sweet to end the meal!!!!!
(5)
Vincent Y.
Please do not order the "dinner party" if you only had two people. Angela Z. and I went and ordered the dinner party and proceeded to become so full that we took home the entrees after two bites. It was simply too much food. 1. The initial cloves of garlic, olive oil and bread was delicious. Salad was incredible. Other starters weren't incredibly memorable but they were good. 2. Two pastas came -- one (tomatoes, beef) was very, very good; one (collard greens) was way too salty. 3. We did a seafood stew and a ribs dish. Both were very good. Ribs were very soft but could use more taste and the seafood stew had scallops that were just crispy and buttery enough. Overall: good food. We definitely could've ordered smaller. There was too much food in the dinner party.
(4)
Ray B.
My girlfriend and I went to Osteria Via Stato prior to seeing Brian Regan at Chicago Theatre. This restaurant was simply amazing from the service (Our server was Dan H.) to the amazing food. We started with the fluffy bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar with roasted garlic and it was really good. Then, we had the highly recommended veal meatballs, which come with quite a few meatballs (perfect for 4 people). For our drinks I had a fall classic martini, which had a lot of fall flavors. They have an entire fall drink list. Then there is the wine. It's a pretty big list of mostly italian reds. If you do not know what you want, the servers are more than knowledgable and can recommend wine to pair with your food. As for the main course. My girlfriend had a duck pasta, which she said was fantastic and I had the beef tenderloin over mushroom risotto. The beef was cooked to a true perfect medium rare. The taste was amazing and it was seasoned well. The mushroom risotto was rich and creamy and very good. Overall, I was super impressed with our server because he had the service perfect throughout the night. He was not overbearing, but we never had to search for him either. We will be coming back and requesting Dan as our server.
This is my 5th time there and first review. Great place. Very good service, knowledgeable and fast. This time, a grilled octopus to start (for 2) and then my wife had a risotto and I a Riccota pasta. Both were excellent. Cheesecake for dessert was amazing too. Has a very long and deep wine list, and a lot of good and reasonably priced half bottles, which is very practical. Definitely reccomend it.
(5)
Christine S.
I ended up coming here on a Tuesday night not that long ago...Osteria Via Stato was poppin' but not overly crowded. I like that scene. I like to be able to talk to who I'm having dinner with. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic. I dig it. For starters, we ended up with a Caprese Salad by the recommendation of our server. He picked that because the that they were using were in season and he said they were perfect. He didn't lie. For my entree, I had the Chicken Mario (based on everyone's Yelp review) and it was fantastic. The food, the bottle of chianti, the service, the atmosphere....such a great evening.
(4)
Emily J.
Osteria Via Stato was the perfect place for a warm dinner and a glass of wine last week. I loved the entryway and the bar area, so cozy and warm with its fireplace and crowded tables. We were led to our dinner table in the main dining room and seated promptly it the beautiful cavern like space. Our server was courteous, efficient, and provided multiple recommendations for both wine and food. We started off with a cup of the soup d'jour- a fennel chicken vegetable, and some wine to wash it down with. For my main course, I ordered the pasta arabiatta as I was craving some spicy warmth. I liked it, but didn't love it. The pasta was really good and the portion was huge, which is what you expect at an Italian restaurant, but it wasn't as spicy as I wanted it to be nor did it truly distinguish itself with any unique flavors. I was not displeased at all; I just wanted something a bit more memorable. I would certainly go back to Osteria Via Stato and perhaps order something with a little more pizazz. If you have a large group, this would be a great restaurant for a special occasion as it is spacious and has a large menu. Additionally, they have a full gluten free menu as well for those with celiac disease.
(4)
Meredith G.
I really enjoyed dinner here a few weeks ago. We opted for the dinner party aka family style meal for the 4 of us. We got to sample so much food and it was all great. We ate nearly everything on the menu and sent home the left overs with the local guy. For my main course I did the braised short rib and the portion was huge and well cooked. The service was top notch from start to finish. I would definitely go here again while visiting the city and locals should dine here too. I didn't think it was touristy at all. Prices were very fair.
(4)
Kristin L.
Wow, went here the other night with a group and it was SO GOOD. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was one of the best Italian meals I've ever had. Everything was delish from the meatballs to the short rib bruschetta to the rigatoni and the scallops. DEVINE!
(5)
Leslie L.
Nice atmosphere, knowledgeable staff and delicious wine. What is more to know? I would love to come back for the food as I only had the wine. From what I saw, the food looked beautiful and delicious. It was not a pretentious place and very comfortable.
(4)
dan naomi w.
Visited here for Feast of the Seven Fishes on 24 December, which is a Sicilian and Southern Italian tradition NOT named after the seven hills of Rome as was written on Osteria via Stato's website. This almost deterred us completely from visiting, but it was the only restaurant in Chicago serving the feast that we could find. While not authentic, the food was absolutely delicious. The service was really impeccable and the gluten free accommodations were really great. The family style service was great for meeting up with old friends. The two Sicilian wines we had were crisp and affordable.
(4)
Faith D.
Why I hadn't been here (since the old days when it was Papagus) I do not know. But I'll be back. Had a very early dinner last night with a friend and her teenage daughter. We got started with a crusty, delicious bread basket served with a plate of olive oil, balsamic and roasted garlic. The 3 of us SWOONED over this. I kid you not. Sooooo yummy. We each ordered a salad -- Classic Caesar, Arugala and Roasted Beet -- all were delicious and filling. We also each ordered 1/2 order of pasta. Spaghetti Arrabiata; 2 of us had Ricotta Cavatelli with wild mushrooms. Every bite yummy. Even with 1/2 orders of pastas, we each took home leftovers. Good service. Good atmosphere. Good food. I gotta go heat up my pasta for lunch. Bye!!
(4)
Joe K.
Great place, The service was perfect, and the food was incredible. The lamb sausage pasta was awesome, and the roasted garlic spread on the fresh bread was addicting. Could have made a whole meal out of that alone. This is one of the little advertised places downtown, and probably missed by alot of people. Well worth the visit, I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great Italian meal.
(5)
Meghan M.
The food and service were amazing!!! My boyfriend, friend and I went to Osteria Via Stato last Saturday. We were seated immediately and our waitress was very attentive the entire meal. Although the restaurant is located on State St. it does not seem overly touristy and I loved the ambiance. I recommend trying the gnocchi as it was amazing! Also, the gelato is to die for. This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have been to since moving to Chicago!
(5)
Tina J.
Me and my friends went here on 12/20/2014 and I must say we had a great time. I ordered the braised beef risotto and it was delicious. I also had a Manhattan and it did not disappoint. It was very strong. I will definitely will be returning here
(4)
Sharon Y.
The food is plentiful, authentic and delicious. Go for the family style dinner, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
loretta g.
great staff,food and service.From the time we arrived we were welcomed warmly.Kudos to Matthew,Laura,Matt and our wonderful server,Destiny. This was our first time,we will return! Loretta G
(5)
Edward W.
I want to give it 3 and 5 stars for different reasons. I took me 4 weeks to book a reservation. But, when we actually walked in they were trying to seat us like we were walk ins. If I had to wait 4 weeks, why are they able to seat walk ins? The pictures are also deceiving. I expected a high-brow jackets only type of dining experience but instead got what amounted to any other Italian restaurant in my home town. Having said that, the food was delicious! Gnocci was amazing, Octopus was even better. I didnt leave hungry thats for sure. So, go for the laid back atmosphere and get 5 star food.
(4)
Sam N.
Maybe when they opened this place they did not mean for it to be a hidden gem. The way the place is just defines it as such. In other words I am a huge fan. I have brought my boss here so share cheese plates and pizza. I have brought dates here because they have an awesome dinner menu with a great wine selection. They did not complain so I am assuming they enjoyed it as much as I did :) If you want to watch a bulls or blackhawks game after work with a bunch of friends at the bar then you have made the right choice. The cheese plate selection is awesome. You should come in here just for that. The thin crust pizza is delightful. I know its attached to a hotel. Maybe before you hit weber grill you should hit this place up...
(5)
John C.
Same day dinner reservation on a Saturday via Yelp, Open Table. Service was perfect - not over bearing and never felt ignored. Food - so far the best Italian dinner I have had. Perhaps I got lucky but if this place is consistent then it is definitely worthy of a 5 star review. Crunchy/Toasty bread with warm fluffy goodness inside & comes out with the Balsamic, Oil n Garlic Gloves. Hands down the best bread & balsamic, oil, garlic, Amazing. Grilled Octopus - not bad, alot of tentacles, I'm okay with that! Entree - had the seafood stew, what a remarkable dish!! This was Awesome, Awesome, Awesome - All the flavors from the fish, shrimp and scallops were in the broth and were cooked well. I'm surprised they don't nickname the dish "the Midwest Ciopinno" as it reminded me of Ciopinno in SF, but better. Also, ordered the Penne with chicken and spicy tomato sauce - not too spicy but very well made too!! Full disclosure - I was really looking forward to go to Girl and the Goat (to get my foodie on)- due to their reservation process I did not. Oh Well their loss my and your gain. I thank fellow yelpers for helping me find a true gem in Osteria Via Stato. So, if you are interested very good Italian in DT Chicago this is a great spot. Keep in mind it is not Uber Fancy, stuffy or a place that breaks the bank. Note: there are 3 areas to this restaurant, the patio, the pizzeria (when you first walk in) the white table cloth/dining room (we ate). Only Bummer: 1 toilet oddly positioned in the pizzeria - just go use the lobby restroom up the stairs (inside the adjoining hotel).
(4)
Mike N.
We were staying at the attached Embassy Suites. This restaurant is literally two different venues - a small bistro for lunch and a formal dining room for dinner. We experienced both. Their luncheon bistro menu is great. They have very imaginative flatbread thin crust pizzas. Prepared well and very tasty. Multiple other sandwiches and appetizers. Nice service. The dinner experience was not as good. Menu was basic, not imaginative. Food was well prepared and tasty. Service was OK. This restaurant is also the room service source for the hotel. Items available are limited. I give the luncheon experience 4 stars, and the rest 2 stars to average the 3 stars.
(3)
Brian G.
Wow - what a disappointment. Huge Lettuce fan - love Antico Posto. In the city thought hey I can have a great meal here. No. Where did they go wrong - let me count the ways ... 1. Half empty restaurant - one of my kids just wanted buttered noodles - someone else wanted pasta of the day but they usually only serve as part of a $40 full course meal. Made it seem like they were doing us some huge favor ... really? 2. Food took forever. See note about half empty. Why? 3. Short Rib risotto was so salty it was inedible. 4. Clam pasta (vongole) would have bene good. If they had FULLY WASHED THE SAND OUT OF THE CLAMS. I mean really? I was sort of annoyed my wife hadn't retuned it on the first crunch of sand but she soldiered on. I wouldn't have. 5. My kids eat the gnocchi at Antico Posto like it is going out of style - I have an 8 year old who can eat two full adult portions. But then Antico doesn't produce heavy sticky Gnocchi that could replace spackle. 6. Oh and the buttered pasta - same issue we have at Antico - the only reason I can't give it 5 stars ... drowning in butter. So much so my kids need to tip the plate up on a knife so it pools down on one side and then they eat from the top. Some not major issues 1. Pasta of the day sausage/ cauliflower orecchiette pretty tasty - though little cauliflower. 2. Roasted cauliflower ... eehhh not much of a roasted taste. 6. Focaccia solid - olives/prosciutto good. Maybe slow night and the "B" team in charge ... then time for a new "B" team. It would have had two stars but still a bit pricey - so one it is. Lettuce you have many great places - this places needs an overhaul in the kitchen or you can return it to a Papagus (Greek restaurant in that space Lettuce had years ago).
(1)
Neha M.
I loved the ambiance and the place is perfect for a romantic dinner date. We ordered Bruschetta,Spaghetti Arrabiata and Penne Al Vodka. The food was nice. The only reason I am giving one star less is because of the food quantity. It was way too less for the price,
(4)
Paul K.
Great Place / Great food / Great staff .... This place offers a very nice romantic atmosphere and a great food I am sure We will be back in Osteria again with my Girlfriend. After reading some of the reviews I've had some second thoughts to go there with my girlfriend but You can't go wrong by choosing this place for a date, simple dinner or some other occasions. The complementary olive oil with garlic and warm crispy bread .....THE BEST !! Seafood Stew,Filet Mignon with Parmesan, sortfish scalopine and calabrian potatoes we tried was perfectly done and tasteful We're gonna be back to try more Thanks for reading !!
(5)
Selena L.
Came here for a private party and was surprised at how good the food was. I was preparing for the worst, but the salmon was cooked and seasoned perfectly!
(4)
Emily C.
Was here for a dinner function in a private room. OMG it was so hot in there! We kept asking for a fix, but nothing changed. We were all sweating by the end which ruined the experience. Food was mostly very good. Loved the cheese covered onions and wasn't expecting to! Had several helpings. Good meatballs too - sauce was excellent. My salmon was ok - would probably order something else next time. The Farro looked amazing! Too bad it was so hot! 322/365
(3)
Elise R.
Strike one - Lack of greeting/layout of restaurant. Dined here last night for the first time with my husband. I happened to enter at the same time a large private party was arriving, which caused a lot of confusion. The hostess greeted the party, but after seating them she never came back to greet me. The host stand is near the bar - which is not directly near the front entrance, or clear that I should check in there. After asking a fellow patron (not employee - they were nowhere to be found) how to enter the restaurant, I checked in at the hostess desk asking to be seated. Strike two - Rude staff. When gave my reservation name the hostess promptly told me that she could not seat me until my husband arrived, but that I was more than welcome to drink at the bar while I waited. Their policy is that they do not seat people until a complete party arrives. However, I explained to her I had been waiting and would like to put our order in before my husband arrived - this was a special occasion, and we'd like to order a bottle, so I didn't need a glass on top of that beforehand. Didn't matter that I was about to drop serious cash on wine + dinner, she refused to seat me - and told me so very condescendingly. Strike three - Judgement. Judgement galore. Maybe it's because I look young, maybe it's because we're a bi-racial couple, maybe the entire staff on Tuesday's is incompetent, I don't know. But from the hostess, to the coat check, to our server, I felt as if my husband and I were looked down upon the entire time we were in this establishment. When I pointed to the menu to order a specific bottle of prosecco, our waiter snapped at me "Well yes, but which one... we have lots of different types, you know." Yes. I did know. Which is why I was showing you precisely which bottle I wanted to order. Then when my husband was asking for recommendations, our waiter again seemed to be very put out that my husband pronounced "arrabbiata" incorrectly, and was hurrying to leave our table. Seriously? The food WAS fantastic - as was the speediness of the food service. However, the incredible lack of customer appreciation is the reason we will not be returning. With so many Italian options in the area, there is no reason to come here again.
(2)
Bethany W.
Wow! Great food (sooo much food), romantic dinner place, and not overly pricey. I would recommend the dinner over á la carte and also had a decent wine selection. Service was pretty good, except our main waiter had a bit of an attitude, despite many please and thank yous. However, this is just me being nitpicky; he was overall fine. I highly recommend it, especially for a romantic date!
(4)
Mika L.
Delicious, unique, reasonably priced and great service. I sat at the bar in a hurry, went with recommendations from the bartender and thoroughly enjoyed everything without exception. That's rare, as I'm notorious for noticing details and picking apart my food. Great meal and great staff! I had the chicken pesto sandwich (served on a toasted baguette with roasted red peppers on the side), mixed green salad (see my tip for details - just the most amazing mixed green salad ever), and coffee.
(5)
Liz J.
If you're looking for an Italian meal in Chicago, this is the place to go. Make reservations in advance, and prepare to overdose on rich, Italian goodness. I was with a large group, and we had the opportunity to try multiple appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all of us really over-indulging, but trying not to feel too guilty since we were all working hard at a conference. Next time I'm in Chicago, I'm looking forward to eating in their pizzeria, instead of the tavern. Every meal starts off with the perfectly crusted, soft white Italian bread, accompanied by deep flavored olive oil and melt-in-your-mouth garlic cloves. Take a garlic clove, crush it with your fork, and spread it over a thick hunk of bread. I could have eaten only that for dinner and been perfectly happy! We had a varied assortment of appetizers - meatballs, marinated olives, spinach-cheese fondue, grilled octopus, and prosciutto and cheese. No one cared for the octopus, but all other plates were wiped clean. My favorite were the olives and the prosciutto, and I probably could have eaten the entire plate of olives myself! For dinner I had the Parmesan crusted chicken, which had a perfectly balanced Parmesan-bread crumb crust. The crunchy outside sealed in the moist chicken, and was nicely complemented by a few asparagus spears. Dessert? Delicious cheesecake, and an assortment of cold, creamy gelato. It was a nice ending to the meal, although most of us had already been pushed over the edge and couldn't take more than a few bites. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a full meal, or just a part of a meal. They've got you covered with something delicious at every turn.
(5)
Kathy M.
We had dinner here because we are considering it for a rehearsal dinner this fall. Mark, our server, was excellent. He not only shared information about the food, but he also knew everything there was to know about the space we were looking at as well. He brought several items out for us to try because he thought would work well for the rehearsal dinner and I thought that was very nice of him. We tried the roasted garlic with warm bread, which was very good. I had to try it out and I'm not even a bread person! Next we had the mini veal meatballs which were amazing. I could have had nothing else and been happy - needless to say, we cleaned that plate! Mark also brought us parmesan crusted sweet onions and marinated olives. Both of these were good, but our preference was definitely the roasted garlic and meatballs. Because we wanted to try as many dishes as possible, we ordered the Chicken Mario, the short rib ravioli, the salmon and the special risotto dish that they were offering that night. The chicken was very moist and thanks to Mark's suggestion of squeezing a little lemon on it, it was very flavorful. The salmon was excellent as was the risotto dish. The ravioli was good, but we were looking for more of a tomato based dish and it just didn't happen to be that. Of course, we had to try the desserts (research!) and had the ricotta cheesecake and the chocolate tart. The cheesecake was probably the best we've ever had and should not be passed up. The chocolate tart was good, but the cheesecake was exceptional. I decided we had to try the homemade chocolate candy bar as well. This turned out to be completely different than what I had envisioned. It was a solid chocolate bar which the waiter broke into pieces and was served alongside almonds and candied orange pieces. The flavors were good, but I probably would not order it again - just too messy to eat.
(5)
Hannah H.
My husband and I dropped in after roaming around the Rush/Ontario area, trying to find a decent place to grab some grub. I heard from a close friend of mine that Osteria Via Stato was a great place to eat. It was very chic and elegant, dimly lit and all. We might have been slightly underdressed (as others were in their dresses and pearls), but never once were we ever put to shame! Our waitress was named Natalie, and she was hilarious, very sweet, and was full of great recommendations. The restaurant gives you this crusty bread and their house-marinated olives (olive oil infused with slices of lemon and a bay leaf) - these olives are quite addicting, especially the smaller kalamata-like ones - salty and brine-y with the bread. For antipasti, we started off with the restaurant's signature 'Parmesan-Crusted Sweet Onion,' which was basically sliced rings of onions baked in the oven with olive oil and cheese melted on top. It tasted like French onion soup, but without the soup. Having it smeared on the crusty bread they give you in the beginning was like eating with croutons, and it was pretty good. There were about 4-5 slices, and it was good enough to share. For the main entree, I ordered the Papparadelle, which was covered with the tomato-meat ragu. Supposedly the ragu was a signature sauce of the restaurant chef's - it tasted like any tomato sauce with chunks of beef in it. It was okay, but nothing to rave about. My husband ordered the Slow-Braised Painted Hills Short Rib, with melted leeks, organic carrots, and drizzled with red win sauce. The rib itself was a size of a 6oz filet mignon, and it tasted like good pot roast. As our sides, we ordered the Calabrian Potatoes, which were very crispy, oven-baked goodness, topped with Calabrian chilies and herbs - it was a little bland, but dipping it into the red wine sauce of my husband's dish made it even more better. For dessert, we had the Ricotta Cheesecake with Huckleberry sauce and the Gelato tasting platter. The Ricotta Cheesecake was light and not as heavy as your regular New York-style, but it was very tasty; it came with a side of Huckleberry sauce with 3 huckleberries - yum! The Gelato platter usually comes with 3 scoops out of the 5 choices, but Natalie was nice enough to give us a tasting of all 5 - coconut, chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and caramel. Each scoop either had a Pepperidge Farm sugar cookie, pistachio nut shavings, amaretto cookie shavings, or a side of hardened fudge sauce. Everything was totally filling. The price isn't as bad as I thought, the service was excellent, and our overall dining experience was quite nice. +house-marinated olives +Parmesan-Crusted Sweet Onion +Slow-Braised Painted Hills Short Rib +Ricotta Cheesecake with Huckleberry sauce +ask for Natalie :D
(4)
Tom L.
I was skeptical of the Prix Fixe menu, but pleasantly surprised. We tried everything, ate all of several (especially the pasta) and then enjoyed the tenderloin on special that day. Very pleasant experience and a great meal. Perfect way to sample a large number of foods without running up an exorbitant bill! Only thing I would change would be to include a dessert as well.
(4)
Kevin C.
Very rude service for mediocre food. The waitress was rude, impatient, and gave us the feeling either she dislikes us or the her job. We got lot of uffs, head shakes and not a single smile. One of the italian cleaning guy came and yelled at us if we were done with our dish and gave us a stare with rude attitude. It's not the culture it's them. They are terrible at customer service
(1)
Nancy L.
Was going to go to the pizza side of the restaurant since we hand the kids along but a couple of us wanted pasta so we went to the Osteria Via Stato dining room instead. My kids are little foodies but if they weren't there was still pizza and pasta to satisfy most kids. The dining room is dark and intimate feeling. We had a nice private feeling table in a corner under an arch that made it feel a bit like we were eating in a wine cellar in Italy. The roasted garlic in the olive oil was flavorful and the bread wonderfully crusty but soft inside. We also ordered meatballs and burrata to start with. I love Burrata and this one was good but I didn't like that they doused it in Olivia oil. A little would have been fine but this was a bit much. Meatballs were small, tender and flavorful. I ordered the gnocchi with a duck ragout. The sauce was hearty, the duck and gnocchi were very tender - a great dish for a very cold winter day. Too bad I filled up on Burrata and bread since it was hard to finish. Service was excellent too. They were great at giving us the attention we needed without being overbearing. He also made a great wine pairing suggestion that went great with the meal.
Absolutely disliked this place and won't recommend to anyone. Server racially profiled me, thus he kept on neglecting our table all evening. After the dinner I stacked my plates to the side, and he asked me if I worked in the hospitality industry. I said yes. His attitude completely changed. He tried to make a small talk, and joke around, but it was too late. Definitely, I will not be returning, and I will discourage people from going there
(1)
Ngoc N.
I'm normally not a fan of restaurants linked to hotels, but since I was next door with cold weather outside, it was easy to just go down to Osteria to have a meal. First and foremost, this is not a hotel restaurant at all! I've been back about 3 times since I've first had it and I just love the food. Everything is cooked al dente with super flavorful sauces. I'm a happy girl when I leave this place each time. I've had their salads, pastas but have yet to try some of their entrees. I appreciate the love that you know is put into their food. The chef is always around to ask about your food and is so friendly. It makes your experience there feel very personal.
(4)
Kevin S.
Awesome pizza. Awesome drinks. Awesome BLT. Correction: best BLT I ever had. Service good as well. Limited menu though and their best items end at 3 :-/
(5)
Tim N.
We went here on a Wednesday at around 6 PM and were seated immediately. Not a lot of people at that time but by 7:15 the restaurant was packed. We went to celebrate our 31st year wedding anniversary. We were seated in our own little alcove and were immediately greeted by our server with a choice of distilled or sparkling water..that was a nice touch. For drinks I tried the Casaloste Chianti Classico but then tried their homemade Red Sangria. It was really outstanding and I highly recommend it if your so inclined. They offered a White version also. My daughter ordered a Cosmopolitan that tasted like sherbert ice cream. On to the food. We shared the Peperonata Bruschetta and the Heirloom Caprese for appetizers which were both outstanding. The Bruschetta was out of this world. I ordered the Filet Mignon cooked with balsamic vinaigrette. The size would be comparable to Queen Filet I suppose. I am not exaggerating when I tell you its the best Filet I've ever had. It was cooked perfectly and was incredibly tender. Maybe it was new to me having never tried a steak cooked in a vinaigrette, but it was the best tasting steak I had ever had. My wife ordered the Spinach Ravioli and was very pleased with it. Our sides included the whipped potatoes and the sauteed spinach. Our server came out with a plate full of complimentary gellato drizzled with chocolate spelling out Congratulations. I can not wait to go back and sample all of the pasta now.
This is one of me and my wife's favorite places to eat in the city. The ambiance is fantastic, very warm and inviting. The pizzeria attached to the restaurant is great and serves a full menu in the evening. The wine list is great even for the experienced Italian wine drinker. Small touches make all the difference at this place. Complimentary sparkling water, amazing olive and balsamic marinated cloves of garlic, freshly baked bread are just a few to name. While not cheap, this is a place you could eat at a few times a month if you were so inclined. The service has always been very good as has the good whether it's Pizza, the pork shank, or chicken Mario. I have and will continue to come back!!!!
(5)
Kevin T.
Eaten here several times and I'm yet to have a bad or even average experience. Thin crust pizza, meatball sandwich, and burgers are all solid options. They screwed up my order once and fixed it promptly for free and with respect. I'm very pleased
(5)
Chris M.
I went there for Valentine's Day this weekend. It came recommended from a family member that lives in the Chicago area. I was visiting from out of town. I made reservations a few weeks out on OpenTable and got an early dinner reservation for 5:15pm. I added in the notes that I would prefer a later dinner time if someone would happen to cancel. They called me a few days before and said that a cancelation had happened and they were able to give me a 7pm dinner time. I spoke with Sandra and she was very polite and accommodating to our needs. Everything that touched our table was truly amazing! The bread, salads, pasta, entrees and the carmel gelato was out of this world. An expensive bill at the end of the night but everything was wonderful. Our service was excellent as well. I wish I remembered his name but I was in such a blissful state to remember anything. One might say "food drunk". I would recommend Osteria to anyone and if I ever make it back to Chicago I will definitely try to stop in.
(4)
Mark T.
I've been training with a Nike running group all summer to prepare for the Chicago Marathon. Since the race is such a huge deal for all of us, we had to prepare for it correctly so Nike was nice enough to book us a party room last night and provide us with a big pasta dinner. The group was treated to a nice family style buffet: veal meatballs & Parmesan crusted onions for apps, Paccherri & farfalle pastas for first course, and a diner's choice for the main plate. I ended up ordering the island salmon, which came with a side of potatoes and salad. Most of the food was pretty standard and unimpressive, although I did like the flavors of the Parmesan crusted onions and the crunchiness of the potatoes. Other than those two dishes everything else was just OK. Walking in, I wasn't surprised that the ambiance was high class. The room was nice and quiet, and the wait staff was great. Even though we were a big group the service time was way too long. The group leader was at my table and I could tell she was less than impressed with the place. Still, everyone had a nice time.
(2)
Sung C.
My nephew who live in Chicago wanted to treat me and my wife at this Italian restaurant. His memory is that the food there was excellent in the past. He ordered salad, trout, rib eye steak, and seafood stew. However, his argument is that the food at this restaurant is not as good as in the past. I am surprised to see rib eye steak totally burned. I did not understand how the restaurant charged $40 for this level of steak. Seafood stew was too salty. Overall, I think that the dishes were pricy. In particular, I really discourage you to order any kind steak here. Not good quality with a lot of fat on the meat. Other dishes are OK but really salty. I drank more than 10 cups of water after coming back to the hotel. My nephew assessed that his intent to serve me and my wife here was not fulfilled at this restaurant. You may try hotel restaurants with nice view, such as Chicago Park Hyatt.
(1)
Nick S.
Loved the food, the ambiance and the sparkling water :) left me with a real mellow and satisfied experience.
(5)
J W.
This place is delicious! I lived in Rome for 4 months and miss the food the most. When my friends and I want to relive our Italian experience, we head here. The dishes are made for sharing, but perfectly suited as a meal for one person. Evertime I have went it has been very crowded but you don't have to wait long to be served. Also, they do take reservations, just make sure your whole party shows up on time or you won't be seated until everyone arrives. All in all, a delicious treat!
(5)
Grennan K.
Known for their pizza/ flatbreads but didn't indulge this time. First off their fresh table bread is to die for! We also had the caprese salad with fresh basil and marinated ripened tomatoes which was so delish. Chopped salad was unique for its celery crunchy bits & mustard like vinaigrette dressing. Meatball sandwich is super popular. I would definitely come back here for dinner time to chow down on some pasta
(4)
Shane D.
On a cold February night I was walking from one destination to another but stopped at Osteria Via Stato to have a drink and warm up. What a pleasant surprise! I was greeted at the door promptly and asked if I would like a complimentary coat check. The host was kind and asked the intent of my visit. After chatting for a minute or two he suggested their casual side which offered a bar and pizzeria. After ordering a drink the waiter handed me a menu and asked if I was interested in anything to eat. I said my intent for the night was to try many small plates so pizza would be too filling and that I wasn't interested. He was quick to point out their menu includes a selection of small plate appetizers and suggested the grilled octopus. I've had octopus many times before and was always disappointed by how chewy it was so I remained hesitant and asked him to give me some time to think about it. When he returned I said I wanted to try it because I'm interested in any signature dish. Lucky me! It was tender, flavorful, and one of the best appetizers I've ever tasted. I look forward to visiting again on my future visits to Chicago!
(5)
Mauro R.
I have been in Chicago many times, walked by this place, but for some reason never went in. So it was time to try. See, that's how good quality and serviced are in Chicago: this restaurant is located in a touristy area, but the service is like an upscale neighborhood eatery. Our server was great since the beginning: I put my coat on an empty chair at my table, she immediately covers the coat with a white napkin, just in case. Nice touch. They have an Italian Party menu dinner that looks very good and reasonably priced, but it was our last day of a 7-day trip to Chicago so were kind of full...before eating at that point. Wife started with grilled octopus, very nice. I had the arugola salad with peppercorn bacon, loved the way the flavors met each other in this dish. Light, refreshing, but tasty. Being that after a week of eating we weren't too hungry, we ordered two side pasta dishes: they basically were regular portions! At $ 8.95 ea. the value with outrageous, can't get a darn cheeseburger for that price in South Florida. I had the pappardelle three-meat ragu (veal, beef, pork) and they were cooked rightly, tasty, great for the price. My wife also hit a winner with the risotto with wild mushrooms, parmesan broth. Positive experience and I would like to go back for more.
(4)
Allan F.
Roasted garlic dip for bread was the best thing since sliced bread. Had a baby octopus app....yum Salmon main course, small portion but tasty, tasted like something i can make at home. the main course brought the stars down a bit. Bread pudding was excellent.
(3)
Kathy S.
I came home super full last night after having a big dinner with one of my girlfriends. The hubs had some pizza (proscuitto, parmesan, aged balsamic, arugula) leftover from Osteria Via Stato and told me I HAD to try it. Being so gosh-darn full, I thought, okay I'll just have a teeny tiny bite to just see how good it was. Then I proceeded to eat the whole thing. Oops.
(5)
Donna F.
Went for lunch when the menu is limited. The pizza with the homemade sausage and super thin crust was very tasty. The cheese was better than most. Do yourself a favor and order the roasted garlic. Well worth $2.95. It has a sweet full bodied flavor and goes great on the crusty bread with the oil and cheese. The beet salad surprised me that it had more than one variety of beet. It was something different and very good. Veal meatballs were good and just enough for one person as a main course. Very attentive courteous service also. It kind of had that authentic Italian feel without being tacky about it.
(4)
Sue S.
We were staying at the Embassy Suites and wanted to walk to another Italian place, but it was pouring, so we ate here, and were VERY pleasantly surprised! Inside is a bit dark, but staff were great, the warm bread and oil were outstanding, and our margarita pizza was extraordinary! Wonderful thin crust, fresh, delicious tomatoes and basil. And the gelato for dessert was not to be missed! We loved the hotel and will eat at Osteria Via Stato again, no doubt.
(4)
I P.
Really good food and cute atmosphere. River north usually is more trendy and can be a bit snobbish but once you are indoors you don't even realize. Wish our waiter had better recommendations on vegetarian options other than sides of vegetables. Overall our tummies left happy
(4)
Tommy Z.
I've always had very good experiences with LEYE restaurants but was very disappointed with Osteria and left the restaurant feeling like I was scolded. First off, the hostesses were very cordial and friendly so this started off great +1 I don't know where or how the disconnect happened but my friend and I wanted to share a prix fixe of $39. We asked if this was possible. The waiter kindly let us know that was not possible since we would have to order prix fixe separately and we cannot share. OK, that's fine, but as a compromise he offered to let us do the $25 prix fixe and add an entree separately. This way he gets us to order a prix fixe and still satisfy what we wanted. That's great, we get the antipasta and the pasta + an entree. We will gladly pay more than the $39 as long as we just stick to sharing the plates and not pay two prix fixes, which was the point. The $25 deal would include *unlimited* helpings of antipasta and pasta. Wow unbelievable! I guess that is a great way to market the prix fixe menu :). I thought it was extremely clear that we did not want to have two prix fixes. I won't comment much about the food but would recommend the salmon. The ragu was also commendable. The bill comes and I get charged for a $25 prix fixe and the $39 prix fixe. I kindly inform the waiter that we just wanted the $25 prix fixe and the entree separate. The next thing I know, I am being "educated" on what a prix fixe is as if I've never had one before. We had only one re-fill of the salmon and everything else was just tasting plates. This prix fixe was marketed as unlimited plates but why the re-fill needs to be marked on the receipt? He apologizes for any misunderstanding we had but would not change the bill. Somehow we have to give my rationale several times before we finally get a manager to come over. All the while, the waiter speaks very loudly as if to make us feel embarrassed by our predicament in front of everyone else and force us to give up. Manager comes over and we re-iterate. He also speaks very loudly. Again, no solution and we start talking for another 10 minutes. He mentions we got a re-fill of the salmon antipasta so we should be paying the full amount. I'm sorry but when you say unlimited I will take your word on it...in fact, by only re-filling one tasting plate, how is that taking advantage? We compromise in the end by having us pay two prix fixes at $25 each. OK fine. Next thing I know he comes back with giving the amount we had proposed in the first place. Couldn't we have done this 15 minutes earlier? After we thank him for giving us this bill (I thought customer was king here?), the table next to us decides to scold us for being so loud and obnoxious and complained that we were complaining about $20 (the nerve and arrogance that they don't care about money!). My point is, there are bound to be these things that come up (misunderstandings whatever) and as a manager/waiter for a well respected restaurant in river north, there should be more respect to the customer. We received none of that and in fact we left embarrassed and scolded. This could have been resolved by taking a couple minutes and listening and being in our shoes. We would have come back since the food and ambience is fine but given we can't afford to encounter another mishap here, we will have to pass.
(1)
Molly G.
I came here for a company dinner and while the room acoustics made it a bit too noisy, the dinner and ESPECIALLY the service was fantastic. We had the Prix-fix menu with veal meatballs, caramelized onions and salad. Then the ragu pasta and cauliflower pasta - both outstanding. Per my server's recommendation, I had the Chicken Mario with broccoli and potatoes for dinner - buttery deliciousness! The wine and water glasses were endlessly refilled and we were asked multiple times if we wanted seconds on anything. What really took me aback was our server Bill. He was so polite, kind and personable - as I later told the hostesses, I just want to take him home with me. Just made the evening extra wonderful. Thanks Bill!
(4)
John G.
The food is simply amazing here and going with the family-style menu is something the chef recommended and perfect for a party of six. However our turnoff was when the bartender try to make an "extra dry" martini and used extra vermouth ...where did you go to bartending school?
(4)
Tara H.
We had our wedding ceremony and reception here over memorial day and everything was absolutely amazing. We have not stopped receiving compliments on the wedding, atmosphere, location, and service! Our family and friends loved the food, wine, drinks and everything Osteria had to offer. Osteria was happy to adjust the menu and drinks to suit our wedding and needs. The entire staff went above and beyond to make me and my guests feel relaxed and allowed us to really enjoy our wedding day. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day and Osteria and the staff (particularly Allison and Angelo), made everything so stress free, easy, and amazing. I was extremely impressed with how everything looked both for the cocktail hour and dinner. They had the tables setup exactly how I had imagined them in my head! And everything was absolutely beautiful! The staff was so friendly and helpful. I knew the first time we went to Osteria that that was where my husband and I were supposed to have our special day, but I was pleasantly surprised by the impeccable service throughout the year working with the staff there. Thank you so much for all your help and for making our day so memorable and special.
(5)
Virginia C.
Extremely good service and food. Willing to work through any dietary restriction. I came to the restaurant for a work event and they fully accommodated my vegan dietary restrictions and did so graciously and with great care.
(5)
Joonho Y.
Can't go wrong with the Appetizers, Pastas, Pizzas, and Salads. Other Entrees range from Just OK to Gross. The Bread is Really Good, so Order something you can Dip In. My Favorites are: Parmesan Baked Onions, Pizza with Prosciutto & Arugula, Beet Salad. Definitely worth a Try.
(4)
John G.
I think this place gets lost among the many Lettuce restaurants, at least with me. We had a group if 6 and everyone enjoyed their meal. We had wonderful lamb meatballs and terrific mussels with a sauce we ate up with bread. The pork shank was loaded with flavor and very tender, gnocchi were firm, and pappardelle flavorful.
(4)
Stephanie L.
Bah. Went here on a Friday night and got to sit outside. Yay for outdoor space! Great little spot right downtown. The service was good. Nothing exceptional, but it was adequate. They kept up on refilling waters, wine, etc. Checking on us and taking away plate as needed. The food was really what left more to be desired. The gnocchi were mushy and bland. The seafood linguine had absolutely no flavor and the plate looked sad. It was just seafood and red sauce slathered all over it. The orecchiette was swimming in a sauce that was also bland. Mushy, overcooked pasta. The only good thing was the bread, the olive oil, garlic and balsamic that they gave us at the beginning of the meal. I could have honestly cooked a better meal at home. What a disappointment. Oh we also had the prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella to start. It also didnt taste good. The mozzarella tasted old and almost dry?? It was weird. I will not be coming back for any food. Maybe a glass of wine and some people watching on the outdoor space, but really that would be about it. If you are looking for a place with great food, great outdoor space, great service, etc: HEAD TO PROSECCO. Like a block over on Wells and a couple of blocks north. You will not be disappointed. A million times better.
(2)
Kara B.
We held our rehearsal dinner at Osteria Via Stato this past week and it was a great choice. Their private event staff is easy to work with, the menus/minimums are shockingly reasonable and the food offers something pleasing for everyone. Not to mention the top notch wine list which can really make or break an event. We had the chef's table room which has one long table which was great for socializing. For dinner we did the Italian Party which is a family style meal with individually plated appetizers. My salmon was so well seasoned and delicate, perfect for the night before the wedding! They made it extra special for us by letting us put a (very small!) note on the wall along with the celebrities and wine notables who have signed the wall. I know we'll be going back often to remember our night there fondly.
(5)
Luis A.
The bread alone was worth the visit. Great ambience in a great location. Garage parking nearby. The food was good, but not anything I haven't already tried at other Italian restaurants. Also, try the cinnamon gelato. Have never tasted anything like it.
(4)
Chris C.
I love getting takeout from this place. It's easy to pick up, their prices are reasonable, and the food is good. I highly recommend their gnocchi.
(5)
Christina C.
AMAZING FOOD!!! The bread and olive oil with balsamic and marinated garlic alone is to die for.... let alone their steak with crispy onions on top was one of the best steaks I have ever had.. and I have had a lot of steaks from a lot of places! LOVE the atmosphere, very cozy and very "chicago" style Great for special occasions.
(5)
Stephanie S.
We basically went here because we had just gotten our LEYE coupons in the mail and on the front was a picture of a caprese salad from Osteria and I couldn't stop thinking about it! I could pretty much eat tomatoes and mozz every day so I had to hit this place up! Plus, double points, why not? My husband and I went with his parents. We sat outside at first, but it was a little chilly (great patio though) so we moved in. As usual with any LEYE place, the service was great. We started with the salad (duh), the veal meatballs, and the olive plate. I don't like olives, but they seemed to be a hit. The veal meatballs were so good. Super tender and juicy! The caprese was great as well. It did not have the green tomato I saw in the picture, but hey, I won't get caught up in the details:) For dinner I had the cavatelli which was amazing! The description didn't do it justice. It was all homemade pasta with mushrooms and it was pan seared or pan fried which made it almost crispy on the outside. I have never had anything like that and I loved it. My hubs had a Berkshire porkchop which he said was good. I also tried the gnocchi which was melt in your mouth amazing! For dessert we split the caramel gelato, our fav since dining at Boka. It had a liquor pored over the top and it was soooo good. My mouth is watering thinking about it! I also had a bit of the chocolate creme brule which was also good, but I think the caramel gelato stole the show! This is a great casual italian spot that knows how to do real italian food. I think the prices are super reasonable as well. The portions were the perfect size, I ended taking food home. not sure what the other reviewers are talking about with price and quantity of food, this isn't the Olive Garden! (Thank goodness)
(4)
Solmaz K.
Everything about Osteria Via Stato in Chicago's River North screams authentic Italian. From the large, family-style dining tables and seasonal dishes to the all-Italian wine list (more than 300 labels) and decor. But it's their simple and honest approach to Italian cuisine that reminds me of my travels through Italy. No fluff, no pretension. Just a mouthwatering meal with good friends around the table. Their bread is amazing. Warm and fluffy on the inside and perfectly crusted. Even better was the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and roasted garlic clove dip it was served with. The Short Rib Bruschetta was so good that I would've been perfectly happy if it was the only thing I ate! The pickled peppers and celery added a punch of colour and took what could've been a mundane dish to the next level. Back to the taste: moist short ribs, crispy bread and a great flavour combo. This dish is a star! The free-range veal loin was the best veal I've had in a long, long time. The quality of the meat was exceptional. For dessert you MUST get the homemade chocolate bar. It's served on wax paper with nuts and candied orange peels. It's not only incredibly tasty, but you get to watch your server do some serious smashing at the table.
(4)
Cristie F.
For countless years now, Osteria via Stato is still one of my favorite eateries in Chicago. Maybe it's the nostalgia. Maybe it's the ridiculously good food. Maybe it's the great wine list. Maybe it's the romantic, rustic ambiance of the restaurant. Either way - I continue to come back. Never have I dined a la carte. You just don't do it. The way to go is the prix fixe "Italian Dinner Party" menu. It's the best bang for your buck - and a great way to sample many of their menu offerings. For $38.95 a person you get a sampling of the chef's selections of 3-4 antipasti dishes, 2 pasta dishes, choice of an entree, and two side dishes. All dishes, with the exception of your entree choice, are to share. If you run out of something, just ask, and they're happy to bring you more of any of the antipasti or pasta dishes. As if it couldn't get any better, their dishes are made with fresh and local ingredients (think La Quercia prosciutto, Nichols Farm veggies, and Slagel Farm eggs). My faves: // Antipasti: Marinated olives; veal meatballs; parmesan crusted onions // Salads: Roasted beets; arugula salad // Pastas: Pappardelle with 3-meat ragu; gnocchi with crispy sage brown butter, parmesan // Entrees: Braised beef short rib; Umbrian farro Service has always been fantastic. The servers are helpful, attentive, and extraordinarily knowledgeable about the menus. Not to mention, they are very flexible with switching out menu items on the dinner party menu.. I explained my dietary restrictions and they had no problem accommodating me. No questions asked, they swapped a couple dishes for me. The ambiance is rustic and romantic, creating the perfect atmosphere for a great date. But I've also gone numerous times for a girls night out as well. One downside, there's one bathroom (meaning one toilet) in the bar area. So if you're not up for waiting, you have to hike your rear-end through the Embassy Suites hotel to their second floor bathrooms. It's a little ridiculous which is why it's not deserving of a full 5 stars. Overall opinion: Incredible.
(4)
Jami S.
So I gave it another chance and only b/c it was a friend's bday dinner so I didn't really have a choice. I have to say much better this time. The food was really really good, I was surprised by how good it was. I had the scallops which come with these little gnocchis that are just about the best thing I have ever eaten. For real I cannot wait to go back for just them. My boyfriend had the cavatalli with mushrooms which was also delicious. Everyone was happy with their dinner and we had a larger group. The waitress was attentive and we never waited for anything. Even got a free bday dessert. win win. the bill also wasn't that bad either. all in all my 2nd time at Osteria was much much better.
(4)
Najah H.
Pretty good Italian fare
(3)
Nora D.
I manage events for a living and the staff here is top notch. I planned a luncheon for 35 - and they were wonderful to work with from day one. Sales team is professional and responds promptly. On site the team was extraordinary - Eva and Kirsta took great care of us. Nothing but rave reviews on the food. I won't hesitate to host or fine here again.
(5)
Melanie V.
Ah yes....2012 marks the year when most of my friends (and myself!) turn 30. *sigh* To kick off the celebrations, my friend decided she wanted to have a "fancy" dinner with some of her favorite peoples. After some change of plans, she ended up deciding to have it at Osteria Via Stato. I had come here previously (well, to the pizza place...more low-key) and thought the food was pretty good and normally priced. So, when my friend told us that, per management's direction, our group of 12 HAD to partake in this "family-style, prix fixe" menu for $40, I was little confused. Like, is that necessary? Why couldn't we just order off the menu? We also couldn't choose any of the vegetables, pasta or antipasta....only our main dish. And, while there were alot of items to choose from, what if there was that instance where NOTHING appealed to anyone in the party? They're just SOL, ya know? (Sidenote: Don't get the seafood stew. It's NOT good. I made that mistake and that's probably why I can't get myself to write a semi-positive review of this place.) So, yes, the food was good (namely, the duck ragu, brussel sprouts, scallops, short ribs), but it was WAYY too much. I'm all for birthday celebrations and all...but encouraging gluttony really wasn't necessary. I ended up dropping a ton more than I expected on this meal (granted, I did order one Negroni and one shot of Limoncello). Our waitress was nice and brought out a delicious 'happy birthday' cheesecake for the birthday girl, so that was nice. Other than that, though, I would never really feel the need to return here.
(3)
Elizabeth N.
Very surprising to see 4 stars for this place In regards to food and drink... It was okay... The red wine sangria was bad. Probably the worst sangria I have ever had. Great bread basket - tasted fresh out of the oven. Had the beet salad it was okay. The arbiatta pasta was okay. Bizarre bathroom situation. I believe there was only 1 unisex bathroom in the restaurant and there was a line of 3 but it said there was another bathroom up the neighboring hotels stairs. Went up there and there was a line of 5. Kind of annoying!
(3)
Rishabh R.
The ambiance i every way tells you that this is a pricey restaurant, which for the good part it is not. The hostess was amazing, she detailed everything on the menu and help us decide what to order. Both the appetizer (dont remember the exact dish but it was Baked Caramelized Onions) and the entree (Pasta with Basil) were very nice and had a distinct taste. I would definitely go here on a first date!
(5)
O K.
They were very friendly and accommodating for our (late) group. The steak was great and the chicken was so so. Pricey given how tiny the portions are.
(3)
Mindy W.
I have not been here since fall of 2009, but it is still the best meal I have ever had. It was after a long day of catching up with college friends and seeing the sights, and we were cold, hungry and tired. Someone luckily missed their reservation, so we swooped in for their table. It was a sign that we were meant to have this meal! I'll start with the service, which was impeccable. By far the best service I have ever had anywhere! She was personable, sassy, fun, fast and (most importantly) used the full bottle for the wine flight the four of us had opted to do. Every time she poured, she would say "I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to just give you the whole thing". This alone wins her top marks in my book! The food was amazing from the start. We chose to do individual dishes rather than the family-style meal. We started with some bruschetta, which was delicious, although definitely not the highlight of my meal. I had the Orecchiette-- homemade sausage with sun-dried tomato. It was sweet, creamy, salty, fresh, comfortable-- it was everything pasta should be. The ambiance is warm and inviting. It was really comfortable eating here. If you pass on dessert, you still get fresh chocolate with dried fruit and nuts- so tasty. Don't pass on getting a limoncello as a digestif- it was really tasty and the perfect end to this meal. Make sure you come with close friends or family, while it is loud, it is so warm and inviting that it's a a great place to catch up over some drinks.
(5)
Robert W.
The service and atmosphere are great, food just good, prices high. Works when other places are packed but not my first choice.
(3)
Sarah S.
I came here for a tasting for work, which was thinking about having a party here. Yummy! We tried a bunch of appetizers, and all were delicious. The onions were probably the best. For the main courses we tried a fish dish, a steak dish, and a pasta dish. DELICIOUS. And for dessert we had a melon ice, cheesecake, and a chocolate torte. Excellent. I would definitely recommend it. Probably the best Italian in the immediate area, and definitely better than Quartino (gag) across the street.
(4)
Natalie M.
My rating of 3stars is based on an average between my experience and my Mom's (who was my dining companion for the evening). My Mom gave her meal 5stars, she had a bellini, the fillet mignon with salad and their famous potatoes. I tried the potatoes and I agreed that they were YUMMY, fried with olive olive and Italian seasoning- YUM, YUM. She also had the blood orange shaved ice for dessert which she loved. I give my meal ONE STAR! I had the kale brushetta as an appetizer, which is not traditional brushetta with kale, but toasted bread with grilled kale and shaved cheese- no tomatoes to be had. I hated it. I ordered the 1/2 portion of the gnocchi w/riccotta and marinara sauce. My gnocchi was OVER COOKED and there wasnt near enough sauce. For me, the highlight of my meal was the bread and my cafe latte. Based on the conflicting experiences my Mom and I had I would say a person's love of Osteria really depends on what they order. Despite being an Italian restaurant they have very few vegetarian options.
(3)
Christine O.
After reading another yelper from Denver's review, I had food delivered from this restaurant while in town for a conference. I had the salad with the dates in it, and it was really good. The dressing was a bit acidic, but overall, a good dish. The mushroom pasta I had was excellent. The handmade pasta had a great consistency through the noodle, even after traveling to my hotel with steam trapped in the container. This dish had a wide variety of mushrooms as opposed to the two that usually are found in something like this. My favorite was the house cured olives. I loved the orange peel with the olives. I thought about going to get more but ran out of time.
(4)
Hannah C.
Great for gluten-free, they can basically make whatever pasta dish you want and then they have a gluten free menu as well. They are part of the Lettuce Entertain You group ( leye.com ), and pretty much all their restaurants offer GF menus. Olives are incredible, pasta with mushrooms delish, wine list is pretty good. The service is definitely more "European", so they give you more time in between courses. However, if you're in a rush or super hungry, you'll probably be pissed at the more lax service. Both times I've been our servers were very patient, but definitely on the slower side (and that could have to do a lot with the kitchen). Also, the location is great for out-of-towners who want to be in the middle of tourist mania, however it's not my favorite location for that precise reason. Overall, if you're a glutard and you're craving some yummy pasta, give it a try!
(4)
Andy R.
Bring your appetite when you eat at Osteria Via Stato. I highly recommend the Italian dinner, which is a fixed menu of unlimited antipasto, pasta, and sides. You get to choose the main course from about seven or eight different entrees. I had the pork shank and the Wifey had the gorgonzola crusted filet mignon. I think she was the big winner of the night, although the pork shank was fantastic too. I asked our server Tara, who was knowledge and personable, how many people get dessert after gorging on the Italian dinner. She said, "not too many." I'm glad I experienced the pain in my stomach from eating too much. However, I don't think I'll go back anytime soon. Ugh!
(4)
Eric M.
I usually have a grudge against hotel restaurants, but this one won me over. I loved the whole experience. I'd give it five stars if the service wasn't so odd. It was decent service, it was just really odd. The food was great, though, great flavors, perfectly seasoned, nicely portioned. And I love the wine options. Everyone was very friendly. I really have no complaints worth listing here. I will be back.
(4)
Karen G.
One of the best restaurants in Chicago. I try to eat there every time I'm in Chi Town. Service is excellent; food delicious!
(5)
Clifford S.
Was in Chicago for vacation with the family and we saw the menu here and thought we would stop in. We have two 10 year olds and they enjoyed it also. We all did the Special menu, and the kids were half price for it. Great deal. My kids are good eaters :-) We had the seafood stew, the Pork shank, short ribs and the salmon. Everyone enjoyed their dish. usually there is a winner, but not this time. All were really good. The price, while semi expensive, was reasonable for the meal. I would go back again when I visit the city.
(4)
Andrea W.
We recently attended a catered dinner here, and was so impressed that we are hoping to hold our rehearsal dinner here. The servers were super friendly, attentive and no request was too great, which is the tone you want to start the big week-end with. Our hosts could not say enough about the catering manager who accomodated all requests... Appetizers were passed, and the dinner salads and sides were family style, and a choice of entrees were offered each guest. There were people at our table who had dietary restrictions, and the servers were sensitive and accomodationg. The food was fantastic, and a nice contrast to the sit-down wedding dinner the following evening. We also like the fact that this is part of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, so you know by their reputation in Chicago this is going to be done right.
(5)
Matt M.
Food - 2 stars Service - 4 stars So you get a 3 star rating. The waiter and staff were delightful. Unfortunately the food simply did not deliver. The meet in my dish was delicious but the noodles did not taste as if they were made from scratch by a reputable chef. They honestly did not taste any different than I had poured them out of a 99 cent box from Jewel. The quality of this food should put this place in the Maggiano's bracket but they are trying to hang with the big boys. I do however, recommend filling yourself silly with the awesome bread/oil combo that uses garlic flawlessly.
(3)
Pam D.
We attended a holiday party at Osteria Via Stato last night. There were about 80 of us in a private area in the back of the restaurant and was held by the company that Christopher works for. First let me say that the party was really nice. What a great way to cap off the holiday season. The party started off with drinks and appetizers. The appetizers were very good and ran the gamut from pizza to calamari and these awesome little crispy cheese rolls. After an hour we were called into dinner. The spread was awesome. When we sat down, the table was already loaded with goodies, such as prosciutto, olives, marinated garlic and wonderful bread. It was hard to resist filling up on that. Then, the rest of the food began to roll out. There was veal meatballs, salad, and some totally amazing grilled/carmelized onions. Next came the pastas. We were given a choice among 4 entrees. I chose the Scottish Salmon and Christopher had the Gorgonzola Crusted Fillet. Again, both were most excellent. Dessert was a slice of chocolate tart, topped with whipped cream and candied orange peel. What can I say, but YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM My only complaint with Osteria was the acoustics. It was designed like a grotto and conversation was very difficult with even the person right next to you. I spent the whole night having to yell and ask people to repeat themselves. I really enjoyed my dining experience at Osteria Via Stato. If the opportunity ever presents itself again, I would certainly come back. Oh yes, one last thought. There is only one bathroom for both genders, with one stall. If there is a line, the only option is to go into the hotel next door. A tad odd, but there you have it.
(4)
Joyce C.
Bah. Standard. That's all I can say about this place. We came here to scope out a potential party for a group of 20 or so. We wanted to try the food and look at the available rooms before recommending this place and we're totally glad we did. This location is old and not in the best shape. Case in point, the first room that they suggested to us was dumpier than my parent's 1957 built bathroom with the pink and gray tiles and psychedelic mirrored wallpaper. Ugh, I could not believe they have this literal rectangular box with no windows designated as a party room. So depressing... and the table inside it was composed of two tables of which one was taller than the other. Imagine a bigger maximum security jail cell with a flat screen TV and you're almost there. Thankfully the second room was nicer, but it was too big for what we needed. The bread and the garlicky balsamic starter were delicious. We ended up trying two pastas and they were both good, but nothing spectacular. The service was a little weird, as our waitress kept engaging our baby as we're trying to have our meal. I'm glad she was friendly but it was distracting. I would go back but this place is nothing special.
(3)
Phil S.
If you're looking for the best thinner than paper crust pizza then look no further. The crust is so thin that in some parts it just falls away where it has been charred by the brick oven it is cooked in. We tried the margherita and the potato and bacon. The potato and bacon pizza is sauceless and the perfect contrast for the fresh basil topped saucy goodness of the margherita pizza. I wish there was more cheese on the margherita but it probably would've collapsed the crust. Both were fantastic all the same and prices were reasonable for such a tasty treat in the middle of downtown. Pizzas ranged from the $12-14 range for and 11" that one person can easily finish. I have not eaten at the restaurant side yet but plan on doing so someday. For now, I'm happy with their beautiful pizza.
(4)
Josh V.
Osteria Via Stato is nice, but I don't like it as much as Quartino, the Italian restaurant right across the street. OSV (and its sister restaurant, Pizzeria Via Stato) is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, so you can count on it being good, but it probably won't be great. The food and service are both pretty good. On my last visit I had the creamy polenta (which was very good) and penne w/ spicy tomato cream & chicken (which was fine, but didn't stand out). My friend shared the polenta & ordered the gemelli with house-made chicken sausage, toasted garlic, breadcrumbs. His pasta was decent, but didn't really satisfy as an entree. OSV allows you to order their pastas in smaller, appetizer sizes, and I think the gemelli would make a better starter or side than main course. One neat thing that OSV offers, which would probably be best for a group dinner, is the "Italian Dinner Party", which gives you family style antipasti, pasta & sides for the table and one entree per person (of their choice, from a list of 8 or so) for $40 pp. You can optionally add "Just Bring Me Wine!" for $20 or $40 per person (I guess it depends if you want good or cheap wine?) which adds three glasses of wine paired with the meal, chosen by the restaurant. The look of OSV is rather unique, and kind of cool. It's dimly lit and almost looks like you're dining in a cellar. Of course, unlike a cellar it's not cold or damp. To be honest, if you can get a table at Quartino I'd go there instead, but if not this is a perfectly legitimate Plan B for a hearty and tasty meal in the area.
(4)
Zen-s-asia N.
One of the best ceasar salads I've ever tasted. The rest of the meal was also first rate. You will not be disappointed if you try this place.
(4)
Kathleen F.
Outstanding Rehearsal Dinner for 45 people! 5 Stars for planning, service and food! We had a large group for a rehearsal dinner and absolutely everything was flawless. The appetizers, sides were served family style and the guests chose their entree from a pre-selected menu. The appetizers Parmesan crusted onions and veal meatballs were a huge hit. The Niman Ranch short ribs were fall off the bone delicious and everyone raved about the fresh fish, Chicken Mario and farro risotto entrees. The ricotta cheese cake with caramel sauce was divine! Everything that came out of the kitchen was great. Our servers were top notch as well. Needless to say, can't wait to go back and have dinner again. Highly recommend!
(5)
Pedro L.
Not too shabby. Me and the lady went here on a Saturday night. Luckily they had a cancelation and fit us in. Atmosphere in the actual restaurant was great. Clean, not too loud, not too quiet, not too crowded, etc. Waiter was on point also. Knew what to recommend, knew the wine pairings and everything. The experience was quite interesting as we chose not to order ala carte. It was similar to a tapas restaurant where you choose only the main coarse and they bring small samplings of 5-6 prechosen dishes. So fun times for people like us that have trouble making up their minds. Overall I would definitely go back and can't remember anything bad about the experience except that the gnocci was a little heavy and the wait in the front room was pretty snug.
(5)
Melissa M.
Without a doubt my favorite restaurant in all of Chicago!
(5)
Ry O.
I actually had to slacken my belt partway through the meal, like some cartoon character, and I waited for the button to snap off through the rest of the meal. As I was warned, I left full to the point that it was both hurtful and shameful. Family style is the way to go, and try not to eat too much bread before the food starts coming out.
(4)
Britney R.
We decided to go here for our holiday party for work. It was a pretty nice atmosphere. The roasted garlic they brought to the table was phenomenal! We ordered the burrata for the table which was pretty good. The waitress suggested a pretty good red wine for the table. I ordered the braised short rob which was pretty good. Nothing spectacular but I cleared my plate. All in all, pretty good place- have to get that roasted garlic recipe!
(3)
Jack F.
Could not have asked for a better evening. Thanks to Brad(phenomenal Manager) and Dario(best server I've ever had) we spent 4 hours sharing various dishes. We highly recommend the veal meatballs, heirloom tomatoes, la quercia prosciutto, balsamic glazed rib-eye, spinach ravioli, crispy calamari and to wrap it up we had a sampling of ice cream(I'm missing a few other dishes). We went with Dario's recommendations and were not disappointed. Will be returning often!!!
(5)
Angela Z.
Worth going solely for the bread that they bring out with olive oil and vinegar -- AND with the most incredible, soft, sweet, aromatic soft, lush garlic cloves. Worth it for those lil nuggets of joy. I went during Restaurant Week this year. Nice that you can have seconds on anything. Also notably good was their very fresh mozzarella and red, red juicy tomatoes in the caprese. Salmon was expertly made too. Nice white wine and chocolate torte garnished with candied lemon peel. Real good; favorite Italian in the city so far.
(5)
Tricia D.
I'd like to thank... - the dimly lit, cavernous interior for transporting me away from the hustle bustle of a bright, busy State St. I felt like I was dining at a secret Italian getaway spot! - the solid, polite, and helpful waitstaff! Never underestimate the power of warm greetings... and promptly served piping hot bread! - THAT CRUSTY-ON-THE-OUTSIDE-FLUFFY-ON-THE-INSIDE BREAD SERVED WITH GARLIC AND BALSAMIC! I am drooling over my keyboard right now. - my stomach for being ready to devour our appetizer of veal meatballs (served to us within 3 minutes; the only knock of the night is that they could have been delivered hot) and entree of free-range chicken with broccolini. The chicken was juicy and had perfectly crisp skin (the best part!) and reminded me so much of Chinese fried chicken. Mmm. - the bar for making me a limoncello martini. - OpenTable for having OVS on their reservation list. - Lettuce Entertain You for including Osteria in their restaurant list (and my friends P & O for giving me a gift card to check out a new place!)
(5)
Janneke V.
Another good restaurant from Lettuce entertain you. The last two times I went here for lunch: $10 for a soup/salad, sandwich and chocolate dessert. A really good deal! You'll get delicious warm bread and olive oil while you're waiting on your order. Apparently I ordered a sandwich that wasn't on the menu anymore (a mixup from the waitress), so the manager came to our table, apologized and took it off our bill. A really nice gesture. I will definitely go back!
(5)
Nichole B.
Absolutely delightful. I ate in the main dining room and found the vibe an interesting mix of contemporary, traditional, laid back and formal. Food was divine and the waiter attentive without being a pain. The half portions of pasta were relatively large. And they offer mezzolitros of wine (about 2.5 glasses), perfect for those of us who need more than a glass but less than a bottle! Food style was light with more meat/fowl/fish dishes than pasta. I'm a vegetarian but there was more than one item on the menu that suited my needs.
If you look at the address and look at the restaurant itself, you would expect to blow a huge chunk of change for a meal here. If this is what you think, you would be dead wrong although it is pricier than what I am used to paying for a meal, by no means was it overpriced. I highly recommend to go off of the Italian Dinner Party menu. It is a three course meal served family style for less than $40 per person. It takes a little longer to complete your meal this way buy if you have the time, it is definatley worth it. Everything we had was outstanding and our server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the selections as we had many questions for him. I really enjoyed my experience here. It was a little more than a meal I must say. I would come back in a heartbeat.
(5)
RK B.
Fantastic service, great food and a nice atmosphere. The coursed menu was a great price and the servings were just enough for us to still get a handmade shaved ice. If I ever come back to Chicago I will go to this restaurant again. Our server was excellent, he was funny and attentive, and was kind enough to write down the wines that we both really liked to take with us.
(5)
Geo B.
Came here for my birthday dinner and everything was delicious from the garlic soaked olive oil served with the bread to the amazingly melt in your mouth desert. Had trouble choosing but everything we all got was delicious. Was on the pricier side so reserve for more special occasions :)
(5)
Rudy P.
Solid family style Italian food. Good service, good food and great wine list. Lettuce Entertain You does it again!
(4)
Paul R.
My wife and I dined at Osteria Via Stato for their Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes. This was our first time there, and the experience left us ready to return. I first have to note that the restaurant and staff were very accommodating with regard to my wife's gluten intolerance. Our server, in particular, was very conscientious to make sure that every dish in the prix fixe menu that could have a gluten-free substitution did. Our reservation was relatively early, for 6 PM, but the restaurant quickly filled up in that hour, and becoming quite busy. While I wouldn't characterize it as a quiet, relaxed dinner, despite the liveliness it was never too loud. Our server was working very hard, yet still took the time to make sure all of our plates were correct. We also selected the "Bring Me Wine," which features unusual or more rare pours. The December feature was wines from Sicily, which, coincidentally, had been selected by our server. Each was interesting and tasty. Each glass was perfectly aerated, arriving fresh but already opened up. At too many other restaurants I've received glasses where the bottle has clearly been open too long, or where it was just opened, and the wine had not adequate opportunity to breathe. I was impressed at how well the staff got many details right, especially given how busy the restaurant was. All the food was seasoned just right -- no over- or under-salting. On our prix fixe we thought the appetizers were the star of the show. The fried calamari was some of the best I've had in a long time. It was fresh and tender, lightly bathed in olive oil and chili pepper. The grilled octopus was similarly fresh and tender, without any rubberiness. My wife got the seared scallops on a wild mushroom risotto as her entree. The risotto was the star, again, one of the best we've had in quite some time. The scallops were tasty and cooked correctly, if not incredible. I got the flounder, which was lightly breaded in a lemon sauce. The flounder was perhaps a touch overdone, but still moist, flaky and flavorful. For dessert the gluten-free option was a grantia which my wife greatly enjoyed, while I had the richer huckleberry cheesecake, featuring fresh, local huckleberries. We paired them with house-made liqueurs, a limoncello and a huckberrycello, the latter of which was unusual but delicious. We were both quite happy and satisfied with our Christmas Eve dinner. We're most interested incoming back for appetizers and wine again, convinced that Osteria Via Stato is a good, mid-priced option for food in River North.
(4)
Julie G.
Awesome every step of the way. Roasted garlic olive oil, calamari, pappardelle pasta! Server was well informed, attentive and pleasant. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Ray H.
Next to the main restaurant during lunch is a separate area that they call Pizza Via Stato. For $9.95 we were able to get soup, sandwich, and a dessert. WOW! The tomato basil soup was outstanding and the chicken pesto sandwich was one of the best I've ever had. The bread was crispy and the chicken was thinly sliced. The chocolate tart for dessert was also delicious. I felt like I was robbing them for that price! Service did not match the price...it more resembled a 5 star restaurant. Very attentive. Keep up the great work. This experience made me pull out my phone and write this review before I forgot!
(5)
Carl G.
Random date night, and we wanted something fun, and out of the norm. This place OVS was pretty convenient between home and work, and I though worth trying. It is super easy to get to, and there are a lot of choices around there for food and drinks. The patio looks pretty awesome, but it wasn't quite patio weather - though some Chicagoans were braving it! This corner location would equate to amazing people watching. We had a reservation, and were seated immediately, through some double doors to the dining area. Atmosphere was good, as it is a large restaurant, but split into multiple rooms to give a better sense of intimacy, and the noise level was perfect for a date night. Wine list is extensive, definitely to the point of being overwhelming, I'd read up on your Italian wine selection before making a stop here. Our server was great, attentive to what was going on, yet left us alone to our own conversation as well. She also did a good job with portion size selection, giving us good advice about how many plates to order. We ended up sharing an antipasta app, a small pasta and the short rib entree. This was a great combination and the amount worked really well with two people (and the nice, warm, crispy crusted bread that was provided). The pasta was really the star of the show; orecchiette pasta with homemade sausage rapini. Pasta was cooked al dente, and the sausage had nice firm texture and really meshed well with the white wine sauce. Overall, while nothing stood out, I'm a fan. The staff was friendly and helpful and the food was good and well timed for a date night dinner. While there will be other Italian restaurants that have more of a "homecooked" vibe, for river north, this was a very good choice!
(4)
Alejandra P.
Friendly staff. Fast service. Delicious authentic italian food. Nicely decorated with stone walls and roof beams. Contemporary music radio, not too loud.
(4)
Carol K.
What a difference a server makes? Went back last night for dinner with 50 of my closest friends (okay- they were colleagues but who cares, right?) and had one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. Our servers, Ashley and Destiny were terrific! No request was too much trouble and given the noise level in the room- they were patient when they had to constantly repeat what the offerings were for our group. The passed appetizers were delicious, shrimp wrapped in basil, sirloin roll ups, and brushetta with roasted peppers made everyone happy! And the free flowing wine didn't hurt either! And was I happy to have their short rib again! In fact- I extolled the virtues of it so much that everyone at my table also had it- even though we had 3 other entrees to choose from. Thanks to Osteria Via Stato, my business meeting was a success and everyone went back to the hotel with smiles on their faces. Now that's a night to remember!
(4)
Joe E.
Four of us had a light lunch here. The service was warm and friendly. My Caprese was made with the freshest ingredients of the highest quality. I will definitely return here
(4)
Kim K.
Cool seasonal flavors, crispy crust, nice sauce. Decent pizza Probably wouldn't return here but I'm glad I tried it.
(3)
Bridget S.
My experience here was not the ordinary - it was for a wedding ceremony, dinner and reception. That said, everything was wonderful! I was so impressed with the staff, and their attentiveness. I'd like to think that my hangover was derailed because someone was filling my water glass every few minutes (thanks again, guys! You kept me hydrated!) The food was fantastic, as well. The roasted garlic in balsamic was stuff dreams are made of and the filet with gorgonzola just melted in my mouth. Thanks to my friends for holding their wedding at such a unique site, and to everyone at Osteria for making it memorable.
(5)
April R.
Don't waste your time. Service is horrible, party of twelve was sat on top of one another and when we complained they basically told us to deal with it. Food is bland and does not have any flavor, basically you'd be better off going to Olive Garden. If I didn't have to choose one star, I wouldn't. They will never get my business or friends business
(1)
Mary S.
Dined here for the first time this past weekend. It was a great experience from start to finish. We were a large group so we did the dinner party deal. It was a ton of food, maybe too much. But it worked well for a group and the selections were very tasty! Also had great service! Will definitely return and skip the dinner party and order individually. Kind of brought us all back to the feeling of dinner in Italy!
(4)
Kate M.
I recently spent an evening at Osteria Via Stato wining and dining some out of town clients. We were in the party room which would be great for a rehearsal dinner or a shower. The food was really good. I had the salmon with roasted cauliflower and a bite or two of a few other entrees. Everything was seasoned perfectly and tasted delicious. The service was really good too. There were 18 of us at a total of 3 tables. The servers did a great job of not interrupting the discussion but ensuring everyone had enough wine and food. Even in a separate room, with the doors closed and music turned down, it was still very loud. I suppose it would be a good date spot since you'd have to be thisclose to your date so you can hear them.
(4)
Paul B.
Still amazing after all these years. Don't bother ordering anything else but the family style dinner for 39.95 per person (antipasti, pasta & side dishes are basically all you can eat). Warm, crusty outside but soft inside bread with olive oil that included roasted garlic cloves marinated in balsamic--crazy good. Pork chop & short rib entree choices are amazing. Great atmosphere & attentive service, too!
(5)
Jessica Y.
Yum yum yum. My friends and I came here for Girls' Night, and it did not disappoint. All of them had been here before, but had only eaten the pizza (which they raved about). The bread and the olive oil / roasted garlic dip is to DIE for. I probably would've been satisfied munching on that as my meal. I'm glad I didn't stop there though, cause the gnocchi was FABULOUS. I was in pillow-dough heaven! My friend's paparadelle was also FABULOUS. The other two ordered some seafood pasta dishes that I didn't feel like trying (I'm not that adventurous with seafood), but they claimed their dishes were FABULOUS! Our waiter, Peter, was also hilarious, and wrote down a list of his favorite clubs around the area. I WILL be back.
My mouth waters every time I think of this place. The outdoor space is so much fun. grilled octopus: amazing barese pizza: amazing The little dessert that comes in a jar is also pretty majestic
(5)
Mark W.
Osteria Via Stato holds it own in a city of amazing food. Its simple task is to bring some of the best italian country meals to its dinners! Just like the Italian countryside its earthy. hearty, and rustic in its appeal. You can spend 3 times as mauch at Spiaggia and get half the culinary satisfaction. If its about food then go to Osteria Via Stato. Been there at least five times and I have never been dissappointed!
(5)
Kyle K.
I recently went to Osteria Via Stato with family from out of town and they were so impressed with the Atmosphere, Food, and EXCELLENT SERVICE. You HAVE to get the Short Rib Bruschetta was when you go. I will definitely be coming back here again!!
(5)
Melissa F.
One of the underrated benefits of Yelp is the presence of helpful tips like "make sure to get the ___" or "steer clear of the _____" or "the bathrooms suck/rule/have bathroom attendants." That's what I hope to do with this update! :) I still view this restaurant as a solid 4-star establishment. My latest visit included delicious food. The parmesan-crusted onions were a hit, as always. The prosecco fizz drink was not bad, but nothing stood out for me to order the $9 cocktail again. I was super excited for the papardelle with 3 types of meat in their house-made ragu. I love a deeply flavorful meat sauce, as I'm sure many do. Sadly, it failed to deliver, and I was barely able to get any flavors from it - very bland. The cavatelli dish was outstanding - the hand-rolled noodles had been browned a bit and definitely soaked up some of the butter in which they had been so lovingly sauteed! The desserts were nothing special, but the care they put into them was cool. One waiter (not the one assigned to us) knew my brother from HS, so he sent over two different desserts, including a house-made chocolate bar! I'm not a huge dessert person, but it was a very nice gesture, and the service overall is top-notch.
(4)
Jenny H.
This place is pretty good but not as good as some of the other Italian restaurants in Chicago. Their bread and garlic oil in the beginning is SO good. I also got their meatballs (which was a bit salty and not as moist as I would like) and also their margherite pizza which I thought was just OK, very thin, not as substantial and tasty as I like my pizza.
(3)
Aylet T.
I came in here with great expectations as the decor and ambiance was amazing however, that was not the case. I completely forgot what I ordered since it was not tasty at all. The pasta was dry and completely flavorless. I left the restaurant and had to go fill up elsewhere. Not the best place I've had at all.
(2)
Jerome R.
Nothing beats great tasting, authentic Italian food. This one ranks at the top with great ambiance and customer service. Try the roasted garlic, balsamic spread - it is to die for.
(4)
Alexandria H.
The pizza had nice fresh quality ingredients, but the crust was a little too thin to hold everything up. It also got soggy in about 10 minutes. The beer selection consisted of the usual domestics in addition to a few regional brews. However the chocolate dessert tasted store bought. Prices were reasonable.
(3)
Kyle P.
favorite lunch place.....$10 for a three course meal and the best bread I have ever had.....the sandwiches are great and I love they give you a silver of dessert. Haven't been for dinner but lunch is great outside
(5)
Tiffany L.
Osteria is a nice restaurant with cool ambiance and great service, but it has its flaws. It's connected with the Embassy Suites Hotel, so it's a typical overpriced hotel restaurant. It's also located in a touristy area of Chicago, so know that it will be packed on weekends after 6pm. I really liked the dark, cavernous feel of this place, and our server was great. The downside is that it's overpriced for what you get. There are two sides to the menu: One "family" style for large groups to share, and the other a la carte. That throws a red flag immediately: To me, a la carte means less food and more money out of your pocket. But since there were only 4 of us dining, of course we went a la carte. 2 people in our party ordered the 6oz filet mignon, which costs $33, and all that was on the plate was the filet. Absolutely nothing else. No vegetable, no potatoes, nothing. $33 for a small serving of meat. Really?! Two people in our party ate only salads and drank water, yet our bill was $200. So clearly the heft of the price tag comes in the meat and booze (2 filets & 5 glasses of wine total). What little food we got was decent, but I've had better for the same price or less in the great city of Chicago.
(2)
Stephen G.
What a great surprise! Was just looking for dinner nearby hotel and the menu had plenty of options, the restaurant was excellent, great atmosphere and surprisingly very reasonably priced for neighborhood and the delicious food and well above par service by Sarah!
(5)
Katy O.
I have been here twice- once for a wedding, once for dinner with friends. We actually looked at having our own wedding reception here- it is a great location and we would have gotten LEYE points for the money we spent (awesome), however the layout is not great. There are large brick wall/columns that split up three different rooms and we wanted our wedding reception to be open and all in one space. The wedding we attended here was fun, and the food was great, but it was an awkward set up. It is a bit dark, which makes it feel warm/cozy, not everyone's cup of tea for a wedding though. We came back here for dinner this summer and had a good time. The food was pretty good and enjoyed the limoncello at the end of the meal. This place is so loud though that it was distracting at times. I would rather go to Scoozi anytime than come back here. And outside the world of Lettuce restaurants there are a lot of better Italian restaurants, although this one is far from bad. We will try the Pizzeria next time.
(3)
Adam B.
Went here last night with my girlfriend for Valentine's Day and really enjoyed our evening. The service was outstanding, from our kind, informative waiter to the men who came out with the dishes and filled our glasses throughout the evening. Wine selection was solid and we started with the veal meatballs. They weren't as amazing as I had expected but were still good. For my main course I had the shrimp linguine which was delicious! The sauce used on the dish was great and made the meal. Ended up signing up for the Lettuce Entertain You members card at the end of the night so I can get rewards for coming back -- not a pitch even though I realize it sounds like one
(4)
Erika C.
ok, this place makes you feel like you are dying and flying up to heaven. my boyfriend and i decided to venture in here after sweating to death in the 10000 degree weather. ok ok, we were a little bit under dressed for this classy place filled with couples in collared shirts and dresses. but hey, we were still welcome with open arms. our server angelo, was very professional and we both agreed he gave the best dining service we've had here in chicago. VERY knowledgeable about the menu, made us feel welcome and was not kidding about how this place makes a mean cocktail! we both ordered the gnocchi dish and were not disappointed. we even drew attention from all the older people with the 300 dollar bottle of wines. we couldn't help ourselves from making the "oooo yummmm" sounds during this meal. really though, fresh bread, amazing food, romantic atmosphere, professional and attentive service. what more can you ask for? osteria via stato, will be back!
(4)
Bill M.
Took my wife here for her birthday. We both REALLY enjoyed this restaurant. Everything was wonderful! The service was perfect. Great outdoor seating area, too. We went with the Italian Party pre-fix. Our meal consisted of a very good braised short rib, scallops w/ rissoto, sweet grilled onions, cranberry/walnut salad, pork shoulder carpaccio, and great lamb sausage - I'm missing a few small dishes - there was just SO MUCH food!! Service was very pleasant, prompt and professional. We had a very enjoyable server. The only negative was when going with the pre-fix menu, it's going to be quite pricey if you want drinks. My wife and I each had 3-4 drinks each. By the time we paid tax and tip, it was $210. (We really like to keep meals in the $100-150 total range, which really isn't hard to do). Without the prices, I would give it 5 stars. Still, if you're looking to splurge a little, try Osteria, or maybe save a bit of $$ by going off the regular menu. In the end, my wife was very, very pleased with everything and that's what matters.
(4)
Tina M.
My husband and I had our wedding dinner at Osteria Via Stato earlier this month and we are thrilled we did. Preparing for the reception was the most stress-free part of the wedding. Allison, the restaurant's wedding planner, made the process so seamless. She answered every question I had promptly and was so accommodating with every request. The reception was wonderful and exactly what we wanted. The space was intimate, the decor was beautiful, and the food was excellent. All of our guests raved about the meal and how it's unheard of to have such delicious food at a wedding (note: get the veal meatball app and the short rib entree). And one of the best parts of having your wedding here? Guests can choose their entree at the table from a pre-selected list instead of choosing what you will eat when you submit your invitation RSVP weeks beforehand. As for the service, it could not be beat. Bill was one of our servers that evening and he was excellent and attentive with all of our guests. And apparently there was an issue with our wedding cake arriving in less than perfect shape thanks to a confused delivery driver, but we would not have noticed this at all because the team took it upon themselves to try to fix the cake, reshaping some of the icing and fixing the flowers on the topper. Thanks for such a beautiful and stress-free evening, Osteria!
(5)
Nicole C.
We had a wonderful dining experience here on Saturday night during restaurant week:) Five Stars for the food and the service. Everything we had was SO DELICIOUS!! The four of us all had the $38.95/per person family style menu. You get ALOT of food so prepare to get stuffed...in a good way... *fresh hot bread with roasted garlic and olive oil&balsamic..so good *shared appetizers: polenta topped with a meat ragu, a vegetable farro risotto, broiled sweet onions topped with cheese ~ everything so YUM *shared pastas: gemelli with crumbled chicken sausage&rosemary(we got seconds it was SO delicious!) and a parpardelle with a duck ragu ~ both pastas were to die for. YUM again. *entrees we tried were the roasted salmon in a lobster cream sauce, the braised short ribs, and the seafood stew...all were very good We all loved the food and left on food cloud 9 :) Definitely will return probably for a special occasion because it does get pricey especially if you get drinks and dessert as we did! p.s. did i say YUM...and DELICIOUS?
(5)
Kelly B.
I went with my Mom and some of her friends for her bachelorette evening last weekend...and it was a crowd pleaser. I had been there a few years ago and really enjoyed the vidalia onion (yum), but sort of forgot about it until I was thinking of restaurants near their hotel for the weekend. My Mom is very allergic to onions and the chef was so wonderful, he came out to the table to talk to her about what he could cook special for her. When the food did arrive, it was excellent and chef even came out to personally deliver her dish. We would all highly recommend Osteria Via Stato--great food and they made us feel important! Thanks, Chef!
(4)
John T.
got the grilled octopus, which had much too much oil, too much potato and not enough octopus. The octopus that was there was relatively flavorful, hence the 2 stars.
(2)
Jeff K.
Went to Osteria for Valentines day dinner and it was awesome. The food was great, especially the shrimp and lobster risotto. Our waiter Angelos was fantastic, he helped us pick out a great bottle of wine and even brought us a complimentary desert. I would definitely recommend Osteria as a great place for a romantic dinner.
(5)
Valerie R.
We went here for a department dinner last Monday, and everyone was very impressed with the food. I was excited to try something different and tasty, and OVS did NOT disappoint! (the ambiance was awesome. Dark enough to feel relaxed but light enough to see your menu clearly. I had the hand rolled cavatelli with wild mushrooms (served in a brown butter sauce) that was so good, that I plan to try making it from scratch. Calling the cavatelli noodles/pasta doesn't do this dish justice at ALL. Think more like, heaven on the tongue. Oh yeah. They're THAT good. the salads are yummy, and from what everyone else at the table said, the desserts are pretty fantastic too. The wine selection is ample but even more importantly, the server knew wine. There's nothing worse (OK, maybe a few things worse) than having NO guidance when choosing a wine you aren't familiar with. I'm a broke ass so I don't plan to be back here soon... but I will DEFINITELY be back!
(5)
Brad K.
Osteria was attached to our hotel, which made our decision to go there quite easy. Before you get all "That's awesome for you" on me, I should tell you this: there are TWO parts to Osteria. The front room bar, which has a pizza menu, and the back room restaurant where they have an amazing spread of Italian food. If you enter through the hotel, don't get all uppity and just sit down. (Only idiots do this!) You have to make your way to the hostess stand across the bar area (where you enter). Once you do that, you have to decide where to sit: front or back. Once you do that, it's all downhill from there. The restaurant food is amazing (but all the desserts have liquor in them, which is only problematical if you are like me and unable to drink). The front room is more of a drinky, snacky place. However, the thin-crust pizzas are pretty good. It's reasonably priced. The restaurant is romantic and the both settings are rustic, but in a good way.
(4)
Mr. And Mrs. G.
Came here for an impromptu dinner on the night we arrived in Chicago. This place is cool and relaxed and a bit on the hip side. Their meatball appetizer is a must--I would be back solely to eat them again! They serve you bread to start which was really tasty, but it's easy to fill up on bread. By the time the pizza came, although they are thin crusted, I felt like I had had my fill of bread. Also, thought their white pizzas far exceeded their red pizzas. They have high chairs! Note: Their menu says that the pizzas are individual sized, but don't believe them! There were 3 adults and one child and between us, we ate 2 pizzas and 2 appetizers.
(4)
Alina M.
Unfortunately we had a terrible experience at Osteria. Due to its location, the restaurant targets primarily tourists. After a day of shopping, we decided to try this restaurant. It was the weekend of the Chicago marathon and every place was busy. We arrived at 6:30 and were told the wait would be 60 minutes. We were ok with that and decided to have some drinks and appetizers at the bar. Two hours later, we were still not seated and the hostess didn't come up to us at all. We felt a little ignored. At 8:30, we complained and were told by a non-apologetic staff they were trying to "squeeze us in". Had we known that in the beginning we wouldn't have stayed. Cathy, the manager, as well as her superior, told us they were actually not even interested in our business at all. Wow, I've never been told this by a restaurant. We decided to leave all together. It became apparent to us to that the staff doesn't encourage return business because it relies entirely on the visitors from out of town. The only wonderful thing was getting to know Steve, the bartender. He was well versed in the wine list and was great to chat with.
(1)
Tisa L.
Wanted something Italian while visiting Chicago and obviously the choices are a little overwhelming. Picked this place because of the reviews on Yelp and wasn't disappointed. This place was listed as not being good for kids which makes no sense because they have a kids menu! We sat outside on the patio which felt very private with the awning and hedge. My husband and I had the Italian dinner, which was a huge feast of multiple courses and loved it! Also, the service was great, but really I think Chicago has a great Midwestern feel for a big city, no matter where you go!
(4)
Alexandra C.
Fantastic meal tonight at Osteria Via Stato! First time dining here, though we've passed it so many times. Tonight, we made an early reservation and sat on the patio. We really enjoyed the people watching, and that the tables were spaced out far enough you didn't feel to close to the next parties. We started with a salad, which was the mixed greens served with walnuts and dried cherries. They kindly split it on separate plates for us. Entree wise, I enjoyed the Local Asparagus Ravioli, and it was totally delicious. Really fresh, vibrant flavor and bright green inside, served in a brown butter sauce. The boyfriend had the nightly Risotto Special, which was with Goat Sausage and spinach. It was rich, creamy and really intricately flavored. To end the meal, we decided on the gelato trio, which was perfect. Bill for two including a beer was only 62$. Really reasonable pricing here. Our server was great and never made us felt rushed or pressured to order one way or another. Very relaxed and inviting experience. We can't wait to come back!
(4)
Angela L.
Hands down some of the best Italian food I have ever tasted! Additional plus of large portions, a great price, great atmosphere, and great service! How can you beat that?! Do they make restaurants like this in SF?! In any case, I am so glad we stopped by during our trip. My favorite thing about the restaurant is that you can order half orders of the pasta dishes. It was a great way to experience multiple dishes without feeling regret about not ordering another dish. My BFF and I ordered the crispy calamari, the calabrian potatoes, and 3 half orders of pasta (penne, arrabiata, and paparadelle). The calabrian potatoes were my favorite appetizer. They were perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside with fluffy potato on the inside. Of the pastas, I enjoyed the penne the most. I loved the spiciness of the sauce-- the perfect compliment to the al dente penne. The other best part about all this? Two glasses of wine, three pasta dishes, and two appetizers only cost us around $60--with leftovers! A true winner in my book!
(5)
Jon H.
The food it top notch. If you order off the normal menu (as opposed to the group meal side) it is more reasonable price wise. Be careful since the pizza part and the dinning part are different restaurants and you need separate reservations for each. The bathrooms (unless the hostess gave me directions to that farthest ones imaginable) are a trek requiring a pack and a Sherpa. They are on a different floor of the building with enough twists and turns to confuse the legendary Cretan Minotaur...
(4)
Nicholas W.
Good food (esp. the pizza) and wine but it's very loud and difficult to have a chat. I work in the area and in my experience it's usually very crowded with both locals and visitors for dinner on Thursday-Sunday from 6 pm to close. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere for groups, it's a great choice. Otherwise, for a more low-key experience, go for lunch.
(4)
Laura L.
Long plane ride + short cab ride + quick check in at Hotel Palomar = pretty much starving. What's a hungry Community Manager to do? Well, strike out from the hotel in concentric circles until finding something that looks killer. Or, open up ye ole Yelp app for recommendations. I was super happy to find Osteria Via Stato, and had no idea it was connected to a hotel. No matter! Joining me for tapas was Vegas CM Misti Y, and this was a cute little spot to hang out and get to know one another. We sampled the plump, olive-oily roasted garlic with crusty bread, and to-die-for caprese - I particularly loved that the tomatoes were slighly roasted, bringing out their sweet flavor. The beef carpaccio had a few too many greens on top for my taste, but it was still quite tasty. Topped off with a glass of prosecco, this was pretty much a perfect start to the evening. Charming setting, too. One note: something was strange that night with the olive oil. Both of us got a distinct hot and burny sensation on our tongues after eating it, so we figured it was infused somehow. We asked the server, and he kind of shrugged and said no, it was just regular. So, we were perplexed. But still continued to eat. :) Next time in the hood, I'm checking this place out again. So should you!
(4)
Dianne S.
My girlfriends and I came to Osteria for Chicago Restaurant Week and boy were we happy we did! Inside you'll find genuinely friendly & welcoming staff who'll guide you through their impressive wine list & extensive Italian fare. We all went with the "Just bring me wine!" option (for those who can't choose) which includes 3 glasses of wine (white & two reds) to accompany our 3 course meals. The waiter got as started with their standard appetizers of veal meatballs, carmelized onions topped with melted cheese, and salad. We had to ask for another plate of onions...they were delicious On to my entree, I had the braised short rib over polenta and it just melted in my mouth! The short rib was so tender and moist that I could used a spoon to eat it! We completed our meals with a scoop of gelato. My friends like to share so I was able to try the carmel, chocolate, and hazelnut. All were light and refreshing, served with a sprinkle of sugary carmel, cocoa powder, and crushed hazelnuts respectively. We'll defintely be coming back to try their Itialian Family dinner!
(4)
Lauren K.
I was in Chicago again recently and we stumbled across the Pizzaria at Osteria Via Stato and decided to stop in for dinner. Everything was delicious, and the service was great. The patio is the perfect spot for a cold drink and some people watching. The parmesan crusted roasted onions were AMAZING. Cheesy, warm, tangy...yum. I then had the classic cheese pizza. Uncommon in Chicago, it was as thin as a cracker, light and delicious. Sometimes a basic cheese pizza done right can hit the spot, and Osteria Via Statos did just that.
(4)
Brian B.
Sat down in the Pizzeria for some light bites and a couple drinks. My girlfriend ordered the Roasted Garlic, Fonduta, and Caprese. I also ordered a Muddle Free Old Fashioned and a Manhattan. The drinks were strong, but smooth. The food was all fresh and curbed my hunger nicely. The Fonduta was the best of the bunch. Pecorino cheese, spinach, and perfectly prepared crostini. I'd highly recommend stopping in here if you are looking for a quick bite to eat. I really wish I would've ordered one of the pizzas. Next time.
(4)
KChicagoan S.
Yuuuuum! This place has really good food! The portions are generous, the menu is varied and the services is GREAT! The atmosphere is really inviting and romantic. I also hosted my rehearsal dinner here the day before my wedding and everything was topnotch. Everyone loved the food and the service. I worked with their events/catering manager, Allison and she was amazing. She's very quick to return calls/emails, great at explaining everything and is sooooo easy to work with. From start to finish I really loved working with Allison and everyone at Osteria - I would highly recommend this place! Only downfall (but can't dock them a star for this) is that it tends to be a biiit touristy, but that's only because of the location. So, as a local, it can be annoying when you're trying to make your way to your table and there's a family from Ohio with massive piles of bags from the Disney Store and American Girl in your way, but aside from that, no complaints here!! Try the parmesan onions - they are soooooo good!!
(5)
Evan M.
In response to Osteria's response, the issue is that three courses were sprung upon us, when we went there thinking we had our choice of the whole menu. Perhaps we may have found something more to our liking on the full menu and those who wished to only have one course could have done so.
(2)
Emily B.
Great portion sizes. Incredibly fresh, very authentic, yet unique Italian flavor. Clean restaurant, great atmosphere, nice staff. On the Go Suggestion: Order the chopped salad if you are looking for a legit lunch option. Chicken, Avocado, Peppers, Tomatoes, Crisp Lettuce, Fresh Shaved Parmesan, and their House Dressing...the combination is literally amazing and takes under 10 minutes to call in and pick up.
Absolutely delicious! This place will not disappoint. The broiled octopus and the Rhode Island calamari are to die for. I probably would've been satisfied on those alone but to top it off with the Roman styled pizza and the ricotta cheesecake made it an incredible dining experience. Though the wait time was too much and we could have been seated on the patio (it wasn't that late). But I will come again.
(4)
Miharu H.
Food was good but thought the portions were small for the price that was charged and in comparison to other Italian restaurants in Chicago.
(3)
Peter B.
The restaurant , part of the Letttuce Entertain You restaurant group, is located on State St. in the River North section of Chicago. There is a main dining area and a more causal pizzeria featuring brick oven pizzas. I took a group of clients to the main osteria. We opted for the Italian Dinner prix fixe menu. Each diner selects an entree from an option of 5. The meal begins with a series of antipastis and pastas served on large platters. The mozerella balls were fresh, soft and delicious. A classic marinara sauce accomplied the veal meatballs. These were also tender and juicy with approporiate seasoning. The pasta dishes were prepared "al dente" and has adequate flavor profiles but would not be considered memorable. I had the short ribs entree served on a bed of creamy polenta. The ribs were excessively fatty, beyond what I would have considered acceptable. My clients seemed to like the Chicken Mario and crusted filt options in particular. The side dish of roasted root vegetables were a highlight of the meal with crisp, flavorful components. Make sure to review the all Italian wine list. Try to pass over the myriad of $50+ bottles and try to find a gem from Piedmont or a super Tuscan! This is a good place for large, loud groups to gather.
(3)
Lynn K.
I really wanted to love this restaurant. After all, it is featured in Frommer's Chicago travel guide. Although my husband loved his meal of short ribs, sadly my pappardelle was quite lacking. The service was spot on in this family friendly restaurant. Perhaps we will give this restaurant a second chance if we return to Chicago.
(3)
Tiger H.
Delicious! Great service and selection of food. Favorites are the short rib bruschetta and the veal meatballs. I will definitely go here again when I'm in Chicago next.
(5)
Alissa B.
We are big fans of the LEYE group and this was one place we had not yet tried. We went on a Friday after work recently and was pleasantly surprised at how not long the wait was; just enough time to have a drink at the bar and start thinking of the amazing meal you're about to have. And we were not disappointed! I tried a watermelon arugula salad that was outstanding! And had the mushroom risotto (it was the special) for dinner - also outstanding! There was only 2 of us in our group this time but I think this would be a good group place too... maybe next time!
(4)
Chris S.
We went for Restaurant Week, had a great time, and will be back for more. This is a relatively large, winding sort of taverna, with people moving in every direction from one room to another, which keeps the place buzzing and upbeat. The staff was all very friendly and helpful, reaching just the right balance of service - always there to fill a water or wine glass, make a suggestion, or clear a plate, without being overbearing or lingering. The food was great. We had the restaurant week menu but almost ordered off of the regular menu because it looked so good, and the prices were very reasonable. Everything from the fresh ciabatta, to the veal meatballs, to the salmon, short ribs, and wine was excellent. Score one for restaurant week turning me on to a new spot!
(4)
Patrick W.
Count your change from the bar. This place was convenient for my wife and I to grab a drink at while we were staying at the Embassy Suites as it is in their lobby. Before we sat we wiped away the pizza grease from the heavy dark wood bar and ordered some beers. there was a wedding or something going on in the back room and there were tons of drunks falling allover themselves in the lobby and in the bar. I suppose that the bartender thought that I was one of them since he tried to short me $20. They make their own liquors here which I thought was cool... limoncello, which I usually like and a few of their own concoctions (abominations?) chococello and raspacello and some other thing that they added -cello at the end of.
(2)
Melissa P.
I suggest going somewhere else if you want good Italian food. I found this place to be way overpriced for the kind of food you get and you didn't get enough either. The portions were too small for being so expensive. The waitstaff is not very friendly, arrogant, and too slow with getting stuff out and getting your bill to you afterwards. I thought the pasta I had was mediocre and small. My friend also thought her meal was not authentic and not that good. We had much better meals at Italian Village and I keep going back to that place because it is so good. Osteria Via Stato is just pricey and pretentious.
(2)
Rich K.
Last night was my second visit to Osteria Via Stato. My first experience from the hostess to the food to the server was excellent. Not sure what happened but a certain hostess was a little rude and snotty. Not sure what was up her butt, she really came across as unhappy. No smile, no personality, no facial expression. You would almost think she was a robot. I would have liked to knock the restaurant down 3 stars for the robot, but the food was fantastic. The veal meatballs were great, but the gravy on top was stellar. The pork was moist and tender. The beef ravioli was also fantastic. Our server Bill D. was attentive without being intrusive. His recommendations were spot on. I will definitely be back, but nest time I will have someone else interact with the robot.
(4)
Sue R.
Arugula salad was fabulous. Pizza was delectable. Service was very slow. In fact I never got my second glass of wine.
Had a fantastic lunch at the Pizzeria today. Started with a couple apps: roasted garlic with balsamic and eevo. Served with some really, really great bread. Even better was the grilled octopus with roasted potatoes. Maybe the best octopus I've ever had. Tender, sweet, fantastic, and the potatoes, added nice flavor and texture. For the main course, ordered the lunch special: sandwich, soup, dessert for $9.95. Nice cuppa chicken soup with farro. Veal meatball sandwich with provolone and some really nice red peppers on the side added a little heat to the sandwich. Finally, chocolate tart with candied orange peel for dessert. This was a fantastic deal, and a really nice lunch. Only downside: water glass was empty for 10 minutes. But I'd gladly go thirsty for more of that octopus.
(5)
Grace L.
Came here for my birthday we all decided to order the family style dinner. All i have to say it was the best Italian food I've had in awhile. From the starters to the dessert! would def come back here and recommend this place to friends. Now i want to go back for the brick stone pizza with girlfriends and try that out.
(5)
Don R.
There are so many great italian restaurants in Chicago and Osteria Via Stato is near the top of my list. My wife and I came here about 4 years ago and I had a duck ragu that was simply amazing. So why has it been 4 years to return? My mistake. On our recent trip I had a braised short rib and wild mushroom risotto that was no back seat to the duck ragu from my first visit. Flavors seem to explode here. The risotto was perfectly cooked and the mushrooms were fresh and wonderful. I also had an aruggla salad with dates, smoked bacon and parmesan cheese. The combination of the ingredients was outstanding. Salt, Smoke and Sweet over the bitter greens. Wow. My wife had a roasted beet salad that was equally tasty. This is not your old school italian that is offered throughout the city. Not to say old school is bad, just different. It will not be 4 years between visits for us. Our waiter was attentive and suggested an affordable, wonderful red wine that went perfectly with our meal. Sevice was perfect from making reservations to exit farwells. If you are in the city looking for italian, you must try this place.
(5)
Kristin F.
Visited here last week with my boyfriend and all of the food was simply wonderful. We were considering over dessert and we decided that in the last three years of all the meals we've had, this was the greatest that held up from start to finish. Note that there's two restaurants in one building/entrance that serve different food. There's the "pizzeria" and the "osteria", this review refers to the osteria side, with entrees. Any reviews mentioning pizza were probably about the other half... Here's what we had. me: Muddle Free Old Fashion him: Italian Sidecar both: Bread with Roasted Garlic in Balsamic Vinegar and Oil me: Daily special lobster/shrimp risotto dish him: Chicken "Mario" with broccoli both: Gnocchi in cream and tomato sauce both: chocolate tart, 3 scoops gelato (2 burned caramel, 1 chocolate hazelnut) me: tawny port him: coffee with frangelico and a homemade chocolate liqueur His comments on the Chicken Mario: It was startling how good that chicken was. At first, I was just like, oh, it's a piece of chicken and some broccoli. Then I took a bite, and was like, these people are magic rainbow unicorns ohmygod. It was a little on the pricey side, but unlike some other more expensive meals we've had, we felt it was worth every penny.
(5)
Lori Taylor R.
Osteria Via Stato amore mio - grazie! The ambiance warm and inviting. Dark wood, dimly lit, beautiful ceramic tile and an airy canopy style ceiling set the tone. An extensive wine menu and an array of dinner options at our fingertips. The service: polite, mindful, observant - yet, not overbearing or stuffy. Complimentary bread with extra virgin olive oil, a dash of balsamic vinegar and roasted garlic. Antipasti an order of mozzarella ciliegene and house marinated olives, both were superb. The portions were enormous especially given the small price tag. Pastas we decided to order two small plate portions and share. Hand-rolled cavatelli with wild mushrooms. This dish was amazing! The flavors melded so well together. The hand-rolled cavatelli was extremely tender. Pappardelle with 3 meat ragu was our other selection. Absolutely delectable. Our main course Chicken Milanese. The chicken pounded to perfection - delicately breaded with a parmesan crust. Fabulous food, conversation that never ceased and vino that continuously flowed made for a wonderful evening.
(4)
Tara P.
Mixed experience here. We decided only a couple days before Christmas Eve that we'd rather go out to eat than cook a holiday meal - so, to be fair, we expected difficulty in finding a reservation at a standard dinner time. I called Osterio to get a reservation for their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner and was told there were no reservations available. I was ready to move on, but my husband called immediately after I did, and voila, he was offered a reservation. Annoying - either you have space for 2 or you don't. Turns out there were plenty of open tables while we were there - but maybe they didn't have enough staff to fill all the tables that night. The good aspects: we were seated immediately, there was a decent atmosphere, and courses were served swiftly, one after another. The bad: plates were removed from the table very aggressively, often before we were finished with them, forcing us to grab food off the plates as they were removed. Also, the courses were hit or miss, with some (seafood stew) being very tasty but most being average at best, leading us to feel that the meal as a whole was overpriced. Finally, they didn't box up one of our entrees despite our request for them to do so. I can't say I didn't like the place, but I won't go back - too many better choices.
(3)
Mari B.
Was visting Chicago when my friends and I had a late dinner here. The food was good and the prices were fair. We had a margarita pizza and caesar salad. The waitress Lily definately made the experience better. She was honest and told us we could split the salad between three ppl depending on how hungry we were. She provided great service, was genuine and friendly when offering suggestions for other local places to eat (even wrote them down for us). Lily also recommended a great drink on the menu that all of us loved!! Would come back here again!
(5)
K B.
Best octopus of all time.
(3)
Mahsa T.
Came back again with a friend for dinner and sad to report that they no longer offer complimentary olives, you can still order them off the menu though. I asked our server about it and he said he would bring us some on the house--excellent service this time. Great wine selection--we had a wonderful Pinot Noir. I tried the veal meatballs which were delicious and had my favorite dish--the cavatelli with wild mushrooms--yum! This place is great for groups or a romantic dinner.
(4)
Jen P.
We decided to have our wedding at Osteria because atmosphere reminded me of a wine cellar. It a beautiful dining area! We didn't even try the food before we booked as the setting was just perfect. Over the numerous months prior to the wedding, I had a number of questions but Allison was prompt to respond and she also directed us to our florist who was wonderful! Finally as the wedding approached, we went in for our tasting. My fiance and I were pleasantly surprised... the food was amazing. And we were also able to do a tasting to choose our wines. We were set!! Once I sent in my final numbers, Allison said we were under the required spend so we needed to upgrade some of our food choice. Sweet! We decided on the Scallops, Filet in Gorgonzola, Penne with Ckn and Braised Beef. In addition, we upgraded our wine package to the top of the line. Since it was only a few days before the wedding, we left the wine picking to Allison as she said she'd choose based on our original wine picks. Allison also had some great ideas on the passed appetizers and other side dishes. The day of the wedding, I went down to see how things were coming along. Allison was on top of everything. I was so happy and relieved!! After our church ceremony, we arrived to the reception. Before I even entered, a guest came out to great us and said 'Wow, wait until you see the inside!'. He was right, the place looked romantic and beautiful. The passed appetizers were amazing and the wines Allison chose were amazing. Then we sat for dinner and I couldn't have been more impressed with the food. But the service itself was even more impressive. At times, I'd be off talking to a guest or dancing and our table's waitress would come find me and ask if I'd like more wine or anything else. She was wonderful! We had so many complements about the food and service. The entire night was lovely. The funniest thing was the next day, when I went to pick up my saved cake at Osteria, I found two of our wedding guests eating lunch! They ordered the same dishes we had the night before and couldn't stop raving about the veal meatballs and penne!
(5)
Charles J.
OVS offers a different twist to dining out with their Prix Fixe menu (about $35 per) that features all you can eat of their unique appetizers (the caramelized onions are fantastic!) and side dishes to accompany the main entree. They also had an extensive wine list that also included a variety of quantities (glass, half bottle, or full bottle) to suit. The wait staff was both friendly and knowledgeable and seemed to be there whenever we needed them. If there was any complaint, the size of the main entree could be larger. You leave full to be sure but it's due to the appetizers and sides. The decor had an upscale feel to it and was tastefully done. The bar was jammed with people on the night I were there. An inexperienced bartender, in addition to the size of the crowd, made the wait for a drink longer than desirable. Overall, I loved it and will go back, and I heartily recommend it to anyone looking for an out of the ordinary dining experience.
(4)
Debbie E.
Smaller and slightly crowded place but man was it cozy on a cold winters night! Decent wine menu but make sure that you're up on your Italian wines. No Beringer White Zinfandel here! Wines come in a single carafe, medium (about 2 glasses) or a full carafe. If you break it down on a per glass cost, the wine is kind of pricey. But tasty. Started off splitting an Italian chopped salad. Very good, had lots of veggies and salami in it. Definitely enough for a one person meal or for two people to split as an appetizer. Main meal we noshed on individual pizzas. I had the 4 cheese pizza. Yummy. Definitely cheesy, but with better cheeses than you would get elsewhere. Service was good, almost too good. They were constantly on top of us and barely could get a chance to chat, order and sip wine, before ordering our meal. For the salad, two individual pizzas, and two medium carafes, the total before gratuity was $95.
(3)
Robert S.
Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 update: I took away three stars after an unpleasant evening at what used to be my favorite restaurant. My friend and I had extremely lackluster service the moment we sat down until the time we left and swore we wouldn't be back. The fact that the busboy dripped olive oil from the second course serving plate onto my shirt and pants leg, then proceeded to set the messy plate down onto the table didn't help either. The manager, who simply gave me his card and apologized could not have been more pointless. The waiter, who stayed emotionally disconnected from us for the remainder of the meal, deserved the paltry tip. Ann Landers once wrote in her column that if you get terrible service, leave a dollar. I left two. I won't be going back anytime soon, if ever. I've edited out a large portion of what was once a glowing review: "Most reviewers hit the mark about the quality of food...service...and theatrics. The Italian Dinner is, hands down, the best value for fine dining.... For around $40, you get a fixed menu with several courses consisting of salads, appetizers and pastas. There are a few pleasant, simple entrees to choose from..."
(2)
Wendy W.
Service was good. Filet was recommended and we requested med rare and steak was cooked med well.
(3)
Luciana B.
This is definitely one of my go-to Italian restaurants. I'm very picky when it comes to Italian, since I feel like US-Italian restaurants tend to make everything too too creamy. Osteria Via Stato is different. Every time I come here, I order more or less the same get-up: veal meatballs and a half portion of pasta to share. For dessert I get (maybe) some gelato. My bill is never over $35 for two! I admit I haven't ventured to their entrees, but you should consider making a meal out of their appetizers and half-portion pastas. It makes for a more well-rounded experience.
(5)
K L.
I have been here a few times, although I have only been to the pizzeria part of the restaurant. Which is phenomenal. I'm not really a fan of deep dish pizza... I know, sacrilege... and Osteria Via Stato serves incredible Italian style thin crust pizzas. In my opinion, it's the best pizza I have had in Chicago, or possibly, anywhere. It's the kind of thin crust pizza you keep eating until it's all gone, and you are still left wanting more. Maybe someday I will actually try something on their other menu!
(5)
Daniel B.
I really liked this place better when they called it "The Olive Garden". The meal starts with a canned greeting from the hostess, along with a completely out-of-place over-sincere comment from the manager "We hope that you have a truly memorable experience".... (it's Monday night at 545pm. How memorable could this possibly be?) Like everyone else in the place, we order the prix fix "Italian Dinner". How could you not. All they talk about is this. The cheap-looking plastic coated menu is opened to that page when you sit down. Bring on the bagged salad! Bring on the mass-produced appetizers! Any semblance of mood is destroyed when you visit the washrooms, conveniently located on the second floor of a bright junky hotel lobby. The main courses were forgettable. The server was raving about the "specially prepared" pork dish, which I soon noticed that everyone around me had also ordered. I guess they must have had extras. I picture a kitchen table full of microwavable pork entrees. This place would get a significantly higher review if it was at a different price point. The food quality and service is the type that you would expect from a chain restaurant in the suburbs. Entirely avoidable.
(1)
Ann S.
We held our rehearsal dinner at Osteria via Stato this past Saturday and we could not have been more pleased with our entire experience. We had a large group of 60 and fit just perfectly in the private dining room in the front of restaurant. We were concerned as told the room held 62 and thought we might be tight but it was perfect! The private event staff was very easy to work with. Allison was our coordinator and responded very quickly to emails and explained details extremely well. As we had not had a meal there before, we opted to do a tasting meal to finalize details and chose wines. The night of our event everything was perfect! Flowers and seating chalkboard we had dropped off earlier that day were correctly placed and the room looked very well appointed. The wait staff was attentive,kind, and flexible. Our special requests were handled professionally. Our guests felt special because of the attention of the wait staff to details. We had speeches going on throughout the night and the staff was experienced to serve us and not interrupt the flow of the evening but to add to it! The food was absolutely the best! Served piping hot, flavorful, and artfully plated, every selection was superb and just as at our tasting. Many of our guests stated that they look forward to coming back to this restaurant at some time as they enjoyed the meal so much. We highly recommend Osteria to anyone looking for a great venue for a party! The atmosphere inside is cozy and warm, making everyone feel so welcome!
(5)
John T.
I had the Rissoto with Pulled Pork and it was awesome! Excellent service from our waiter!!!
(4)
Alex M.
Met here with friends, reservations were a breeze and more than accommodating with no hassles. Drinks and bread were timely and delicious. I had braised short rib ravioli with a little parm on top. Waiter was GREAT and extremely helpful in our selections - now my go to place for Italian in River North
(5)
Francesca L.
My firm had our summer outing here this summer. The location is great and the space was nice especially since they let our large group sit both inside and out. I had to give the restaurant such a low rating for a number of reasons. First, the service was really unpleasant. We had a large group and our party was completely understaffed. It was easily taking 25-30 mins to get a drink. Second, the food was decent but consistently cold. They kept bringing food out from the kitchen that looked fresh but it was cold. It was a little annoying considering we were ordering a ton of food and drinks and probably had a huge bill. Finally, at the end they forced us out of the room even after we asked if we could keep the tab open and continue drinking. Again, annoying! I understand that they may have needed the room for something else but it would have been nice for them to realize the potential and accomodate us in some way. The other part of the restaurant was completely empty! Overall, the bad service did this in for me. The pizza and other food we had were all pretty basic. I think there are better Italian or Lettuce Entertain You restaurants in the area.
(2)
Dave S.
Perfect food, helpful and excellent staff... Italian sidecar is my favorite drink. Got to give it to these guys.. The chef really pays attention and the staff is very awesome and accomodating. These guys bent over backwards to help my friend who has severe allergies to anything with even trace amounts of soy. Special thanks to Chef Dave who took personal pride and care to not only make sure my friend and I were able to eat, but eat beautifully and without worry. Honesty, integrity and pride were all behind Osteria's full staff (from host to wait staff to kitchen-- which is brillant teamwork) to deliver an excellent experience after an arduous day. Our server Mike was an awesome dude to make sure all was recognized and confirmed all details were set to ensure all went well. Good sense of humor and excellent attentiveness. The food, again, was delicious! Gnocchi was beautiful and flavors so simple yet rich and perfect as an italian grandmother would do... Risotto with spinach and shrimp was freaking amazing and just robust and fab with every bite... carpacchio with fennel root, rocket(arugula), shaved parma and olive oil was just a burst of subtle but full flavor..procuitto with fresh fresh buffalo water mozzarella was a dish you hope never ends. This is a place that reflects the true beauty of what a chef wants to deliver: quality, uncomplicated, delicious food, solid, well made drinks, excellent service from every level, front and back of house combined. You guys are a true favorite every mine each time I've come to Chicago in the past 6 months, making this my 6th time I've eaten here, and I always intend on at least one meal at osteria for every upcoming visit. Thank you
(5)
Brandon F.
There were 4 of us out, 2 pasta dishes, the chicken breast, and I had the Sea Bass. Unfortunately not everything was timed very well, both pasta dishes came out cold, but the chicken and fish were perfect. Server was decent, had a good knowledge of the menu and the wine list. However, was a bit disengaged and lacked any kind of enthusiasm. Not looking for a performance, but it is nice when the server takes an interest in the table.
(3)
Nick B.
After La Madia, this is my favorite pizza place in the city. Surprisingly, it's not even because of the pizza. Osteria via Stato has turned into my unofficial after work drinks spot. It's rarely crowded before 6 and I'm always seated promptly. Before I talk about the food, I want to say how Osteria has outstanding service. The waiters and hosts are always friendly, attentive, and helpful. I typically sit on the pizza side, it's a little smaller, darker, and feels like a dinky old Italian kitchen. Which is awesome. The bread and oil that you start with is just unreal. I don't know how they flavor their bread, but it's always baked to perfection. The martinis are stiff, which is always an automatic plus. Depending on my mood I switch between the cheese pizza, margherita pizza, or the spectacular celery Caesar salad. Recently, I went with the cheese pizza. It's insanely thin and light which is a breathe of fresh air to most local pizzerias. I really can't find a complaint. In the bustling downtown, loop, and River North area, the latest after work trendy hot spots are jammed, but not Osteria! Osteria via Stato has my highest recommendation. Love it!
(5)
Nelson H.
After standing there for a good 5 minutes flip flopping like John Kerry on whether to eat in the pizzeria dining area, or the formal dining area (2 different menus, gotta choose 1), the hostess suggested the bar/demilitarized zone where you can order from BOTH menus. Sold. In the lead-off spot was the creamy polenta w/ wild mushrooms which was creamy goodness. My taste buds forced me to use pieces of bread to wipe the dish clean of its tasty sauce. Next was the arugula salad w/ bacon and dates I think, which was the tasty green portion of the meal that makes you think it's ok to stuff your face w/ food. The 3rd dish of the night was the penne w/ spicy tomato cream and chicken, which continued the trend of good food. Similar to the polenta dish, I once again ripped pieces of bread to sop up the creamy, antioxidant-filled, non-artery-clogging sauce (that's what I had to tell myself, after all, it was tomato based right?). And finally, in the clean-up position, we topped it all off (more like went over the top) with the special pizza: mushroom/goat cheese/leek. Had a flaky thin crust, and after forcing down a few slices, I had to throw in the towel. All that washed down with Two Guys Monarch beer... not bad, not bad at all. Will definitely be back in the future, and will definitely sit at the bar again to have the 'best of both worlds'.
(4)
Abby L.
Visiting from the west coast where traditional southern Italian cooking is in shorter supply, I enjoyed my meal at OVS. The sauce on the ragu papperdelle dish was the right amount of tomatoe and spice, and the variety of meats blended well. A good drink, good bread, very nice arugula salad, not especially imaginative (although I was surprised I liked the dates with arugula in the salad as much as I did and was surprised by the inclusion too) but a good example of old style restaurant Italian. Service was attentive. I'd definitely go back.
(3)
Leigh A.
We had the dinner party menu.....great food, great value. We could easily have done without the entree and still have been stuffed. Service was excellent and we loved everything we tasted. Awesome!
(5)
Ellen R.
Gracious service. Excellent dinner. Probably the best salmon ever!
(4)
Ang R.
Totally decent Italian in a touristy part of town. We had a GC to spend, so decided to try a new LEYE restaurant, and chose this one. Just looking at the menu, I found the idea of sides of pasta appealing--choose two small plates of pasta instead of one big one--because I love to taste as much as I can at restaurants. With that concept in mind, we ordered appetizers. I had the potatoes with lemon aioli, and the aioli, and I can think of no other way to say this, was luscious. I'm a sucker for savory lemon foods anyway, and this was just. so. good. The potatoes were a little greasy, but since they're simply a vessel for getting aioli into your mouth, thumbs up! He had the prosciutto and mozzarella, which was half good, half bad. The prosciutto itself was perfect--La Quercia, which equals good. But the mozzarella wasn't so good, and the portions were off. 25% of a mozzarella ball and TONS of prosciutto? We're not complaining, but it was a little strange. For main dishes, he ordered the spinach ravioli, which was really, really good. It's not a huge portion even at full size, so it was perfect after the apps. The presentation is very simple: butter, truffle oil, ravioli. It tasted fresh, and you can't ask for more. I did experiment, and ordered half portions of the cavatelli with mushrooms and the rigatoni with chicken ragu. I have to say that the cavatelli was transcendent. Easily one of the better pasta dishes I've had in Chicago. The chicken ragu was...ordinary. I would never order it again, but I plan on inhaling some of that cavatelli again, I can promise you that. Yep. Pretty yum, all around. Not too expensive, either.
(4)
Sarah S.
Made dinner reservations here before going to see Shrek the Musical. We were seated right away. They brought us fresh-baked bread with roasted garlic and balsamic olive oil-amazing!! My mom and I got a glass of their red sangria. The apple chunks in it tasted like they had cinnamon. It was some of the best sangria i've ever had. We ordered a caprese salad to share as a starter. The tomatoes were roasted and the mozzarella tasted very fresh. They served it with toasted bread. All very, very good! For my main dish, I had the hand-made spinach ravioli. Best ravioli i've ever had!! The mixture of spinach and ricotta is one of my favorites. The ravioli was topped with fresh parmesan and olive oil. There were only 5 pieces of ravioli, but it was definitely enough to fill me up! For dessert, we split the gelato platter. We had burnt caramel, chocolate hazlenut and peach. The chocolate hazlenut was my favorite, but they were all very good.
(5)
Michael C.
Nice setting with both outside and inside service. Interesting offerings at reasonable prices. Service was good to great and the flavors were excellent. I would definately go again.
(5)
Anne C.
I'm a sucker for a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant and Osteria Via Stato is no exception. The service was fantastic-- we were seated quickly and the waitress was really good at serving it back to my sarcastic dad. Dinner was wonderful and everyone raved about it-- we started by sharing two salads and an antipasti board, which had a really nice selection. Everyone was a huge fan of the dipping olive oil with balsamic and roasted garlic cloves-- nice touch. Between the four of us we each had a different entree: a risotto, a steak, pasta, and polenta and each one of us were very happy with our meals. And don't skip dessert! Delicious cheesecake and a fun selection of gelato flavors. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Tam H.
I'm so glad that I booked online for this restaurant. If I had not, we would have endured a serious wait to just eat. I would encourage those curious about checking out their food to book on OpenTable to get a seat. the place was definitely crowded and very noisy. There are two sides which is the Pizzeria Via Strato and Osteria Via Strato. This is very important to know when making a reservation because one is very casual and Osteria is a bit upscale. If you are tourist, this is a great location to meet up because it's in the heart of downtown Chicago and allows you to walk to many places. The food is pretty decent on the Osteria side. We had the caprese salad along with the Gnocchi. Both were made fresh that day. In addition, the roasted garlic with the bread is truly amazing. I guess you could say I am a Garlic Fanatic! It was so fresh. I had to hold back and not eat too much...I didn't want my date to think I was REALLY hungry! LOL! The Gnoochi was definitely pleasing and very tasty! The waitstaff was very attentive and really offered great service. Overall, my date and I really enjoyed ourselves and plan on going back!
(4)
Brett F.
I love this place...... the prix fixe "Italian Family Style Dinner" is a must! I dont remember the p/person cost off the top of my head but I know it was very reasonable for everything that comes to the table (in unlimited amounts!) The restaurant is pretty inside with a rustic feel... great wine list and downright amazing food. With the exception of your main entree which you select from a list of nightly specials you can requests seconds, thirds, etc. of any of the antipasti they bring to the table. Cold cuts and cheeses, salads, meatballs, amazing grilled fennel or grilled onions with Parmesan... two different kinds of pastas (usually a marinara based and a butter or white sauce based). YUMMMMMMYYYYY!!! 4.5 stars just because I've had trouble a few times getting seated at the time of my actual reservation... usually end up having a glass (or two) of wine at the bar while we've had to wait for our table. I think it's hard for them to gauge how long people will actually occupy tables since it's open ended portion-wise and dinners are long here. But that's their problem, not mine... figure something out so I'm not standing around for 30 minutes.
(4)
Jonathan A.
loved the food here. atmosphere was sorta noisy for the night we went. but i liked the appetizer and entrees we ordered. Will come here again!
(4)
Milly P.
I've never eaten at the restaurant itself, I've only ordered out from here (thanks to CEO deliveries). I have probably ordered about 30 times from here which proves that it is a solid, reliable restaurant. We get - the olives (hit or miss, sometimes they taste a little over-cured) lamb meat balls seafood stew pasta with the mushrooms parm crusted onion spinach ravioli pasta with carbonara sauce All of these are well-made and you are satisfied after eating it. This place is good for decent, satisfying Italian food. Note, I do like Pizzeria Via Stato much more!
(4)
Kate S.
I really like Osteria and continue to come back for the friendly service and yummy salads and pizzas. My only complaint is that they have one glass of Pinot Noir by the glass and it's not that good. It's also $14 which is aggravating because I've had great Pinot Noir by the glass around the $10-$11 price point. I recommend sitting in either section (the dining room or the bar/pizzeria). Portions and prices are great. I'll be back!
(4)
Chester W.
I was wasted when I came here. Was packed on a Friday night, service was attentive and the food was solid. Don't exactly remember what I had, but the pasta was al dente. 3 stars because I was starving and the place still didn't blow me away. Would be willing to go again in a more sober state.
(3)
Lauren D.
This restaurant is fine. Not great, not superb. Just fine. In fact, if it were to suddenly shut down I don't think I'd shed a tear. As far as Lettuce restaurants go, I think this one is at the bottom of the barrel. The interior seems to be what every Italian restaurant shoots for - some kind of replica of some quaint little place in Italy that ends up looking like a chain. Our server was completely boring with no personality whatsoever, and the food echoed him. My ravioli tasted like olive oil. The ragu sauce was infinitely better, although still pretty plain. The chicken mario, their "famous" dish, was decent for chicken but nothing I'd write home about. For dessert, I went for the chocolate creme brulee which was - you guessed it - fine. If I had to go back, I'd probably sit in the osteria part where they serve pizza. More casual and smelled a lot better. **On Sunday, they wave the corkage fee if you bring your own bottle of wine.
(3)
D F.
This place is a really fun place to head when you want to have a good meal and not pay through the nose. You get a good portion size for all dishes. Love the appetizer selections with the diverse and authentic options. Main courses and specials are seasonal, fresh and delicious. I have so much fun with the wine list every time I go. Mark, a server there, is so good at matching and making my wine choices into an adventure and takes great care of me every single time I go. Haven't had a bad meal here in my five visits. Only negative is the food can be unsubstitutable for people with dietary restrictions like my gf....but i am sure that it will be remedied sooner than later...
(4)
Maija D.
This is my new favorite restaurant! The decor is rustic and inviting, and the staff must be hand picked by central casting.They were wonderful .. Now the food was downright wonderful. I ordered the braised beef rib with cauliflower puree and we began with a perfect chopped salad. We also had the tastiest mashed sweet potatoes and rapini that was so fabulously tasty! My braised beef rib was THE besr I have ever experienced ...so incredibly tender that it was really like butter & melted in my mouth with sensations of caramelized beef. One of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure to dine on. I did meet cher DiGregorio and thanked him. Please try this very very good non stuffy amd moderately quite restaurant.
(5)
Poppy F.
I had this yummy Celery Salad and a little Margerita Pizza, simple meal...but super yummy, fresh and realxing environment and very nice bartender Patrick.
(5)
Andrea C.
oh my gosh...YUM. came here this past weekend w/the bf, his sister and husband and their 2.5 year old niece. -+1 star for being so especially accommodating and sweet w/bella, the little 2.5 year old ball of energy(had a kids menu, high chair, the whole deal) -+4 for the food. holy DELICIOUS. all of us had pizza and it was delicious. in a world of deep dish, these guys know thin crust and do it right. bf had the pepperoni, his sis had a pizza w/asparagus and her husband and i had the "pizza of the month", which was a garlic+cheese+savory/tangy combination. there were several other items on the menu that looked amazing as well. finally, to top off our great experience, everything was VERY reasonably priced (especially for a downtown joint) and the service was great! i often find that downtown venues are overrated so this was a pleasant and tasty surprise.
(5)
Suzy C.
I am SO disappointed. I think I have an old review on this place about my experience there few times years ago where I gave it four stars. It has clearly gone down the drain in the three or so years that I took a hiatus. I first came here when it opened and I loved it. Yesterday, I walked away SO disappointed. Most importantly, they committed the cardinal sin of over salting their food. I still feel sick from it. J and I liked couple of the dishes but by the time our main entrees came, we couldn't even eat it, it was so salty and disappointing. The quality of the food went WAY down that I had to re-review and give it a crappy rating. What a shame. This will be one of those restaurants that will close down in a few years time...
(2)
Christina P.
When my parents come to visit me - I get a wave of anxiety and panic on where we'll dine. This is of course due to their wonderfully particular nature. That's why, I was beyond thrilled that we chose Osteria Via Stato for our Friday night meal. It's a great place to take parents. Trendy, but not too pricey. Social, but not noisy. Cavernous, but not too dark. It really was the perfect place to spend a few hours for great conversation. The meals are standard Italian with a kick - such as the asparagus & scallop risotto special (um, yum!) The wine list is extensive and served in various sizes. I also loved that they offer a more casual dining option with the Pizzeria space. But I do recommend the Osteria for a more intimate dining experience.
(4)
Mihir P.
Another decent place in Chicago for thin crust pizza. The dining room is dark and somewhat romantic. Somewhat because it also has that casual Italian "red checker" feel to it. The music is great - they got Depeche Mode, New Order, U2 and The Violent Femmes flowing through the speakers. I recommend that you get the House - Marinated Olives. They are quite tasty with the rosemary and lemon. We got to try the Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine since the waiter brought us the wrong appetizer. When he delivered it, we told him it was the wrong one but he said to keep it as it was going to go in the trash anyhow. It is also worth getting if you like fresh mozzarella. We had a pepperoni pizza for the main course which was OK. But the pepperoni was WAY too salty compared to all the other ones I've had in my life. Next time I'll order a different topping. I have to say that for the decor and service and the overall quality of food that OVS is quite overpriced for what you get. If you've ever been to Quartino's across the street, you'll know what I mean.
(3)
Kitty R.
Loved it! A very pleasant surprise during RW. Everything was phenomenal. The pork shank was one of the top 5 things I've eaten in my lifetime. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Alana S.
Minus the couple fighting at the table next to us, everything was amazing!
(5)
sugi o.
I always passed by this place and wanted to try it and finally got to dine here last night. I'm not a fan of the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants but we decided to give it a shot anyway. The restaurant itself was cute with a fireplace and cozy feel to it. We saw the whole dinner party menu but couldn't do it... it just looked like too much food. So, we decided to go a la carte instead. We started with the caprese which was fine.. your basic mozerella and tomato salad which they serve with toast points. For entrees, we had the chicken mario which I think the server described as chicken breast roasted or baked in butter. It was very good (what's not to like about anything cooked in butter) but really tiny... The fiance had the pappardelle with the chef's Signature 3-Meat Ragu and that was just like cafeteria style pasta. Noodles are not home made and the sauce was so weak (cmon, that's the chef's signature sauce???!). With all the good italian options in Chicago, I will not be dining here again. I gave another Lettuce Entertain You joint a chance.. and it failed me again. We brought our own bottle of wine as we had picked up a few from our trip to Napa and corkage was $25.
(2)
Michael O.
Let me start by saying I wish I would have not had so many snacks at the hotel before dining here. The set Italian dinner party menu seemed like a great deal, giving you unlimited seconds, thirds, and fourths (if you can fit it in your belt straps) of their starters and a pasta. We ended up opting for the a la carte menu because we didn't have all that much room. The bread was crusty on the outside and warm and doughy on the inside. The aged balsamic and garlic clove mix was a delicious complement. I thought the polenta with mushrooms was good although a tad salty. The calamari was very fresh and its batter didn't overpower the flavors. The penne dish left me wishing it had been a little better. Although the pasta was cooked al dente, it didn't have any flavors that screamed, your going to remember eating this tomorrow. Our service was impeccable...some of the most friendly wait staff and extremely attentive to anything you need. Here's a helpful, important tip to make sure you can enjoy your meal. The restaurant is so warm inside. We both had sweaters on and it was hard to enjoy the meal at points because it was so uncomfortably hot inside.
(4)
Lisa B.
Great for a large group....our party of 35 had a blast last week here! The staff were accommodating, friendly and never missed a beat. The house salad was surprisingly delicious and the entrees all arrived hot and were enjoyed by all. The pappardelle with bolognese, the shortribs on polenta and the lemon chicken were standouts, Only disappointment was the chocolate tart served for dessert. But all in all very impressive. I will be back.
(4)
Gwendolyn H.
I took my mother and some family here for her 50th birthday because they claim to have a gluten-free menu. When we arrived, not only did they not have a menu, but the wait-staff didn't understand what gluten-free really meant. My mother was able to design her own gluten-free entree off the menu, but I was hoping for a better dining experience. At another point in the evening, the waiter made fun of my sister for not knowing what kind of cocktail she might like - suggesting she was like a high school kid choosing a drink. We all ordered steaks which were very good and perfectly cooked through. The wine list was pretty extensive. I wouldn't suggest the place if you're taking someone here to impress them... or if you're going in a larger group. This place is good for just a few people who want a good meal... don't expect much else.
(3)
Kate S.
Well I'm not eating today. I'm still stuffed from last night's first visit to Osteria. We booked on OpenTable (still working towards that $20 gift certificate!) and walked into the beautiful front dining room to check in. We were promptly seated at a wonderful table in the smaller dining room to the right of the host stand. The service was great! The waitstaff removed plates very quickly which was good because ordering the Italian Dinner Party = tons of plates! Our wonderful waitress was knowledgeable about their wine list, and recommended two wonderful bottles! The food was DELICIOUS, but we were almost too full to start on our entrees when they arrived. Definitely FAST before you come if you're going to get the Italian Dinner party (fixed price option)! To start, the veal meatballs, bread with garlic vinegar, and salad were delicious. We each chose an entree, and 3 of us got the special of the night, the skirt steak marinated with dijon mustard and a bunch of other stuff! Another friend chose the short ribs, and all of us were just raving about our meals! Unexpectedly, one of my favorite dishes was the cheesy onions. Give them a try! Just when we'd put our napkins on the table and leaned back into post-meal food comas, we were brought some of the chef's chocolate. They broke the bar at the table, and threw some almonds and candied fruit over top. I mean, I'll never turn down chocolate, whether or not I've just eaten my weight in food! The bottom line: Great service, great food, great atmosphere, great location. Can't wait to go back!!!!
(5)
Traci T.
I was actually told about this place by a former food critic whose opinion I hold very highly, so I wasn't at all surprised to have a great experience here. The Italian dinner party is an excellent choice, especially if you're visiting the area and want to get a taste of an enormous amount of real Italian food. Be patient as they bring it out- it is all you can eat, but it's also a gut bomb. I'd wait til you've received all of the courses before requesting more. Also, if you order this they "prefer" (I don't know if prefer means "insist") that everyone in your party order this as well. My only little complaints- I don't know if this has to do with when we were there (a weekend evening), but the place was very loud and bustling which was a bit of a strange contrast with the muted romantic atmosphere created by the candlelight and fancy table setting. Also, they quit serving dessert with the Italian Dinner party. You can order it separate, but like I said, tiny gripe. All in all, I'd come back if I were in the mood for a boatload of fancyesque prepared Italian food that I don't want to make myself.
(4)
Nick S.
I came here with a party of eight for a birthday. I think it's a great place to go with 6 or more. You sit at these rustic, elegant picnic tables and chow. It's hard to describe the experience because it's somewhat upscale and sort of casual. Osteria Via Stato is a Lettuce Entertain restaurant, so you pretty know what to expect. Their standards are very high.
(4)
Niki C.
I've been here twice, both with my bosses. The first time was a company-wide dinner. We had a blast, sharing food family-style at a large table. The second time was a smaller dinner with a client. Both times, we were greeted warmly & taken very good care of by our server. We were given suggestions on all items, which we took advantage of, making a very delicious meal all-around. The food was great, the atmosphere was wonderful, & the staff was fantastic. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Stephan J.
Great Italian food in a quaint and cozy environment. The food was amazing and the service was attentive. I loved the pasta dishes. They also had a nice seasonl menu featuring local ingredients.
(5)
Megan L.
Several years back, my friends would come here pretty regularly for happy hour, but I was working in the suburbs so I never managed to check it out. Happily, tonight that changed. After dinner, my friend and I decided we wanted another glass of wine (or two or three), so we dropped in to Osteria. They couldn't have been more accommodating! The bar was full, but they were more than willing to give us a table. And our server, Brian, was extremely knowledgeable about the wine list, and made some great recommendations for us. He was super friendly, and didn't try to push us to something more expensive or try to pressure us into getting food. I rarely rave about a server (check my other reviews, if you doubt me), but he was great. They had a nice selection of reasonably priced wines, and while we didn't eat, I can tell you that the pizza smelled phenomenal - we're definitely going to go back for dinner. One downside - this place is connected to the Embassy Suites, and while there's a ladies room right outside the bar (in the lobby), if you're a guy, you have to go up some stairs, around a business center, and follow the yellow brick road if you have to pee. Seriously - it's a haul - I followed my friend there on our way out. Had I been alone, I might not have found my way back. Anywho. Good wine, great smelling food (I'll update the review once I eat there), but a men's room in Canada, which costs them a star.
(4)
barbara r.
Went with friends the Sat. night before St Patty's Day. We had a fabulous waiter named David, feasted on ribeyes and porkchops, drank delicious wines, and thoroughly enjoyed the festive atmosphere.This is my new "go to place" in Chicago.
(4)
Katherine R.
I went here for the first time for the 20 wines for $20 and had a great time. It was my parents first wine tasting and the wine (seller's?) people could not have been nicer. They answered all their questions without annoyance (they had a lot) and were very informative and interesting about each wine they poured. Alpana Singh was the host, so it was pretty cool to meet her- she was also super nice and interesting to talk to. Another plus of the night was the appetizers. Heirloom tomatoes are/were in season and each appetizer had heirloom tomatoes included. The bruschetta was awesome, the margherita pizza with tri-colore tomatoes was fantastic. We couldn't get enough! That portion of the review gets 5 stars for sure. After the wine tasting we got dinner in the restaurant. This is where I'd have to say 3.5 stars, but I rounded up on the star o' meter. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer which was good and I had the scallops -which I loved. Not one compliant or gripe to say about those, only that I wish there were more they were so good! My friend got the roast chicken which she just said, "eh" to. My mom just got a side of pasta as she was a little "full" from the wine tasting. I don't remember what my Dad had, which can be taken either way. All of the staff, especially the Maître D, could not have been nicer or more accommodating, except our server. I'm not really sure what his problem was but he had a horrible attitude. We were all in a good mood, having drinks so I'm not sure how he could have picked up some sort of 'vibe' with us to be so, well, rude. He definitely put a bit of a damper on the night. The food here and the rest of the staff was great, so it will not deter me from returning. Just maybe...look out for the male server with the crappy attitude. Geez!
(4)
Mista C.
This place is AMAZING. Perfect for a fancy date. Although a little dark inside, the music was subtle and in good taste which made it a very romantic place. The food was well worth the money-really a great value considering the quality of the food. They have this thing where you can order a series of different wines, which is fun because you get to try several wines at a discounted price. And I can't say enough about the service-it was absolutely perfect. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone and will definitely be going back.
(5)
Stephen R.
Good solid food, service was outstanding and the food quality was solid. Nothing exciting but just solid all around. Nothing here will wow you but its just rock solid.
(3)
Andrew T.
Had a pretty decent meal here here for RW. Unlimited antipasto is great. Salad, grilled onions with cheese, mozzarella balls in olive oil and red chili flakes, olives (with pits) and mini veal meatballs. Then the braised short ribs, which was not good at all, it just felt like a cheap peace of meat that they tried to dress up. Came with sides of polenta and grilled brussel sprouts with bacon which were better than the actual dish. And vanilla gelato which was excellent. Ordered the "wine me" option and the wine seemed to have been breathing a bit much..
(3)
Alissa K.
I'm so glad to read that everyone else loved the food here too! I was impressed from the moment I walked in the door. The ambiance is very nice, dark, candlelit, and rustic, can be romantic but there were also business people, friends, and groups dining so it wasn't super intimate. The food was great. They start you out with bread and roasted garlic, oil and vinegar which was delicious. We got the appetizer with pecorino cheese and spinach. It came with crispy bread. The dish was delicious, not super greasy or salty like your average spinach dip and almost kind of sweet. The main dishes were excellent as well. My date got the Chicken Mario which had delicious flavor and something on top that gave it almost a crispy, fried feeling. I got the Hand-Rolled Cavatelli with Mushrooms. So delicious. It wasn't overly rich and there were plenty of two different kinds of mushrooms to make it feel like I wasn't just eating pasta. After such delicious food we of course had to give dessert a try. We got the gelato platter which comes with three flavors that you can choose. We chose Chocolate Hazelnut, Burnt Caramel and Almond. They were all superb, but I liked the Burnt Caramel best because it was super sweet. To avoid some of the problems listed in other reviews, go on a weeknight! Our waiter was perfectly attentive, but not overbearing or rushed and we had no problem getting a table at 7:30. I don't often say I would go back to a restaurant, but I would definitely go back here!
(5)
Matt L.
It's taken me years to swallow my pride and walk in here. See, Papagus, the restaurant that used to occupy this space, was the shit. All the goodness of Greektown, without the parking tragedies and long waits. Ok, so maybe that's a stretch, since my family used to walk to Papagus and we'd eat dinner at like 4:30 pm, but whatever... Anyway, I'd heard a rumor about this cavatelli with mushroom sauce. Well the rumors proved true. The cavatelli IS dating Serena Van Der Woodson. Hot! Oh wait, did I say "dating Serena Van Der Woodson"? I meant "very good". Sorry. Let this be a lesson kids. Never write a review while you're thinking about Gossip Girl. So yeah, my slightly dirty martini was pretty Chuck Bass. The bartender was Vanessa to us, and gave us this chocolate thing on the house. The prices were in line, or even Dan Humphrey for the neighborhood. Not sure anything here is going to Blair your mind, but if you're on the Upper East Side, I think it's worth a stop.
(4)
lesley s.
We had the fixed menu since there were 13 of us dining together, and we were all extremely happy with our food. In a moment of cleverness, a friend and I ordered the filet and the whitefish and shared them (one of my favorite things to do at a restaurant) and I'd have to say the filet was slightly more delicious. The antipasti, pasta, and sides were all fantastic too and I truly cannot think of a better way to end a meal than with pistachio gelato and limoncello. That being said, the food is probably worth 5 stars, but I took it down a notch because of our snooty server. It's a nice place -- I get it -- but I've never quite understood why that entitles waiters to make rude comments to guests. A fellow yelper (who shall remain nameless) asked our waiter a simple question about local beers and got a less-than-polite response, which really annoyed us! I'm not going to dwell on it, but it definitely made an impression on me and will make me think twice the next time I have $100+ to spend on my meal (it could be awhile).
(4)
Nick G.
Really nice place to eat. Very creative menu and great specials. I had a risotto special with wild mushrooms that really was great. It was tough for me to chose to stay at the hotel and eat because I was looking forward to trying some "local" food in Chicago, I was not disappointed at all. Really good food. I suppose a little pricey, but then again this is downtown Chicago and that is to be expected. I was surprised to find out that this was part of a chain because it didn't have that feel at all. Very classy, comfortable, and decent food. My chocolate desert bar was decent, but it was like a glorified Hershey bar (tasted much better) but not what I was expecting.
(4)
Lindsay R.
The best wine sampling deal downtown! The "Summer Sips" is a wonderful wine tasting of a Red, Rose and White wine for $15. The sampling of each were very large. It was wonderful. I ordered the sausage pizza, in which I only finished half, and it was good, not the best pizza I've ever had but good. Our service was extremely fast and helpful, maybe too fast when they took my boyfriends plate when he was still chewing. Actually he hadn't finished his last piece of bread even. I've never had better dinner bread before Osteria's. It was truly amazing, fresh and soft bread. An overall good experience.
(4)
D H.
I find myself eating here quite regularly even though there are lots of great restaurants within a few blocks. The reason? Great Pizza! I am not a fan of the local deep dish variety, but the thin, bubbly, chewy crust on these make my mouth water just thinking about it. I always go with the Pizza of the month and have never been disappointed.
(4)
Thom P.
I have to say I was a little skeptical getting Pizza in the "hotel" restaurant, but wow what a delight. The pizza was super thin wood oven pizza and it was outstanding!!! I'm not the biggest fan of sausage pizza but my son ordered it and it left me wanting more! This place is a secret little gem for those who love thin wood oven pizza!!! Our server Angelo was great too... I will be back!
(5)
Jess P.
Chose this place because of the good reviews and the Lettuce Entertain you giftcard burning a hole in my wallet .... We ordered wine, artisan cheese plate, Calabrese potatoes, and the paparedelle with the 3-meat ragu--not the greatest. The wine was okay...but expensive and the cheese plate was expensive and only had 3 pieces of cheese....WARM cheese--parmesian reggiano is not supposed to be served warm? what happened to the cold cheese plate! Also...the paparedelle was ok (not homemade pasta) and the sauce was rather sweet (it was decent after I added about a pound of red pepper)... Food took forever to come...and our waited acted annoyed he was a waiter since the moment we arrived (we waited a good 20 mins before he even came over...with no apologies)..also, when I asked what meats were on the "meat plate appetizer" he said I don't know I'll ask and it took him 15 min to do so...and he acted annoyed....sorry I don't want to waste $15 on "cold cuts" that consist of crappy jewel salami.--perhaps the waitstaff should be educated on Italian food... When we got the bill it was ridiculous! For the amount and quality of the food and experience it was entirely tooooo much! Needless to say I will not be going back and my mission to find authentic, delicious Italian food in the city has failed again... PLEASE if ANYONE knows a delicious authentic Italian restaurant plz message me and let me know!!
(3)
Jenni S.
Drinks only--but oh, what drinks they were! Adam Seger's the head mixologist here--you might also know his liquid masterpieces from Nacional 27 and other joints in town. The legend of his baconcello (pancetta- and apple-infused vodka, capped off with lime, maple, and a pancetta swizzle stick) brought me here. Alas, I was too late--too exotic for most people, the beverage had been taken off the menu, so I couldn't try it. Boo! However, the other handcrafted cocktails more than made up for my disappointment. I started with the strawberry-rhubarb martini--fresh-muddled fruit with tequila, served in a salted martini glass, tasted just like summer pouring down my throat. Then the orange Dreamsicle martini, a drink I've had other places but never enjoyed it as much as I did here. Finally, Osteria's 'fresh' amaretto sour (meaning the sour mix was freshly made, not poured out of a dusty old bottle)--my favorite classic mixed drink, and now I have a new favorite place for it. I need to go back for dinner--if the food as as awesome as the beverages, that fifth star will go right up with its four brothers.
(4)
George K.
In a one-third-full restaurant, we were shown to our table back next to the waiters station. After objecting, we were moved to a nicer one. I then watched them then try to seat other parties back there. Why do they insult their patrons this way when perfectly acceptable tables are wide open? After proclaiming that the wine we ordered was corked, another bottle was presented of a different vintage. Of course this was at a higher price. I hate this kind of vintage switching. Food got generally high marks, although one member of our party found it over-salted (tourist-pandering).
(2)
Jessica L.
I went here with my boyfriend last night for dinner... Everything was great! Our server Jackie was super polite and attentive. Everything we ordered was delicious... The bread they bring out with the olive oil, balsamic vinegarette, and roasted garlic was absolutely delicious. It got to the point where I had to tell my boyfriend to pull it away from me because I didn't want to get full off of it. For our appetizer, we ordered the veal meatballs. Just about the best meatballs I've ever had in my entire life! The literally melted in your mouth! I want some, now that I'm thinking about them. I ordered their white peach bellini. It was very yummy.. A bit tart, but yummy... For our entrees, I ordered The Seafood linguine... The scallops, shrimps, and calamari were all perfect. The spicy tomato-ish sauce that it came with was absolutely divine... It was a bit spicy, but not unbearable or overpowering.. it had the perfect kick! My lova boy ordered their flounder special. He could not stop ranting and raving about it! It was very delicious (of course I tasted it!)... It was a piece of flounder with these yummy little scalloped potato thingies, and very large pieces of ruby red grapefruit surrounding the flounder. All of it was perfect! I cannot wait to go back! Oh wait! I almost forgot the best freakin part!! RICOTTA CHEESCAKE! [GASP!] Amazing. Delicious. Perfect. Orgasmic. Magnificent. Out of this world. Fan-freakin-tastic! Ok, now I'm done... Yes, everything was great- from the service, all the way to the food. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Cindy O.
All I can say it great food and perfect service. My server was pleasant, polite and always there to answer questions but not in your face - get it? I had the beet salad which was very good with tender beets and arugula followed by the homemade cavatelli in a wild mushroom ragu.....amazing. Traveling for business I rarely take leftovers for lunch the next day but definitely did with this. The server knew how much I loved the marinated roasted garlic cloves in balsamic and olive oil with fresh Italian bread so she added this to my take-out. Nice touch. I really wanted the risotto with pork bellies and squash so maybe tomorrow night, if they still have it. The chef has a different risotto each night I believe. This restaurant ,for a road warrior, is nicely situated within the Embassy Suites Hotel on State St. It was an ugly, rainy night and after taxi fiasco's this was a warm, lovely place to dine at the end of my work day. For dessert I had the apple crostada with their homemade coconut gelato. It is on the menu with vanilla gelato but they also had coconut so I asked for it to be substituted fore the vanilla. So roasted marinated garlic cloves with fresh, crusty Italian bread, perfect beet salad, homemade cavatelli with mushroom ragu and apple crostada dessert with coconut gelato all for $32.00. YUM!! Not to mention the great service.
(5)
Sara K.
A group of 10 of us had dinner for my roommates birthday and the experience could not have been better! A couple girls were late for the reso and they insisted it wasn't a problem. When we did sit, there were flowers and glasses of champaign waiting for us at the table! Nice touch! Our server, Eva, was so sweet and attentive and helpful with the wine! The food... Amazing! The polenta and the gnocchi was the best I've had! Everything was great! Atmosphere, food, staff, wine! We have a lot of nights out and it seems costumer service has gone down hill in Chicago, which is so disappointing, it was wonderful to have a beautiful evening without worrying about some bitchy server! If there's one downfall... There's only 1 bathroom and the restaurant is attached to a hotel under constitution with a bathroom impossible to find. But all in all, highly recommended!!!
(5)
Ann M.
I had the Bring me Lunch...Pronto special and it was delish. The salad was a farro and summer vegetable medley, I ordered the Roasted Fennel pizza which was pitch perfect and the sliver of chocolate tart was an indulgent finish. Decent service and pleasant ambiance.
(3)
Julia T.
I visited with a larger group (six) and the food was delicious...however....the waiter kind of gave me a difficult time about wanting to order gluten free. Wait, what?? If you have gluten free noodles, why can't I have them? Oh, they take longer to cook. And you have to change the water. Oh, sorry, am I not at a restaurant? When I finally was able to get my meal it was quite tasty.
(3)
Nicole N.
SO happy we stumbled on this place for our Italian craving! We sat on the patio (quaint, a little loud when trying to order but didn't impact conversation much). We shared the octopus and fingerling potato app, stellar! Great citrus notes and perfectly cooked octopus with soft potato and garlic were a delight. I had a watermelon, fennel, and arugula salad, which was great to start but when I added a sliver of parm from hubbys salad became mind blowing. The server brought me a side of parm for the rest of my salad and I practically licked the plate. I had the gnocchi with sage and brown butter, possibly the best version I've ever had. They make it with ricotta so they are lighter than potato gnocchi. They also had a nice golden brown touch that gave an extra dimension of flavor. A lovely sour cherry crostada finished off my meal with a light biscuity crust and tart/sweet filling. I would have that meal again in a heartbeat!
(5)
Chirag P.
Been here twice (most recently today for lunch). The first time was for a wine tasting which was hosted by Osteria and Alpana Singh from Check Please on WTTW. Anyways, during that wine tasting they had delicious hors d'oeuvres from the restaurant... unfortunately it was 2 years ago, so i'm drawing a blank on what, but it was all good. For lunch today I went with their Pronto Lunch which has the soup of the day, a pizza or sandwich and dessert. The soup was a cream of potato with roasted chicken, it was delicious... not too heavy as I usually think with a cream of potato. I got their version of a "BLT" for my sandwich it looked and tasted amazing, not sure what they did with the bacon, but it was perfectly crisp, with just a slight taste of honey. And dessert... a chocolate torte with candied fruit garnish, i licked the plate clean, enough said. My co-worker had the "Americano" pizza, can't remember what was on it, but she said it was amazing and I'll take her word for it, since she devoured it. The restaurant itself has a rustic vibe, dark. I was there for lunch so not as packed, but still a steady stream of people during the meal.
(4)
Jason M.
Where do I start? We first enter the building. The hostess asks us what menu we would like? What? Sounds like a restaurant trying to do too much. The hostess was a little condescending too. We get seated. The complimentary bottled water was nice. The waiter seemed nice at first. He takes our drink order. Then we look at the menu. The menu is kind of all over the place and not very clear. Trying to be too clever. The waiter comes back with our drinks and asks us if we're ready to order. I start asking my girlfriend if she wanted a salad for a starter she says yes. He starts to say "do you need a couple more minutes?" I reply "How big are your salads?" The waiter replies "I'll give you a couple more minutes" and walks away. Thanks a-hole. My girlfriend is shocked because he clearly wasn't listening to my question. The thing I am pissed about is that we got our drinks and felt obliged to drink them because we already had a sip. My girlfriend ordered a cocktail though. I ordered a beer. It was $19 for the two drinks. We slammed the drinks, and asked for the check. The hostess ended up coming back with the check instead of the waiter. We left a $0.50 tip and walked on. I will never go back again.
(1)
Jason M.
Wonderful restaurant! My favorite place to eat in Chicago. The italian food is fresh and seasonal. Their italian menu changes with the seasons. Have only had 1 bad thing on the menu, the waiter took it back and brought something else no questions asked. "Just Bring Me Some Wine" is Osteria Via Stato's 3 wine selection. Nearly always order this and have never been disappointed. We have been there about a dozen times over the past 3 years. Wonder restaurant even better Italian restaurant.
(5)
Peter G.
I only ever get 3 dishes here, and have never gone wrong. The papardelle is perfect, the noodles are fresh and delicious, the ragu is great. Not mind blowing, but just what you want to fill up on any cold night. Always get the roasted parmesan onion appetizer. The special pizzas are great too - they had a special with truffle and sunchoke in the last couple of months that was absolutely incredible. I've had mixed experiences in the dining room here - two good, one bad. They did take care of us very well after the bad exeperience, very well. Takeout never disappoints, though.
(4)
Justin L.
Makes you feel like you are dining at a 4 or 5 star establishment because the service is great. They really care about your dining experience. There was constant tending to beverage levels and dishes. We ate the Italian feast where multiple courses come at you. The antipasto was my favorite part. They offered delectable little meatballs and fresh mozzarella and olive to start. Then came the onion parm bake and a beet salad with feta. The next course was the pasta where a linguine with pesto and a penne with bacon pasta was offered. The main is where I have my problem. I ordered the pork chop and gf ordered the shortrib. Both were extremely over salted. While the cuts were nice and presentation was appealing the taste of salt was just to overwhelming. Overall it seems to be reaching to hit its price point. While the service is excellent and they really do dress up to be considered high end. The food is overall ok but they miss their mark by trying to be what they are not.
(2)
Patrick M.
I wish I had the time to explain how absolutely amazing this restaurant is. My wife and I had our wedding reception here. It was a great decision! Everyone said it was the best meal they had ever had. The Parmesan crusted filet was mouthwatering good. We got to try all the dishes for free when we did our tasting for our wedding. All were great, but the best were the sweet onions and the hand-rolled Cavatelli! We can't wait to go back!
(5)
Aaliya B.
This place was absolutely wonderful. The Italian Family Dinner is the way to go. I just went there on Sunday for my 30th birthday and I was not disappointed. You get all the antipasti, two pastas and one entree for $36 (be careful some entrees add $8 or $12 to the prix fixe price.) The grilled shrimp and calamari salad was so fresh since moving from New York I have missed fresh seafood. Also, both pastas were delicious. We each had a different kind of steak and I had a veal marsala. I would say one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The only reason it wasn't 5 stars is that Josh the waiter was not very attentive or asked at any time how was the meal and if we needed anything. The servers and bar staff inside were super friendly. You MUST GET the ricotta cheesecake but I'm not a fan of blueberries so I asked for caramel on top which was all to die for.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Garage, Street, Validated Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Gerard D.
authentic Italian,Pasta was OK
(4)David S.
We went here for an anniversary dinner last week and I cannot believe how I was treated. We were with several people, couples actually and the server kept making inappropraite comments on my girlfriends chest size. I asked to speak to a manager and was told she wasnt there. Really? The food came and it was so salty I thought I had heart palpitations after eating. My eyes became swollen because of such high salt content and my knees felt weak. To top it off there was a curly hair hair in our cannoli. Thanks guys!
(1)David W.
I was freaking hammered and stuffed by the time the main dish showed up. We had the Italian dinner, with the wine pairing, what they term "just bring me wine". There's different levels of wine depending on how much you want to spend. The wine pairing is what did me in. I usually have 1 glass of wine with my entire meal. We had some nice pours with the pairing.........almost full glasses. The wife had the top level wines, I got the mid level. Towards the end, I was double fisting, both levels... After dinner, we had to goto American Girls to buy her niece a present. I have to say, going to American Girls under the influence makes it much more enjoyable for a guy. So, I can't say whether the food was as good as I remembered because of the wine. I just remember there being alot of food, almost too much. The Italian dinner came with 5 different antipasta, and you get to choose a pasta and meat, and there was even dessert..... I was gorging myself with food and wine. but the service was great, wine decent, food enjoyable, thus the high ranking. I'll return soon, next time, less wine.
(4)Kathryn M.
Absolutely beautiful restaurant! My fiance and I celebrated our anniversary here. The restaurant itself is extremely romantic with low lighting and tea candles. it's a simple, but warm and inviting design. Our waitress was wonderful and knowledgeable about the menu. She picked out two great wines for us, a Chardonnay for me and Chianti for the future husband. We started with roasted potatoes which were excellent. We had a hard time deciding on our entrees, we each decided on the gnocchi and it was perfect. We ended our meal with a flour-less chocolate cake and limencello. It was a perfect evening!
(5)ChiTownJuls A.
I thought this place was great! I sat outside and had a great meal. Their gnochhi is great and a perfect serving, not too big.
(4)ER S.
I hadn't been here in a while, and they've made quite a few changes. Now there's an a la carte menu, but they still encourage the "family dinner", which is what we came for anyway. The level of what's included in the prix fixe has definitely declined. There was only one meat-based item in the appetizers this time... veal meatballs (not my favorite). The others were (a) tiny balls of fresh mozzerella -- three of 'em! (b) sliced onion baked with parmasen, (c) roasted radicchio with a vinaigrette dressing. All pretty low rent. The two pastas were too similar to each other, and they were served in the tiniest bowls I'd ever seen. One was a basic meat sauce (yawn!) and the other was a tasty homemade sausage-based sauce. Finally, the entree list has been expanded a bit, but more than half of the choices had upcharges! (It used to be that the only upcharge was for the steak). And the upcharges were not small... most were $8 and some (like the steak) were $12. We selected entrees that did not have upcharges... I chose the shortribs and my husband had lamb. They were nice, but in no way would those be considered full portions. The whole process only took about an hour... in the past, this was a two hour dinner. I might have felt better if the prices were lower, but this was $39 per person without upcharges! Basically, guys, if you really can't do a good job at $39, raise the price. Don't downscale the food or kill me with upcharges.
(2)Shana W.
This place has so many great reviews I feel like a party pooper for disagreeing, but overall I have to say I would not eat here again. The restaurant was pretty busy for a Tuesday night, with what looked like a lot of people getting together after work and some couples too. The restaurant seemed to be providing good service with this level of activity. Even though I didn't have reservations, I was seated quickly. The bread served before our meal was very good. When I ordered the seafood linguine the waitress wanted to make sure I could handle a spicy dish. I assured her I could. For this reason, I was completely shocked to find my pasta sauce tasted a lot like ketchup. I'm not sure anyone would have a problem with that level of "spice". The scallops and shrimp in the meal were good and well cooked but they would have been much better served alone. My husband's meal was tastier, but not by much. His risotto with beef short ribs really seemed more like Dinty Moore beef stew. Perhaps we happened to order the worst things on the menu, but I don't see how anyone could love this food unless they regularly eat out of a can.
(2)Susan B.
Our party of 4 dined inside , July 9th. Our server greeted us with a negative attitude that continued to deteriorate until my daughter-in-law requested another server. The hostess spoke with our server who then proceeded to be civil but it made for a sub-par evening. I was told by the server that I was ordering too much food, My husband was chided when he asked that his small plate pasta be served before the entree (as the custom in Italy). He was rudely told..we don't do THAT here and the service was exceeding slow with having to wait for 55 minutes for first course salads. Food prep, presentation and taste are most important but attitude and service must be great or the experience is poor. Will we return??? I am not so sure.
(3)Rich L.
Highly recommended. I came here a few months ago and was very impressed. I've lived a block from this restaurant for four years and never got around to trying it out; I'm glad I finally did. I strongly suggest choosing their prix fixe meals along with their wine pairings. I think ordering individual entrees is possible, but you'd be missing out on A LOT. Although following my suggestion will require a willingness to spend a bit more money, it's well worth it. Besides, if you're coming to a nicer place like this, why be cheap and miss the whole experience? The food was excellent and the courses were all very well timed. The service was great, plates were always cleared off immediately, water was always filled, and the waiter constantly checked in on us. The only complaint I had was that each time the waiter came to our table to check in, to describe a wine, or to explain something to us, he looked at my girlfriend the entire time he was talking, and I got a quick glance every so often if I was lucky. My girlfriend noticed it as well. We both found it funny, but now I know how girls feel when men stare at their boobs the whole time they're talking to them.
(4)Marti G.
Excellent choice! I have been three times...once to try the prefix menu which was nice but too much food for me...it is a good way to try everything though. Then again for a la cart and this was a much better choice. The Parmesan chicken and brussel sprouts are out of this world! The "Just bring me wine" program is a great way to try their large selection of fine wines. Although the pours are a little large so make sure you take a taxi. The servers are really nice and how could I forget their bread it's amazing! So soft and they serve it with olives and olive oil. Yum.
(4)Claire P.
After a day of shopping I chose here for a dinner with my mom and sister. We had a Let Us Entertain You giftcard and after searching their website I discovered Osteria Via Stato. The atmosphere was comfortable and the food was delicious. I didn't think it was the best italian I have ever had but I was satisfied. In this very touristy area you get a more comfortable laid back feel.
(4)Michael C.
We had a wonderful dining experience here. Seven of us had the Italian Dinner Party as well as the wine pairing. Great food--probably one of the best Italian meals I've ever had. There was so much food we could barely stand to leave (or what that due to the wine?). Don't think twice before eating here; you won't be sorry.
(5)Alexzandra A.
I love Osteria! I work next door, and do have the luxury of eating here as often as I want. The homemade fettuccine is to die for. The first time I tried it I fell in love and literally ordered it the next 10 days in a row. Everything I have tried here has been fabulous and I always suggest going here when you're hungry. The Italian dinner party is the best way to go, but if you just want a light meal try the pesto pasta or the fettuccine with cherry tomato's and basil. EDIT: I ordered the Gorgonzola filet Mignon for my boyfriend and it was dynamite! Cooked to perfection, and even the non-steak eater loved it.
(5)Alexandra B.
can you say TOURIST TRAP? well i mean obviously, it's on the corner of state & ontario. but as a local who had still never dined here (and i walk by it every day), i figured i would just try it since my goal in life is to eat at every single restaurant in the city (difficult feat). aaanyway...ive totally experienced better. the service is really great and our server was good but the food was subpar! it was truly nothing special; it was very simple which can be great if it's done right, but this meal wasn't. the veal meatballs (antipasti) reminded me of something that came frozen out of a bag from costco, and the chicken ragu pasta reminded me of ragu brand spaghetti sauce straight out of the jar. and my braised short rib...it reminded me of dinty moore beef stew. and THAT is bad. honestly tho i think it's because we did the "dinner party" meal, where you pay $38 per person and get unlimited salad, unlimited antipasti, unlimited pasta, one main course and 2 side dishes. i should have known that deals like this are never good news, but i ordered it anyway and quite frankly i could have made better food myself for way cheaper. actually, screw that, i could have had a delicious, legit $40 steak at the chicago chop house down the street! that's what i should have done. for the money, it is NOT worth it. just go to any other famous chicago italian eatery or chop house and spend the same amount on something truly worth it that you'll remember! i would MAYBE consider eating here ONE more time, this time ordering from the a la carte dinner menu, just to see if the experience is any better ordering off of the dinner menu rather than the mediocre food you get off of the dinner party menu. then again...maybe not.
(2)James Z.
The Osteria via Stato is a treasure. Italian colleagues visiting Chicago called this "the real thing." It is -- personable service, fine attention to detail, excellent menu choices, well-selected and distinctive wines, and a wonderful atmosphere. Every guest I've taken here says "Wow!" and we do, too, even after visiting it regularly. If I were ever asked to be on CheckPlease! this would be my first choice. For those unfamiliar with the menu, it's worth attention, since items change when seasonal produce offer some alternatives. The signature dishes are worth sampling. And the wine list is incredible. You can find wines here which are otherwise available most easily in Europe. (Try the Cesanese from Lazio for a real treat!) Most of all, give this a try if you haven't and return to it if you have! This is a special place!
(5)Caroline F.
I was disappointed in this restaurant. I was expecting something a little better since it is a LEYE restaurant. The salad portions were very small. My friend ordered the beet salad and it looked so small on the plate. My husband got the braised short ribs. He said that they were good but he wasn't satisfied. I won't be going back. There are so many more delicious italian restaurants in Chicago that are much better then this.
(2)Patrick P.
Stopped here late on a Sunday night and had drinks and a margarita pizza. It was fantastic, and sitting outside that night was great. It was nice to find beers that you wouldn't find at a normal restaurant or bar, so that was a pleasant surprise.
(4)L Z.
My parents and I were on our way to Bar Toma for my birthday lunch (early July) when we stopped by Osteria via Stato instead, in light of traffic. We got a nice outside table and enjoyed the Umbrian farro salad, parmesan crusted roasted onions, and a small pizza. I can't remember what type of pizza we ordered. Whatever it was, it was good, but the farro and onions were definitely the stars of the meal. Both were excellent. I have never eaten farro, but will definitely look out for it again. Can't wait to try the onion recipe at home. If you are not a home cook, make sure to order the onions when you are at Osteria. So good! On another note, I ordered the flourless chocolate cake for my birthday. It was all right, but it didn't have the texture I was used to for flourless chocolate cake. It was more like a chocolate tart and didn't have the density I look for.
(4)Mary d.
Ambiance is key. This place has it in spades...the lighting, the stonework, the tables. It sets the mood immediately when you walk back from the host station and into a seemingly rustic Italian setting. The food was good. We shared a few small dishes and enjoyed a fantastic, smoky wine. The service was very friendly and accommodating, and they were aware that our conversation was significant, so they didn't make a production of themselves when they came to the table. Kudos to them on that!!
(5)Taylor A.
This place is great! One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. They have wonderful mini veal meatballs served with sauce, short rib ravioli, gnocchi and great penne with a spicy tomato cream sauce with chicken. I can go on for ever. The ambiance of this place is amazing. Love the decor. Very romantic inside. Great for a date as well as a girl's night out. Highly recommend!
(5)Kirsten A.
Great food, great wine, and great atmosphere. We sat outside at the beginning of September and it was lovely. Our waiter, Bill, was fabulous. You can order half orders of some entrees and pasta dishes which is nice if you want to save room for the key lime pie. There's also some great boutique shopping across the street at Alessi and Posh.
(5)Erin R.
Really enjoyed my dinner here. Went for the in-laws to meet each other for the first time and both my parents were sick (good times). If they were not sick I bet I would have given this 5 stars because we would have stuck around longer. Loved the decor, the big wood table we sat at was nice and different loved it. Had a great bottle of Italian wine, and had the spicy tomato penne in the half size. Love that they had two options of meal sizes, mainly because it helps me to stop eating so much! My fiance had the veal meatballs which were great in a nice tomato sauce. The citrus olives were very good and tangy. Service was great, next time would love to go and sit outside.
(4)Jackie R.
One of my favorite restaurants! We went here on our anniversary and I was really impressed with the "Dinner Party" dining- which is the family style pre fixe menu. They bring you out an array of tasty starters, pastas, and sides to the entree of your choice. It can get alittle pricey because certain entrees add an extra charge on top of the Dinner Party price, and of course the entrees we wanted were in this category! I definitely recommend it though as the food and service were fantastic!
(5)Patti B.
We usually go to Quartino's when we're around this area but we decided to try across the street last week, and I think we'll be sticking to Quartino's in the future. While the atmosphere is dark and romantic, almost every dish was too salty, which is a dealbreaker for us. I thought it was neat that they offered a "Dinner Party" menu, where you get to try various appetizers, two pastas, and an entree, and if you like one a lot, they'll bring you more. We didn't ask for more but if we'd loved one of the dishes it would have been a nice perk. I wanted to substitute one of the pastas and the waitress was really inflexible about it - I mean, if the restaurant is really trying to be as upscale as it looks, then you'd think they'd be flexible about their menu - but after we asked the second time and pointed out the price of the item, she relented and I got my gnocchi. Good thing too because it was one of the better items of the night. Of the appetizers, I thought the italian vegetable salad was the best and the parmesan-crusted onion was next. In fact, we liked the salad most out of everything. The gnocchi would have been good (though definitely not my favorite gnocchi) if not overcooked as it was a little mushy. The papardelle was nice because of the thin pasta but again, too salty. My short rib was also salty and the boyfriend's halibut was a little bland. There were also a few side dishes - slightly browned asparagus and very, very crispy potatoes. I like crisp and crunch but these were a little too much even for me. After all this, we decided not to stay for coffee or dessert, and I'm definitely sticking with the tried and true (across the street!) next time I'm nearby.
(3)Rita W.
I have always wanted to check this place out since I always pass it on the way to work. I was not dissappointed. I like this place because they have half and whole portions so you don't feel as committed if that makes sense. The bread here is AWESOME! It is soft and chewy inside with a soft crust on the outside! My favorite kind of bread. I would just come back here for the bread. If you got the time I would suggest checking out the pre-fixe menu. I am definitely looking forward to coming back for the bread and to try the pre-fix menu! I had the beet salad and the gnocchi and both were very good!
(4)greg b.
great service last night. only beef: no pizza on one side of the restaurant. and bread was great, but leave the vinegar out of the crushed garlic and olive oil. let us mix it ourself
(4)Lisa H.
We stumbled upon this restaurant by accident, but what a great find! We chose the Italian Dinner Party menu, which was both a fun way to try their specialties and a decent value also. We got antipasti, which included veal meatballs that we re-ordered multiple times, two pastas, and the chicken and salmon we chose for our entrees. All were excellent, with fresh ingredients and an authentic Italian touch. We also had outstanding service and a nice pace to our meal. I would definitely recommend Osteria Via Stato. If we're in Chicago again soon, we'll definitely stop in and try whatever is on the current tasting menu.
(5)Zach B.
I just moved to Chicago from NYC, and since my brother helped out a lot with the move took him and my wife out to dinner to celebrate. There is definitely not a lack of service.. plates and silverware are taken away and replaced, and water glasses are constantly refilled (you have the choice of still or sparkling). Which was nice.. one of my brother's pet peeves is when he finishes a glass of water and has to wait for a refill, to the point where he has gotten up and taken the pitcher back to the table himself after waiting too long. I also liked that the water was served chilled, instead of cooled with ice. But I guess that's enough about water. They start you off with a plate of olives and some bread. No butter, but the oil in the olive dish is great for dipping the bread in. We decided to do the prix fixe menu that they say they're known for. Appetizers were nothing spectacular, but were still delicious, and we ordered seconds of a few. My brother ordered a gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon for dinner, and said it was probably the best steak he has ever had, which is something since he loves to order steak. I also ordered steak and thought it was delicious, and my wife ordered veal. She also had wine flight, and the tastings were very generous.. pretty much amounting to 4 full glasses of wine. Not sure how often I'll go back since it's a little more than I like to spend when going out for dinner (we paid extra for the steaks, and ended up around $50/head for food), but I would definitely recommend it.
(5)Melanie P.
We had a great meal. I had the trout as well as te Caesar Salad. Service was prompt and there was a good range of menu options. Definitely a great dining experience.
(4)Steve T.
Really great dinner! We took our friend out for her birthday here and called ahead and asked for the happy birthday gelatto platter to be brought out at the end. Everything was taken care of, and the staff was great and very knowledgeable about the food. The calamari was very fresh and soft, and all of our dinners exceeded our expectations. The a la carte menu is also very reasonably priced, as well as the wine. We'll be back for sure!
(4)Jon J.
A great dining experience. We came here with a group of 12 and had a great meal. The fixed price meal is definitely the way to go, especially with a large group. The antipasti kept flowing, and all was delicious, especially the veal meatballs and parmesan onions! Each course was timed well, and our server and bussers were attentive. Things flowed like a well-oiled machine for the most part, although there was a hiccup at the beginning that ended up in them not having our table ready until about a half hour after the reservation time. Food overall was excellent, and the prices were fair for the serving size. Only complaints: bathrooms upstairs in the Embassy Suites? WTF? And there's not enough space in the bar area. Other than that, great.
(4)fab f.
Went Sat night for a birthday, we were 20. Very busy, pretty elegant. I asked for a negroni, they wanted to sell me a cherry negroni. wtf. Threw it back. Appetizers ok/good. pasta bad (pesto and no parmigiano on the table...), pork ok. Certainly not an Italian experience, even if they're so proud of their models. Service, bad that charged a lot for the numbe of our group. They were never around. I knew the wine list and few were interesting. I knew most of them, but asked a suggestion to test the woman. Obviously she offered the most expensive one, that was not even special. So I switched to a much lower priced wine. I hate when they do that. If it was for me, no tip. 2 stars just for the nice girls around.
(2)Jarrad M.
My folks were in town and staying at a nearby hotel. They wanted a "nice Italian dinner" that was close to their hotel off the Mag Mile on a Friday night. This is a recipe for disaster under most circumstances. I called for reservations with other restaurants but most couldn't give me a table before 9pm on a Friday night. Others simply said "Show up! We should be able to accommodate you..." which sounds a little sketchy for a "out-with-the-parents" kind of meal. However, Osteria via Stato not only took a 7:30p reservation but actually sat us at 7:30p! Now, you jaded folks out there are probably murmuring "well, there is a reason why they were able to give you that reservation and seat you so quickly..." and I thought those very same thoughts initially. But we had a very nice meal (we went with the multi-course/prix fixe thing) and a had a really nice time. So you suspicious types, I suggest you stop reading and move on. You're not going to rain on this parade! The service was pretty good. I did notice the waiter was less attentive once we settled on the prix fixe dinner. The food was very tasty. The wine selection was impressive. The lighting was low. The acoustics were fine, which allowed for a decent conversation to be had *without* shouting across the table. Quite possibly a Mag Mile first! So, in the end,it was a very pleasant experience. We were not rushed. We ate a nice meal in a pleasing space. It was not cheap by any stretch of the imagination but they wanted to "go out". Everything ran smoothly, perhaps even a little too smoothly. I am debating in my head whether Osteria is a corporate restaurant (it does color the experience a little somehow...). Regardless, my folks talked about the meal the rest of the weekend. I know, they're pushovers but what can you do?
(4)Peter W.
I loved this place... good food, but I most liked that my family stayed late and closed the place down, but the waiter hung in without a complaint and the valet stayed until the last keys were gone. I was impressed!
(5)Zack C.
The pappardelle was fairly mediocre.
(3)Ben N.
The waiter and staff were delightful. Unfortunately the food simply did not deliver. The meet in my dish was delicious but the noodles did not taste as if they were made from scratch by a reputable chef
(3)Natasha P.
Ooh try the cavatelli with wild mushrooms. This dish was incredible. I totally would have gone back to get it again before leaving Chicago if they were open for lunch. Great food, service, and ambiance... I will most certainly be back next time I'm in town.
(5)Jessica M.
I really love this place. It's got a relaxed, rustic, but still sophisticated atmosphere. The service has always been very good. And the food is amazing. Last time we ate there they brought out garlic cloves with olive oil and brown sugar to eat on the (hot, fluffy, crusty) bread. It was different, and SO good. That's not an exception; everything I've had there has been superb. The following are highly recommended: the onion tart, the veal meatballs, the papardelle with veal bolognese, and the parmesan crusted chicken. Also -- this is kind of a random recommendation -- I must insist that you get the burnt carmel gelato for dessert. I don't usually order ice cream or sorbet for dessert, but this stuff is amazing. UPDATE 7/31/07: My best friend and I went here for drinks a few weeks ago and received terrible service. But -- the manager has gone out of his way to appologize and rectify the situation. I'll be back for sure -- I'm hoping it was an abberation!
(5)Megan M.
After I became a regular here, my brother decided to host my birthday party at Osteria. The staff were so, so attentive and made me feel so special. Bill, our favorite server, was there just for me. Everyone went out of their way to make sure I had a great celebration and that all of the guests in my party were happy. Yet another awesome reason to love Osteria.
(5)Michelle P.
My friends and I came in for dinner after a long afternoon of sightseeing. We looked at several other restaurants in the area, but they all had long waits and we were very hungry. We only had to wait about 10 minutes before being sat in the warm and friendly dining room. We were at a communal table, which we shared with another group of 4. Over the course of the nearly 3 hours we spent there, we had 2 bottles of wine, 2 tasty appetizers, 4 incredible dinners and 2 delicious desserts. Our server was so wonderful that we wanted to take her home with us. The best part for me was the Amish chicken, which was probably the best chicken I've ever eaten. I look forward to going there again.
(5)Morgan H.
This place has it all - great service, great ambiance, great food, great drinks. The pre-meal bread is incredible. I can't put my finger on why, exactly, but it is. I went with the four cheese pizza. Very thin crust, which I love (I know it's blasphemous to say that in Chicago), baked to flaky perfection. There was a little more oil than what I'd ideally like, but we are talking about four wonderful cheeses, after all. The service is great. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful, and at the end of the meal brought us out a little treat! I'll definitely be back.
(5)Genevieve R.
I came in for a pre-dinner drink and was pleasantly surprised. We sat at the bar. We had a knowledgeable bartender who explained to us the different kinds of wines. I ordered the Alcamo which was perfect before my seafood diner at Joe's. The white wine was served in a mini-craft (I don't know what the proper name is) which equaled two glasses of wine. bottom line: It was the perfect pre-diner experience and drink, and I will be going back to try some of the scrumptious pasta I saw the chefs preparing as I enjoyed my wine.
(4)Eden M.
Yum! My husband and I went here to celebrate our first anniversary. Loved the atmosphere - each room has slight variations in the decor, but it all flows together. Nice, open space, not too quiet and not too loud. Our waitress was attentive and helpful. Had a bottle of wine that was not expensive and quite good. The bread and olives are delicious. I had a roasted beet salad and scallops with mushroom risotto. There was a tiny bit of grit in one of the scallops, but overall, it was a really good dish, and I would order it again. The beet salad was just wonderful. My husband had the chopped salad (good, but big), and pappardelle with meat ragu (delish). We split the raspberry granita for dessert. I'm telling you, I could eat a bucket of that! Nice and light (perfect after a big Italian meal!), and the crunch from the shaved ice with the raspberry flavor and fresh raspberries - YUM! Oh, and the prices are pretty nice, too!
(4)sandra h.
I was in very early labor on Christmas eve and this was my "last supper" before heading to the hospital. I adore the food here and always end up eating too much. I haven't tried the a la carte menu - we always get the "Italian feast" so that we can have a little of everything. I would be happy just eating all of the things that come before the main course. . . the veal meatballs and roasted onions are to die for and the pastas never disappoint. The craziest thing is that they will bring you as much food as you want. I suggest fasting for a few days to take full advantage of this. We have since returned with our baby. YUM!!!
(4)Neil K.
Thought the food for the most part was pretty average. One thing you should consider especially when dining in the summer is that it gets really hot and uncomfortable eating here. There's Air Conditioning in the lobby, but not in the actual dining hall. Also, the place is a little too dark for my taste. We liked their appetizers that came out and also the main rib dinner entree, but other than that, the wait for the food, the dark look, and the hot environment sort of took a lot out of the whole dining experience.
(3)E D.
Awesome pizza, nice place, very relaxed... Quality Italian foods.
(5)Alison R.
This is a great restaurant in a great location. I would highly recommend getting the "Italian Dinner Party" as a meal. It's a tasting menu for a good price, but you should come with an empty stomach as there are many courses. Also, there are wine tasting menus as well that make for a really nice evening. I think this is a great date place, but would be great for a more upscale dinner event for multiple people as well.
(4)April K.
I had a FANTASTIC meal that this place. We got the dinner party menu and everything we ate was amazing. My favorite part of the meal was the Chicken Mario. Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us pick out exactly the right wines to go with our dinner. SO tasty! Go here for a nice date or with a big group. Awesome!
(5)Melissa M.
The site of a wonderful family birthday celebration! Very well-paced meal, helpful yet unobtrusive service and tasty dishes. We were delighted to discover this place and only did so because we had a pile of Lettuce Entertain You dollars to spend. Now we're looking forward to our return. Generosity governs the spirit of this cozy spot--the family-style platters were plentiful and refilled on request; we were given plenty of time to enjoy each course; and the kids' meals were significantly discounted despite their formidable appetites. The waitress even brought us a couple of complimentary desserts! One gets the feeling that generosity prevails in the kitchen, as well, with lots of carefully prepared dishes and well chosen ingredients. We were impressed and delighted.
(5)Flo J.
Veru good service, great wine. We loved the Family dinner and got to try a lot of their food. Veal meatballs were delic and the lamb shoulder. The prawn dish needs rehabbing. The prawns were a bit small and the sauce needs to change but overall, wonderful.
(4)Anthony S.
Went for restaurant week. Great chicken dish (I know, chicken), but yes it was fantastic. Very good wine flights for the price. Not the usual swill. A little loud, but not ridiculous. Bathrooms are in the hotel, which is awkward far and requires a walk through a crowded bar. Service was good. I'd definitely go back.
(4)shelly p.
My husband and I took advantage of the restaurant week's $32 prix fix meals here the other night and we were pretty impressed. This is a nice, cozy Italian restaurant that's not pretentious. We got unlimited soft, warm bread, olives, mozzarella balls, veal meatballs. fried cheese smothered onions and salad for our appetizers. It was a lot of food for the fixed price and personally I was full at that point. I got the veal marsala and my husband got the short braised ribs. My meal was O.K, but the ribs were very tasty and juicy. Our meal ended with a delicious and creamy scoop of caramel and chocolate gelato. They also have an extensive wine menu and we all know wine nicely compliments all Italian dishes. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and the ambiance very much and recommend this place to anyone who wants to spend a couple of hours eating good food and drinking good wine.
(4)Madeline B.
This is the best restaurant on the planet. THE BEST THE BEST THE BEST! I don't care what anyone says. It's just the best. THE BEST! The waitstaff and bartenders and friendly, outgoing, helpful, fun, good looking, nice, quick, efficient, great! The food is just ridiculous. The bartenders and fun and friendly. We go here at least once a week and we had our wedding here. I can't say enough how great OVS is. My favorite italian restaurant in the whole world... including in Italy!
(5)Denton J.
I've now been here three times and enjoyed each visit. My girlfriend and I went here on our first real date almost two years ago and we stopped in again the other night after a few drinks at Pops for Champagne. The rustic interior gives it a nice feel and the fact that your party can share a table with neighboring diners adds to the liveliness of the place. My previously-living-in-Rome girlfriend loves the atmosphere and says it reminders her of a true Osteria in Rome. Our most recent visit yielded new information. They now offer a full menu from which you can order a "normal" meal. Luckily, they still offer what they call the "Italian Dinner Party." I must say, I find this new option a little saddening, as the original concept was a lot of fun. Of course, we ordered the dinner party and the "Just bring me Wine," which pairs a wine with each of the courses. The food was all excellent and the wine was especially nice, due to the special offering where we got the mid-level wines for the price of the low-level selections. The service was attentive and informative. Each dish was explained and served promptly. There were also several opportunities for us to have second helpings of the Antipasti or Pasta dishes. Despite the change, I still enjoyed my visit and I'm positive I will be returning from time to time, just make sure they keep things up to snuff. A lovely place to go, if you ask me.
(5)Bethany H.
A beautiful restaurant with fantastic food! The service was great. I really can't think of anything negative to say about it.
(5)Hold The Balsami C.
I felt as though I was back in Italy (where I lived for a couple of years) at a favorite restaurant, treated as a regular, (which by the way your treatment at restaurants in Italy only gets better and better the more you go) with solid, generous and unpretentious Italian cuisine. This is as good as it gets, as far as I am concerned. I wish I was local so that I could be a regular here. God I miss Italy...just for the food....too bad I have to take a plane from the East Coast to get to Osteria del Stato. I know that the owner is from Rhode Island, because I asked to meet who was in charge of such an extraordinary establishment the last time I was there. I wish he would come back to RI and open Osteria del Sperare or Osteria del Wickenden or Osteria del Westminster.......
(5)Gfiddy F.
All sorts of tasty eats.
(5)Melissa H.
Great Italian restaurant! We went here for NYE '06 and had a great experience. We went with the pre-selected courses for the antipasto and desserts. We were able to choose our main menu out of 3 and we weren't disappointed. The service was very friendly and the atmosphere was somewhat upscale. I didn't give it 5 stars because I really think Bice is a better experience overall.
(4)cynthia t.
Very delicious dinner there last week....I had the scottish salmon with veggie ragu; my pal had the seafood stew. (we were trying to be healthy). The food was flavorful without being overwhelming... Though we waited 30 minutes past our reservation time, the host stand was gracious and offered us some drinks to bide the time. The atmosphere was lively but sufficiently romantic. The chef even stopped by to ask how our meal was...A great dinner, all in all, and reasonably priced.
(4)Joy D.
Overall I love this place. I started going to the Pizzeria Via Stato side (yes, they are in the same building yet somehow different in that you can't eat the main courses at Osteria in Pizzeria and vice versa, but some apps are the same). I've been to both sides many times and have always enjoyed the food and service. It's very darkly lit with candles on every table so it can be a very romantic spot for a date. Since this is strictly about Osteria I'll stick to that side in this particular review. For starters the wine selection is decent, not huge and BTW I'm not a wine connoisseur. They don't have a large beer selection especially on tap. I am particular to an Ebel's Weiss by Two Brothers which comes in a bottle. I love the crusty bread they bring out to your table. It's accompanied with roasted garlic cloves in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Since the bread has a wonderful crunchy crust and yet is so incredibly soft inside, it's perfect for dipping. For apps I love the mini veal meatballs, they are very flavorful and melt in your mouth. The octopus and fingerling potatoes are a delicious choice for an appetizer, if you like octopus obviously. I enjoy the tangy vinaigrette that it has and think it cuts some of the fishy taste some octupus can have. I've also tried the artichoke dip that is pretty typical, although tasty. One of my favorite things here is the beet salad with goat cheese. First of all I'm sold with goat cheese anything, but the beets have a delicious tangy flavor that makes them taste pickled even though they are called "roasted beets". I also love the homemade pumpkin ravioli and the homemade ricotta gnocchi. Both are pretty small portions but with a full coursed meal (which is how I almost always like to order) it's more than enough food. The gnocchi is lighter than a potato gnocchi and definitely tastes homemade (although why do they need to say that when it should be implied!). My husband has gotten the carbonara, which I think tastes too rich due to the amount of bacon they use. And I do love bacon for the record. My friend has gotten the lamb here before but it's not always on the menu. To finish the meal I like the espresso gellato that has tiny crunchies on top (the best part). They also have given us a chocolate bar with sugared orange peel and almonds that my husband is obsessed with. Anything for free always tastes better in my book. I love finishing my meal off with a nice cappuccino and theirs is delish! The best thing about this place to me is the value. Two people can eat four courses and have drinks for under $100. The food/cost ratio is way higher on the food side to me.
(4)Grace L.
The atmosphere is a comfortable.."we look like countryside in Italy'" look, as is the service. We have always gone with the dinner party plan and have not been disappointed! Can not speak for the fish...but the beef and pork dishes have been well spiced and are cooked well. A couple of things I really enjoy are the fact you can choose sparkling or still water with your meal (sparking is not extra!). Also, if you are lucky and are there when they have the blood orange granita..get it.
(4)Kathryn R.
I have a great expeience each time I visit this restaraunt. The service is excellent and I have enjoyed multple entrees but the Chicken Mario is my favorite. They also offer a prix fixe menu where you and the table can sample multiple appetizers and pastas, and choose an entree. Great location, nice atmosphere and delcious food!
(5)Ria C.
I had set up a corporate dinner here and the night couldn't have turned out any better. I was a bit nervous booking with another LEYE restaurant due to the horrible experience at Nacional 27 the week before, but I decided to take a chance on Osteria via Stato. This place gets 5 starts for the combination of quality and value. Stellar place for food and wine for about $125/person including tax and gratuity. The atmosphere is very cozy and subdued--very fitting for a cold autumn's night in Chicago. We were accompanied by a few sales execs from Boston and immediately they were very impressed. The service was phenomenal as was the food and wine pairings. 1. I had picked the wines prior to the event--required if choosing the Italian Dinner Party Option. Both were ventures between Mario Batali and italian wineries. Tocai Friulano Bastianich 2006 (white) was light and fruity which paired very well with the appetizers and first courses. Morellino di Scansano "I Perazzi" La Mozza (red) was a medium-bodied sangiovese that paired very well with the pasta and second courses. Very smooth and calculated movement from the white to the red, and was very well suited as we progressed through our courses. 2. At the table: Salt-crusted ciabbata bread-good but I didn't enjoy the sweetness. Marinated Mozzarella with fresh basil and chili-also very good. Shaved Prosciutto and Apple-Stellar. This was one of the freshest slices of prosciutto I have had apart from Pastoral's selection. Olives-Good. 3. Antipasti: Caesar Salad and Calamari-Good. Parmesan-crusted wood roasted onions-PHENOMENAL. I have never had onions presented in this fashion with a creamy and slightly torched cheese crust. Delish! 4. Primi: Parpadelle with Duck Ragu-Yummy. Fresh Cavatelli with Mushrooms & Brown Butter-TO DIE FOR. This is one of the best pastas I have ever had, and I've been to spiaggia and the likes. This surprisingly is up to par with the quality, taste, and ingenuity of the pricier venues. 5. Secondi: Prime Ribeye with crispy shallots. SUPERB. I have been to several steakhouses: chophouse, gibsons, david burke, tavern, keefers...you name it. This might be the best ribeye I have ever had, 20oz. on the bone, charred to perfection and cooked exactly to Medium. 6. Sides: Calabrian Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts-Very good. 7. Dolce: Double chocolate tart-simple and a fine end to a perfect meal. This was one of the best 5 course progressive dinners I have had and I forgot to mention the best part: each course, with the exception of the second course, is UNLIMITED. We were too full to oblige, however, this option is perfect for hungry groups. OSTERIA-understated indulgence.
(5)Rebecca S.
Great food, great menu options, great wine list...what else can you ask for? I loved the Prix Fix menu option. $39.99 per person! You can't beat that for the great variety of course options. Seared Scallops and Roast Duck leg were perfect. They also have a terrific selection on wines by the glass if you can't finish another bottle. Service was impeccable (sp?). Dessert list could have been a little more impressive but I was full by then anyway. I was also suprised by the lack of other customers. Great place for a not-to-fussy but great dinner.
(4)Larry B.
went there last week. for the first time in a while. the main room is separate from the bar area now. Not sure i like that. still aside from the useless hostess and equally useless waiter we had some excellent crispy thin crust pizza and apps. decent wine list still. I still like the place but the waitstaff needs work and the dolts who stand around the hostess area need to get something to do other than act like boorish Fratboys.
(4)Blake W.
I've got to say the night didn't start off great. The first thing I noticed was the awkward entry as we walking in the restaurant. It seems the front door and waiting area was hardly even an after thought. There was no room unless you wanted to pack into the tight bar and hover over other tables while they ate. The hostess stand was up on a pedestal as if to direct traffic. The Bar tender wasn't fast and poured a Gin & Tonic with out the Tonic (I guess that's really a +, it made the $10 drink almost worth it) Once we sat down thought it was a whole different story. Our waitress was impressively confident and knowledgeable. My girlfriend loves her bottle pick and I did as well seeing as it was a much cheaper (But damn tasty) version of the Amarones that she loves. We went family style which for my was great I didn't really have to pick anything, just the Entree -- Braised Pork over polenta. Damn tasty a touch on the dry side but the sauce on the plate fixed that. We went double helpings on the simply roasted sweet onions with parm. I was very impressed with everyone who came to our table. I don't do many LEYE restaurants but this place has convinced me to try some others. The place was well done (Entryway not included) on the inside. At the end of the meal I was actually disappointed that we didn't score a communal table. Hopefully next time as that just seems like so much more fun.
(4)KM I.
Annoyed, made a reservation for Valentine's Day. We frequent Frankie's Scallopine and the owner recommended OVS because the chef is the head of the Lettuce Entertain You chain.... They called to confirm the reservation day before the scatterbrain of a hostess said "Oh by the way the menu is a prix-fix menu". ME: okay, what are you offering? SB:Oh...umm....not sure I think a pasta dish and meat maybe. ME: Um, well....what about the regular menu? SB: No, we are just offering the prix-fix. ME: OKAY, well if you can't even tell me whats on the damn menu just cancel the reservation! How do you expect someone to come in and only have 2 things available to eat without even knowing what they are. Needless to say, we were left without dinner reservations in Chicago on Valentine's Day weekend. So we had to go to our tried and true establishment without resi, Frankie's. Which ALSO offered a prix-fix menu, IN ADDITION to their normal offerings. Got the Filet Mignon, arugula salad, and chocolate creme brulee from that menu and I wanted to die and go to heaven. So good, and I never eat meat out.
(2)Marty G.
Been here twice and I keep coming back. The cheesecake is amazing and probably the best cheesecake in the area. The second time we didn't make reservations...and they sat us in the communal area. If you want the full experience of a romantic dinner, would highly recommend making reservations so you can get a little table w/ candles and really great intimate setting. Staff and manager were really great to make the best of our communal seating arrangements with numerous freebies throughout the night overall a must try.
(5)Brandon M.
I visited Osteria Via Stato this past Saturday evening. We had reservations for 2 and arrived and was seating within less than 2 minutes. The garlic olive oil and the bread they serve every table won me over from the start. My boyfriend and I spit everything so we ordered quite a few things to sample. We started with the Grilled Octopus and Potatoes, This was a little taste of heaven. We then went onto the biggest disappointment of the meal, the Short Rib Bruchetta. We were looking for something lighter with some short rib pieces mixed in with the fresh tomatoes or a piece on top of a standard bruchetta. Instead, what was sent out was a piece of toast covered in short ribs, with a cherry tomato slice in half on top- it was very heavy and somewhat unappetizing. I do not recommend this. We followed this course with a pleasant salad with bacon and a buttery cheese that just melted in your mouth. Very Delicious but I the name of the salad escapes at this time. The last thing we ordered was the special for the evening, Lamb Sausage Risotto. This was delicious however a tad runny for risotto standards....nonetheless i would order it again. As we finished our meal and were deciding upon dessert, the waiter just brought us a chocolate bar topped with candied oranges, pecans and brittle. It was the perfect end. The main highlight besides an almost perfect meal was also our waiter Bill. He made the table feel comfortable by not talking too much but wasn't impersonal- something i find rare now a days. Overall, great experience and will be back soon!
(4)Alex J.
I went out with my boyfriend to this place and we had gift certificates to pay for our meal. I checked it out online and made a reservation. We intended on getting the pre-selected three course meal for $38 a piece. We ended up just ordering off the menu. I had the duck and wild mushroom risotto and my boyfriend had a parmesean encrusted steak with a side of broccolini. I thought the food was good, the waitress bugged me a little because she was so robotic, but overall if I actually paid for this meal I would have been disappointed. Just overpriced.
(2)Elizabeth A.
LOVE this restaurant! I think the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. The veal meatballs are a must! I'm not a big veal eater, or even a big meat eater, but I order the veal meatball app everytime! I have tried most of the pasta dishes and I'm never disappointed. The service is always friendly and the atmosphere is energetic. Oh, they also give you a balsamic, oil and garlic blend with amazing fresh bread to start. Yum!
(5)Joscelyn M.
This is a fabulous place for a group. I love how all the apps and pastas come out family style and you just choose your main. The food is super yummy and I left sooo full! Dark and cozy, but a bit noisy.
(4)Holly C.
My Mum (yes Mum, not Mom) came to town on a work function and I was given the job of picking a restaurant for 11 people. I had previously arranged a work event at Osteria Via Stato for a group of 20+ and it was a huge success so I opted to give it another go. I had to change the reservation from 11 to 12 and then to 13 at the last minute and they were super accommodating. Any parties above 10 have to agree to do the Italian Dinner Party menu. This means that there are fixed appetizers, fixed pasta, your choice of mains and 2 fixed side items with the mains. The appetizers included a mozzarella dish, veal meatballs, olives, salad, and maybe something else. They were all great. The pastas were a bolognese style pasta and a chicken sausage pasta. My Mum failed to inform me that we had a veggie in the group and when I found out (late on in the pasta course) I felt panic. Fortunately, she had looked online and was really excited to come to this restaurant because they are on some list of great veggie restaurants - who knew? They brought her special dishes in lieu of the meat she could not eat. I asked how everything was and she gave me a big thumbs up! For the main course the table ordered a variety of dishes (including scallops, belly pork, white fish, special fish dish, gorgonzola filet mignon, parmesan filet mignon, 20oz Ribeye and something veggie). Everyone was really happy, one guy after eating the 20oz stated, "funny that the best steak I ever had was at an Italian restaurant." The sides were a polenta thing and sprouts with bacon - someone also added that, "I don't even like sprouts and I like this!" We ended up having dessert, limoncello, and a few other beverages before we left. They also gave us some tasty chocolate with candied orange peel as a pre-dessert snack. The service was really great - I really have no complaints. It is so awesome when you have the pressure of keeping a large group happy to exceed their expectations! The next day someone was pondering where to do another group dinner and I was forced to recommend Osteria Via Stato!
(5)Philly D.
If I told you the best pizza in Chicago wasn't from one of those deep dish places, would you believe me? Eat here, and you'll know what I'm talking about.
(4)Ric S.
David D (the culinary talent here) cooks real Italian food. Just get the preset menu, pick your entree and relax with good conversation. Creamy polenta, is always money and any veggies David is roasting is a good bet. They know how to slow cook pork Italian style too!
(4)Y V.
They had an interesting option for diners - the $37 "Italian Dinner Party", which includes antipasti, pasta, an entree, and sides. They give you a selection of antipasti and pasta to choose from, and you can ask for seconds. We had the fresh mozzarella and the house-marinated olives. We did ask for seconds for the antipasti. Our pasta was pretty good, but by that time we were ready to dig into our entrees. He chose a steak entree, which cost an extra $12. I opted for the short ribs, which were quite good. Overall, the food was excellent and the Italian Dinner Party option was a nice, well-rounded meal.
(4)Rob C.
2.5 prefixe dinner here. problem is that all the dishes were too salty. from the salmon, to the shortribs, to the chicken. dry, oversalted. the appetizers were slightly better, and the chocolate dessert was good. mozzarella balls soft and good. has the space for a large group, but not a memorable menu.
(3)peerapat c.
the food is good, service inconsistent. in the past couple of years, i've been here for dinner a handful of times and lunch a handful of times. i can say that my experiences with the food have been pretty positive overall. the food always has tasted of fresh ingredients and has been well prepared. the service on the other hand has been across the board. sometimes service is fabulous (engaging, courteous, knowledgeable and friendly), other times i've been made to feel unwelcome and a burden to my server. unfortunately, what is spurring me to write this is an unpleasant lunch i had just last week. as expected, i thoroughly enjoyed the food. but the service? not so much. we were sat down on arrival, cool. then waited around 10 minutes before someone came over to acknowledge us. booooh. we finally got set up with waters and were able to order drinks. putting the initial service hiccup past us, we ordered, got served, finished eating and were in good spirits. then, while contemplating dessert, we decided to order some coffee. the server was a challenge to track down, and even after letting him know we wanted coffees, he really took his time to get back to us just to take our order. we went on to wait for another 15 min before the coffee arrived with no apologies for having to wait (the restaurant by the way was not slammed by any means). the coffee i ordered tasted old and two of my friends were served capuccinos that were no longer hot! needless to say, it put a big damper on what would have been an agreeable lunch hour.
(3)Nancy S.
Been there 3 times. Good food. Good service. Nice price!
(4)Lindley E.
An excellent fun restaurant to enjoy courtesy of your expense account, if you have an expense account. Food is good, but not necessarily "i'll spend my own money here" good...know what I mean? What to say? Portions are huge, it is impossible to leave hungry or sober... Expect slowish service, longish waits, but deliciousish food...
(4)Iris F.
They had me with the cheese plate and wine!!! Can't wait to go back for a full course meal. Service was lovely as well. This place is connected to Embassy Suites.
(4)Lisa R.
Dined here during our get away weekend in Chi-town this weekend on Saturday night with reservations booked through OpenTable. You can order Pre-fix or Ala Carte and they have a unique wine offering called "just bring me wine" which is either $20 or $40 per person and they bring you wine with each course to sample. We did not choose that option but rather just ordered a bottle of Chianti. A bit disappointed that most bottles of wine were priced over $50 which seemed odd because menu prices were quite reasonable. Bread and roasted garlic and olive oil served first was exceptional if you are a garlic nut like we are. Calamari was cooked perfectly, and we each ordered a pasta dish. Perfect portion size, not too big, just right. Service was good if almost too "hovering". They actually were not swamped busy and I think our waiter was a bit bored, he asked up every 5 minutes how we were doing, did we need anything....that was over kill to me, I was on a date with my husband, not a double date with him :-) Over all it was good, we may return again.
(4)Jenna D.
I recently had my wedding at Osteria Via Stato and was thrilled with the venue and the service. I was aiming for a classy dinner party with great food and good drinks that would impress guests and be something different then your standard overpriced ball room wedding that all look the same and have very mediocre food. I got exactly what I wanted. The guests raved about the food and the service. We had about 100 guests and the space was perfect. Its intimate without being stuffed in and the location downtown was perfect for a wedding. Working with Allison their event manager was a treat. She is extremely professional and very easy to work with. I can't say enough about the food; it was amazing with many of the guest's commenting that they cannot wait to go back. The only complaints on this venue for a wedding or event that I have is that it was a little warm and they didn't really seem able to do anything to bring the temperature down. Also the bathrooms aren't ideally located so your guests have to leave the restaurant and use a bathroom in the hotel that is attached. Overall I give it 5 stars. It was a pleasure working with everyone there and looking back it was the perfect evening with a fabulous location in Chicago and really impressive food.
(5)Kristy C.
Mixed reviews on this place, I loved the setting- dimly lit, wood and rock like you were sitting by the fireplace in your house... The wine was good, the service was good, the bread they bring is amazing... Appetizers were pretty good- veal meatballs, some sort of pan fried onions, put the meatball and onions on the bread, made a yumm sandwhich! But the spaghetti arrabiata was fairly flavorless for a dish with peppers (and temp was just warm), the signature meat sauce was nothing compared to my moms or even mine - isn't this an italian place? But the risotto was amazing, hands down the best thing there, funny because I wasn't excited about this non italian dish and i was happily surprised.
(4)Kathleen O.
We opted to do the "Dinner Party" and we all really liked everything we got. The meatballs were a hit with all of us, as well as the onion appetizer. The parmesan crusted filet was very tasty. Good selection of wine, as well.
(4)Liz A.
Wow. My husband and I just dined at Osteria. Amazing food and even more amazing service! Our waitress, Keirstan, gave us great recs for wine (we don't know Italian wines very well). Every single suggestion she gave us was perfect for what we had wanted. In addition to that, she was, quite frankly, one of the nicest and most helpful servers ever. Go to Osteria and experience the love, for yourself!
(5)Allison R.
One of the best restaurants I have been to! The food, atmosphere and service is second to none!! I cannot wait to come back!
(5)Melissa S.
I am not a fan of the guy across the street, begins with a Q. So I love Osteria. I lived in Italy for many years and I think they have the best spin on an American version of what an osteria means. It is a lettuce entertain you restaurant lets not forget! The bread is fresh and warm, olive oil is the traditional pairing. The salmon is always crisp on top and perfectly cooked in the center. I am a young mom, so its great for kids (especially lunch) and great for my honey and I to have an early dinner glass of wine. Perfect for large parties.
(4)Connie Z.
I came here last St Patrick's day with two friends, who wanted to get the prix fixe with an all-you-can-eat appetizer thing. They asked me to come along after I'd already had dinner, so they called ahead and asked if only some people at the table could get the buffet option- the answer was yup, it's ok to split dishes, even with some people getting an all-you-can-eat menu. We get there, and all of a sudden, (after we were seated and it was too late to leave) they were outraged that we would not all order the same thing. After making a huge fuss about it, our waiter looked at my friends, and said, "Fine, we'll let you do this. But if SHE takes any bites, even one, off your plates, we're charging you for it." SHE has a name, buddy, and SHE can be addressed directly. The night continued with 2-3 waiters/waitresses/busboys always standing at the end of our table, glaring at me as though at any second, I was going to grab an olive off my friends' dishes and sneak it under my soup and salad. Which, by the way, were nothing special (the soup was over-salted). Every time I talked to my friends, the glares intensified. I have honestly never gotten so much attention in a restaurant, nor have I ever felt so utterly disgusted. To be fair, my friends liked their meal, but agree that the glare-of-death pretty much ruined our night. This is one of those places that needs to clue its staff into customer service. Or at least get their communication straight on what is possible and not possible for customers to order. One thing's for sure, this customer felt wronged and completely insulted, and now loses her appetite whenever she thinks about eating at Osteria via Stato. Pick Quartino's across the street, or Chili's, where nobody will make you feel like a 3rd class citizen!
(1)Nathan W.
When I was on my kick of going to pricey restaurants on the weekends, my soon to be married friends and I made a visit to Osteria and it was wonderful! I highly recommend the gemmelli alfredo and our server was dead on with the wine selection. I can't wait to go back. The atmosphere was superb and we all left feeling the most satisfied from a meal as we could recall.
(5)daisy J.
it was excellent! four of us went to dinner and no one was disappointed. the atmosphere is standard - it would have been nice to dine al fresco - maybe next time. the only odd part is the bathroom, which is located far back in the hotel. we ordered the pulled mozzarella (basically a giant mozzarella stick) and fonduta for appetizers. the mozzarella was good - but standard. the fonduta was yummy - a tad oily, but with the crostini, delicious nonetheless. for dinner i had the cavatelli with wild mushroom (yum), i also tired the penne with chicken, gnocci with ariabiata sauce, and the risotto. the ONLY downfall was their risotto. the consistency was off and it was a bit bland. it was on special that evening, but i wouldn't recommend it in the future. we were too stuffed for dessert, but i'd love to go back and try 'pizzeria via stato' and stay for some sweets. i'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking for delicious italian food!
(4)Alyssa S.
I was really enjoying my meal here, unitl I realized I had been eating a meat sauce with chopped up mushrooms, which I am allergic too. Oh Osteria Via Stato, why oh why were those not listed on the menu?
(3)Mariangela S.
I had read about Osteria Via Stato in Bon Appetit and it seemed to come highly recommended from a variety of food related magazines and online reviews. Went there after dinner for cheese course and wine - what a mistake. First of all it took forever to get our glasses of wine, and when we tried to order the cheese our server was not familiar with the cheese selections. When the cheese finally arrived (we ordered 5 cheeses), the pieces were miniscule even by restaurant standards, and one of the cheeses had a horribly off taste. The three of us tasted it to be sure (2 of our group are professional chefs) and everyone agreed it was bad. We called over the cheese monger and he actually argued with us about the state of the cheese. He wouldn't even taste it to confirm - just told us he had been in the business for 20 years and knew what he was talking about. So pompous and no idea about service. I won't be recommending this place regardless of who owns it.
(1)Carter G.
We were here last night and overall the experience was better then OK, but I rate strictly on food, NOT ambiance or service. We went with the prix fixe menu which around $45 a person. That was the mistake, and I think if we would of just ordered off the regular menu (which is what I recommend) the experience would have been phenomenal. Here was the problem half of the anti pastas they brought out were great and the other half not so good. The soup was decent and salad passed the test as well. However, the pastas they served us weren't so hot. One of them was way too salty. However, the entrees, I had the bouillabaisse and my girlfriend has the chicken were hands down the best part of the meal. The sides with the entress (potatos and brussel sprouts were nice as well). I think if we would of just ordered apps and entrees the food would of been better overall and the bill would of been slightly less. I would recommend Osteria Via Stato, but just don't do the "share meal"/ prix fixe option.
(3)Beth H.
I went out with a friend after work, and tried getting into another popular Italian place down the street. This was an impromptu outing, so we didn't have reservations. The wait at the other place was 2 hours and we were starving. We walked the 20 feet across the street to Osteria Via Stato and spied the nice outdoor seating, that looked like there was open seating. We walked up to the hostess stand, and they sat us right away!! We were pleased as punch and then ordered wine and our entrees. The wine was really good. I had the Cabernet Savignon, whose name escapes me, but that's because the entire wine list is in Italian. I ordered the trout, and my friend ordered the chicken. Our meals came, and they were delicious! The food was reasonably priced for a nice night out on the town, we had no wait and sat in the adorable outdoor seating section. Overall, Osteria Via Stato was an unexpected but delightful surprise/find! I recommend Osteria Via Stato!
(4)Sam S.
I feel really bad that they have the best Italian place in the city (Quartino) right across the street--it's a shame. I came here after Quartino to try their bacon, excuse me, pancetta infused martini. It was delicious! The staff was absolutely the snobbiest group of people I have ever come across in my life. I was with a group of people and we were having a good time and we got nothing but rude, unhelpful behavior upon entering. "Do you have a reservation??" when the restaurant was empty--give me a break.
(3)Robyn T.
If you come to Osteria via Stato you must order the Chicken Mario. Yes, I know it's chicken and when you go out to a nice restaurant who really wants to order chicken right? Well, let me say that this is possibly the best chicken I've ever had. I was able to track a recipe only but I just don't think I can really replicate the flavor...the juicy chicken breast oozing with butter. Try it and you'll see what I'm saying. Opt to order the family style feast. It's a tremendous amount of food and you'll leave with your stomach hanging over your waistband but it's well worth the effort. The sauteed onions are amazing and family style guarantees you can order more of anything (except the entree) but are you really going to eat that much? If you are I'm not judging because the food tastes very authentic to me but it's very filling. Not crazy about the seating arrangements. We had a party of 6 and were seated next to a couple on a date. Very strange dynamic since their date was romantic and my dinner was a boisterous family meal.
(4)Bryant C.
I was there for a pre fix deal. I would not recommend that. I feel the food is never as good on the pre fix as it is just ordering off of the menu. I would go back and try the regular menu again.
(4)Sam W.
Called at 4:30pm on a Friday afternoon and succeeded in making a reservation for 6 people at 6pm. Arrived about ten minutes early and we all were sat right away. Nice looking restaurant inside of the Embassy Hotel. The food was hit and miss, and the portions were on the small side. I had the Chicken Pepporanata, which was one chicken breast sauteed and paired with sweet peppers and chicken sausage, with tomato sauce. The dish was amazing and very flavorful, better than anything else I saw. The other dishes ordered were pasta with meat sauce, marinara, and Alfredo ( decent sauces but nothing special), Chicken Parm ( really small with nothing much besides the chicken). We all ordered our own desserts (which were really small too) and those included the Cherry Crostada (again I win best dessert because this was like a small piece of cherry pie topped with vanilla gelato), Double Chocolate Tart, and Burnt Caramel flavored gelato. The service was hands down the best I have ever had as our waitress catered to every need we had. She even brought out multiple pitchers of diet coke, since we seemed to be consuming them quickly. She also knew everything about the menu and all of her suggestions were much appreciated.
(4)Diana D.
This restaurant is pretty good. The atmosphere is really nice - I really like so many real candles being lit all around. The food and wine are both good - we ordered a la carte and I don't think you're really getting a very big meal when you do that. (A big meal for our big American bellies that is - it is enough to make it so you are not hungry anymore but there is no extra to take home.) I was impressed by the bread and olive oil that they served to start - the olive oil was set out with olives in it, the type with pits still in, which I love. I am sure that getting the family-style meal is the way to go, but for only two people, this option seemed to pricy and like it would be a waste on only us.
(2)Alice L.
This place is amazing to say the least. As soon as you enter, the rustic feel engulfs you, and you really feel as though you're in Italy. I think the best way to go is the $35 Italian Dinner Party option. You get to choose from a variety of options, of which can be quite difficult b/c everything on the menu sounds absolutely delicious. The "just bring me wine" program is also great. It features tasting flights of three four-ounce pours throughout your meal, which complement each meal you're having. The service was great, and there were also several opportunities to have second helpings of the antipasta or pasta dishes. This is a great place to come as a group or as a couple, and be prepared to leave with a satisfied palate!
(5)Esther A.
I just had my wedding here yesterday. It was soooo perfect. Allison, the event planner is on key and so professional. The staff was so helpful and made this day for my new husband and I incredible. My guests raved about the food and everything went smoothly. Thank you so much Osteria. We will be back again!!!
(5)J. C. G.
For the extraordinarily impatient among us, Osteria offers the very tasty "Bring Me Food" and "Bring Me Wine" menu options. I can appreciate a place that isn't shy about bringing round after round of appetizers and pastas to your table, ensuring that you'll have to take advantage of their extra-charge "Roll Me Out To My Car" service.
(4)K. B.
I thought I had an OK dinner at this restaurant. But then I checked my account balance the next morning and the waitress double-charged me for a not-that-great meal. I called the restaurant immediately to speak with a manager. Instead of apologizing and offering to immediately rectify the situation, he was a complete jerk. He did not apologize, defended the stupid little waitress as if she didn't do anything wrong, and then did not get the situation fixed immediately because he was "very busy". Really? So was I. But I had to take the time to call and deal with this. And then to call back because he still hadn't done it. And then to talk to him again...WASTE OF MY TIME. BAD SERVICE. Never eating at this restaurant again. Don't recommend that you do either.
(1)Sarah S.
I wasn't too impressed with the menu, everything sounded very americanized. I didn't want to risk it, so i played it safe and ordered veal marsala. It was good. I would like to go back and taste risotto or pasta and see how they are cooked to be able to judge if it's a good Italian place. They have my fav wine thou (moscato d'asti) and I was very happy with it
(3)Alice M.
Yes, this is Italian tapas--you get very small portions of food but we didn't feel the prices reflected the smallness of the portions Food is decent but we left kinda hungry. For our money, we vastly prefer Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba at Halsted north of Armitage.
(2)Lisa S.
I would really like to give this place a 3.5 star, but whole numbers are the only option. I was visiting a good friend in Chicago and she took me here. The atmosphere was really great. The people that put together the space did a great job. We had to wait a bit for our table and so we ordered some wine at the bar. My friend wanted white wine. Since Sancerre seems to be my white of the moment I asked the bartender if he had any. Boy, did I get the stink eye! I know this is an italian restaurant, but, I didn't think my question should have been so repulsive to him. They have California wines on the menu for goodness sakes. Why not french? So, we ended up ordering an italian white of course. Now to the meal. I don't want to get too detailed. I just want to talk about the stand out moments. Let me start by saying the bread is some of the best I have ever had. I would have been satisfied just going there for bread and wine. My friend and I opted for the tasting menu which comes with several courses. One of the first courses was a salad that was absolutely delicious. It had a blue cheese dressing that was so mild that even my blue cheese hating friend loved it. Another earlier course was an onion tart that was outstanding. Next came two pasta courses. They were good, but not as memorable as the salad and onion tart. I just remembered thinking that the pasta was perfectly cooked. Next came my entree which was the braised shortribs in a red wine reduction served over polenta. It was good, but a little bit over salted. The service was very good. My only criticism is that the server didn't seem to be too knowlegable about the wine. But, that didn't really bother me. Overall it was a lovely dining experience. I recommend it!
(4)Karen M.
Impressive selection of wine from many different Italy Providences. They just recently added an Italian-inspired a la carte menu, which we had the pleasure of trying during a wine tasting event we attended there last night. All of the new wines paired with the a la carte items were very tasty. This was our first experience at Osteria Via Stato, although it definitely won't be our last. As a side note, the restaurant is constantly holding wine tasting and dinner events through Lettuce Entertain You which are reasonably priced ,and they are always an enjoyable experience.
(4)Natalie B.
This place was a great location for a business lunch with my department. The menu was selected in advance, but I did have a selection when it came to the main course. The pumpkin soup was to die for. I've been trying to replicate it but have failed pretty miserably each time. Also, this is the only time I have enjoyed brussell sprouts. Although what doesn't taste good when it is covered in butter (insert Paula Deen reference here).
(4)Gail M.
A 5 star experience - phenomenal food paired with great service.
(5)Jessie S.
A friend and I got a table at 830 on a saturday night within 20 minutes, which was pretty incredible based on the other places we had tried that night. Everything we had was outstanding, the roasted garlic antipasti, the calamari, the cavatelli was great and the gnocchi was FANTASTIC... writing this makes me want to order take out right now... The ambiance is nice, laid back yet high class italian. The wine list is comprehensive and pretty reasonable. However, I despise the split between the "pizzeria" and "dining room." It was repeatedly stressed that we could only order from one menu or the other, depending on where we sat. we chose dining room, so we weren't "allowed" to order pizzas or appetizers from the pizza menu? even though they come from the same place? but regardless, the waitress was nice, intelligent and informed, and the experience overall was very pleasant and we left satisfied! I'd definitely recommend for a date or group dinner.
(4)Lauren A.
This is a great place to dine. Unique dinning experience. I recommend it to everyone.
(5)Ashley K.
deliiiicious. the cavatelli is hand rolled and outstanding. i could eat it all day. pretty good wine list. tasty bruchetta. the service was good and ambience pleasant as well. seriously, get the cavatelli.
(4)Cara M.
Amazing food. Favorite restaurant in the city.
(5)Eric L.
I was surprised by how much I liked this place. Being attached to a hotel, I thought it was be one of the mediocre hotel restaurants. However, after being here twice now, I can say that this is one of the better italian restaurants I have been to in Chicago. Its been a while since I ate here, so I cant remember what we ordered (some type of pasta dish), but I do remember everything being excellent.
(4)Megan W.
This restaurant is okay, just okay. It certainly isn't anything special. The food was simply fine. It wasn't anything that spectacular. In addition it seemed that for the money the portions were a bit small. I don't know that I'll be coming back here.
(3)elizabeth n.
We wandered in here after the wait at Quartino was ridiculously long, and were pleased to be told that the wait for an outdoor table was 20 minutes. We put our names in and headed to the bar where we ordered a Mezzolito of wine which turned out to be around 3.5 glasses- perfect! After 15 minutes or so the pager went off and we were seated inside, even though we put our name in for outdoor seating. Oh well, whatever. Right away they put bread and a plate of olives with oil down on the table but there were so many olives in the oil that it ruined the taste since my fiance and I both hate the taste of olives. There was also no butter or anything else to dip your bread in so that was odd. I had a half order of the penne pasta which was a good portion size and had chicken and penne in a spicy tomato cream sauce. It was good but not great. We then topped off dinner with the double double chocoate tart which was OK. The chocolate was a little bland for my taste so I ate the redi whip that was on top- that was good:) Overall, it's a decent place with a great atmosphere, but I probably won't go back unless we can't get into Quartino again!
(3)Amanda A.
As my boyfriend put it best, "solid performance!" We went to this restaurant over the weekend after hearing mixed reviews and still eagerly wanting to try it. As to be expected on a Saturday night, the restaurant was busy and we were asked to wait on our reservation. We found our way through the crowded host line to the bar area and I squeezed my way in for a few drinks. We were feeling pressured to stand in one of two awkward locations - either pressed against the other bar patrons or literally sitting on top of the customers who were unfortunate enough to be seated on the aisle adjacent to the bar - the same thoroughfare used to get to and from the coat check and hotel. Needless to say, we were anxious to be seated. I enjoyed my ginger pear bellini, although my boyfriend was a little disappointed by the limited gin options. We were seated shortly after the rest of our party arrived, and from there the night just kept getting better. We were unsure of what to expect as far as seating arrangements seeing as we knew this restaurant was known for their "family-style" dining. While we passed several communal tables - we were escorted to a more typical tableclothed arrangement. We were immediately greeted by someone offering complimentary spring or sparkling water - which by the way was not more than a quarter empty at any point in the evening before being refilled. The server came by our table shortly after presenting us with the menus and wine list - as she went over her presentation to us "newbies" it was clear that she strongly recommended the family style dining. For $36/person - the table got unlimited servings of 5 different appetizers, two different pastas, one entree from a list of about 12(some of the options are an additional upcharge), and unlimited quantities of 2 sides. This gave us an opportunity to try as many things of the menu as possible without having to do much choosing (and to be honest we didn't even look at the a la carte option). The wine list was equally catered to all knowlege ranges - offering a typical bottle list, about 40 red and whites offered by the glass/half-litre/bottle and a list of the top 40 wines they offered under $40. We chose a bottle and a mezza-litre and were well on our way. We loved everything we tried and highly recommend getting your hands on some of their carmelized onions with melted parmesan, the short rib over polenta and filet with blue cheese crust, and don't miss desert if not just to try their candied orange peels (made in house, blanched 7 times, carmelized and sprinkled with sugar and having the likeness to candy store bought crystalized orange slices). Each person that brought food to our table had impecible service skills and carefully described what we were about to indulge in. I would most definitely go back - and hopefully next time get a chance to sit at the communal tables - where people seemed to be having just as much fun sharing their experience at Osteria Via Stato with people they had just met sitting down.
(5)Nicola C.
I just discovered this place a couple of months ago. It is primo, you get wine pairings with your meal and it is very authentic italien. You don't have to eat in the dining room, they also have a great bar area as you walk in where you can get great wine and small appetizers such as a cheese board if you are not that hungry. I highly reccomend it.
(4)Carmen B.
There are many places which promise my perfect italian lunch - wood fired pizza and an interesting salad - but this spot delivers. Crisp fired pizza crusts with fresh ingredients, flavorful salads (arugula with dates and bacon with balsamic) and good wine pours. The staff is friendly, and the offering is well priced. Perfect for lunch!
(4)Laura J.
I'm completely baffled by any review exceeding 2 starts for this place. I'm chocking it up to tourists and people who are blacked out (or both). The "Dinty Moore" stew comparisons are both accurate and hilarious. The "hostess" (I use this loosely) chastised my nearly-70 year old mother for asking to be seated. Though our whole party hadn't arrived, we had reservations...and the place was ghost town...on a Tuesday. Sure hope treating us like imbeciles gave her meaningless day a smidgen of joy. I cannot reconcile that somewhere like Owen & Engine (or any of Chicago's numerous and awesome food options) shares a similar 4 star rating. Heck, if it's Italian you seek, you'd be 100 times better off just walk one more block to Quartino. Unless you feel like inducing a migraine from food saltier than this review, avoid!
(1)Christi R.
Absolutely love this place. I had my birthday dinner there last night with a group of 16. We took advantage of the Italian dinner party prix fixe. One of my guests was vegan, another was gluten-free and the staff took care of them like champs. The food was all incredible and aplenty (the three meat ragu was out of this world). The service, while a little slow to start (our poor server was being pulled in 16 different directions at once in addition to tending to a few other tables) was superb. I really can't sing enough praises here. And at the end, I got some (mind-blowing) salted caramel gelato while my friends serenaded me. What a lovely night. I'd recommend it to anyone and will definitely be back.
(5)Sam M.
After a slow start, the evening turned out good. After trying to sit us next to the kitchen, we were moved to a table where we didn't need to here the cooks yelling or the plates being cleaned. This was not my first visit to osteria. Like all leye restaurants with the exception of Joes, the food is good not amazing. The service was solid considering it was packed at 9:30 on A Friday. About the food, our table ordered three appetizers (veal meatballs, prosciutto and mozzarella, and grilled octopus. All of the appetizers were very good. The bread is served with oil and crushed garlic, it is amazing. My entree was just okay. I believe it was called Mario's chicken. The chicken was cooked good but just had too much overpowering butter flavor. That is how it was described by the waiter but I expected more of a lemon chicken. Overall a good experience minus the location of the first table. Would go back but would try a different entree.
(4)Katherine L.
This place is popular during tourist season and bustling, but the lighting in the dining room was romantic (we were in the side room, off the host desk and away from the bar). The food was really good, and the service was impeccable.
(5)Erika G.
Love. This place had the feel of a lively Italian bistro in Milan. Seriously. The decibel level was a bit high at times, but that could have been the gaggle of suburbanite horse-laughter women next to me, not the restaurants fault. Friendly bartender, delicious wine. True to (my) form, this area is for the bar area only, and we only had one each. But, I'm motivated to come back if in the area to try the food. Or, dine outside when this hideous summer heat subsides.
(4)Carrie S.
Osterio Via Stato made my first outing as Hospitality Chair of my professional organization a breeze. For our annual awards banquet, I wanted a departure from our tried, true, and boring mainstays. Through a series of emails to the LEY event planner, I planned my event quickly and easily. I never worried about the quality of experience we would have because the planning was through. When I arrived for our event on a cold, rainy Tuesday, the Osterio Via Stato staff had already helped board members with arranging tables and preparing for the event. I really didn't have to worry about it any snafus throughout the night. Our banquet room was a cozy, quaint room off of the main dining room. It gave an intimate feel to our awards banquet. During cocktail hour, servers attentively took drink orders and made sure guests were comfortable. Our banquet menu was spectacular. We started with salt-encrusted ciabatta bread served with roasted garlic and basalmic vinegar. The bread was fluffy, soft, and a little crusty. Osteria's one of those places that you remember the delicious bread from. Our group was next served a family-style chopped salad. The salad is notable for its addition of celery. Mmm, crunchy chopped salad! Next, we had a choice of entrees ranging from short-rib to chicken to salmon. I chose the salmon. Wow, it was perfectly cooked. Our tables were also served family style purple aspargus and roasted potatoes. The meal was delicious and satisfying. For dessert, we were served Italian cookies. One of the desserts consisted of a piece of dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and almonds. It was my favorite dessert!! I ate nearly of our table's orange peel. I loved the play on flavors. I had the best, first-time planning experience thanks to Osteria. Everything went smoothly. My professional colleagues remarked how nice and delicious the dinner and setting were. Thanks to Osteria, my first planned dinner was a success setting the bar pretty high for future events.
(5)Phil G.
First of all, I thought the food was great. It was the service was Meh. I'd made reservations with pizza in mind only to find that the Osteria I'd reserved at was a different resturant than the pizza Osteria although they apparently had the same name and same entrance and everything. Okay, so it's dark, really dark, which I guess is okay for ambience, but our server didn't really help us at all. Didn't bother to tell those who ordered meat dishes that they were ala carte or offer sides suggestions, didn't offer any wine suggestions, and when I asked for cracked pepper, was handed two identical shakers and of course I added salt instead of pepper, which I didn't want. Not tragic, but with a hefty bill, nowhere near perfect.
(3)Evonne S.
I have been to Osteria several times before and have always liked the food....especially the veal meatballs! Tonight I had the risotto special with braised short ribs and wild mushrooms....spectacular! The reason for my review tonight has to do with the service which several other reviewers have commented on and I have experienced myself in the past-tonight, however I was perturbed enough to take the time to write it in a review. I pulled up to the restaurant (my friend was already inside waiting for me at a table) wanting to valet. There were several parked cars in front leaving only the taxi cab lane vacant. There was no visible valet sign and the outside seating host was busy standing at his station doing nothing except being very good at avoiding noticing me in my car trying to get his attention to see if there was valet service (it was early and it was possible, although it would have been inconvenient, that valet service had not yet started for the evening). After several minutes and no valet and no hope getting the hosts attention I pulled up in front of the parked cars into what was now the valet lane for the hotel. I was approached by the bell boy who asked me if I was checking in and proceeded to tell him that I was there for dinner and had already waited behind the parked cars behind me. He was nice but did not offer to help or to go get the host from the restaurant so I got out of my car (to the bell boys objection) and walked up to the host who was now talking to a waitress and in short, asked him what was going on. The waitress saw fit to answer for him and proceeded to tell me that I would have to wait! There were several ways I could have responded to this snot who injected herself into the conversation, one of which was that I wasn't talking to her and second that my frustration was not in having to wait but in not being acknowledged, not knowing where I was supposed to wait for the valet, if there was in fact valet as there was no sign posted and finally in being told that I would have to drive around again and wait in the taxi line! Understand that you simply do not drive around the block here, because of all the one way streets it's 2 blocks south then several blocks back north only to go south again in order to make it back around again-a round trip that takes a minimum on 10 minutes! Restaurants are in the service industry and there is fierce competition in a city like Chicago, it is not enough to have good food....you have to actually treat your customers like you appreciate that they are taking the time to dine and spend their money at your establishment. It is NOT ok to treat people as though they are on their own until they get in the door and to be met with attitude when faults of the establishment are identified and challenged. My overall opinion is that the staff is poorly trained in terms of quality of service, our waiter was great but the bus boy and server were abrupt and clanged plates around like we were at a greasy spoon...it was all in all a very lack luster performance... The only reason for the 2 stars is the food.
(2)Erin P.
I had an fabulous experience here. On a Wednesday night the place was packed by 7, luckily we had a reservation. The space is beautiful, the food incredible and the service fantastic (LOVED our waitress!). They offer a $40/pp Family Style meal that includes 4-5 antipasti and 2 pastas for the table and an entree each (served in 3 courses). It was so much food but so amazing. Luckily, we still managed to save room for their homemade gelato for dessert! Don't miss their Italian Manhattan with homemade vermouth!
(5)Scott D.
Unfortunately, my personal experience was not as good as the overall rating for this restaurant. If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be pretentious. In other words, their attitude indicates they think their food, service and ambiance is better than it actually is. FOOD - Our table had a combination of chicken and fish dishes with salads and sides. The chicken was decent but it wasn't worth the amount spent on the meal. The fish, on the other hand, was downright terrible, according to my wife. The potato sides were oversalted and had way too much garlic. I normally love both salt and garlic, but these were way beyond acceptable limits by anyone's standards. We decided not to say anything about the food at the restaurant- mostly because noone ever asked us how our meal or experience was. SERVICE - Service was ok, overall. Our server was a little haughty and not overly-friendly, but not necessarily bad at his job. I noticed a difference in his attitude after our table decided to order ala carte instead of investing in the $40 per person italian buffet. Guessing that's related to the potential tip or maybe something I said. No idea, but uncomfortable for us. The staff that actually refilled our beverage glasses, bread and took our plates were outstanding - very nice and friendly. My only comment for our server and the owner of this restaurant - if they read this- would be to do a better job making people feel welcome. This was our first visit to the restaurant and probably our last. While we weren't overly impressed with the food, the fact that I felt judged and unwelcome by the time we left is the main reason I wouldn't give this restaurant a second chance.
(2)Lara N.
My meal here tonight was absolute perfection. We started off with the veal meatballs and grilled octopus. The veal meatballs were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The grilled octopus was incredibly tender and flavorful. Then my mom and I shared the seafood linguine, which was also excellently cooked. The seafood was cooked just right, and the sauce was sooo good. After just three dishes we were actually feeling really full, but the chef came to our table to personally tell us he was sending out a homemade blackberry gelato on the house, since our pasta took longer than expected to come out. The gelato was exquisite! One of the best I've ever had. The service was very attentive and made our experience all the more memorable. This was a meal I will not forget!
(5)S P.
Mmmm just went here again and had the best meal!!! I got the hand made cavatelli with mushrooms and my friend got the fish special which was a perfectly pan seared flounder with potatoes and sauteed spinach. Everything was amazing including the yummy starter bread with roasted garlic olive oil dip. This is definitely my go-to italian restaurant in Chicago! I LOVED my server, he was so nice and helpful. The ambiance is beautiful and warm. Ahh go here if you haven't been!
(5)Alison B.
Had a wonderful dinner here on my visit to Chicago. Since we had been snacking during the day, we opted for the ~$25 per person family style menu that included the appetizers and the pastas. Every single dish we were served was delicious! Our server also let us know that we could have more of any dish if we wanted. Great wine list as well, and service was on point. The amount of food was perfect, and for the quality of food, the family style dinner option is a great deal. Even though I know there are a ton of other great places to eat in the area that I could go to instead, I would still like to go back to Osteria Via Stato next time I'm in Chicago!
(5)Mary T.
3.5 stars I came to Osteria Via Stato for an event, the set-up of which I found odd. I felt like the two connecting rooms we occupied could have been in separate zip codes, the only thing uniting them were the event's speakers, who stood in the opening between the rooms so we could all see and hear. From my vantage point I could only a handful of people seated on the other half of the space, it gave the event a lack of cohesiveness. To start we had olives (blech!), frisee salad, veal meatballs and bread served family-style; I didn't try the meatballs, but the rest were all good, but no standouts. I did love that, unsolicited, our server emphasized that she would be more than happy to replenish our salad or anything else we needed. For our mains we were given a choice of papardelle with a meat ragout, chicken mario (a breast served over baby broccoli), salmon drizzled with some sort of butter over mashed potatoes. I went with the salmon, which was just ok; it was moist and flaky, but I found the dish too rich. For dessert we dined on almond macaroons, shortbread cookies, and bittersweet chocolate with candied almonds. I didn't try the macaroons, but the shortbread cookies were great. The chocolate comes out in a slab, about 12" x 3" wrapped in paper and the server smashes it with a spoon to break up the chocolate and dumps almonds over the top. The chocolate was delicious, but messy; the small shards of chocolate melt quickly on your fingers. Service was extremely attentive and friendly, I just wasn't wowed by my meal and found the layout kooky. I would definitely consider a return visit, I think I'd probably fare better if I could order off the menu.
(3)John K.
Stumbled upon this place for lunch while visiting from California. My daughter, who knows sandwiches proclaimed the chicken pesto sandwich "the best sandwich ever". My BLT was excellent and the mixed green salad was a good complement. The staff was excellent as we were thirsty and the made sure to keep our water bottles coming and bread basket full despite my daughter and her friend's attempt to eat as much of it as possible. Highly recommended.
(5)Elyse C.
We came for lunch here on a Thursday, it wasnt crowded and we were seated right away. I started with and Arugula Salad, it has dates and bacon and it was really really good. I would come back just for that. I had the pork ppizza of the month which was very good. Like a sweet pulled pork sammie. The paper thin crust is a nice change but I didnt like the portions that had been charred. I would most defnitely come again and maybe try a pasta or sammie.
(4)Leonard T.
Came here for dinner last Sunday night while in Chicago for the housewares show. We had reservations for 4 at 7:30 and got detained at our company event. Called and asked if the reservations could be moved back to 8:00 and they were very accommodating. Then we picked up an extra person who wanted to come along. When we got there, they said it would be a small wait while they set up a table for all of us. Probably would not have been able to accommodate us on a Friday or Saturday night, but that was a great start to the dinner. We all decided to do the Italian dinner, and each person picked their own entree. They just kept bringing us the food, and all of it was excellent. We all decided that the chicken was the best of the entrees. Three of us did the "bring on the wine" with dinner. All three wines that we received were really great. One white and two reds. Two of the party who didn't particularly like reds, loved them, and the white was very good also. The other two in the party had beer with their dinner. Altogether it was a great evening with friends from other cities, and made even better by a great meal.
(5)Sarah S.
WAAAY better than that marginal place across the street called Quartino. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you'll be pleasantly surprised! They have great outdoor seating, but I noticed the inside was loud and sort of crowded like Carmine's. I'll put Osteria and Carmine's on the same level of food quality. They only lose stars for the atmosphere. The service was great here and the food was really good. They definitely accommodated my food allergies (like changed/added to a dish without complaining), which if you read any of my reviews makes me want to go back again and again. But yes, there is nothing too special about this place that would set it apart from say, Carmine's. Wine list was pretty decent. I had the Barbera del Monferato -- fruity, sweeter Italian red wine. My dad even liked it so much he ordered a glass and he only drinks "the house pinot grigio." ha
(4)Caroline M.
I took my friend here last weekend for a delicious dinner and we both liked it for the most part. The restaurant is uber romantic with low lighting and solo tea lights at each table. We both started with girlie cocktails. Two bright pink cosmos, can ya get any more girlie than that? We then shared the calamari appetizer, which was pretty darn good. The breading was light and the dipping sauce was alright, too. For our main courses, my friend ordered the pork shank with kale and white beans. It was so fall apart tender! I kept stealing little forkfuls of pork from her plate. I went with the dish that contained all of my favorites: scallops, mushrooms and butternut squash. I was disappointed because my scallops were slightly gritty and there was a lot of oil on my plate. It wasn't a bad dish by any means, just needs to have a bit more attention to detail. While everything was overall pretty good I wasn't blown away with anything in particular. If you are downtown on State St. it'd be worth a shot to stop in, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dine here again. Also--don't check your coat, otherwise you may become a popsicle sitting near the window.
(3)Melanie S.
I recently went here with the sole purpose of using a gift certificate that was burning a hole in my pocket. I've had it for over 18 months and wasn't all that excited to put it to use. I had been here once before when it first opened and I didn't remember if I liked it, but I know I didn't dislike it either. I went in with an open mind. It was going to be practically free, after all. As part of the Italian dinner party, you're given several courses of starters and pastas, followed by a main course. Dishes are seasonal, based on local ingredients. One glass of chilled Prosecco later and I was ready for the feast to begin. First up was fresh mozzarella with chili oil and roasted garlic drizzled with balsamic. I can't get enough of garlic, and this was delicious. Then creamy polenta with roasted wild mushrooms. Earthy and rich. Next came a cauliflower soup that tasted like pureed cauliflower with just enough cream to make it silky. It was decadent. I wanted to lick the bowl, in fact I may have. One dish I remembered from my original visit was roasted onions with parmesan, which they weren't serving, but the server was kind enough to scare us up an order. This was my favorite appetizer - basically french onion soup without the soup part. Heavenly. Then a couple of unremarkable pasta dishes. One was a papardelle with bolognese and the other was a rigatoni with cauliflower and spinach. I didn't eat much as I didn't want to fill up on pasta. My entree was the Chicken Mario, which was an organic chicken breast sauteed in brown butter. It was so flavorful and chicken-y tasting. I don't order chicken in restaurants very often as it can be dry, but this was so juicy. I added a squeeze of lemon and it was perfection. Entrees are served with spicy roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts. I am not a brussel sprout fan, but these were caramelized and had bacon bits mixed in. It's amazing what a little bacon can do to this otherwise humble vegetable. I skipped dessert because I couldn't eat another bite, but had something on the dessert menu really spoken to me, I'm sure I would have found room. I would happily go back, with or without a gift certificate. A solid dining experience.
(4)Joanna T.
Truly a go to spot for me! If you eat at the bar, you can order from both the pizzeria and the regular menu. This is next to a hotel so the bar can get lively on weekends. It's very cozy and casual. If you like small plates, like to try a few different things, this is a must try. If you love super thin, crispy brick oven pizza, you must come here. I always get the chicken Mario, which is delish, I never miss the caprese salad, and the margherita pizza. Oh, and the Calabrese potatoes, crispy, a bit greasy, but yum! Every month, they have a few different wines and beer on the hand written menu to try, and they also have seasonal cocktails. Also, along with thier regular menu, they have new additions that change with the seasons, highlighting seasonal ingredients. This place is always fresh and always so good, and has something new to try as far as drinks and apps go. I can never stay away from this place for too long! As I mentioned before, this place has seating in the pizzeria side, and the regular restaraunt side, and this makes a difference since you get 2 different menus. If your indecisive like I am, or just want everything like I do, take a seat at the bar and you can have both. In the summer, the outdoor seating is fab. My only complaint, they are not open for lunch, otherwise my co-workers and I would frequent this place.
(4)Howard L.
Went here with family and it was excellant. We sat outside and the weather was also great. The service was spotty but the food was terrific. The bread and dip was outstanding. My wife loved the gnocchi and I really enjoyed the chicken rigatoni. Highly recommended. It was a little confusing understanding why the pizzeria part of the resturant was off limits to those dining in this part of the resturant. I really wanted a pizza but couldn't get one. Very strange.
(4)Tiffany L.
You know what I really love about Italian places? Warm bread and plenty of olive oil to dip it in. You what I loved about Osteria Via Stato? Their olive oil/balsamic vinegar/roasted garlic dip for the warm bread. Mmmm heaven. Everything besides that was just standard here. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. Our group shared the calamari appetizer. I hate to say it, but I still love the calamari at Cheesecake Factory more (even though I don't really like anything else at the Cheesecake Factory). We shared the arugula salad and a handrolled pasta dish whose name has left me for the moment. Both were good. The pasta dish was sauteed in a chicken broth with mushrooms and ended up a bit heavy, and the pasta shape reminded me of slugs, but definitely tasted better than it looked. Maybe because it was such a heavy dish, but the portion size did not astound me like people are saying. We got the full portion size but it looked more like a half. If you want large portions, go to Maggiano's, seriously -- now those are obscene portions. All in all, a good place to go in the area if you don't have to wait to long. They quoted us an hour wait, but I think we only waited about 20 minutes.
(3)David S.
During the chaos of the weekend before Xmas we attempted to get into Quartino's restaurant amid great reviews. Staving,we decided to bag the 45 min wait and try the italian restaurant across the street. No wait, and a choice between a pizza side and pasta side. We opted for pasta side and all I can say is wow! Service was stellar and the food reminded me of an unsuspecting Italian cafe in Tuscany. I had the filet, my lady had the penne pasta with wild mushrooms. In fact it was so good we came back for seconds...the following evening for pizza. Highly recommend! A hidden gem.
(5)Dan S.
This is a great reliable place, perfect for large groups. We had meatballs to start as well as Parmesan onions. Don't miss the onions. Outrageously good. We were so full from apps we didn't finish the very good main course of short ribs. Very good service too. Can't go wrong here.
(4)Marie G.
Went there with husband and two teen daughters. meh! It was just ok. They have a brick oven pizza at their sister restaurant right next door right through a door and they would not make pizza for my daughters. They ended up having a salad and an appetizer they did not care for. Guess it is not for families just for older people.
(3)Stephanie W.
I've walked past this place a million times without stopping in. A friend and I finally decided to stop in and give it a try and we were not disappointed. Wine, appetizers, and entrees were all fantastic, as was the service. I was definitely pleasantly surprised.
(4)Kyle H.
Before my visit I had no idea what an Osteria was! But if this is what Lettuce Entertain You thinks an Osteria is, then I'm on the first plane to Italy to hit up some real ones! LEY has built a ruggedly beautiful, rustic restaurant and tavern that serves simple authentic italian food and wine. Stone arches, thick wood tables, low lighting...this place is perfect for that hot date and equally perfect for group dinners and celebrations! I was here for a late night snack, so I can't comment on the Prix Fixe menu, but loved what we ordered a la Carte! The artichoke bruschetta sounded heavenly, but we had to go with the red and orange beets with goat cheese and mixed greens. I'm part Polish but have never liked beets. But this beet salad was "Beet Happening!" Yum. Even though the homemade Pumpkin Ravioli looked yummy and was made with Wisconsin Pumpkins, this 'Sconny boy had to go with the gnocchi. Not a closed-shell gnocchi, like most I've had, this was a nice lighter take on the classic Italian dish. To me gnocchi is to Italian food, what mole is to Mexican food; it's a unique dish that speaks volumes about the restaurant. Osteria Via Stato's gnocchi was very good, but still had me thinkin' about that Pumpkin Ravioli.... Service was excellent all night! We went with the "Just Bring Me Wine!" special of 3 flights for $15 per person. We were brought a dry white, an earthy red, and a wonderfully fruity red called Librana Ciro, from the Calabria region. "To Calabria!" We lingered well after others had left, finishing our wine, and our server said that was quite alright! I imagine once I come back to try more of Osteria Via Stato's menu, this will get bumped up to five stars. Who's up for it? "To Osteria!" *ching, ching!
(4)joshua d.
On a trip to Chicago, my lady friend and I came here for a nice dinner. We got the prix fixe option (they call it something different, I forget what exactly) that involved them bringing out delicious food for like an hour. Then, anything we liked, they'd bring more of it. It was completely luxurious and delicious. And I think it was only about $40/person. Even better, it was prix fixe with flexibility, where we could select our main entree from about a dozen choices. It was the best prix fixe I've ever done. The service was outstanding as well. Our server was very down to earth and casual, but still professional. We sat outside, which was a great way to people-watch in a new city. So excellent.
(5)Lucas C.
This place is so overpriced and the pasta is terrible
(1)Justin P.
I would like to recommend everything at Osteria with special kudos for the Ricotta Cheesecake which is out of this world! In general, this is my go-to establishment on State Street and the only one I actively seek out. The staff is great, they have a beautiful outside dining area in a perfect people watching spot.
(5)Amy L.
A nice place for conversation. The wine list seems nice. Heavenly house salad. Seafood stew is magical although the waiter could have just left people alone a little more.
(4)Murtaza M.
Working at a large Chicago hotel, I expect other hotels and restaurants to provide not just a great product, but great service as well. This place is clearly failing at that. I had been sending many of the hotel guest to this restaurant via opentable reservations, until I had a group that I couldn't book into Osteria online for a last minute reservation. I called and got the rudest and unaccommodating hostess on the phone. She even gave me attitude when the guest decided to change the number of people in attendance. She got annoyed at me for having the audacity to book a large group, I guess. She kept changing the restaurant's "policies" about large groups with fixed charges per person, then credit card holds. I know how restaurants deal with LARGE groups, and this isn't how its done. Needless to say, this restaurant has lost my guests, and my business. Good service, it's not impossible!
(3)Jessica S.
Pricey, but one of best Italian ive had in a long time...and the Sangria is unbelievable!
(5)Caroline B.
I stopped here with a friend for lunch on Saturday while we waited for our tour time at the Driehaus Museum around the corner. We had a delightful meal! We must have arrived at jus the right time because we snagged a window table and shortly after the place started to fill up. To start, the table bread is amazing! We asked where it was from (Red Hen Bakery) and if we could have some more :) I was even more excited because there is a Red Hen Bakery right in Oak Park where I live! My friend and I split the chopped salad and a penne dish and both were delicious. I found the service to be spot on, attentive but not annoying and I never felt like I was being pushed out the door. I would definitely come back here, and I'll come hungry!!
(4)Christina M.
We (my bf and I) love the pizza at Pizzeria Via Stato! I always order the vegetable pizza without cheese and mushrooms and it's always been fantastic. They also used to have an appetizer made with a white bean dip, it was pretty darn good. Overall, this is a cute little place with good food, we'll certainly return.
(4)Lisa Z.
I tried some of the pizzas from here, and they were good. Yeah, they were. But my general take on this place is that, if I lived near by, I'd be getting takeout from here all the time, but it's not special enough to really go out of my way to go to. I also shouldn't take any of this out on the fact that I visited here on a match.com date, and my date was rather bland. The pizza was not bland by any means, but the date's mediocrity didn't help.
(3)Marc T.
Just attended a wedding here over the weekend. The food and service were fantastic. We had a wide selection, but I'd definitely return to order off of the menu or from the pizza bar.
(4)Anna V.
I try so hard to hate touristy Lettuce Entertain You (yep, this is one, along with Mon Ami Gabi and the super popular Ba Ba Reeba) chain restaurants. I want to be a hater but I'm not. I have done a la carte, pizza, and prix fixe here with varying degrees of success. Pizzeria: fun and pleasant, good for friends if you all work nearby. We ate in the summer indoors in the evening for pizza and craftish beer. It's better outside, but it was raining. I'd try this again in the spring or summer on the patio. A la carte: was a date with one of the bigger d-bags ever - he wore designer flip flops. This was the saving grace of that meal, which otherwise pissed me off. The pasta is very good. So is the cheese plate. Quartinos of wine are a really happy thing to have when you're annoyed. Prix fixe: solid. I always dodge shellfish and they were good about accomodating it. Roasted garlic in balsamic is great. Salad, tomatoes, and cheese for the appetizers; a creamy mushroom pasta with asparagus and some type of thin brothy tomato sauce penne, and split entrees of gnocchi and short rib. We did the wine pairing and really enjoyed it. Nothing was bad. It was totally excessive but tasty. Is it kind of pedestrian? Of course it is, and snobs (especially if they're from New York) will tell you this immediately. I like it. I can't not.
(4)Crystal X.
drink - prosesso fizz appetizers - house marinated olives, grilled octopus, funduta Our server forgot our drinks and ordered the wrong cocktail. Our table consisted of three people, it was on tuesday so it wasn't that busy either.
(2)Donna L.
Absolutely delicious!!!! Love everything about this place! Of course the food was amazing, great flavors, but the ambiance was great, romantic yet fit for after work business dinners. Great wine list, great service, and you can beat the food, everything from the appetizer salads, veal meatballs, and especially their olive oil and bread! The best part is the pizzeria area in the front for more casual get togethers. Will definitely be back!
(5)Gigi W.
Osteria Via Stato has an outstanding service and atmosphere. It was a very nice experience since the moment we got to the restaurant. The waiter was very attentive and recommended the Montepulciano Italian wine, excellent choice for our seafood dinner. We started off with calamari, then we each had a seafood stew which was absolutely delicious, the fish was fresh and the stew was so tasty; for dessert caramel gelato - Mmmm... This is a wonderful restaurant on State Street.
(4)Eugenya B.
Amazing food and great service. I've come here many times for birthday celebrations or date nights and I'm never left disappointed. I honestly have not had one bad meal. The standouts are definitely the veal meatballs, arugula and mixed green salads, and of course the gnocchi...simply delicious! The pizzeria section is also great. The prosciutto pizza is seriously like heaven on earth.
(5)Aldi J.
Went here for Valentine's day and we had a great time! Staff was very friendly and answered all our questions about the food and wine. She had the Chicken Mario and I had the Braised Short Rib. Both were very tasty.
(4)Tracey M.
I left wondering, when can I repeat this meal? That is how good a meal at Osteria Via Stato is. I have to admit I had never heard of this place before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into the meal. Though there is an a la carte option, our group decided to do the Italian Dinner Party meal which includes Antipasti, two pasta dishes, a main course and sides for $38.95 a person. Note: this doesn't include any beverages or dessert. However, for the amount of food you receive it's not a bad price at all. All the food served to us before the main courses would have sufficed for me. Seriously, it's a lot of food. And it's endless. So, if you are like we were and just LOVE one of the dishes (such as the short rib brochette), you can get more. By the time my Scottish Salmon arrived I was stuffed, but I wasn't about to stop eating and I am so glad I didn't! Now, I have to preface my next comment. I think it's important to mention I order Salomon a lot when I go out to eat. I say this because the Scottish Salmon is AMAZING. It is quite possibly the best Salmon dish I've had at a restaurant. Also, I was leery of the butternut squash that the dish comes with, but honestly it just enhanced the flavor of the fish even more. Even though we were stuffed, we had dessert anyhow. Though it was good, I wasn't wowed by the dessert I had; however, the others in my party partook in their homemade chocolate bar and said it was very good. Oh, one other thing... the wine. This restaurant has a great selection of wine and we appreciated our server's input on our selections. Also, when it became evident that we weren't going to finish our second bottle of wine, he was kind enough to charge us by the glass vs. for the whole bottle which I thought was considerate. Speaking of our server... he did a very good job. I wish I had his name so people could requests him, but I unfortunately don't. Lastly, the environment. There is a fun, upbeat vibe to this restaurant. and is definitely a place good for many different occasions.
(5)Stephanie W.
Fantastic service, totally nice vibe, and very wiling to accommodate big parties. They've got two menu options - a la carte and family style prix fix - and they just request that your table all sticks to one option or the other. If you have more than 10 people, you have to go with the family style prix fix. Everyone on the menu looks good, and the bread they put down on the table with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic is absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, though, at least 2/3 of the stuff our party of 7 ordered didn't actually taste good, and our boys went home still pretty damn hungry. I wouldn't mind coming back here for drinks or pizza, but probably won't rush back for dinner
(3)Gia S.
I am guilty of always trying the new places but our extended family pretty much likes to stick to Italian. For a Holiday dinner I decided to take them to Osteria via Stato. I am the only one that had been and they just loved the place. It truly is an old classic still doing it right. Ambiance and decor are even better over the holidays, so cozy. Food was excellent, decent pricing and service was wonderful. Plus Lettuce Points for this Gold Member are always a plus. Always consistent and worth a visit. Not to be forgotten.
(5)Trevor S.
Will be back soon.
(4)Sonia C.
I came here with a very large party for the Italian Dinner Party - $39 for unlimited antipasti and pasta along with a choice of entree. The antipasti were decent - the veal meatballs and parmesan crusted onion rings were especially popular, though the tri-colored beets were my favorite. The homemade parpadelle with the meat sauce was much better than the other bland pasta with the white beans. The parpadelle was cooked perfectly al dente and the tomato meat sauce was light and tasty. The other pasta was left mostly uneaten. For my entree, I had the grilled ruby red trout. It was pretty tasty, if a little salty. Filleted but grilled skin-on, it was fresh and slightly crispy. My friends mostly ordered the short ribs or pork chops and everyone seemed pleased with their dishes. We were stuffed by the end of the meal, but I split the gelato platter with 2 other friends. The caramel gelato was excellent, especially since they served the gelato atop a little pool of semi-solid caramel. Our waitress was very nice and patient with our large party. After tax, tip, and two bottles of wine, we ended up paying about $64pp. A little pricey for what we got, and the reason I'm withholding a star.
(3)Roy H.
This place was a great time for sure, the way to go for the meal is the Italian DInner Party. You better come hungry too, well...you don't have to if you want a nice lunch the next day. They start you off with an assortment of bread with a great dipping sauce (roasted garlic and balsamic I think). Then comes the round of appetizers shortly after. The mushrooms where amazing!! After the apps its time for some pasta. One with white sauce one with red. Both are pretty good. All of this you get to share with your table, family style. Also, at any point in the meal if you want more pf the appetizers/pasta/etc you can ask and they will get some some. Very nice touch. For the main course each person gets to pick what they want. I chose the special of the night (Duck with a cranberry based sauce - AMAZING) and my date went for the chicken which was also great. The main course comes with two sides - brussel sprouts (made with garlic and bacon, trust me its good) and potatoes. This great dinner will run about $40 a person. If you want a wine pairing (for each course) that is an additional $15 each or more depending on the wine group you chose. We got the $15 pairing which was very good. We couldn't stomach dessert so I cant comment on it. The dessert menu looked great, they had gelato too. Interior is very nice, dimly lit so a bit on the romantic side. I think it would still be a great for a group though. They sat us near the window, so it was a bit warm due to the heat vents.. The initial service (from time we got seated to when they took our order) was a bit slow, but after that it was perfect. I would have gone 5 stars if it wasn't for those two little things.
(4)Ashley K.
This is a place I want to hate because I feel like it's in a super touristy location and as a real Chicagoan, I should be dining elsewhere. But you know what? I can't hate this place. I've been here 3-4 times and each time the food has been awesome. In my course of dining here that much, I've had the majority of stuff on the menu and I've never been disappointed. My favorite thing is probably the crispy potatoes (extra crispy thankyouverymuch) that come with a lemony aioli dipping sauce. The handmade pastas are outstanding and truly showcase why homemade is best. The space is adorable and I've always had impeccable service here. Cheers to that, Osteria, cheers to that.
(5)Teddy B.
I've come back here multiple times whenever I visit Chicago, and the food is always the star. The pizzeria in front will fill up with cheapskates lacking much of any sense of culinary adventure, but ignore that boorish lot of palates and head for the dark restaurant in back. It has a lot of space and some nice decor, even if they play club music circa 2002 that is completely out of place. And yes, it is in an Embassy Suites -- which would normally only be associated with "good food" by someone who holds Howard Johnson's fried clams in the highest esteem. The wine list is eclectic and pretty good. The service is rough around the edges -- reaching over patrons and serving from the right side at times. Minor details perhaps, but clearly they are not trained. And yet the Italian food here always has a great variety and expression of flavor. It's the saving grace that makes this place particularly worth coming back to regularly. The prix fixe menu is a deal in terms of both experiencing that variety and doing it at a reasonable cost.
(4)Erin J.
Went here for dinner last weekend with a friend and we enjoyed ourselves. The veal meatballs were delicious, as was the spinach and asiago dip we started with. The dish of bread and olive oil with bits of roasted garlic was tasty, too - I wish there would have been more oil/garlic because there was a TON of bread and bread is MADE for sponging up yummy stuff like that. My friend got the pappardelle, which she enjoyed. I got the gnocchi, which isn't your normal potato-based gnocchi; it's parm-based, iirc. So I thought that sounded fantastic. Not so much. While pretty much all gnocchi include flour, I could REALLY taste it in this dish. So much so that I couldn't eat more than a few. And they weren't light, but kinda gluey. Parts of them stuck to my teeth. The thin tomato sauce served with it did it no favors, either - I swirled my pieces in my friend's spicy sauce from the veal meatballs. To drink, my friend had her usual chardonnay and diet Coke (not together!) and I got a couple white peach bellinis. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't perfect. Not too sweet, just the right amount of bubbles...perfect. And it'd better be, for $11 per wee champagne flute. And dessert? Dessert was AMAZEBALLS. This review should be a solid 3 stars, but the dessert...my goodness. We each got gelato, she the carmel and me the hazlenut with chocolate. Hers made her eyes roll back in her head. She insisted I try it and it was really, really good. Mine was...there are no words. Imagine Nutella and vanilla gelato had a baby and that baby was delicious. Creamy and not tooth-achingly sweet, perfect consistency...someone in the kitchen really knows what they're doing. The gelato is enough for me to come back. I would specifically extract the bellini and the gelato, insert me and friends onto a table outside in the summer and boomboomPOW: happiness. For dinner, I think I'd only come back if other people suggested it.
(4)I H.
Went here the other night for a late dinner with my wife and really enjoyed this place. While the food was not out of this world is was excellent and really tasty. I was glad to see that the portion sizes were not outrageous as can often be the case. That said, in no way did I leave hungry. I ordered the chicken thighs and they were excellent and my wives gnocchi was tender and delicious. Wine selection was good and service was excellent.
(4)Oana A.
I've been an avid patron of Osteria Via Stato, since it opening. Its food and service has always been outstanding, which is why I was so disappointed to have SUCH difficulty booking my event there. I called a month in advance to book the private room, leaving a credit card to ensure I'd have it all covered. I called a week in advance of my even to check in, and not only was I not getting the room I asked for, but they couldn't even find my reservation. In addition, a manager was supposed to call me back to solidify my reservations-- which never happened. I ended up having to call them back (again) on Monday morning to press them for a contract and make sure my party was taken care of. If I didnt have 22 people already confirmed for this place, I would have cancelled right then and there. Then the night before my dinner --my bank calls to confirm fraudulent charges on my credit card because, someone ran my card for $1,000+ at Osteria Via Stato. I immediately called Osteria, who assured me it was a mistake and the transaction did not go through. I happened to be on the phone with the GM who promised me he'd stop by during my dinner to personally apologize for mischarging my card--never happened. Fortunately, my guest had a wonderful time -- and our server was really great, but I can promise you I'll never book a party there again--which is a shame.
(2)Cynthia P.
I stopped by this restaurant and there was a wedding party there who had reserved the space so they opened at around 730...while waiting to go in I asked a couple of locals about it and they gave some suggestions for my dinner and said it was worth the wait...and they were right. I'm sort of an Italian snob after visiting Italy a few times and this place did not disappoint. I sat at the bar, which had a great selection of cocktails and an excellent wine list. A lot of options on the menu and from my perspective Really affordable. The bread is crusty and hot served with olive oil with roasted garlic---so yum, but don't fill up on the bread!! I went with the short ribs and wow simply to die for...service at the bar was okay poor guy was overwhelmed since the restaurant was practically sat at once...I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(4)Comensal A.
We've been to Osteria Via Stato twice recently -- once with friends (when we had the "Italian Dinner Party" prix fixe dinner) and as a couple when we ordered a la carte. We've enjoyed this place in the past, and these recent visits continued that tradition. Everything was nicely conceived and well cooked. Our servers were knowledgeable, cordial and appropriately attentive & sophisticated. The extensive Italian-only wine list is approachable, with choices at many price points. The dining room we were in was warmly decorated and well-lit. All in all, this is another fine production of Lettuce Entertain You. We enjoyed all the food on these visits -- it's hard to point to standouts! The braised pork shank was everything I'd hoped: succulent, tender and rich. Short rib & mushroom risotto was perfect winter comfort food. A pan roasted flounder special with sunchokes, grapefruit and a Meyer lemon sauce was superb. Borlotti bean soup, polenta -- the list of pleasing dishes goes on and on... Like other Lettuce Entertain You ventures, Osteria is carefully crafted to offer a quality themed dining experience that is a little bit special, yet accessible to a mainstream middle class market. It's not edgy, not top shelf -- but it is well done & pleasurable, and it delivers good value. I'm a fan!
(4)Chicago G.
Decent Italian food. Not hard to find in Chicago but nice outdoor patio and good service.
(3)David B.
I love this restaurant. Some of the best cuisine in the city with an amazing Italian wine list. I was here for an anniversary dinner on Valentines Day. There was a set multi-course dinner with optional wine flights. Spectacular food and service.
(5)Lauren K.
This restaurant is one of me and my husband's favorite. We have been there a total of 4 times in one year. We have ordered a la carte and also tried the Dinner Party option on the menu which is a fixed menu and you choose your entree. It is a wonderful concept and we are always pleased. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is romantic. I suggest everyone give it a shot. It is italian fine dining, and if your into americanized burgers and fries then you may not rave on the food. For us, it's our style and we like to eat on the healthier side. Also, if you order a la carte, try the calamari, it is wonderful here.
(5)Terese C.
Service was extremely slow! We were greeted by our waiter, then left to wait and wonder when he would return, we approached a different waiter who went to get our waiter. We did remind him we had not given him our orders. He did apologize. And to top it all off, the food was mediocre. I would imagine that ordering the family style dinners would have been better. I'm disappointed because we have been to several LET restaurants and have been pleased. We will not return.
(2)Amy M.
After a long search for the perfect venue for our Chicago wedding, my husband and I settled on Osteria Via Stato. What an amazing choice we made... Allison (from Osteria) was our event planner and organizer and I truly can't say enough kind words about her. She was professional, friendly, organized, accommodating and amazing to work with. We designed our own "cocktail reception" and "grazing party" and the food was OUTSTANDING. We were married 11 days ago and everyday I get another person raving about the food. Food favorites included passed pizzas, arancini balls, short rib crostinis, and the homemade ricotta cavatelli with wild mushrooms! Honestly, it was all amazing! For our cocktails the bartender designed specialty drinks for us that were out of this word....a blueberry spritzer, a fig martini, and a bellini with peach and raspberry. All truly delicious! The servers were so friendly and attentive to our every needs. Krista, you followed me around and always made sure I had what I needed. You were an angel. Thank you for making this truly the best day of our lives!
(5)Gina V.
I don't even know where to begin.... 1. Service- Phenomenal...unfortunately I cannot remember our waiter's name, but he was so patient and always smiling. Really made my experience beside the fabulous food. 2. Bread was beyond fresh...mmmmmm 3. Pasta with red sauce was pretty good, but white pasta with spinach and salami was to die for 4. Filet Mignon was pretty good....average 5. Ricotta cheesecake was out of this world and their special doughnuts melt in your mouth! I have been dreaming about them for 2 weeks and cannot wait to go back! I can't wait to try other items on the menu!
(5)Alana T.
This place was just ok. Our arrival was unpleasant. We had a reservation and there was a delay in seating us - and we were corralled into a crowded bar area to wait and rudely instructed not to go beyond this little wall. We were finally seated at the worst table - awkwardly big for two people to sit across from each other and right by the kitchen door. The waiter was very nice, attentive and accommodating. Food was good but portions wee small. Only one bathroom for the whole restaurant unless you venture into the hotel.
(2)Jose C.
Incredible food and service! The bread was honestly one of my favorite things that they offered. The dessert menu had many great choices to choose from including many different flavors of gelato.
(5)Meghan M.
Went here with a group for a business dinner and I was the only one that had visited Osteria previously. I recommended the onions (yum) and calamari (double yum!) Our server was fantastic and recommended some great wines and cocktails. Our table ended up ordering the flounder which was very flaky and tasty, the bouillibasse which was a great consistency and had a ton of flavor, the scallops which were some of the biggest I've ever seen and the filet which was cooked perfectly. Everyone pretty much licked their plates. I got the gelato sampler for dessert and everyone else just had to try it. The vanilla was creamy, salted carmel chocolate was to die for and the chocolate hazelnut was my favorite. Being able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the fresh air and people watching made it the perfect night!
(5)Carrie S.
Went here on a Friday night. It seemed really noisy in the restaurant, so we chose to eat outside. Food was great. We split the antipasti platter, I had a caprese salad (which was probably the best I've had in a restaurant), and a short rib and wild mushroom risotto for my main. The bread with roasted garlic on the side was awesome. The "just bring me wine" option was perfect for me - three different wines chosen for me for $25. The service was friendly but not overdone. All in all a great night out.
(5)David L.
Friendly staff. Nice ambience. Good bread. Great thin-crust pizza. Very good salads. To-die-for caramel gelato and bread pudding desserts force me to give Osteria five stars.
(5)Chimmeree G.
I love this place! It is kind of pricey, but I manage it by coming here for special events - birthdays, anniversaries, and out of town friends. The wine list is fantastic - every thing pairs so well with the food. If you sample the menu the way they suggest you really come out a head. The service has never been less then stellar. The atmosphere really does take me back to Italy. After 5 years later, this place remains one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Daniel M.
This place is awesome. They served us roasted garlic in balsamic oil with our bread when we were seated, it was amazing. The calamari was cooked perfectly, and served with marinara. (Can't stand places that serve it with cocktail sauce) For the main course I had the filet which was good. My fiance had the penne with chicken in a spicy tomato cream sauce which I tried and was also very good. I will definitely be going back.
(4)Kellie B.
This Italian restaurant has a lot of presence in my opinion. The great smells preceded the meal, the pasta was served tradition style before the main entree (parmesan topped filet mignon), and the wine was served in a small decanter. Our waiter explained that two glasses of wine were served under the 'wine by the glass price' and that it was an excellent deal for the quality. I was impressed. The filet mignon was one of the best steaks I've ever had. It melts in your mouth. The experience was like tasting chocolate for the first time. Surprise, happiness, and anticipation for the next mouthful are the first thoughts that come to mind. Check out the picture of the steak!
(5)Linda S.
I look forward to visiting Chicago again just so I can eat here again! They have a pizzeria which is more casual, but I ate in their more upscale (meaning linen napkins, not paper) osteria. The parmesan crusted onions (my mouth is watering just remembering them) are caramelized onions topped with parmesan cheese. These are good all buy themselves, but make an excellent topper for their wonderfully perfect bread. I also ordered the olives - these too were very good. Much better than the assorted olives across the street at Quartino. For the salad, I had the seasonal greens - the vinaigrette was nice and light. I also ordered the gnocchi which melted in my mouth. Ate every last one even though with the bread and the previous courses I was already full when the gnocchi arrived. I missed out on dessert, because I didn't want to be rolled out. I couldn't even eat a wafer thin mint. The food was so good that I gave them a 5 star, but their service probably was only worth 2 stars. Our server was inattentive and forgot to bring requested items. We didn't even get refills on our drinks. : (
(5)John O.
Fine Italian in the heart of Chicago and I absolutely love it. I have not eaten quality Italian food for years and I'm glad I came here with my family. We were sat down immediately and our server was great too. The restaurant is divided into two parts, one is casual dining for Pizza and the other is fine Italian Osteria in the next room, where we were. After looking at their menu, I couldn't decide so I went with the special Lamb Sausage Risotto with roots and I loved it. I never knew risotto could be this good. I guess the other Italian restaurant i've been to in LA is on another level. We also ordered gnocchi with duck meat, spaghetti, and seafood linguine. Total came out to be around $150 including a liter of wine with tip for four people. I will definitely come back here when I am in Chicago.
(5)Thatgirl T.
This is hands down the best food you will eat, ever. If you haven't dined here, please please PLEASE do. Chef David DiGregorio is charming. Ask to meet him if you haven't. The service is on point. The caliber of his cooking is not to be believed. I can't get over how delicious this is. I've eaten here several times - the last time we had a beat salad, risotto, a spicy seafood pasta, portabella mushroom milanese which was unbelievable, and homemade gelatos. I was in heaven. I can't describe the level of deliciousness. PLEASE EAT HERE. You'll be happy you did.
(5)Jason V.
Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Food was excellent. Portions were not too large but there was still a lot of food after we ordered a salad and an entree each. The bread with olive oil, vinegar, and garlic started off the meal nicely.
(4)Mandi G.
My first dinner of restaurant week brought me to Osteria Via Stato. They set the bar really high for the rest of my rw choices. They were able to fit me and the BFF in on a last minute later reservation. The atmosphere is very classy, yet warm. We were seated at a great table (which was a given considering we were the last reservation for the night and the place was empty, but still appreciated). The only hiccup happened at the very beginning. Our server really seemed to push the regular menu and almost seemed annoyed that we were only interested in the rw menu. However, as soon as he realized we were going to booze up our bill, he was happy. And he definitely didn't rush us, even though we were the last table for the evening, so he is forgiven. As for the food, everything was absolutely delicious and very generously portioned. I loved their bread and the roasted garlic that came with it. The braised short rib was perfectly cooked, as were the brussel sprouts with pancetta that we had for a side. The simple chocolate tart dessert was pretty boring, but we were so full at that point that it didn't matter. This is a lovely place to have a romantic dinner and I do look forward to returning.
(4)Edmund L.
I was on business trip to Chicago. When I had some free time tonight, I went downtown and discovered this place. The restaurant atmosphere was very classy, cozy, and not noisy. Since I was by myself, I sat at the bar in the pizzeria section and ordered a margherita pizza. It was made of tomatoes, hand-pulled mozzarella, and basil. The ingredients were so fresh. The crust was paper thin and perfectly toasted. Every bite was light, fresh, and not greasy. To some of you, the portion looked like an appetizer. But it was enough to fill my stomach. It was the best pizza I have had. I am not a drinker, and I ordered a glass of ice tea. Even just the tea tasted freshly brewed and had full taste of tea leaves, and it was not watery. To complete my menu, I had a lemon gratin as the dessert. It was very refreshing, and it was a perfect compliment to wash down my pizza. My bill with a quite generous tip was just $24. It was surprisingly inexpensive. I am sure that it would be more than $30 if I eat the same items in the SF Bay Area. Too bad that I don't know when I can come back to Chicago next time. Otherwise, I would definitely come back this place and try other dishes on the menu. Yummy, yummy.
(5)Leslie S.
Thank God for Osteria Via Stato. My husband had made a reservation at another Italian restaurant in the area, and after I had looked on yelp for reviews, we had decided to make a reservation for Osteria. And we both are soooo glad that we did! Our server, Angelos (?), was very knowledgeable of the menu, wine pairings, and how the dishes were prepared. He wasn't pushy, but was very attentive. The family style dinner menu was extensive and allowed us to take advantage of their specialties. Angelos was great about making our experience something special, and he did. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Can't go wrong here!
(5)Boon K.
Hello Family style, very warm environment like someone's formal dining room. Great wine selection and nice warm bread. The pasta are pretty good and so was the short ribs. The calamari was ok. I was so full that I couldn't give a good judgment for desert but it look nice.
(3)Robert M.
As a recent newlywed spending my first Valentine's day with my wife I wanted to take her to a nice Italian restaurant since this is her favorite type of food. She loves pasta. I live in the city and have passed this restaurant a hundred times with the intention of eating there one day. That one day came last night and boy was I disappointed. It started with the rude valet guy (to be fair the other valet guy was nice) who told me I couldn't park there as I was waiting for the Valet guy to come up. I've valeted my car 1000x in this city and never had someone tell me that I couldn't park there and to move my car while I was waiting for valet. Once inside we were right on time for our reservations and were promptly escorted to our seats (that was a positive). Once we sat down we realized that it was only a pre-fixed menu tonight and my wife who is vegetarian was going to have a hard time since nearly every single dish included meat. Not a huge deal since she's not a fussy person but when discussing the menu options it seemed like a huge hassle for the waiter. The service was slow, not friendly, poor wine suggestions, and a complete disappointment. The food compared to other Italian restaurants in the city was at best average.The only positive is that the pre-fixed menu was $40/each and they do serve you a lot of food which is the reason I gave it a 2 star instead of 1. I am usually a fan of leye restaurants and dine out frequently. I will not return to this restaurant again since there are countless Italian restaurant options in the city that far surpass this one.
(2)Alice S.
wow. this was probably one of the most disappointing meals i have ever had. i went last night with my boyfriend and we both order the italian dinner party meal deal which is 35.95 for your choice of entree and a tasting of several antipasti dishes and 2 pasta dishes. To start, the usual bread with olive oil... but they put citrus peels in the oil so your bread tastes like oily orange zest. maybe some people like it.... it was not my cup of tea. but the bread was nice and warm and crusty-- the way i like it. the antipasti dishes--- the salad, ehh. it was okay. there was a tasting of some seafood dish that was... okay. the wood roasted sweet onions were probably the only antipasti dish i liked... just cause i love onions and i'll eat them done in any way. now the main courses, jeez what a MESS! my boyfriend ordered the veal medallions which were cooked well, but were drowning in a pool of whatever mess of a sauce they made. i hate restaurants that cover the quality of their meats with pools of sauce. what are you trying to hide. i ordered the braised short ribs with polenta. i was excited when i got the dish because the second i pulled at the short ribs with my fork, they just melted off. As i took a bite, I immediately thought, wow, tender, but all i taste is salt. i have never tasted anything sooo over seasoned. Basic skills of a chef, know how to season your food buddy! The short ribs were so salty that I started coughing right away. They were inedible.. Not only were the short ribs over salted, but they were drowning in a pool of the saltiest demi glace i have ever tasted. We sent it back and I ordered another dish from the menu. I ordered the lamb. It was brought out and again I was a little concerned because it was ALSO sitting in a pool of the lamb au jus. The lamb was tender, and while not as salty as the short ribs were, they were also over seasoned. I will definitely never be returning there again. Desserts as well were mediocre as was the wine. And our server while apologetic, had absolutely no personality at all. And I think sometimes a great server can make up for a horrible meal. Not at Osteria via Stato. SKIP IT! or better yet, avoid it like the plague.
(1)penny h.
Great place to go for a nice dinner with a group of people. i loved the look of the restaurant, the service was good and the food was very good.
(4)Ryan K.
Food: very very good. I was there with a large group. Before we actually sat down, appetizers were passed that included ricotta, sirloin and pizza. All were terrific. We had roasted garlic and olives with warm bread to start. It was absolutely fantastic and somewhat unique. Then came the veal meatballs which melt in your mouth. They are insane. Then the salad and onion and melted Parmesan cheese. The onion and cheese dish reminded me of some concoction that I would come up with at 2 am after a night at the bar, but it was amazing. A must if you like onions. For entree I was able to taste the short rib, eggplant parm, chicken Mario and trout with butter sauce. All were very good, but my entree, the short rib, did not blow my socks off. Homemade cheese cake for dessert was second only to the cheesecake at the capital grille although I thought the camel sauce was a bit burnt. Service: as good as it gets. Destiny and mark or Greg (I can't remember the guy's name) were awesome. They were so nice and attentive. Couldn't ask for anything more from them. Atmosphere: a bit upscale but not up-it's. Clean. Crisp. I had a great experience here. Everything was great. However, I want to be fair here. My short rib was just good. Also, they only have one single bathroom for the entire restaurant which is ridiculous. And they only have white napkins which can leave Lindt if you have black pants on. Outside of these three comments everything was amazing. A special shoutout to the staff. They were warm and they cared. It showed and earned this place my second 5 star review. I will be back.
(5)Alex K.
The restaurant is connected to a Hotel, where my wife and I stayed. We came there at 10:54 to get a bottle of sparkling water for our room... The bartender denied that to us because they were already closed (6 min prior to their official closing hours) Sorry service nowadays is everything even if the food might be decent...
(1)Anne S.
I love this place. This is my new go to special occasion restaurant. We came here with family a couple of months ago and were really impressed. It is a nice but comfortable atmosphere. Both times we went all of the staff was exceedingly friendly and helpful. The food here is outstanding. The trout I had yesterday is one of the best entrees I've ever had. Last night my husband and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary here. It was a perfect night to eat outside, so we sat on the patio. We ordered the Italian Dinner Party which is $40 per person. It was perfect. I told the waiter we didn't eat beef or pork, and he said that was fine they would just switch those parts to something else. When food was being delivered, we were told each time what type of meat was in a dish. This was a really nice and reassuring touch! The bread and roasted garlic are amazing. We had the pea brushcetta in place of the short rib brushchetta and it was quite good. We ordered seconds of the Italian vegetable salad, it was very good and close to being healthy. I'm not a huge fan of polenta, but it seemed fine. The Parmesan encrusted sweet onions was amazing. It really blew me away. The pennete pasta was fine, but not my favorite. The mezze rigatoni with chicken was great. We debated about getting more of it, but were getting full. You can order as much as you want of all of that! It was a lot of food though, so even though my husband and I are good eaters, we only ordered seconds of 2 things (salad and broccoli)! I would have been quite happy to end the meal here. In fact, maybe we'll come back and do just those parts since that's only $25 per/person. But then our entrees came out. I had the trout, and my husband had the chicken. The chicken Mario was great, but the Local Trout was one of the best things I've ever eaten. The entrees came with crispy calabrian potatoes which were delicious and broccoli which was very nicely cooked. My husband was shocked when I said I was too full to order desert, but really at that point I was uncomfortably full. I had been full for a while, but just kept eating because everything was so good. If you know me, you know that I like things to be a good value. In general I think a lot of places are not worth the cost. This place is not cheap, but it is a good value. It is amazing food in a nice setting with great staff.
(5)L W.
Family style, prefixed menu. Normally I'm not a fan of either dining options, but I must say Osteria has won me over. I was with a very large group and the wait staff was extremely patient. The apps and the pastas were excellent but the short ribs were superb! Fork tender very flavorful and the red wine reduction topped it off. The roasted potatoes seemed to be over cooked at first glance but once you tasted them it was a type of seasoning or spice rub. Overall great night at Osteria.
(5)AJ H.
Recently visited Osteria via Stato for Chicago Restuarant Week and they had thee absolute best Restuarant Week experience. For $33 you received a delicious six-course meal. Everything from the bread and olive oil through the dessert was phenomenal because of the detail they put into the meal. (The olive oil is marinated in shallots...yum!). The $15 wine pairing went perfectly with the meal, so I was extremely happy about that. Although I hardly ever get fish at Italian restaurants (because I'm a pasta girl) I had the trout, and it was seared to perfection. The service was awesome. Our server was attentive and very knowledgable. I'm glad I selected to visit during CRW and would definitely return.
(5)Remy H.
I was getting a little depressed with the food offering around downtown Chicago after a couple days. It seems like the choices are either franchise restaurants catering to tourists or steakhouses catered to business travelers on expense accounts. Seemed awfully one dimensional... So we stumbled into this place because it was close to our hotel and it stays open late and it has good reviews in general, so we decided to give it a try. And it was a very very pleasant experience for me and my GF. We were one of the last tables to get seated, and we sat outside in a balmy beautiful Chicago summer evening. We had: Food: 5/5 Spicy Rhode Island calamarie Arugula salad Cavatelli w/ wild mushroom and ricotta cheese burnt caramel gelato While I wouldn't describe any of the dishes as earth-shattering or eye-popping, they are nonetheless well-made with quality ingredient and prepared with finesse and thoughts. They are the dishes with execution and presentation that just let you relax and focus on enjoy them. Ambience: 5/5 We sat outside so we can enjoy the beautiful evening. The fixture is comfortable and good looking, the lighting is soothing. Service: 5/5 Our water was replenished all the time. Our waitress was attentive, polite, personable, knowledgeable, smart, and really good at taking care of us. We were the last table to leave and we never felt rushed or neglected even for one second. Costs: 5/5 For what I got for the money. I think it's worth every penny.
(5)Tim K.
Super cute little spot right inside the Embassy Suites. Can't beat the 3-course $10 lunch. Meatball sandwich hit the spot! Tap beer selection was just ok.
(4)Dennis O.
Food was not bad. The Chicken Ragu was great actually. There was a wedding taking place in the event space of this restaurant that was super loud and horribly distracting throughout the meal. So if you want some decent Italian food with throttling loud bass shaking the walls this just might be the place for you. This establishment should be fully rented out for events or not at all.
(1)Chad R.
Nothing remarkable, which is a shame. The place is cute and the service is good, but there's no unique differentiator here (unless the ridiculously loud trio of couples from the J Crew Spring catalog swearing, guffawing, and trash talking their friends-not-present counts). Which means I've experienced better. Originally chose a spot down the street which was packed-- like, super packed. This joint had plenty of available space. Makes one wonder. An' if I'm wonderin' if the other spot is worth the wait (and the Joey and Basic Battalions, respectively) then something's wrong, or at least not Right.
(2)Cassandra M.
So far I have been to this establishment two times and it has been absolutely amazing. The first time we had an excellent waiter, great food and the ambiance was romantic yet relaxed. Of course we decided to return. The second time we entered I was pretty nervous. A wedding reception was happening right in the restaurant but this did not hurt our experience in any way. We could barely hear the music and still had amazing food and yet another excellent waitress. However, it is not only the waiters and waitresses that are amazing, the entire staff is on point and ensures that your entire stay is enjoyable from beginning to end. Oh, and did I say the food is amazing?
(5)Ken O.
I had checked in with Shannon, Manager, who was very pleasant and was able to seated me right away. Due to a busy night, I was placed at one of the communal tables. There was a party of six guests at the the table and I was at the end of the table. There was a divider between us. I was checking social media during my meal so it wasn't a big deal with me. It wouldn't be for anyone. Liz had greeted within a couple of minutes after sitting. She was very gracious and answered all of my questions. I had ordered a Caesar Salad as an appetizer then the Salmon for the main entree with a side order of cauliflower. The Caesar Salad was delivered. The presentation was great. Instead of being chopped up, the leaves are long with garlic croutons. The dressing was so delicious - just enough garlic. Highly recommended to begin with. The salmon and the roasted cauliflower was brought shortly after I was completed with the salad. The salmon was crispy and so flavorable. The roasted cauliflower was stemmed and seasoned quite properly. The dessert menu had enough great options. I had the Gelato Platter. After a great meal, this really his the spot. Throughout the entire meal, Liz was fantastic. I look forward to my next trip back to this restaurant and would recommend it.
(5)Don J.
We checked into the Embassy Suites in Chicago on a cold February night and didn't feel like venturing out in the 0 degree weather for dinner. Lucky for us, Osteria Via Stato, with an entrance in the hotel lobby, turned out to have outstanding food and service. Dinner started off with a complimentary helping of fresh-baked bread and olive oil with roasted garlic. We also went for a dish of the house-marinated olives - colorful and very reasonably priced, although I wasn't wild about the citrus flavor. The arugula salad had enough greens to make me feel like a healthy eater, but also came with generous amounts of peppered bacon and parmesan cheese. I demolished it. My tip on the main dishes: if you're a normal eater and you're getting a salad and pasta, the "side dish" portion of the pasta is plenty. I went for a side dish of the orecchiette with pork sausage and rapini. The pasta was done to a perfect al dente, and the overall flavor of the dish was complex and interesting. Osteria Via Stato also has a casual bar area with draft beers, wine by the glass and a good lunch menu. There was a $10 special when I was there that included a cup of bacon and bean soup, a sandwich and a piece of chocolate cake. My dad and I ordered the BLT and chicken pesto sandwiches and traded halves. I'm glad I got to try both because they were excellent, but the chicken pesto was my favorite.
(5)Jaclyn W.
I had the penne, it was expensive but I thought it was delicious. My fiancé enjoyed the spaghetti arrabeita.
(4)Lisa P.
I'm updating my review because the last several visits to Osteria have been great in terms of service...& as always, the food is consistently delicious.
(5)Dan R.
What an awesome experience we had. Service was five stars. Food was five stars. The entire experience was five stars. And the price was very reasonable. Four of us had dinner here last night and we were greeted by a basket of complimentary crusty bread and a bowl of garlic cloves in olive oil.. My wife raved about the white sangria. We shared two appetizers- the Parmesan Crusted Sweet Onions ($6.95) and the Grilled Octopus with Fingerling Potatoes ($9.95). The onions were unbelievable- sweet, cheesy,buttery decadence! And the octopus? Holy moly was that good! Tender slices that tasted a little like scallops. This was just the second time I had octopus, the other time was at Costa Del Sol in Hartford and I don;t remember the meat being as tender and tasty as it was last night. The dish had a few chunks of potato in an olive oil & garlic dressing. It was amazing. My entree was Spaghetti Arrabiatta in an intensely delicious sauce of crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and Calabrian Chilies, I went for the smaller portion (a steal at $5.95, and added a side of shrimp to the dish. The dish reminded me how wonderful a simple spaghetti and tomato sauce can be when the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce is stellar. I LOVED my dinner. Seriously. I also tried a few forkfuls of the night's risotto special- tonight it included some braised short rib. It was ridiculously good- melt in your mouth goodness.. Dessert for me was a scoop of melon granita served with cantaloupe cubes and that was a refreshing and perfect ending to the meal. Osteria also offers a $39.95 Prix Fixe "Dinner Party Menu" - a feast of Antipasti, pasta, sides and entrees, That would be a real blast.. So if you combine great food, great service, great value, and great atmosphere, you have Osteria. Come hungry.......
(5)Sharon C.
I was in the pizzeria side of this restaurant for an early dinner, and I had a great time - the decor is a little a dark, but cozy, and I love the reclaimed wood look of the tables. We ordered grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes (the octopus was so tender and delicious) and the prosciutto pizza (I love prosciutto, and, between that and the arugula, it was the perfect balance of flavors). I also had a cocktail - I forget what it was called, but it was pink and pretty and sweet, with moscato and proseco (I think). Service was great - definitely not one of those restaurants where I spend half my meal planning how to get my water glass refilled - and I ended with a really, really delicious burnt caramel gelato. The caramel flavor was really strong without being overly sweet, and the gelato was, for the most part, really smooth, although I did get a few chunks of ice in mine. It was topped with some great almond praline, which tasted great but wasn't as crunchy as I might have liked.
(4)Sara '.
I liked it. We ordered the beet salad for a starter, it was fresh and wonderfully dressed. This place offers family style serving, so we ordered the papperdelle ragu and short rib ravioli bowls. Both were yummy. The missing stars would be for the portion size. For being advertised at family style bowl, there wasn't quite enough for the 4 of us, also the waiter had a bit of a pretentious vibe to him and he was hard to hear. Other than that the place was very beautiful and clean.
(3)Ashley C.
My friend and I came here for a weeknight dinner. It had been a while since I had been in, but I remember being impressed with their service. Overall, it was good, but not great and in need of an update. To start, we split the prosciutto appetizer and the gnocchi. The prosciutto was as expected and very fresh. The gnocchi dish was okay, but I thought it was a bit under seasoned and bland. I don't think its worth the $17 and I'd skip it next time. The entrees were solid. My friend ordered the Parmesan crusted chicken which she really liked. We split the spinach as a side. It was good but rather small. I had the short ribs. They were very tender and it was nice over the potato puree. Service was great. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. She was particularly helpful in recommending wine. We described what we liked and she pointed us in a great direction. She was also attentive without being overbearing. It is a solid 3.5 star spot. However, for a $140 tab for two (w/ a bottle of wine), there are just other Italian places I'd choose first.
(3)Lisi Z.
Thumbs down. With all the amazing Italian places in the city- venture elsewhere. Although my server was as nice as can be, the hour wait to get my small portioned pasta served on a dinner plate was anything but nice. When my guest was handed his plate there was 4 stems of broccoli with a measly chicken breast on top, that should speak for itself. White sangria was tasty though!
(2)Peter C.
Pleasant late-lunch Osteria a few days ago. HIGHLY recommend the pasta with mushrooms lunch special. We had a great table outside with excellent service.
(5)Lauren B.
Cozy and elegant atmosphere. Wonderful appetizers, I suggest the fresh prosciutto and mozzarella. The bread and garlic oil to dip before your meal is 'melt in your mouth' delicious. Great wine selection (exceptionally priced) and wonderful specials! I would definitely go back again, what a pleasant experience.
(4)Kait G.
I really enjoyed my time at Osteria. The place is nice but more laid back than other italian restaurants in the area. The pork ravioli had a wonderful rich flavor and was very filling. Service was excellent as our waitress had a good amount of knowledge of the menu and wine list. Our group never felt rushed and were able to take our time when ordering. We sat in the dining area but there is also the bar area which I believe is more pizza and drinks. Good atmosphere and good food!
(4)Meghan F.
Went here on a Thursday night with my husband for my birthday. We did the family style dinner. Each salad and app was served individually about 20 minutes apart from each other. It took 1 hour and 30 minutes to get our main meal- which wasn't tasty at all. I got the chicken and my husband got the short rib. Wait staff ignored us all night and apologized at the end of our dinner by giving us free shots and a bar of chocolate. All I wanted was our food served in a timely way and a tentative server. I would never go back again.
(1)Amanda M.
Came Saturday evening at 8 with a party of 8. A little peeved that we had to wait a bit for our table to be ready, but everyone was pretty friendly and accommodating. We did the Italian dinner party and boy was it a lot of food, which makes me happy, but the antipasti and pasta (which you can have more orders of ) alone will fill you up. The salad was light and refreshing. Gorgonzola and pear bruschetta was pretty tasty. Roasted garlic with balsamic vinegar and olive oil was yummy, although I prefer it without the balsamic. I also very much enjoyed the polenta. The mortadella and provolone was probably the only thing I didn't care for. We also ordered a couple plates of prosciutto which were yummy. Both pastas, the orecchiette and gnocchi were very good. I had the risotto of the night as my main entrée. I thought it was okay, but definitely better things to be had here. The sausage didn't quite come through for me and the whole dish wasn't as cohesive as I would have liked. Rice was cooked almost perfectly. Tried the parmesan crusted chicken and that was very tasty and tender. Just when you thought you were clear of endless food, there's more...the sides! Didn't try the brussel sprouts but the potatoes were yummy with the perfect crispy texture. Overall, didn't find the food to be too salty or heavy, in which is a common problem I have, especially among Italian places. The table enjoyed their wine, which was one of the recommendations by our server. He was very helpful and friendly throughout, catering to all of our needs, including a vegetarian in the group. My water was constantly refilled, which is a must for me. My cousin was surprised with a gelato for his birthday at the end which was nice. For $40/person doing the family dinner pre-drinks/extras/gratuity, it still is a pretty good value. Will consider this place for more group gatherings, as I enjoyed most of the food.
(4)Madison B.
The layout of the place is kind of confusing but after finding the hostess stand we were seated immediately. The food was all exceptional. We had the mussels appetizers, cavatelli and the cheese ravioli. The bread that you start with is rustic and crusty and mouthwatering. We mushed and spread the roasted garlic and olive oil on it. Heaven. The mussels were the highlight of the meal for me. I was literally using the shells to spoon juice into my mouth. Yes. The cavatelli and ravioli were both equally as good but in different ways. They both had similar ingredients- butter and mushrooms. But the cavatelli was enjoyable because of the soft dumpling-like noodles. The ravioli was more rich with the cheese and truffle oil together. Service was outstanding. The server was a chill dude who probably definitely gets high and eats high quality fare. Lettuce entertain you, you've done it. I'll be back.
(5)Stefanie A.
Been here a couple times- always good, quality food. Tonight had the arugula salad, grilled octopus, and two pizzas- the salumi and the veggie (added sausage). Their pizzas are extra thin and crispy, which I love. Finished with the chocolate tart and the chocolate hazelnut gelato- SO DELICIOUS! Kiersten was our server and she great- recommended some great wines too!
(4)Dannie C.
I've come here only once, so I may not be giving a fair rating. However, out of the dishes we ordered, I felt pretty ambivalent about them. Starter bread: Was psyched up about this from other Yelp reviews and it did not disappoint! Absolutely loved the dip. If they gave us bread that stayed warm for longer I would've been even more delighted. Italian sangria: Got it with white wine. Lovely drink if you like sweet cocktails. Grilled octopus: The octopus was drilled beautifully and the potatoes were the right softness. However, the lemon scent was too strong for our personal liking. I would reorder this dish in the future if the dish were less sour. Ricotta cavatelli: Definitely my FAVORITE of the night. I have a bias toward anything with mushrooms and this one did not disappoint. The sauce was fragrant and just the right richness. Pappardelle with slow-braised duck ragu: In contrast with the ricotta, this one was bland! The pappardelle also felt a bit crumbly. The duck ragu+sauce / pasta ratio should definitely be increased. Would not \ Braised niman ranch short rib: Excellent dish. The meat is very tender and juicy and the garnishes complemented it perfectly. Goes well if you're sharing (e.g. 1 full pasta + 1 protein) since it's quite a sizeable portion for one. Warm bread pudding with vanilla gelato: Can't go wrong with this one! I love apple/pear-based warm desserts with ice cream. So as you can see, I can't give this place 4 stars for its lack of consistency among different dishes. I don't mind coming here again, but I'd stick to what's reliable.
(3)Suzanne O.
Pasta, salad and bread, all with a great outdoor dining area! We started out with the ciabatta bread with the roasted garlic, olive oil and balsamic dipping sauce. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside, and the dipping sauce was so flavorful! For my meal I got the arugula salad and a side order of the penne pasta. The salad portions here are huge, so I was happy I got the small size of the pasta. The salad was very good and had a light dressing. The pasta was also delicious and just spicy enough. I also tried the seasonal mixed green salad and the ricotta cavatelli. The salad was filled with walnuts and cherries, but I found the dressing a little too heavy and sweet. The pasta was nice and light, and the mushrooms were especially tasty. The menu has more choices than just pasta and salads, but if you're looking for value, then the pasta and salad is the way to go. Everything we ate was very reasonably priced and the portions were generous.
(4)Molly A.
Came here for Chicago Restaurant Week 2015. We actually ended up ordering of the "Tonights Dinner Party" Menu and we were very satisfied! First off- this is an amazing deal for the amount of food you get. 4 course meal for $40 a person in River North? It's pretty much a steal. There are 5 different appetizer sized dishes that come out in the first course. They were all absolutely delicious. My favorite was the roasted parmesan onions. On top of the 5 appetizers, you also receive a pasta course that comes with two different delicious pastas. Each person at the table gets to chose their own main course from a list of about 8 entrees (note: there is an upcharge for certain entrees). lastly, on top of all that food... you get two sides which were also great.
(4)Tavi J.
I've only been here twice, but both times were great! The first time I went here was with my friend from out of town. It's a cozy little spot. It's a bit dark, but I do like the décor. We ordered what I consider normal Italian fare...Fettuccini Alfredo and Calamari. It was delicious! I was a little stuff though because they give you bread with oil before your meal and the bread was so warm and sooooo good. The second time I went here I brought a group of 8 coworkers and I ordered the Risotto special and it was some of the best I have tasted. All my coworkers loved there meal and the waiter was great helping everyone make there drink selections. I would definitely recommend this place for dates or group events. Service is great, food is delicious, and the location is conveniently next to other great spots. This is walking distance from The Wit rooftop bar, which is where I went afterwards both times. I will be visiting again soon!
(5)Konnie A.
I went for valentines with my husband and we loved it! Our waiter was super helpful he was very friendly and he was super joyous all night. The ambiance was romanic and personal even though it was busy and full of people. The food was fancy yet understandable (we're foodies who say mayonnaise not aoli). Everything was prompt and cooked to perfection. We loved the hunters stew and octopus appetizer and the dessert was just amazing!!! Cinnamon, Carmel, and chocolate gelato was very tasty. Highly recommend. Would definitely return
(4)Chris T.
I brought my mom here on 2 occasions and she loved it. Now I should explain that my mother is the pickiest eater I know, which always makes her visits difficult as I never know where to take her. Especially when it comes to Italian food, as we used to live in Italy and she still lives in Europe - so this lady knows Italian food. But I put my trust in Yelp and found this place, and was relieved at her lack of a scowl upon tasting the food. Whew. What to eat: Veal Meatballs - everyone recommends it, so just go with it! The Antipasto Board - a selection of cheese and meats that I couldn't stop eating. Farfalle Pesto - I don't see it on the menu anymore but their pesto doesn't disappoint. The Polenta - yum. The pizza and the Chicken Morio were also good, but not standouts. So take your Mom here when she visits. And don't tell mine about this review.
(4)Prerna D.
This is my go to restaurant when I am thinking - fancy, yummy and date night ;-) They have great Italian food - I love the penne pasta with rosa sauce and veggies. Also, the olive oil and bread (which comes free :P) is super duper tasty. Amazing wine selection too. Service is great. Food yummy. Romantic ambiance.
(5)Jessica N.
This place does not disappoint. Service is always stellar and food is very good. Portions are great for sharing but not overly monstrous. Highly recommend the onions (never had anything else like it), the garlic olive oil is to die for, get the octopus, and all the pasta is delish Prices are also extremely reasonable for a great ambience, too. Always a great go-to!
(4)Rebecca C.
OVS has awesome veal meatballs and worth ordering over and over again. They're the only restaurant, even the other LEYE restaurants, who don't get too overzealous with the nasty sodium. There's nothing worse than walking away from an Italian meal and feeling like your pores can store 2 gallons of water, easily, and the reason for the 5 stars. It's delightful to taste the food and not the result of salt on food. Reluctantly tried the braised Niman ranch short ribs for the first time, and I'm so glad I did. I though no other short ribs can come close to the awesomeness of Magnolia Cafés, but I was wrong. While MC's are fabulous, so are OVS's. Both are two of the best in all of Chicago and both serve generous as far as portions, too. Nice for those of us who love having leftovers the next day.
(5)Kevin W.
Hands down this was one of the best restaurants I've been too in a long time. First off, the service was exquisite. The waitstaff was attentive and quick to replace a dropped fork or refill a water glass. They were attentive and yet you didn't feel like every move was being watched. The food was divine. We did the family style option and were impressed not only with the delicious pastas, salads, and steaks, but fell in love with the wine pairings for each course. For $40 a person it was moderately priced, too. Can't say enough good things about this place. The vibe was comfortable and welcoming.
(5)Martin P.
Went here for restaurant week and had a great time. The Parmesan onions were great The olive oil, balsamic vinegar with roasted garlic and the veal meatballs were fantastic, coupled with the House Marinated Olives this is one place that is hard to NOT to enjoy! The star was the Braised Short Rib -with Roasted Tomatoes and Red Wine Sauce with the Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. Did not care for Yukon Gold Potato Puree ie: mashed Potatoes seemed out of place with the rest of the meal. But the whipped cream covered Double Chocolate Tart saved the show.
(5)Adam M.
I'm normally a huge fan of Lettuce Entertain You restaurants but this one just didn't do it for me. The food here was very generic and not very flavorful. This is a place that has "chain-food" quality and with so many other options I would probably pass on coming back. I got the Homemade Gnocchi with Rosemary Butter and Simple Tomato Sauce. It was decent but nothing special. I also got the Veal Meatballs which lacked flavor. I would not suggest wasting your time/money on these. I never like to post poor reviews, but I really was not impressed by this place. I still want to give a 5-star rating for Lettuce Entertain You in general as I still love their other restaurants!
(2)Astral R.
I LOVE it! I always get the lunch combo. Its very reasonably priced. You get soup, a sandwich and a dessert tart for only $9.95. If you're looking for a good soup this is the place to go. Their soups are amazing! Ive tried the chicken noodle soup, lentil soup and the chcicken and potato soups and they are yummy. The pizzas are excellent as well.
(5)Susan B.
Wow, we just had to share how wonderful our wedding at Osteria via Stato was on 10-4-14! When we began our search for a venue, great food, great wine and a unique, intimate setting were all on the top of our priority list. We also wanted a downtown location that was easy for locals and out-of-towners. As soon as we started working with Osteria's on-site event planner Allison, everything started falling in to place. She was full of ideas, calm as a cucumber, and willing to amend our plan as our guest list kept growing. Being that we were two brides, you can imagine that our questions never stopped. And never once did Allison get rattled or sound annoyed. The night our our wedding was absolutely stunning. We had 130 seated comfortably around the arch for our ceremony, in rounded rows as we requested. The setting was charming, welcoming and intimate. We had a 3-piece orchestra for our processional and recessional with plenty of room to spare. We moved to the pizzeria for our cocktail hour, which was a little crowded but that was mostly due to the nasty weather outside and we couldn't make use of the outdoor patio like we had hoped. Drinks were plentiful and easy to get, and the passed apps were lovely. Dinner and toasts were in the front 2 rooms and the space was stunning! White table cloths on the round tables and the beautiful butcher block wood tables were left without linens, for the perfect classy yet rustic vibe. And the food was absolutely delicious. Our guests were all raving about the perfectly-cooked filets, as well as the other four offerings. The salads, veal meatballs and other starters left everyone feeling so much more fulfilled than a traditional wedding meal. Throughout the meal, the wait staff was amazing, never leaving a glass empty or anyone wanting anything. Bill and Maria were the waiters at our head table who had also served us on our tasting, they came in special just to work our event and both were spectacular. After dinner, we had a 8-piece band in the back room and the dance floor was perfect. Again, drinks were always full, late night pizzas were served and the staff was perfect. Allison and her team were a pleasure to work with and it was so reassuring to know that her team had all the details handled, especially since we opted not to have a wedding planner. I would highly recommend the venue for an unforgettable wedding that is intimate, turnkey, delicious and classy!
(5)Stephanie G.
Wow wow wow!! My friend organized a surprise birthday dinner for me here and it was amazing! Perfect venue!! They got the host desk to play along with the cover story - I was shocked to find out that this was a surprise dinner!! The food was some of the best that I have ever had! We were a group of 17, so the menu was set up as family style and then everyone choose an entree from several preselected entrees. For appetizers we had marinated olives, parmesan crusted sweet onions, veal meatballs - every thing was ta-die for!! The Parmesan crusted sweet onions had so much flavor and were unlike any app I've had! We also had the mixed greens salad with dried cherries. I often have salads with dried cranberries, but these dried cherries were delish in this salad! I think I'll start making my salads with cherries! For dinner I had the braised niman ranch short ribs. Holy flavor explosion! Especially with the red wine sauce. Talk about meat done right! We had chocolate tort for dessert and my mom brought in birthday cupcakes. The restaurant had pre-printed menus for the dinner. This dinner was so special and they worked with my friend to make sure everything was just right! What a great place to celebrate turning 30 with friends and family!
(5)Steve H.
Food was fantastic! It's a bit pricey, so I would only recommend for special occasions, but it was so worth it. I had the orecchiette, which was crazy good. Girlfriend had the Chicken Mario, which was one of the better chicken dishes either of us had tried at a restaurant in some time. We split a side of mashed potatoes, which were creamy and delicious. Even the bread/oil/garlic was fantastic. Our server was very informative and attentive. She checked on us just enough (and not too much!) and made great recommendations. They really allow you to stretch out your meal and they aren't all over you to order/pay/etc. It was a great dining experience all around. We originally found this place because another Lettuce restaurant (Saranello's in Wheeling) removed spinach fonduta from their menu and we really wanted to find another place with something similar. The fonduta was different (still very good), but the bread was so good that we would probably skip an appetizer next time. We will definitely come back, but like I said before, it will be for a special occasion.
(5)Chris N.
Excellent food and service ! Best meal in a long while. If you happen to get Mark as your waiter your in luck, this guy knows his stuff.
(5)Hillary P.
As long as the gnocchi stays, I will be frequenting here. A couple things I've learned recently - the Osteria Via Stato and Pizzeria Via Stato menus remain separate. You won't find pizza available on the Osteria Via Stato menu. Fortunately, the couple times that I have requested a pizza when dining at Osteria Via Stato, the waiter has been courteous enough to ask the chef (or manager, not sure..) if they can accommodate. I have not been turned down in terms of crossing over on the two menus. Still a top favorite on State Street!
(5)Maria P.
I cannot believe I have not yelped this place before because I have been going for years-a friend of mine used to live nearby so we have gone many times. Now we both work near it. Today I walked to pick up my favorite salad in the city--chopped chicken--I do not know how they make a salad crave able but they have-and I hate salad in general! The bread I think is from red hen bakery but I am not sure--I just know I devour it. Service and prices are excellent, especially considering location and quality. Over the years, I have had pasta, pizza, meatballs, salads, wine, wine, and more pizza...I am 100% Italian and this is really one of my favorite places, which surprises me because it's a lettuce entertain you spot.
(5)E S.
Definitely not worth it. The pizza with different cheeses were good, but it was like cardboard. Plus we ordered the octopus, and they were out. We entered the restaurant at 4:30, was given a lunch menu, but couldn't order the lunch options. They weren't clear about it, took forever to bring out the wine, and the olives were just meh. I wouldn't go back, it's a rip off and not worth the experience, I wish i would've gone to Quartino instead!
(1)Ruby D.
This place has a class act. The friendliest and most accommodating staff. I love my prosciutto and pizza for lunch.
(5)Anne M.
First al fresco dining of the summer season, and it was fabulous. This place is located on busy State Street, but there's actually a decent amount of patio seating. Our table was right against the building so we had more distance from the sidewalk (a good thing). As soon as we were seated we were given a basket of warm toasty bread, a plate of dipping oil, and glasses with a carafe of water. Our waitress was really nice and attentive throughout our entire (long) meal. We split two salads: caprese and roasted beets. The caprese was fantasic - thick slices of roasted tomato topped with thick slices of fresh mozzerella + basil and olive oil. Simple and delicious. The beet salad was great and pretty too - the beets were dark purple and a lighter pink shade, served with toasted hazelnuts, blue cheese, greens and a light dressing. We opted for the pizza of the month (white 'za with goat cheese, sliced asparagus, an egg and truffle oil). The pizzas are very thin and light and tasty. The flavor combo on this pizza was so good - I wish I had another right now.
(4)Dalia M.
Everything was good. Service, decor, food. We wanted a decent Italian meal coming from out of town and we got it. It's Chicago so I'm holding it to higher standards. We weren't blown away but food was yummy. Meatball appetizer was the best part. Everything was good, not great, hence three stars!
(3)Monica B.
I've lived next door for 6 1/2 years and last week was the first time I came here! My friend and I met for a last minute dinner and after a long week of work, I went for a glass of Barolo. It was so nice and smooth -- perfect for a chilly March night. My friend and I split the grilled calamari, chicken chopped salad and short rib ravioli. Everything was delicious and portions were perfect. Our waiter was a bit dry and straight to the point, not the friendliest guy. But overall, I'd come here again if I don't want to stray too far from my apartment.
(4)Amit S.
The place is heaven for thin crust pizza fans. We just got the carry out for margarita and sausage pizza and it was so light that we even doubted it contained anything! The taste was just impeccable and they even paid heed to my request to additional vegetable toppings for the sausage pizza which made it even better in the end.
(4)Puja B.
This place is a great fancy/casual restaurant. The bread and garlic/oil was amazing which comes free at your table. We ordered wine as well and the service was great. The dishes were just normal and nothing too fancy. We got the gnocchi which was literally gnocchi with sauce. Overall food was good and had the right portion.
(4)Jonathan T.
Awesome atmosphere with plenty of wine options. The food was great and the price is as expected for a fine restaurant in downtown Chicago.
(4)Kayla L.
Decided to try this place because of the Yelp reviews for my birthday dinner. This restaurant is amazing!! I am so glad we made reservations because the place was packed. As soon as we arrived they sat us for our reservation immediately. There are two sides of the restaurant, one is the pizzeria and the other is the nicer restaurant side. The atmosphere is very relaxing. When we got sat we where given this amazing garlic vinaigrette sauce for our bread. It was to die for. The bread was perfectly made it was fluffy and just tore apart so easily. The waitress was great and answered any questions we had. The wine list they have is HUGE!! Luckily, they have a program called "Bring me the wine" and what you do is tell your waitress what you think you will have for dinner and they bring you a glass or bottle of the wine that will pair perfectly with your meal. I told her I wanted the Linguine with clams and she brought me the most delicious white wine I've ever had (wishing it was 5 oclock somewhere right now). For appetizers we ordered the Spicy Calamari and the Grilled Octopus and both where so delicious. The portion on the grilled octopus was a little on the light side but that's fine since we ordered the Calamari also. For dinner I had the Linguine with clams. It was so good I ate my entire plate. The portions are not huge so it is the perfect amount. The wine was flowing and the waitress was great at keeping up with us. One of the best dining experiences I've had. I will definitely be back and I do high recommend this place to someone. If you like Italian food and wine this is the place for you! The restaurant is attached to the Embassy Suites so they have Valet parking right up front for you.
(5)Lea T.
Great Italian at reasonable prices, atmosphere is very relaxed and inviting- service was asleep great. Many pasta dishes are offered as half portions and the Great Italian Dinner menu is a wonderful tribute to an authentic family-style meal. Try the crispy polenta and veal meatballs for appetizer! Arabbiatta and Penne pasta are both spicy and delicious! Ask for Angelo as your waiter!! Absolutely wonderful :)
(4)Shereene M.
Yum! Had a delicious dinner last night. First off, the roasted garlic and oil should be jarred and sold. That was amazing! I got the lamb with potatoes and it was delicious!! I had a sangria and that was fine but the food was definitely the star. We sat outside so no idea how it is inside but it was nice to sit out and people watch.
(4)John A.
Overall it was very nice. Reservation and coat check super nice. Valet was not easy to locate but cordial. Service: (Preface: it was a busy night.) Bar service seemed a bit rushed. Cocktails were strong but lacked the flavors they were supposed to provide. Served a broken glass and did not notice until later in the evening. Manager came over to personally apologize and comped one of our drinks. Nice touch. Wait service was efficient and pleasant but also seemed very rushed. Water was constantly refilled but a cheerful fellow. Other staff who were not directly taking care of us often checked in on us. Very good service. No complaints. Food: Appetizers were very good. Parm crusted sweet onion and antipasto board were very good. Main courses included parm crusted filet and dry aged ribeye and Calabrian potatoes. Steaks were so tender and flavorful albeit a little on the salty side. Bread pudding was tasty but on the small side. Price/value: it was on the expensive side for what you get. Maybe too expensive for what you get...hence 3 as opposed to 4 stars.
(3)Diva G.
Fresh room temperature (wish it was warm) bread & roasted garlic in balsamic vinegar and EVOO with a glass of Avissi Prosecco was a GREAT start! The Mini Veal Meatballs in a simple tomato sauce with fresh parmesan was DE-LISH. I loved the Seasonal Mixed Green Salad with toasted walnuts, dried cherries and shaved parmesan tossed in a walnut vinaigrette. The walnuts and shaved parmesan were plentiful- not just 2 or 3 pieces. The textures and flavors blended very well together. The Penne Pasta in a spicy creamy tomato sauce with chicken breast and fresh mozzarella was absolutely devine! I added spinach to the dish which made it to die for!!! Server and busser were VERY attentive, but not very friendly at all. My server was actually quite dry and not engaging at all, but again, he was very attentive. The ambiance is rustic and the attire is casual, but neat- not athletic wear, t-shirt and baseball cap casual, but jeans and a collarless shirt will suffice for men. The price point is PERFECT for ambiance, service, and quantity & quality of food. Overall, Osteria Via Stato is a top choice for EXCELLENT food and GREAT drink choices located downtown Chicago that won't break the bank AND it's Italian!!! I'll be baaaaaaack...
(4)Jenna S.
What a great Valentine's Day date night! My husband made reservations here because we both like Italian and we were looking to try a new place. Oh, we also had a Lettuce Entertain You gift card, so that helped us pick a place when the time came to make reservations. Cocktails were lovely. The menu is large and somewhat seasonal, so try something different. My husband really enjoyed his Manhattan (he's an amateur connoisseur) and I opted for a nice carafe of red wine, which was enjoyable and mostly inexpensive. Beet and Caprese salads are must haves if you're here for the first time. Both were really good and the beet salad had mostly beets and a tart dressing, which made for yummy slightly sour and smooth taste. For my entree, I had some kind of pasta primavera with tons of veggies and mushrooms. My husband loves veal and ordered the veal entree and was not disappointed - he recommends it. All in all, a good date night for two people on Valentine's day. The place was busy but not too packed, no kids in sight (thank the heavens) and service was prompt but not in the way. The entire place is warm, dark and reminded me of an Italian wine cellar. I enjoyed the atmosphere and it was quiet enough that I could enjoy the company of my husband without yelling.
(4)Sanda V.
wedding venue! :))) we couldnt have been happier w choosing osteria for our ceremony + reception this past august. we wanted to have an intimate wedding, downtown chicago, w high quality food and service, and with a european flare as both my husband and i grew up in europe. allison, the event coordinator, was very patient and helpful. our guests loved the food and the service was impeccable! we have been back to visit the restaurant twice now! highly recommend this gem!
(5)Lauren F.
Stopped in for dinner with my husband on New Year's Eve and while the ambiance and food were both enjoyable, neither of us were particularly wowed by the meal. They had a special tasting menu option for NYE that allowed us to taste a ton of their menu items so we went with that. For starters they brought out marinated olives, roasted fennel, a mixed salad of sorts, and I believe a polenta dish. The salad was very good and they brought more out for us when we finished our first plate, but the rest just weren't all that impressive. The next course was pasta and they brought out portions of the gnocchi, which was pillowy soft and very delicious, and I believe some kind of farro pasta that neither of us were big fans of. For the main course I had the short rib and my husband had the filet these were probably our favorites of the meal. Along with the mains they brought out a couple sides that were, again, not very memorable. With this tasting menu we also received dessert and a choice of Italian liqueurs. My husband had a variation of flourless chocolate cake along with limoncello and I had a bread pudding with the chocolate-cello. The desserts were good but just not something I'd feel like I have to go back for. Osteria Via Stato was recommended by a friend who has eaten at numerous fantastic restaurants so I'm thinking that maybe this dinner was just a fluke because we just weren't huge fans of the menu items we were served. If I do return, I'll definitely stick with pasta and maybe some of the more traditional Italian dishes and see if my opinion changes.
(3)Kelly M.
We chose Osteria Via Stato for our 10/3/14 wedding - it was actually the only venue I looked at because I fell in love with it immediately - and we could not have been happier with our experience. The venue coordinator Allison was extremely helpful through the whole process, and was very patient answering all of our questions. We wanted our wedding in the city of Chicago since that is where we met and started dating, and I was looking forward to having our wedding pictures in an urban setting. The restaurant is in an amazing location (very close to all sorts of popular spots for photos), yet despite being in the busy city, the inside of the venue is very intimate and quiet, and not to mention beautiful and rustic. It also helps that it's connected to the Embassy Suites, which is where we stayed along with our families and bridal party, it was so convenient. We got so many compliments on our wedding thanks to Osteria Via Stato! People were either commenting on how stunning the venue was and that it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever seen, or they were commenting on how amazing the food was! Food is really important to us and we spent a lot of our early dating years checking out new restaurants and partaking in restaurant week, so we were so excited to spoiled our loved ones with the amazing food - the best meatballs I've ever had, amazing short ribs, mushroom cavatelli, etc - everyone was so happy with their meals and totally stuffed. The staff was also amazing; Allison made sure everything went perfectly during the ceremony, the waitstaff was all very attentive and made sure we constantly had drinks, and the bartenders were great. Our wedding day was absolutely amazing and everything we hoped it would be and more, and it couldn't have gone so well if it weren't for the amazing venue and their professional staff.
(5)Sarah F.
Just ate here for the first time. The food was great, and staff was friendly enough, but still a bit disappointed in the overall experience with regard to time and the valet parking. I will first admit while we had a 7:45 reservation- we were a few minutes late. However, I called to warn them off that and they said it wasn't an issue. There are two sides to the restaurant: a "pizza side" and a more formal dining side, which takes reservations (but has no pizza). Ironically, we decided to eat on the reservation side in order to avoid a wait; however, we ended up waiting longer for our reservation than some people did for walk-ins on the "pizza side". Our reservation was at 7:45, we arrived at 7:55 (as I said we'd pre-warned them of our late arrival and told it wasn't an issue), but weren't seated until sometime after 8:40. When we were finally seated, we were promptly served water and bread (with a delicious garlic dipping oil), but it took about 30 minutes to get drinks and place an order. Aside from slow service here and there, the food was delicious and our waitress was friendly enough (probably over booked in her section). However, the kicker for me was the parking situation. Valet is $14 for 3 hours (pretty standard for Chicago). When we left and finally got our car we were told it would be $17 bc we'd exceeded 3 hours. Monetarily not a big difference, however after pulling away- we realized that we were actually under the three hours as we left at 10:50 and had given our ticket at 10:45 (reminder we got there at 7:55). Even if we had been late, it is also a bit irritating to have to pay an excess fee when our delay was a result of the restaurants reservation/time management. All in all the food was good, but I would not use their valet or go there expecting time efficient seating or service. Only go there if you have time to kill.......bc you will do just that. I will contemplate giving them a second chance- but was unimpressed by overall service. However- I cannot comment on the "pizza side".
(2)Brian L.
My brother and I stopped in to have a drink at the bar but ended up staying for dinner. The warm and inviting atmosphere made for good conversation. They had a great selection of mostly Midwestern beer and a huge wine list. We kept it simple and ordered pizza. I had the prosciutto americano and it was absolutely delicious, one of the more memorable pizzas I've had. Highly recommended!
(4)Christopher N.
Had a lovely dinner with my wife while in town for business. The server was awesome and the food couldn't have been better
(4)Mirko P.
Nothing outstanding, but you get standard family pasta menu if you choose so. All guests in the party have to do the same choice. Food is good and quality of the service is above average. We didn't like that servers are quick to take the plate in feint of us including silver for no reason and then we had to wait to bring a new set. Doesn't make sense.
(4)Prerna K.
I had $200 in lettuce entertain you gift cards and wanted to put it towards a nice dinner. The food especially the main course was underwhelming given the price point for this place. My husband ordered steak and he didn't like the cut. I ordered lamb risotto that had excessive salt ( And I'm the sort of person who likes my food extra salty and this was too much even for me!) Anyway, the service was nice, but the food was below par. Not sure I will be going back here.
(2)Rob W.
A solid four star review - almost five. I came here for a wedding reception for about 150 people and overall it was a great experience. Abundance of hors doeuvres, my favorite was a wild mushroom with creamy polenta on Ry Krisp. Several wines to choose from - I mostly enjoyed the Tintero Barbaresco - a fruity red with a fairly full flavor. Dinner came with an optional flight of three wines paired to our order. Antipasti favorites were the Parmesan Crusted Onions as well as the Meatballs in Simple Tomato Sauce. Dinner included a Mezzi Rigatoni with Three Meat Ragu and a Ricotta Cavatelli with Wild Mushrooms - both were outstanding. Choice of entrees were Prawns, Chicken Mario, Gogonzola-Crusted Filet and a vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan. Our table sat 12 and 11 of us ordered the filet, which everyone enjoyed. A chocolate tort and wedding cake topped it all off - by all accounts it was a fantastic gastronomic affair! Service was excellent. Minor downsides - the entry couldn't accommodate a large group arrival and the only bathroom in the restaurant itself is a single unisex facility - the main bathrooms (in the hotel it is in) are upstairs a flight and quite a ways away. I look forward to trying this place sometime - had noticed it for years in the Embassy Suites - now I know that it is definitely worth a visit!!!
(4)Sandor K.
Fantastic food and drink in downtown Chicago !! We were a group of 60 and the food and service was INCREDIBLE!! The Antipasta starters : caramelized onion, roasted garlic and bread, veal meat balls and salad were ever so tasty. Quick professional excellent service! Water and wine always topped off - new silverware with every course. The pasta course was incredible, great ragu and tasty pesto. I had the Braised short rib and WOW - it was delish. Could not get over the service - the wait staff did an excellent job and the kitchen was the tops! The chocolate tart dessert was over the top! Incredible Meal!
(5)Elizabeth C.
Okay so busy friday night. ..I never expect the best service. Well... let me tell you..to say service was on point doesn't even express how impressed I was. Angelo was our server...and honestly I'd go back just to have him as our server. He suggested delicious wine and was super genuine in his entire approach with us. Literally start to finish service was impeccable and every single thing we ate was amazing. I had the whitefish special. ..so delish!!! Thanx Osteria for a taste of home. P.s If they have the chocolate bar for dessert. Get it!!! You won't be disappointed just enough sweet to end the meal!!!!!
(5)Vincent Y.
Please do not order the "dinner party" if you only had two people. Angela Z. and I went and ordered the dinner party and proceeded to become so full that we took home the entrees after two bites. It was simply too much food. 1. The initial cloves of garlic, olive oil and bread was delicious. Salad was incredible. Other starters weren't incredibly memorable but they were good. 2. Two pastas came -- one (tomatoes, beef) was very, very good; one (collard greens) was way too salty. 3. We did a seafood stew and a ribs dish. Both were very good. Ribs were very soft but could use more taste and the seafood stew had scallops that were just crispy and buttery enough. Overall: good food. We definitely could've ordered smaller. There was too much food in the dinner party.
(4)Ray B.
My girlfriend and I went to Osteria Via Stato prior to seeing Brian Regan at Chicago Theatre. This restaurant was simply amazing from the service (Our server was Dan H.) to the amazing food. We started with the fluffy bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar with roasted garlic and it was really good. Then, we had the highly recommended veal meatballs, which come with quite a few meatballs (perfect for 4 people). For our drinks I had a fall classic martini, which had a lot of fall flavors. They have an entire fall drink list. Then there is the wine. It's a pretty big list of mostly italian reds. If you do not know what you want, the servers are more than knowledgable and can recommend wine to pair with your food. As for the main course. My girlfriend had a duck pasta, which she said was fantastic and I had the beef tenderloin over mushroom risotto. The beef was cooked to a true perfect medium rare. The taste was amazing and it was seasoned well. The mushroom risotto was rich and creamy and very good. Overall, I was super impressed with our server because he had the service perfect throughout the night. He was not overbearing, but we never had to search for him either. We will be coming back and requesting Dan as our server.
(5)Tom N.
Simply spectacular.
(5)Julia P.
A group of about 15 family and friends came on a Sunday night and tried out the Family dinner. It ended up being the perfect crowd pleaser, especially for an easy $40 flat rate and such a variety of items to please everyone in such a large group. Every single thing we had we all enjoy, especially the garlic as well as the bruschetta. It was definitely plenty of food for us all. They even had an option to just partake in the first two courses, and not select an entrée for a bit of a lesser charge. I did get an entrée and the Parmesan crusted chicken was really great! Our server was so helpful to split up our checks as well. In the end we all went home happy, and said we would come again.
(4)Hernan G.
This is my 5th time there and first review. Great place. Very good service, knowledgeable and fast. This time, a grilled octopus to start (for 2) and then my wife had a risotto and I a Riccota pasta. Both were excellent. Cheesecake for dessert was amazing too. Has a very long and deep wine list, and a lot of good and reasonably priced half bottles, which is very practical. Definitely reccomend it.
(5)Christine S.
I ended up coming here on a Tuesday night not that long ago...Osteria Via Stato was poppin' but not overly crowded. I like that scene. I like to be able to talk to who I'm having dinner with. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic. I dig it. For starters, we ended up with a Caprese Salad by the recommendation of our server. He picked that because the that they were using were in season and he said they were perfect. He didn't lie. For my entree, I had the Chicken Mario (based on everyone's Yelp review) and it was fantastic. The food, the bottle of chianti, the service, the atmosphere....such a great evening.
(4)Emily J.
Osteria Via Stato was the perfect place for a warm dinner and a glass of wine last week. I loved the entryway and the bar area, so cozy and warm with its fireplace and crowded tables. We were led to our dinner table in the main dining room and seated promptly it the beautiful cavern like space. Our server was courteous, efficient, and provided multiple recommendations for both wine and food. We started off with a cup of the soup d'jour- a fennel chicken vegetable, and some wine to wash it down with. For my main course, I ordered the pasta arabiatta as I was craving some spicy warmth. I liked it, but didn't love it. The pasta was really good and the portion was huge, which is what you expect at an Italian restaurant, but it wasn't as spicy as I wanted it to be nor did it truly distinguish itself with any unique flavors. I was not displeased at all; I just wanted something a bit more memorable. I would certainly go back to Osteria Via Stato and perhaps order something with a little more pizazz. If you have a large group, this would be a great restaurant for a special occasion as it is spacious and has a large menu. Additionally, they have a full gluten free menu as well for those with celiac disease.
(4)Meredith G.
I really enjoyed dinner here a few weeks ago. We opted for the dinner party aka family style meal for the 4 of us. We got to sample so much food and it was all great. We ate nearly everything on the menu and sent home the left overs with the local guy. For my main course I did the braised short rib and the portion was huge and well cooked. The service was top notch from start to finish. I would definitely go here again while visiting the city and locals should dine here too. I didn't think it was touristy at all. Prices were very fair.
(4)Kristin L.
Wow, went here the other night with a group and it was SO GOOD. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was one of the best Italian meals I've ever had. Everything was delish from the meatballs to the short rib bruschetta to the rigatoni and the scallops. DEVINE!
(5)Leslie L.
Nice atmosphere, knowledgeable staff and delicious wine. What is more to know? I would love to come back for the food as I only had the wine. From what I saw, the food looked beautiful and delicious. It was not a pretentious place and very comfortable.
(4)dan naomi w.
Visited here for Feast of the Seven Fishes on 24 December, which is a Sicilian and Southern Italian tradition NOT named after the seven hills of Rome as was written on Osteria via Stato's website. This almost deterred us completely from visiting, but it was the only restaurant in Chicago serving the feast that we could find. While not authentic, the food was absolutely delicious. The service was really impeccable and the gluten free accommodations were really great. The family style service was great for meeting up with old friends. The two Sicilian wines we had were crisp and affordable.
(4)Faith D.
Why I hadn't been here (since the old days when it was Papagus) I do not know. But I'll be back. Had a very early dinner last night with a friend and her teenage daughter. We got started with a crusty, delicious bread basket served with a plate of olive oil, balsamic and roasted garlic. The 3 of us SWOONED over this. I kid you not. Sooooo yummy. We each ordered a salad -- Classic Caesar, Arugala and Roasted Beet -- all were delicious and filling. We also each ordered 1/2 order of pasta. Spaghetti Arrabiata; 2 of us had Ricotta Cavatelli with wild mushrooms. Every bite yummy. Even with 1/2 orders of pastas, we each took home leftovers. Good service. Good atmosphere. Good food. I gotta go heat up my pasta for lunch. Bye!!
(4)Joe K.
Great place, The service was perfect, and the food was incredible. The lamb sausage pasta was awesome, and the roasted garlic spread on the fresh bread was addicting. Could have made a whole meal out of that alone. This is one of the little advertised places downtown, and probably missed by alot of people. Well worth the visit, I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great Italian meal.
(5)Meghan M.
The food and service were amazing!!! My boyfriend, friend and I went to Osteria Via Stato last Saturday. We were seated immediately and our waitress was very attentive the entire meal. Although the restaurant is located on State St. it does not seem overly touristy and I loved the ambiance. I recommend trying the gnocchi as it was amazing! Also, the gelato is to die for. This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have been to since moving to Chicago!
(5)Tina J.
Me and my friends went here on 12/20/2014 and I must say we had a great time. I ordered the braised beef risotto and it was delicious. I also had a Manhattan and it did not disappoint. It was very strong. I will definitely will be returning here
(4)Sharon Y.
The food is plentiful, authentic and delicious. Go for the family style dinner, you won't be disappointed.
(4)loretta g.
great staff,food and service.From the time we arrived we were welcomed warmly.Kudos to Matthew,Laura,Matt and our wonderful server,Destiny. This was our first time,we will return! Loretta G
(5)Edward W.
I want to give it 3 and 5 stars for different reasons. I took me 4 weeks to book a reservation. But, when we actually walked in they were trying to seat us like we were walk ins. If I had to wait 4 weeks, why are they able to seat walk ins? The pictures are also deceiving. I expected a high-brow jackets only type of dining experience but instead got what amounted to any other Italian restaurant in my home town. Having said that, the food was delicious! Gnocci was amazing, Octopus was even better. I didnt leave hungry thats for sure. So, go for the laid back atmosphere and get 5 star food.
(4)Sam N.
Maybe when they opened this place they did not mean for it to be a hidden gem. The way the place is just defines it as such. In other words I am a huge fan. I have brought my boss here so share cheese plates and pizza. I have brought dates here because they have an awesome dinner menu with a great wine selection. They did not complain so I am assuming they enjoyed it as much as I did :) If you want to watch a bulls or blackhawks game after work with a bunch of friends at the bar then you have made the right choice. The cheese plate selection is awesome. You should come in here just for that. The thin crust pizza is delightful. I know its attached to a hotel. Maybe before you hit weber grill you should hit this place up...
(5)John C.
Same day dinner reservation on a Saturday via Yelp, Open Table. Service was perfect - not over bearing and never felt ignored. Food - so far the best Italian dinner I have had. Perhaps I got lucky but if this place is consistent then it is definitely worthy of a 5 star review. Crunchy/Toasty bread with warm fluffy goodness inside & comes out with the Balsamic, Oil n Garlic Gloves. Hands down the best bread & balsamic, oil, garlic, Amazing. Grilled Octopus - not bad, alot of tentacles, I'm okay with that! Entree - had the seafood stew, what a remarkable dish!! This was Awesome, Awesome, Awesome - All the flavors from the fish, shrimp and scallops were in the broth and were cooked well. I'm surprised they don't nickname the dish "the Midwest Ciopinno" as it reminded me of Ciopinno in SF, but better. Also, ordered the Penne with chicken and spicy tomato sauce - not too spicy but very well made too!! Full disclosure - I was really looking forward to go to Girl and the Goat (to get my foodie on)- due to their reservation process I did not. Oh Well their loss my and your gain. I thank fellow yelpers for helping me find a true gem in Osteria Via Stato. So, if you are interested very good Italian in DT Chicago this is a great spot. Keep in mind it is not Uber Fancy, stuffy or a place that breaks the bank. Note: there are 3 areas to this restaurant, the patio, the pizzeria (when you first walk in) the white table cloth/dining room (we ate). Only Bummer: 1 toilet oddly positioned in the pizzeria - just go use the lobby restroom up the stairs (inside the adjoining hotel).
(4)Mike N.
We were staying at the attached Embassy Suites. This restaurant is literally two different venues - a small bistro for lunch and a formal dining room for dinner. We experienced both. Their luncheon bistro menu is great. They have very imaginative flatbread thin crust pizzas. Prepared well and very tasty. Multiple other sandwiches and appetizers. Nice service. The dinner experience was not as good. Menu was basic, not imaginative. Food was well prepared and tasty. Service was OK. This restaurant is also the room service source for the hotel. Items available are limited. I give the luncheon experience 4 stars, and the rest 2 stars to average the 3 stars.
(3)Brian G.
Wow - what a disappointment. Huge Lettuce fan - love Antico Posto. In the city thought hey I can have a great meal here. No. Where did they go wrong - let me count the ways ... 1. Half empty restaurant - one of my kids just wanted buttered noodles - someone else wanted pasta of the day but they usually only serve as part of a $40 full course meal. Made it seem like they were doing us some huge favor ... really? 2. Food took forever. See note about half empty. Why? 3. Short Rib risotto was so salty it was inedible. 4. Clam pasta (vongole) would have bene good. If they had FULLY WASHED THE SAND OUT OF THE CLAMS. I mean really? I was sort of annoyed my wife hadn't retuned it on the first crunch of sand but she soldiered on. I wouldn't have. 5. My kids eat the gnocchi at Antico Posto like it is going out of style - I have an 8 year old who can eat two full adult portions. But then Antico doesn't produce heavy sticky Gnocchi that could replace spackle. 6. Oh and the buttered pasta - same issue we have at Antico - the only reason I can't give it 5 stars ... drowning in butter. So much so my kids need to tip the plate up on a knife so it pools down on one side and then they eat from the top. Some not major issues 1. Pasta of the day sausage/ cauliflower orecchiette pretty tasty - though little cauliflower. 2. Roasted cauliflower ... eehhh not much of a roasted taste. 6. Focaccia solid - olives/prosciutto good. Maybe slow night and the "B" team in charge ... then time for a new "B" team. It would have had two stars but still a bit pricey - so one it is. Lettuce you have many great places - this places needs an overhaul in the kitchen or you can return it to a Papagus (Greek restaurant in that space Lettuce had years ago).
(1)Neha M.
I loved the ambiance and the place is perfect for a romantic dinner date. We ordered Bruschetta,Spaghetti Arrabiata and Penne Al Vodka. The food was nice. The only reason I am giving one star less is because of the food quantity. It was way too less for the price,
(4)Paul K.
Great Place / Great food / Great staff .... This place offers a very nice romantic atmosphere and a great food I am sure We will be back in Osteria again with my Girlfriend. After reading some of the reviews I've had some second thoughts to go there with my girlfriend but You can't go wrong by choosing this place for a date, simple dinner or some other occasions. The complementary olive oil with garlic and warm crispy bread .....THE BEST !! Seafood Stew,Filet Mignon with Parmesan, sortfish scalopine and calabrian potatoes we tried was perfectly done and tasteful We're gonna be back to try more Thanks for reading !!
(5)Selena L.
Came here for a private party and was surprised at how good the food was. I was preparing for the worst, but the salmon was cooked and seasoned perfectly!
(4)Emily C.
Was here for a dinner function in a private room. OMG it was so hot in there! We kept asking for a fix, but nothing changed. We were all sweating by the end which ruined the experience. Food was mostly very good. Loved the cheese covered onions and wasn't expecting to! Had several helpings. Good meatballs too - sauce was excellent. My salmon was ok - would probably order something else next time. The Farro looked amazing! Too bad it was so hot! 322/365
(3)Elise R.
Strike one - Lack of greeting/layout of restaurant. Dined here last night for the first time with my husband. I happened to enter at the same time a large private party was arriving, which caused a lot of confusion. The hostess greeted the party, but after seating them she never came back to greet me. The host stand is near the bar - which is not directly near the front entrance, or clear that I should check in there. After asking a fellow patron (not employee - they were nowhere to be found) how to enter the restaurant, I checked in at the hostess desk asking to be seated. Strike two - Rude staff. When gave my reservation name the hostess promptly told me that she could not seat me until my husband arrived, but that I was more than welcome to drink at the bar while I waited. Their policy is that they do not seat people until a complete party arrives. However, I explained to her I had been waiting and would like to put our order in before my husband arrived - this was a special occasion, and we'd like to order a bottle, so I didn't need a glass on top of that beforehand. Didn't matter that I was about to drop serious cash on wine + dinner, she refused to seat me - and told me so very condescendingly. Strike three - Judgement. Judgement galore. Maybe it's because I look young, maybe it's because we're a bi-racial couple, maybe the entire staff on Tuesday's is incompetent, I don't know. But from the hostess, to the coat check, to our server, I felt as if my husband and I were looked down upon the entire time we were in this establishment. When I pointed to the menu to order a specific bottle of prosecco, our waiter snapped at me "Well yes, but which one... we have lots of different types, you know." Yes. I did know. Which is why I was showing you precisely which bottle I wanted to order. Then when my husband was asking for recommendations, our waiter again seemed to be very put out that my husband pronounced "arrabbiata" incorrectly, and was hurrying to leave our table. Seriously? The food WAS fantastic - as was the speediness of the food service. However, the incredible lack of customer appreciation is the reason we will not be returning. With so many Italian options in the area, there is no reason to come here again.
(2)Bethany W.
Wow! Great food (sooo much food), romantic dinner place, and not overly pricey. I would recommend the dinner over á la carte and also had a decent wine selection. Service was pretty good, except our main waiter had a bit of an attitude, despite many please and thank yous. However, this is just me being nitpicky; he was overall fine. I highly recommend it, especially for a romantic date!
(4)Mika L.
Delicious, unique, reasonably priced and great service. I sat at the bar in a hurry, went with recommendations from the bartender and thoroughly enjoyed everything without exception. That's rare, as I'm notorious for noticing details and picking apart my food. Great meal and great staff! I had the chicken pesto sandwich (served on a toasted baguette with roasted red peppers on the side), mixed green salad (see my tip for details - just the most amazing mixed green salad ever), and coffee.
(5)Liz J.
If you're looking for an Italian meal in Chicago, this is the place to go. Make reservations in advance, and prepare to overdose on rich, Italian goodness. I was with a large group, and we had the opportunity to try multiple appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all of us really over-indulging, but trying not to feel too guilty since we were all working hard at a conference. Next time I'm in Chicago, I'm looking forward to eating in their pizzeria, instead of the tavern. Every meal starts off with the perfectly crusted, soft white Italian bread, accompanied by deep flavored olive oil and melt-in-your-mouth garlic cloves. Take a garlic clove, crush it with your fork, and spread it over a thick hunk of bread. I could have eaten only that for dinner and been perfectly happy! We had a varied assortment of appetizers - meatballs, marinated olives, spinach-cheese fondue, grilled octopus, and prosciutto and cheese. No one cared for the octopus, but all other plates were wiped clean. My favorite were the olives and the prosciutto, and I probably could have eaten the entire plate of olives myself! For dinner I had the Parmesan crusted chicken, which had a perfectly balanced Parmesan-bread crumb crust. The crunchy outside sealed in the moist chicken, and was nicely complemented by a few asparagus spears. Dessert? Delicious cheesecake, and an assortment of cold, creamy gelato. It was a nice ending to the meal, although most of us had already been pushed over the edge and couldn't take more than a few bites. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a full meal, or just a part of a meal. They've got you covered with something delicious at every turn.
(5)Kathy M.
We had dinner here because we are considering it for a rehearsal dinner this fall. Mark, our server, was excellent. He not only shared information about the food, but he also knew everything there was to know about the space we were looking at as well. He brought several items out for us to try because he thought would work well for the rehearsal dinner and I thought that was very nice of him. We tried the roasted garlic with warm bread, which was very good. I had to try it out and I'm not even a bread person! Next we had the mini veal meatballs which were amazing. I could have had nothing else and been happy - needless to say, we cleaned that plate! Mark also brought us parmesan crusted sweet onions and marinated olives. Both of these were good, but our preference was definitely the roasted garlic and meatballs. Because we wanted to try as many dishes as possible, we ordered the Chicken Mario, the short rib ravioli, the salmon and the special risotto dish that they were offering that night. The chicken was very moist and thanks to Mark's suggestion of squeezing a little lemon on it, it was very flavorful. The salmon was excellent as was the risotto dish. The ravioli was good, but we were looking for more of a tomato based dish and it just didn't happen to be that. Of course, we had to try the desserts (research!) and had the ricotta cheesecake and the chocolate tart. The cheesecake was probably the best we've ever had and should not be passed up. The chocolate tart was good, but the cheesecake was exceptional. I decided we had to try the homemade chocolate candy bar as well. This turned out to be completely different than what I had envisioned. It was a solid chocolate bar which the waiter broke into pieces and was served alongside almonds and candied orange pieces. The flavors were good, but I probably would not order it again - just too messy to eat.
(5)Hannah H.
My husband and I dropped in after roaming around the Rush/Ontario area, trying to find a decent place to grab some grub. I heard from a close friend of mine that Osteria Via Stato was a great place to eat. It was very chic and elegant, dimly lit and all. We might have been slightly underdressed (as others were in their dresses and pearls), but never once were we ever put to shame! Our waitress was named Natalie, and she was hilarious, very sweet, and was full of great recommendations. The restaurant gives you this crusty bread and their house-marinated olives (olive oil infused with slices of lemon and a bay leaf) - these olives are quite addicting, especially the smaller kalamata-like ones - salty and brine-y with the bread. For antipasti, we started off with the restaurant's signature 'Parmesan-Crusted Sweet Onion,' which was basically sliced rings of onions baked in the oven with olive oil and cheese melted on top. It tasted like French onion soup, but without the soup. Having it smeared on the crusty bread they give you in the beginning was like eating with croutons, and it was pretty good. There were about 4-5 slices, and it was good enough to share. For the main entree, I ordered the Papparadelle, which was covered with the tomato-meat ragu. Supposedly the ragu was a signature sauce of the restaurant chef's - it tasted like any tomato sauce with chunks of beef in it. It was okay, but nothing to rave about. My husband ordered the Slow-Braised Painted Hills Short Rib, with melted leeks, organic carrots, and drizzled with red win sauce. The rib itself was a size of a 6oz filet mignon, and it tasted like good pot roast. As our sides, we ordered the Calabrian Potatoes, which were very crispy, oven-baked goodness, topped with Calabrian chilies and herbs - it was a little bland, but dipping it into the red wine sauce of my husband's dish made it even more better. For dessert, we had the Ricotta Cheesecake with Huckleberry sauce and the Gelato tasting platter. The Ricotta Cheesecake was light and not as heavy as your regular New York-style, but it was very tasty; it came with a side of Huckleberry sauce with 3 huckleberries - yum! The Gelato platter usually comes with 3 scoops out of the 5 choices, but Natalie was nice enough to give us a tasting of all 5 - coconut, chocolate, pistachio, vanilla, and caramel. Each scoop either had a Pepperidge Farm sugar cookie, pistachio nut shavings, amaretto cookie shavings, or a side of hardened fudge sauce. Everything was totally filling. The price isn't as bad as I thought, the service was excellent, and our overall dining experience was quite nice. +house-marinated olives +Parmesan-Crusted Sweet Onion +Slow-Braised Painted Hills Short Rib +Ricotta Cheesecake with Huckleberry sauce +ask for Natalie :D
(4)Tom L.
I was skeptical of the Prix Fixe menu, but pleasantly surprised. We tried everything, ate all of several (especially the pasta) and then enjoyed the tenderloin on special that day. Very pleasant experience and a great meal. Perfect way to sample a large number of foods without running up an exorbitant bill! Only thing I would change would be to include a dessert as well.
(4)Kevin C.
Very rude service for mediocre food. The waitress was rude, impatient, and gave us the feeling either she dislikes us or the her job. We got lot of uffs, head shakes and not a single smile. One of the italian cleaning guy came and yelled at us if we were done with our dish and gave us a stare with rude attitude. It's not the culture it's them. They are terrible at customer service
(1)Nancy L.
Was going to go to the pizza side of the restaurant since we hand the kids along but a couple of us wanted pasta so we went to the Osteria Via Stato dining room instead. My kids are little foodies but if they weren't there was still pizza and pasta to satisfy most kids. The dining room is dark and intimate feeling. We had a nice private feeling table in a corner under an arch that made it feel a bit like we were eating in a wine cellar in Italy. The roasted garlic in the olive oil was flavorful and the bread wonderfully crusty but soft inside. We also ordered meatballs and burrata to start with. I love Burrata and this one was good but I didn't like that they doused it in Olivia oil. A little would have been fine but this was a bit much. Meatballs were small, tender and flavorful. I ordered the gnocchi with a duck ragout. The sauce was hearty, the duck and gnocchi were very tender - a great dish for a very cold winter day. Too bad I filled up on Burrata and bread since it was hard to finish. Service was excellent too. They were great at giving us the attention we needed without being overbearing. He also made a great wine pairing suggestion that went great with the meal.
(4)Nancy T.
The menu had so many interesting things on it, we were having trouble deciding ... and then we spotted the "family style" dinner option -- chock full of shared appetizers and pastas, followed by your individual choice of entrée. Sold!! We got to taste many delicious things -- most memorable a pear and blue cheese bruschetta. Mmmm. An orecchiette pasta with roasted cauliflower was also a delightful surprise, as was the roasted beet salad (mmmm). Entrees were terrific -- I had the short rib, so rich and melt-in-your mouth with a superb red wine sauce, and DH had a spicy seafood stew, brimming with fish, shrimp, scallops, clams and mussels. Plus tasty crusty bread for dipping in that broth ... aaah. Price was $40 a person, a great deal. We were very pleased with the food and the service.
(4)Alina P.
Absolutely disliked this place and won't recommend to anyone. Server racially profiled me, thus he kept on neglecting our table all evening. After the dinner I stacked my plates to the side, and he asked me if I worked in the hospitality industry. I said yes. His attitude completely changed. He tried to make a small talk, and joke around, but it was too late. Definitely, I will not be returning, and I will discourage people from going there
(1)Ngoc N.
I'm normally not a fan of restaurants linked to hotels, but since I was next door with cold weather outside, it was easy to just go down to Osteria to have a meal. First and foremost, this is not a hotel restaurant at all! I've been back about 3 times since I've first had it and I just love the food. Everything is cooked al dente with super flavorful sauces. I'm a happy girl when I leave this place each time. I've had their salads, pastas but have yet to try some of their entrees. I appreciate the love that you know is put into their food. The chef is always around to ask about your food and is so friendly. It makes your experience there feel very personal.
(4)Kevin S.
Awesome pizza. Awesome drinks. Awesome BLT. Correction: best BLT I ever had. Service good as well. Limited menu though and their best items end at 3 :-/
(5)Tim N.
We went here on a Wednesday at around 6 PM and were seated immediately. Not a lot of people at that time but by 7:15 the restaurant was packed. We went to celebrate our 31st year wedding anniversary. We were seated in our own little alcove and were immediately greeted by our server with a choice of distilled or sparkling water..that was a nice touch. For drinks I tried the Casaloste Chianti Classico but then tried their homemade Red Sangria. It was really outstanding and I highly recommend it if your so inclined. They offered a White version also. My daughter ordered a Cosmopolitan that tasted like sherbert ice cream. On to the food. We shared the Peperonata Bruschetta and the Heirloom Caprese for appetizers which were both outstanding. The Bruschetta was out of this world. I ordered the Filet Mignon cooked with balsamic vinaigrette. The size would be comparable to Queen Filet I suppose. I am not exaggerating when I tell you its the best Filet I've ever had. It was cooked perfectly and was incredibly tender. Maybe it was new to me having never tried a steak cooked in a vinaigrette, but it was the best tasting steak I had ever had. My wife ordered the Spinach Ravioli and was very pleased with it. Our sides included the whipped potatoes and the sauteed spinach. Our server came out with a plate full of complimentary gellato drizzled with chocolate spelling out Congratulations. I can not wait to go back and sample all of the pasta now.
(5)Kent Jacob S.
This review is based off of my experience during Easter Brunch on 3/21/2013. During my Easter vacation to Chicago, I knew I wanted dine at a restaurant that had an Easter brunch. There were many great reviews of Osteria Via Stato having an amazing one so I made my reservations accordingly. I love the location of Osteria mainly because it's about a 2 minute walk from Holy Name Cathedral, so it was easy to plan brunch. It's also attached to Embassy Suites and is great for Chicago visitors. The restaurant is a dimly lit restaurant with the windows covered by drapes. It gives a romantic feeling but I wished they would have opened the drapes to let the light in, especially during brunch time. Giving our name to the host and getting a table was easy and quick, always a plus. The server explained the different stations for brunch, was attentive and friendly. Brunch was quite delicious and included: an omelet & ham carving station, main entrée station, appetizers & pastries, a dessert table, and a candy station. I loved every station but I will highlight what I believe to be the best parts. - They used delicious eggs and the cooks know how to make it moist and fluffy at the omelet station. - The appetizer section had a delicious variety of cheeses and raw salmon filets. I also loved their beets & arugula salad as well as their different breads; it is an Italian restaurant. - They had home-made sausage patties that were to die for. - Their dessert section included fresh made cinnamon & sugar donuts that are prepared right in front of you. They were flakey on the outside and fluffy on the inside: perfect. - The candy section brought me back to my childhood of eating mounds of chocolate for Easter. After experiencing Osteria Via Stato's Easter brunch, I can understand why many local media reports rave about it. The pricey $40 brunch is definitely worth the food quality and overall experience. My only negative about this restaurant is their single occupancy bathroom.
(5)Dana R.
This is one of me and my wife's favorite places to eat in the city. The ambiance is fantastic, very warm and inviting. The pizzeria attached to the restaurant is great and serves a full menu in the evening. The wine list is great even for the experienced Italian wine drinker. Small touches make all the difference at this place. Complimentary sparkling water, amazing olive and balsamic marinated cloves of garlic, freshly baked bread are just a few to name. While not cheap, this is a place you could eat at a few times a month if you were so inclined. The service has always been very good as has the good whether it's Pizza, the pork shank, or chicken Mario. I have and will continue to come back!!!!
(5)Kevin T.
Eaten here several times and I'm yet to have a bad or even average experience. Thin crust pizza, meatball sandwich, and burgers are all solid options. They screwed up my order once and fixed it promptly for free and with respect. I'm very pleased
(5)Chris M.
I went there for Valentine's Day this weekend. It came recommended from a family member that lives in the Chicago area. I was visiting from out of town. I made reservations a few weeks out on OpenTable and got an early dinner reservation for 5:15pm. I added in the notes that I would prefer a later dinner time if someone would happen to cancel. They called me a few days before and said that a cancelation had happened and they were able to give me a 7pm dinner time. I spoke with Sandra and she was very polite and accommodating to our needs. Everything that touched our table was truly amazing! The bread, salads, pasta, entrees and the carmel gelato was out of this world. An expensive bill at the end of the night but everything was wonderful. Our service was excellent as well. I wish I remembered his name but I was in such a blissful state to remember anything. One might say "food drunk". I would recommend Osteria to anyone and if I ever make it back to Chicago I will definitely try to stop in.
(4)Mark T.
I've been training with a Nike running group all summer to prepare for the Chicago Marathon. Since the race is such a huge deal for all of us, we had to prepare for it correctly so Nike was nice enough to book us a party room last night and provide us with a big pasta dinner. The group was treated to a nice family style buffet: veal meatballs & Parmesan crusted onions for apps, Paccherri & farfalle pastas for first course, and a diner's choice for the main plate. I ended up ordering the island salmon, which came with a side of potatoes and salad. Most of the food was pretty standard and unimpressive, although I did like the flavors of the Parmesan crusted onions and the crunchiness of the potatoes. Other than those two dishes everything else was just OK. Walking in, I wasn't surprised that the ambiance was high class. The room was nice and quiet, and the wait staff was great. Even though we were a big group the service time was way too long. The group leader was at my table and I could tell she was less than impressed with the place. Still, everyone had a nice time.
(2)Sung C.
My nephew who live in Chicago wanted to treat me and my wife at this Italian restaurant. His memory is that the food there was excellent in the past. He ordered salad, trout, rib eye steak, and seafood stew. However, his argument is that the food at this restaurant is not as good as in the past. I am surprised to see rib eye steak totally burned. I did not understand how the restaurant charged $40 for this level of steak. Seafood stew was too salty. Overall, I think that the dishes were pricy. In particular, I really discourage you to order any kind steak here. Not good quality with a lot of fat on the meat. Other dishes are OK but really salty. I drank more than 10 cups of water after coming back to the hotel. My nephew assessed that his intent to serve me and my wife here was not fulfilled at this restaurant. You may try hotel restaurants with nice view, such as Chicago Park Hyatt.
(1)Nick S.
Loved the food, the ambiance and the sparkling water :) left me with a real mellow and satisfied experience.
(5)J W.
This place is delicious! I lived in Rome for 4 months and miss the food the most. When my friends and I want to relive our Italian experience, we head here. The dishes are made for sharing, but perfectly suited as a meal for one person. Evertime I have went it has been very crowded but you don't have to wait long to be served. Also, they do take reservations, just make sure your whole party shows up on time or you won't be seated until everyone arrives. All in all, a delicious treat!
(5)Grennan K.
Known for their pizza/ flatbreads but didn't indulge this time. First off their fresh table bread is to die for! We also had the caprese salad with fresh basil and marinated ripened tomatoes which was so delish. Chopped salad was unique for its celery crunchy bits & mustard like vinaigrette dressing. Meatball sandwich is super popular. I would definitely come back here for dinner time to chow down on some pasta
(4)Shane D.
On a cold February night I was walking from one destination to another but stopped at Osteria Via Stato to have a drink and warm up. What a pleasant surprise! I was greeted at the door promptly and asked if I would like a complimentary coat check. The host was kind and asked the intent of my visit. After chatting for a minute or two he suggested their casual side which offered a bar and pizzeria. After ordering a drink the waiter handed me a menu and asked if I was interested in anything to eat. I said my intent for the night was to try many small plates so pizza would be too filling and that I wasn't interested. He was quick to point out their menu includes a selection of small plate appetizers and suggested the grilled octopus. I've had octopus many times before and was always disappointed by how chewy it was so I remained hesitant and asked him to give me some time to think about it. When he returned I said I wanted to try it because I'm interested in any signature dish. Lucky me! It was tender, flavorful, and one of the best appetizers I've ever tasted. I look forward to visiting again on my future visits to Chicago!
(5)Mauro R.
I have been in Chicago many times, walked by this place, but for some reason never went in. So it was time to try. See, that's how good quality and serviced are in Chicago: this restaurant is located in a touristy area, but the service is like an upscale neighborhood eatery. Our server was great since the beginning: I put my coat on an empty chair at my table, she immediately covers the coat with a white napkin, just in case. Nice touch. They have an Italian Party menu dinner that looks very good and reasonably priced, but it was our last day of a 7-day trip to Chicago so were kind of full...before eating at that point. Wife started with grilled octopus, very nice. I had the arugola salad with peppercorn bacon, loved the way the flavors met each other in this dish. Light, refreshing, but tasty. Being that after a week of eating we weren't too hungry, we ordered two side pasta dishes: they basically were regular portions! At $ 8.95 ea. the value with outrageous, can't get a darn cheeseburger for that price in South Florida. I had the pappardelle three-meat ragu (veal, beef, pork) and they were cooked rightly, tasty, great for the price. My wife also hit a winner with the risotto with wild mushrooms, parmesan broth. Positive experience and I would like to go back for more.
(4)Allan F.
Roasted garlic dip for bread was the best thing since sliced bread. Had a baby octopus app....yum Salmon main course, small portion but tasty, tasted like something i can make at home. the main course brought the stars down a bit. Bread pudding was excellent.
(3)Kathy S.
I came home super full last night after having a big dinner with one of my girlfriends. The hubs had some pizza (proscuitto, parmesan, aged balsamic, arugula) leftover from Osteria Via Stato and told me I HAD to try it. Being so gosh-darn full, I thought, okay I'll just have a teeny tiny bite to just see how good it was. Then I proceeded to eat the whole thing. Oops.
(5)Donna F.
Went for lunch when the menu is limited. The pizza with the homemade sausage and super thin crust was very tasty. The cheese was better than most. Do yourself a favor and order the roasted garlic. Well worth $2.95. It has a sweet full bodied flavor and goes great on the crusty bread with the oil and cheese. The beet salad surprised me that it had more than one variety of beet. It was something different and very good. Veal meatballs were good and just enough for one person as a main course. Very attentive courteous service also. It kind of had that authentic Italian feel without being tacky about it.
(4)Sue S.
We were staying at the Embassy Suites and wanted to walk to another Italian place, but it was pouring, so we ate here, and were VERY pleasantly surprised! Inside is a bit dark, but staff were great, the warm bread and oil were outstanding, and our margarita pizza was extraordinary! Wonderful thin crust, fresh, delicious tomatoes and basil. And the gelato for dessert was not to be missed! We loved the hotel and will eat at Osteria Via Stato again, no doubt.
(4)I P.
Really good food and cute atmosphere. River north usually is more trendy and can be a bit snobbish but once you are indoors you don't even realize. Wish our waiter had better recommendations on vegetarian options other than sides of vegetables. Overall our tummies left happy
(4)Tommy Z.
I've always had very good experiences with LEYE restaurants but was very disappointed with Osteria and left the restaurant feeling like I was scolded. First off, the hostesses were very cordial and friendly so this started off great +1 I don't know where or how the disconnect happened but my friend and I wanted to share a prix fixe of $39. We asked if this was possible. The waiter kindly let us know that was not possible since we would have to order prix fixe separately and we cannot share. OK, that's fine, but as a compromise he offered to let us do the $25 prix fixe and add an entree separately. This way he gets us to order a prix fixe and still satisfy what we wanted. That's great, we get the antipasta and the pasta + an entree. We will gladly pay more than the $39 as long as we just stick to sharing the plates and not pay two prix fixes, which was the point. The $25 deal would include *unlimited* helpings of antipasta and pasta. Wow unbelievable! I guess that is a great way to market the prix fixe menu :). I thought it was extremely clear that we did not want to have two prix fixes. I won't comment much about the food but would recommend the salmon. The ragu was also commendable. The bill comes and I get charged for a $25 prix fixe and the $39 prix fixe. I kindly inform the waiter that we just wanted the $25 prix fixe and the entree separate. The next thing I know, I am being "educated" on what a prix fixe is as if I've never had one before. We had only one re-fill of the salmon and everything else was just tasting plates. This prix fixe was marketed as unlimited plates but why the re-fill needs to be marked on the receipt? He apologizes for any misunderstanding we had but would not change the bill. Somehow we have to give my rationale several times before we finally get a manager to come over. All the while, the waiter speaks very loudly as if to make us feel embarrassed by our predicament in front of everyone else and force us to give up. Manager comes over and we re-iterate. He also speaks very loudly. Again, no solution and we start talking for another 10 minutes. He mentions we got a re-fill of the salmon antipasta so we should be paying the full amount. I'm sorry but when you say unlimited I will take your word on it...in fact, by only re-filling one tasting plate, how is that taking advantage? We compromise in the end by having us pay two prix fixes at $25 each. OK fine. Next thing I know he comes back with giving the amount we had proposed in the first place. Couldn't we have done this 15 minutes earlier? After we thank him for giving us this bill (I thought customer was king here?), the table next to us decides to scold us for being so loud and obnoxious and complained that we were complaining about $20 (the nerve and arrogance that they don't care about money!). My point is, there are bound to be these things that come up (misunderstandings whatever) and as a manager/waiter for a well respected restaurant in river north, there should be more respect to the customer. We received none of that and in fact we left embarrassed and scolded. This could have been resolved by taking a couple minutes and listening and being in our shoes. We would have come back since the food and ambience is fine but given we can't afford to encounter another mishap here, we will have to pass.
(1)Molly G.
I came here for a company dinner and while the room acoustics made it a bit too noisy, the dinner and ESPECIALLY the service was fantastic. We had the Prix-fix menu with veal meatballs, caramelized onions and salad. Then the ragu pasta and cauliflower pasta - both outstanding. Per my server's recommendation, I had the Chicken Mario with broccoli and potatoes for dinner - buttery deliciousness! The wine and water glasses were endlessly refilled and we were asked multiple times if we wanted seconds on anything. What really took me aback was our server Bill. He was so polite, kind and personable - as I later told the hostesses, I just want to take him home with me. Just made the evening extra wonderful. Thanks Bill!
(4)John G.
The food is simply amazing here and going with the family-style menu is something the chef recommended and perfect for a party of six. However our turnoff was when the bartender try to make an "extra dry" martini and used extra vermouth ...where did you go to bartending school?
(4)Tara H.
We had our wedding ceremony and reception here over memorial day and everything was absolutely amazing. We have not stopped receiving compliments on the wedding, atmosphere, location, and service! Our family and friends loved the food, wine, drinks and everything Osteria had to offer. Osteria was happy to adjust the menu and drinks to suit our wedding and needs. The entire staff went above and beyond to make me and my guests feel relaxed and allowed us to really enjoy our wedding day. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day and Osteria and the staff (particularly Allison and Angelo), made everything so stress free, easy, and amazing. I was extremely impressed with how everything looked both for the cocktail hour and dinner. They had the tables setup exactly how I had imagined them in my head! And everything was absolutely beautiful! The staff was so friendly and helpful. I knew the first time we went to Osteria that that was where my husband and I were supposed to have our special day, but I was pleasantly surprised by the impeccable service throughout the year working with the staff there. Thank you so much for all your help and for making our day so memorable and special.
(5)Virginia C.
Extremely good service and food. Willing to work through any dietary restriction. I came to the restaurant for a work event and they fully accommodated my vegan dietary restrictions and did so graciously and with great care.
(5)Joonho Y.
Can't go wrong with the Appetizers, Pastas, Pizzas, and Salads. Other Entrees range from Just OK to Gross. The Bread is Really Good, so Order something you can Dip In. My Favorites are: Parmesan Baked Onions, Pizza with Prosciutto & Arugula, Beet Salad. Definitely worth a Try.
(4)John G.
I think this place gets lost among the many Lettuce restaurants, at least with me. We had a group if 6 and everyone enjoyed their meal. We had wonderful lamb meatballs and terrific mussels with a sauce we ate up with bread. The pork shank was loaded with flavor and very tender, gnocchi were firm, and pappardelle flavorful.
(4)Stephanie L.
Bah. Went here on a Friday night and got to sit outside. Yay for outdoor space! Great little spot right downtown. The service was good. Nothing exceptional, but it was adequate. They kept up on refilling waters, wine, etc. Checking on us and taking away plate as needed. The food was really what left more to be desired. The gnocchi were mushy and bland. The seafood linguine had absolutely no flavor and the plate looked sad. It was just seafood and red sauce slathered all over it. The orecchiette was swimming in a sauce that was also bland. Mushy, overcooked pasta. The only good thing was the bread, the olive oil, garlic and balsamic that they gave us at the beginning of the meal. I could have honestly cooked a better meal at home. What a disappointment. Oh we also had the prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella to start. It also didnt taste good. The mozzarella tasted old and almost dry?? It was weird. I will not be coming back for any food. Maybe a glass of wine and some people watching on the outdoor space, but really that would be about it. If you are looking for a place with great food, great outdoor space, great service, etc: HEAD TO PROSECCO. Like a block over on Wells and a couple of blocks north. You will not be disappointed. A million times better.
(2)Kara B.
We held our rehearsal dinner at Osteria Via Stato this past week and it was a great choice. Their private event staff is easy to work with, the menus/minimums are shockingly reasonable and the food offers something pleasing for everyone. Not to mention the top notch wine list which can really make or break an event. We had the chef's table room which has one long table which was great for socializing. For dinner we did the Italian Party which is a family style meal with individually plated appetizers. My salmon was so well seasoned and delicate, perfect for the night before the wedding! They made it extra special for us by letting us put a (very small!) note on the wall along with the celebrities and wine notables who have signed the wall. I know we'll be going back often to remember our night there fondly.
(5)Luis A.
The bread alone was worth the visit. Great ambience in a great location. Garage parking nearby. The food was good, but not anything I haven't already tried at other Italian restaurants. Also, try the cinnamon gelato. Have never tasted anything like it.
(4)Chris C.
I love getting takeout from this place. It's easy to pick up, their prices are reasonable, and the food is good. I highly recommend their gnocchi.
(5)Christina C.
AMAZING FOOD!!! The bread and olive oil with balsamic and marinated garlic alone is to die for.... let alone their steak with crispy onions on top was one of the best steaks I have ever had.. and I have had a lot of steaks from a lot of places! LOVE the atmosphere, very cozy and very "chicago" style Great for special occasions.
(5)Stephanie S.
We basically went here because we had just gotten our LEYE coupons in the mail and on the front was a picture of a caprese salad from Osteria and I couldn't stop thinking about it! I could pretty much eat tomatoes and mozz every day so I had to hit this place up! Plus, double points, why not? My husband and I went with his parents. We sat outside at first, but it was a little chilly (great patio though) so we moved in. As usual with any LEYE place, the service was great. We started with the salad (duh), the veal meatballs, and the olive plate. I don't like olives, but they seemed to be a hit. The veal meatballs were so good. Super tender and juicy! The caprese was great as well. It did not have the green tomato I saw in the picture, but hey, I won't get caught up in the details:) For dinner I had the cavatelli which was amazing! The description didn't do it justice. It was all homemade pasta with mushrooms and it was pan seared or pan fried which made it almost crispy on the outside. I have never had anything like that and I loved it. My hubs had a Berkshire porkchop which he said was good. I also tried the gnocchi which was melt in your mouth amazing! For dessert we split the caramel gelato, our fav since dining at Boka. It had a liquor pored over the top and it was soooo good. My mouth is watering thinking about it! I also had a bit of the chocolate creme brule which was also good, but I think the caramel gelato stole the show! This is a great casual italian spot that knows how to do real italian food. I think the prices are super reasonable as well. The portions were the perfect size, I ended taking food home. not sure what the other reviewers are talking about with price and quantity of food, this isn't the Olive Garden! (Thank goodness)
(4)Solmaz K.
Everything about Osteria Via Stato in Chicago's River North screams authentic Italian. From the large, family-style dining tables and seasonal dishes to the all-Italian wine list (more than 300 labels) and decor. But it's their simple and honest approach to Italian cuisine that reminds me of my travels through Italy. No fluff, no pretension. Just a mouthwatering meal with good friends around the table. Their bread is amazing. Warm and fluffy on the inside and perfectly crusted. Even better was the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and roasted garlic clove dip it was served with. The Short Rib Bruschetta was so good that I would've been perfectly happy if it was the only thing I ate! The pickled peppers and celery added a punch of colour and took what could've been a mundane dish to the next level. Back to the taste: moist short ribs, crispy bread and a great flavour combo. This dish is a star! The free-range veal loin was the best veal I've had in a long, long time. The quality of the meat was exceptional. For dessert you MUST get the homemade chocolate bar. It's served on wax paper with nuts and candied orange peels. It's not only incredibly tasty, but you get to watch your server do some serious smashing at the table.
(4)Cristie F.
For countless years now, Osteria via Stato is still one of my favorite eateries in Chicago. Maybe it's the nostalgia. Maybe it's the ridiculously good food. Maybe it's the great wine list. Maybe it's the romantic, rustic ambiance of the restaurant. Either way - I continue to come back. Never have I dined a la carte. You just don't do it. The way to go is the prix fixe "Italian Dinner Party" menu. It's the best bang for your buck - and a great way to sample many of their menu offerings. For $38.95 a person you get a sampling of the chef's selections of 3-4 antipasti dishes, 2 pasta dishes, choice of an entree, and two side dishes. All dishes, with the exception of your entree choice, are to share. If you run out of something, just ask, and they're happy to bring you more of any of the antipasti or pasta dishes. As if it couldn't get any better, their dishes are made with fresh and local ingredients (think La Quercia prosciutto, Nichols Farm veggies, and Slagel Farm eggs). My faves: // Antipasti: Marinated olives; veal meatballs; parmesan crusted onions // Salads: Roasted beets; arugula salad // Pastas: Pappardelle with 3-meat ragu; gnocchi with crispy sage brown butter, parmesan // Entrees: Braised beef short rib; Umbrian farro Service has always been fantastic. The servers are helpful, attentive, and extraordinarily knowledgeable about the menus. Not to mention, they are very flexible with switching out menu items on the dinner party menu.. I explained my dietary restrictions and they had no problem accommodating me. No questions asked, they swapped a couple dishes for me. The ambiance is rustic and romantic, creating the perfect atmosphere for a great date. But I've also gone numerous times for a girls night out as well. One downside, there's one bathroom (meaning one toilet) in the bar area. So if you're not up for waiting, you have to hike your rear-end through the Embassy Suites hotel to their second floor bathrooms. It's a little ridiculous which is why it's not deserving of a full 5 stars. Overall opinion: Incredible.
(4)Jami S.
So I gave it another chance and only b/c it was a friend's bday dinner so I didn't really have a choice. I have to say much better this time. The food was really really good, I was surprised by how good it was. I had the scallops which come with these little gnocchis that are just about the best thing I have ever eaten. For real I cannot wait to go back for just them. My boyfriend had the cavatalli with mushrooms which was also delicious. Everyone was happy with their dinner and we had a larger group. The waitress was attentive and we never waited for anything. Even got a free bday dessert. win win. the bill also wasn't that bad either. all in all my 2nd time at Osteria was much much better.
(4)Najah H.
Pretty good Italian fare
(3)Nora D.
I manage events for a living and the staff here is top notch. I planned a luncheon for 35 - and they were wonderful to work with from day one. Sales team is professional and responds promptly. On site the team was extraordinary - Eva and Kirsta took great care of us. Nothing but rave reviews on the food. I won't hesitate to host or fine here again.
(5)Melanie V.
Ah yes....2012 marks the year when most of my friends (and myself!) turn 30. *sigh* To kick off the celebrations, my friend decided she wanted to have a "fancy" dinner with some of her favorite peoples. After some change of plans, she ended up deciding to have it at Osteria Via Stato. I had come here previously (well, to the pizza place...more low-key) and thought the food was pretty good and normally priced. So, when my friend told us that, per management's direction, our group of 12 HAD to partake in this "family-style, prix fixe" menu for $40, I was little confused. Like, is that necessary? Why couldn't we just order off the menu? We also couldn't choose any of the vegetables, pasta or antipasta....only our main dish. And, while there were alot of items to choose from, what if there was that instance where NOTHING appealed to anyone in the party? They're just SOL, ya know? (Sidenote: Don't get the seafood stew. It's NOT good. I made that mistake and that's probably why I can't get myself to write a semi-positive review of this place.) So, yes, the food was good (namely, the duck ragu, brussel sprouts, scallops, short ribs), but it was WAYY too much. I'm all for birthday celebrations and all...but encouraging gluttony really wasn't necessary. I ended up dropping a ton more than I expected on this meal (granted, I did order one Negroni and one shot of Limoncello). Our waitress was nice and brought out a delicious 'happy birthday' cheesecake for the birthday girl, so that was nice. Other than that, though, I would never really feel the need to return here.
(3)Elizabeth N.
Very surprising to see 4 stars for this place In regards to food and drink... It was okay... The red wine sangria was bad. Probably the worst sangria I have ever had. Great bread basket - tasted fresh out of the oven. Had the beet salad it was okay. The arbiatta pasta was okay. Bizarre bathroom situation. I believe there was only 1 unisex bathroom in the restaurant and there was a line of 3 but it said there was another bathroom up the neighboring hotels stairs. Went up there and there was a line of 5. Kind of annoying!
(3)Rishabh R.
The ambiance i every way tells you that this is a pricey restaurant, which for the good part it is not. The hostess was amazing, she detailed everything on the menu and help us decide what to order. Both the appetizer (dont remember the exact dish but it was Baked Caramelized Onions) and the entree (Pasta with Basil) were very nice and had a distinct taste. I would definitely go here on a first date!
(5)O K.
They were very friendly and accommodating for our (late) group. The steak was great and the chicken was so so. Pricey given how tiny the portions are.
(3)Mindy W.
I have not been here since fall of 2009, but it is still the best meal I have ever had. It was after a long day of catching up with college friends and seeing the sights, and we were cold, hungry and tired. Someone luckily missed their reservation, so we swooped in for their table. It was a sign that we were meant to have this meal! I'll start with the service, which was impeccable. By far the best service I have ever had anywhere! She was personable, sassy, fun, fast and (most importantly) used the full bottle for the wine flight the four of us had opted to do. Every time she poured, she would say "I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to just give you the whole thing". This alone wins her top marks in my book! The food was amazing from the start. We chose to do individual dishes rather than the family-style meal. We started with some bruschetta, which was delicious, although definitely not the highlight of my meal. I had the Orecchiette-- homemade sausage with sun-dried tomato. It was sweet, creamy, salty, fresh, comfortable-- it was everything pasta should be. The ambiance is warm and inviting. It was really comfortable eating here. If you pass on dessert, you still get fresh chocolate with dried fruit and nuts- so tasty. Don't pass on getting a limoncello as a digestif- it was really tasty and the perfect end to this meal. Make sure you come with close friends or family, while it is loud, it is so warm and inviting that it's a a great place to catch up over some drinks.
(5)Robert W.
The service and atmosphere are great, food just good, prices high. Works when other places are packed but not my first choice.
(3)Sarah S.
I came here for a tasting for work, which was thinking about having a party here. Yummy! We tried a bunch of appetizers, and all were delicious. The onions were probably the best. For the main courses we tried a fish dish, a steak dish, and a pasta dish. DELICIOUS. And for dessert we had a melon ice, cheesecake, and a chocolate torte. Excellent. I would definitely recommend it. Probably the best Italian in the immediate area, and definitely better than Quartino (gag) across the street.
(4)Natalie M.
My rating of 3stars is based on an average between my experience and my Mom's (who was my dining companion for the evening). My Mom gave her meal 5stars, she had a bellini, the fillet mignon with salad and their famous potatoes. I tried the potatoes and I agreed that they were YUMMY, fried with olive olive and Italian seasoning- YUM, YUM. She also had the blood orange shaved ice for dessert which she loved. I give my meal ONE STAR! I had the kale brushetta as an appetizer, which is not traditional brushetta with kale, but toasted bread with grilled kale and shaved cheese- no tomatoes to be had. I hated it. I ordered the 1/2 portion of the gnocchi w/riccotta and marinara sauce. My gnocchi was OVER COOKED and there wasnt near enough sauce. For me, the highlight of my meal was the bread and my cafe latte. Based on the conflicting experiences my Mom and I had I would say a person's love of Osteria really depends on what they order. Despite being an Italian restaurant they have very few vegetarian options.
(3)Christine O.
After reading another yelper from Denver's review, I had food delivered from this restaurant while in town for a conference. I had the salad with the dates in it, and it was really good. The dressing was a bit acidic, but overall, a good dish. The mushroom pasta I had was excellent. The handmade pasta had a great consistency through the noodle, even after traveling to my hotel with steam trapped in the container. This dish had a wide variety of mushrooms as opposed to the two that usually are found in something like this. My favorite was the house cured olives. I loved the orange peel with the olives. I thought about going to get more but ran out of time.
(4)Hannah C.
Great for gluten-free, they can basically make whatever pasta dish you want and then they have a gluten free menu as well. They are part of the Lettuce Entertain You group ( leye.com ), and pretty much all their restaurants offer GF menus. Olives are incredible, pasta with mushrooms delish, wine list is pretty good. The service is definitely more "European", so they give you more time in between courses. However, if you're in a rush or super hungry, you'll probably be pissed at the more lax service. Both times I've been our servers were very patient, but definitely on the slower side (and that could have to do a lot with the kitchen). Also, the location is great for out-of-towners who want to be in the middle of tourist mania, however it's not my favorite location for that precise reason. Overall, if you're a glutard and you're craving some yummy pasta, give it a try!
(4)Andy R.
Bring your appetite when you eat at Osteria Via Stato. I highly recommend the Italian dinner, which is a fixed menu of unlimited antipasto, pasta, and sides. You get to choose the main course from about seven or eight different entrees. I had the pork shank and the Wifey had the gorgonzola crusted filet mignon. I think she was the big winner of the night, although the pork shank was fantastic too. I asked our server Tara, who was knowledge and personable, how many people get dessert after gorging on the Italian dinner. She said, "not too many." I'm glad I experienced the pain in my stomach from eating too much. However, I don't think I'll go back anytime soon. Ugh!
(4)Eric M.
I usually have a grudge against hotel restaurants, but this one won me over. I loved the whole experience. I'd give it five stars if the service wasn't so odd. It was decent service, it was just really odd. The food was great, though, great flavors, perfectly seasoned, nicely portioned. And I love the wine options. Everyone was very friendly. I really have no complaints worth listing here. I will be back.
(4)Karen G.
One of the best restaurants in Chicago. I try to eat there every time I'm in Chi Town. Service is excellent; food delicious!
(5)Clifford S.
Was in Chicago for vacation with the family and we saw the menu here and thought we would stop in. We have two 10 year olds and they enjoyed it also. We all did the Special menu, and the kids were half price for it. Great deal. My kids are good eaters :-) We had the seafood stew, the Pork shank, short ribs and the salmon. Everyone enjoyed their dish. usually there is a winner, but not this time. All were really good. The price, while semi expensive, was reasonable for the meal. I would go back again when I visit the city.
(4)Andrea W.
We recently attended a catered dinner here, and was so impressed that we are hoping to hold our rehearsal dinner here. The servers were super friendly, attentive and no request was too great, which is the tone you want to start the big week-end with. Our hosts could not say enough about the catering manager who accomodated all requests... Appetizers were passed, and the dinner salads and sides were family style, and a choice of entrees were offered each guest. There were people at our table who had dietary restrictions, and the servers were sensitive and accomodationg. The food was fantastic, and a nice contrast to the sit-down wedding dinner the following evening. We also like the fact that this is part of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, so you know by their reputation in Chicago this is going to be done right.
(5)Matt M.
Food - 2 stars Service - 4 stars So you get a 3 star rating. The waiter and staff were delightful. Unfortunately the food simply did not deliver. The meet in my dish was delicious but the noodles did not taste as if they were made from scratch by a reputable chef. They honestly did not taste any different than I had poured them out of a 99 cent box from Jewel. The quality of this food should put this place in the Maggiano's bracket but they are trying to hang with the big boys. I do however, recommend filling yourself silly with the awesome bread/oil combo that uses garlic flawlessly.
(3)Pam D.
We attended a holiday party at Osteria Via Stato last night. There were about 80 of us in a private area in the back of the restaurant and was held by the company that Christopher works for. First let me say that the party was really nice. What a great way to cap off the holiday season. The party started off with drinks and appetizers. The appetizers were very good and ran the gamut from pizza to calamari and these awesome little crispy cheese rolls. After an hour we were called into dinner. The spread was awesome. When we sat down, the table was already loaded with goodies, such as prosciutto, olives, marinated garlic and wonderful bread. It was hard to resist filling up on that. Then, the rest of the food began to roll out. There was veal meatballs, salad, and some totally amazing grilled/carmelized onions. Next came the pastas. We were given a choice among 4 entrees. I chose the Scottish Salmon and Christopher had the Gorgonzola Crusted Fillet. Again, both were most excellent. Dessert was a slice of chocolate tart, topped with whipped cream and candied orange peel. What can I say, but YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM My only complaint with Osteria was the acoustics. It was designed like a grotto and conversation was very difficult with even the person right next to you. I spent the whole night having to yell and ask people to repeat themselves. I really enjoyed my dining experience at Osteria Via Stato. If the opportunity ever presents itself again, I would certainly come back. Oh yes, one last thought. There is only one bathroom for both genders, with one stall. If there is a line, the only option is to go into the hotel next door. A tad odd, but there you have it.
(4)Joyce C.
Bah. Standard. That's all I can say about this place. We came here to scope out a potential party for a group of 20 or so. We wanted to try the food and look at the available rooms before recommending this place and we're totally glad we did. This location is old and not in the best shape. Case in point, the first room that they suggested to us was dumpier than my parent's 1957 built bathroom with the pink and gray tiles and psychedelic mirrored wallpaper. Ugh, I could not believe they have this literal rectangular box with no windows designated as a party room. So depressing... and the table inside it was composed of two tables of which one was taller than the other. Imagine a bigger maximum security jail cell with a flat screen TV and you're almost there. Thankfully the second room was nicer, but it was too big for what we needed. The bread and the garlicky balsamic starter were delicious. We ended up trying two pastas and they were both good, but nothing spectacular. The service was a little weird, as our waitress kept engaging our baby as we're trying to have our meal. I'm glad she was friendly but it was distracting. I would go back but this place is nothing special.
(3)Phil S.
If you're looking for the best thinner than paper crust pizza then look no further. The crust is so thin that in some parts it just falls away where it has been charred by the brick oven it is cooked in. We tried the margherita and the potato and bacon. The potato and bacon pizza is sauceless and the perfect contrast for the fresh basil topped saucy goodness of the margherita pizza. I wish there was more cheese on the margherita but it probably would've collapsed the crust. Both were fantastic all the same and prices were reasonable for such a tasty treat in the middle of downtown. Pizzas ranged from the $12-14 range for and 11" that one person can easily finish. I have not eaten at the restaurant side yet but plan on doing so someday. For now, I'm happy with their beautiful pizza.
(4)Josh V.
Osteria Via Stato is nice, but I don't like it as much as Quartino, the Italian restaurant right across the street. OSV (and its sister restaurant, Pizzeria Via Stato) is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, so you can count on it being good, but it probably won't be great. The food and service are both pretty good. On my last visit I had the creamy polenta (which was very good) and penne w/ spicy tomato cream & chicken (which was fine, but didn't stand out). My friend shared the polenta & ordered the gemelli with house-made chicken sausage, toasted garlic, breadcrumbs. His pasta was decent, but didn't really satisfy as an entree. OSV allows you to order their pastas in smaller, appetizer sizes, and I think the gemelli would make a better starter or side than main course. One neat thing that OSV offers, which would probably be best for a group dinner, is the "Italian Dinner Party", which gives you family style antipasti, pasta & sides for the table and one entree per person (of their choice, from a list of 8 or so) for $40 pp. You can optionally add "Just Bring Me Wine!" for $20 or $40 per person (I guess it depends if you want good or cheap wine?) which adds three glasses of wine paired with the meal, chosen by the restaurant. The look of OSV is rather unique, and kind of cool. It's dimly lit and almost looks like you're dining in a cellar. Of course, unlike a cellar it's not cold or damp. To be honest, if you can get a table at Quartino I'd go there instead, but if not this is a perfectly legitimate Plan B for a hearty and tasty meal in the area.
(4)Zen-s-asia N.
One of the best ceasar salads I've ever tasted. The rest of the meal was also first rate. You will not be disappointed if you try this place.
(4)Kathleen F.
Outstanding Rehearsal Dinner for 45 people! 5 Stars for planning, service and food! We had a large group for a rehearsal dinner and absolutely everything was flawless. The appetizers, sides were served family style and the guests chose their entree from a pre-selected menu. The appetizers Parmesan crusted onions and veal meatballs were a huge hit. The Niman Ranch short ribs were fall off the bone delicious and everyone raved about the fresh fish, Chicken Mario and farro risotto entrees. The ricotta cheese cake with caramel sauce was divine! Everything that came out of the kitchen was great. Our servers were top notch as well. Needless to say, can't wait to go back and have dinner again. Highly recommend!
(5)Pedro L.
Not too shabby. Me and the lady went here on a Saturday night. Luckily they had a cancelation and fit us in. Atmosphere in the actual restaurant was great. Clean, not too loud, not too quiet, not too crowded, etc. Waiter was on point also. Knew what to recommend, knew the wine pairings and everything. The experience was quite interesting as we chose not to order ala carte. It was similar to a tapas restaurant where you choose only the main coarse and they bring small samplings of 5-6 prechosen dishes. So fun times for people like us that have trouble making up their minds. Overall I would definitely go back and can't remember anything bad about the experience except that the gnocci was a little heavy and the wait in the front room was pretty snug.
(5)Melissa M.
Without a doubt my favorite restaurant in all of Chicago!
(5)Ry O.
I actually had to slacken my belt partway through the meal, like some cartoon character, and I waited for the button to snap off through the rest of the meal. As I was warned, I left full to the point that it was both hurtful and shameful. Family style is the way to go, and try not to eat too much bread before the food starts coming out.
(4)Britney R.
We decided to go here for our holiday party for work. It was a pretty nice atmosphere. The roasted garlic they brought to the table was phenomenal! We ordered the burrata for the table which was pretty good. The waitress suggested a pretty good red wine for the table. I ordered the braised short rob which was pretty good. Nothing spectacular but I cleared my plate. All in all, pretty good place- have to get that roasted garlic recipe!
(3)Jack F.
Could not have asked for a better evening. Thanks to Brad(phenomenal Manager) and Dario(best server I've ever had) we spent 4 hours sharing various dishes. We highly recommend the veal meatballs, heirloom tomatoes, la quercia prosciutto, balsamic glazed rib-eye, spinach ravioli, crispy calamari and to wrap it up we had a sampling of ice cream(I'm missing a few other dishes). We went with Dario's recommendations and were not disappointed. Will be returning often!!!
(5)Angela Z.
Worth going solely for the bread that they bring out with olive oil and vinegar -- AND with the most incredible, soft, sweet, aromatic soft, lush garlic cloves. Worth it for those lil nuggets of joy. I went during Restaurant Week this year. Nice that you can have seconds on anything. Also notably good was their very fresh mozzarella and red, red juicy tomatoes in the caprese. Salmon was expertly made too. Nice white wine and chocolate torte garnished with candied lemon peel. Real good; favorite Italian in the city so far.
(5)Tricia D.
I'd like to thank... - the dimly lit, cavernous interior for transporting me away from the hustle bustle of a bright, busy State St. I felt like I was dining at a secret Italian getaway spot! - the solid, polite, and helpful waitstaff! Never underestimate the power of warm greetings... and promptly served piping hot bread! - THAT CRUSTY-ON-THE-OUTSIDE-FLUFFY-ON-THE-INSIDE BREAD SERVED WITH GARLIC AND BALSAMIC! I am drooling over my keyboard right now. - my stomach for being ready to devour our appetizer of veal meatballs (served to us within 3 minutes; the only knock of the night is that they could have been delivered hot) and entree of free-range chicken with broccolini. The chicken was juicy and had perfectly crisp skin (the best part!) and reminded me so much of Chinese fried chicken. Mmm. - the bar for making me a limoncello martini. - OpenTable for having OVS on their reservation list. - Lettuce Entertain You for including Osteria in their restaurant list (and my friends P & O for giving me a gift card to check out a new place!)
(5)Janneke V.
Another good restaurant from Lettuce entertain you. The last two times I went here for lunch: $10 for a soup/salad, sandwich and chocolate dessert. A really good deal! You'll get delicious warm bread and olive oil while you're waiting on your order. Apparently I ordered a sandwich that wasn't on the menu anymore (a mixup from the waitress), so the manager came to our table, apologized and took it off our bill. A really nice gesture. I will definitely go back!
(5)Nichole B.
Absolutely delightful. I ate in the main dining room and found the vibe an interesting mix of contemporary, traditional, laid back and formal. Food was divine and the waiter attentive without being a pain. The half portions of pasta were relatively large. And they offer mezzolitros of wine (about 2.5 glasses), perfect for those of us who need more than a glass but less than a bottle! Food style was light with more meat/fowl/fish dishes than pasta. I'm a vegetarian but there was more than one item on the menu that suited my needs.
(5)Angela W.
OMG do I LOVE this place!! Just went there for a birthday party of a friend. Ambiance is romantic...love it! Food was A-MAZING!! We ordered the family style and I was 80% full by the time my entre came. The family style is more than enough food...and so so so yummy!! Salad, roasted onions, gnocchi... all amazing! They start by bringing roasted garlic cloves in olive oil and vinegar to the table with fresh bread. I couldn't get enough! So yummy!! I had the braised short ribs as my entrée... YUM YUM YUM!!! perfect!!
(5)Dave S.
If you look at the address and look at the restaurant itself, you would expect to blow a huge chunk of change for a meal here. If this is what you think, you would be dead wrong although it is pricier than what I am used to paying for a meal, by no means was it overpriced. I highly recommend to go off of the Italian Dinner Party menu. It is a three course meal served family style for less than $40 per person. It takes a little longer to complete your meal this way buy if you have the time, it is definatley worth it. Everything we had was outstanding and our server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the selections as we had many questions for him. I really enjoyed my experience here. It was a little more than a meal I must say. I would come back in a heartbeat.
(5)RK B.
Fantastic service, great food and a nice atmosphere. The coursed menu was a great price and the servings were just enough for us to still get a handmade shaved ice. If I ever come back to Chicago I will go to this restaurant again. Our server was excellent, he was funny and attentive, and was kind enough to write down the wines that we both really liked to take with us.
(5)Geo B.
Came here for my birthday dinner and everything was delicious from the garlic soaked olive oil served with the bread to the amazingly melt in your mouth desert. Had trouble choosing but everything we all got was delicious. Was on the pricier side so reserve for more special occasions :)
(5)Rudy P.
Solid family style Italian food. Good service, good food and great wine list. Lettuce Entertain You does it again!
(4)Paul R.
My wife and I dined at Osteria Via Stato for their Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes. This was our first time there, and the experience left us ready to return. I first have to note that the restaurant and staff were very accommodating with regard to my wife's gluten intolerance. Our server, in particular, was very conscientious to make sure that every dish in the prix fixe menu that could have a gluten-free substitution did. Our reservation was relatively early, for 6 PM, but the restaurant quickly filled up in that hour, and becoming quite busy. While I wouldn't characterize it as a quiet, relaxed dinner, despite the liveliness it was never too loud. Our server was working very hard, yet still took the time to make sure all of our plates were correct. We also selected the "Bring Me Wine," which features unusual or more rare pours. The December feature was wines from Sicily, which, coincidentally, had been selected by our server. Each was interesting and tasty. Each glass was perfectly aerated, arriving fresh but already opened up. At too many other restaurants I've received glasses where the bottle has clearly been open too long, or where it was just opened, and the wine had not adequate opportunity to breathe. I was impressed at how well the staff got many details right, especially given how busy the restaurant was. All the food was seasoned just right -- no over- or under-salting. On our prix fixe we thought the appetizers were the star of the show. The fried calamari was some of the best I've had in a long time. It was fresh and tender, lightly bathed in olive oil and chili pepper. The grilled octopus was similarly fresh and tender, without any rubberiness. My wife got the seared scallops on a wild mushroom risotto as her entree. The risotto was the star, again, one of the best we've had in quite some time. The scallops were tasty and cooked correctly, if not incredible. I got the flounder, which was lightly breaded in a lemon sauce. The flounder was perhaps a touch overdone, but still moist, flaky and flavorful. For dessert the gluten-free option was a grantia which my wife greatly enjoyed, while I had the richer huckleberry cheesecake, featuring fresh, local huckleberries. We paired them with house-made liqueurs, a limoncello and a huckberrycello, the latter of which was unusual but delicious. We were both quite happy and satisfied with our Christmas Eve dinner. We're most interested incoming back for appetizers and wine again, convinced that Osteria Via Stato is a good, mid-priced option for food in River North.
(4)Julie G.
Awesome every step of the way. Roasted garlic olive oil, calamari, pappardelle pasta! Server was well informed, attentive and pleasant. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Ray H.
Next to the main restaurant during lunch is a separate area that they call Pizza Via Stato. For $9.95 we were able to get soup, sandwich, and a dessert. WOW! The tomato basil soup was outstanding and the chicken pesto sandwich was one of the best I've ever had. The bread was crispy and the chicken was thinly sliced. The chocolate tart for dessert was also delicious. I felt like I was robbing them for that price! Service did not match the price...it more resembled a 5 star restaurant. Very attentive. Keep up the great work. This experience made me pull out my phone and write this review before I forgot!
(5)Carl G.
Random date night, and we wanted something fun, and out of the norm. This place OVS was pretty convenient between home and work, and I though worth trying. It is super easy to get to, and there are a lot of choices around there for food and drinks. The patio looks pretty awesome, but it wasn't quite patio weather - though some Chicagoans were braving it! This corner location would equate to amazing people watching. We had a reservation, and were seated immediately, through some double doors to the dining area. Atmosphere was good, as it is a large restaurant, but split into multiple rooms to give a better sense of intimacy, and the noise level was perfect for a date night. Wine list is extensive, definitely to the point of being overwhelming, I'd read up on your Italian wine selection before making a stop here. Our server was great, attentive to what was going on, yet left us alone to our own conversation as well. She also did a good job with portion size selection, giving us good advice about how many plates to order. We ended up sharing an antipasta app, a small pasta and the short rib entree. This was a great combination and the amount worked really well with two people (and the nice, warm, crispy crusted bread that was provided). The pasta was really the star of the show; orecchiette pasta with homemade sausage rapini. Pasta was cooked al dente, and the sausage had nice firm texture and really meshed well with the white wine sauce. Overall, while nothing stood out, I'm a fan. The staff was friendly and helpful and the food was good and well timed for a date night dinner. While there will be other Italian restaurants that have more of a "homecooked" vibe, for river north, this was a very good choice!
(4)Alejandra P.
Friendly staff. Fast service. Delicious authentic italian food. Nicely decorated with stone walls and roof beams. Contemporary music radio, not too loud.
(4)Carol K.
What a difference a server makes? Went back last night for dinner with 50 of my closest friends (okay- they were colleagues but who cares, right?) and had one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. Our servers, Ashley and Destiny were terrific! No request was too much trouble and given the noise level in the room- they were patient when they had to constantly repeat what the offerings were for our group. The passed appetizers were delicious, shrimp wrapped in basil, sirloin roll ups, and brushetta with roasted peppers made everyone happy! And the free flowing wine didn't hurt either! And was I happy to have their short rib again! In fact- I extolled the virtues of it so much that everyone at my table also had it- even though we had 3 other entrees to choose from. Thanks to Osteria Via Stato, my business meeting was a success and everyone went back to the hotel with smiles on their faces. Now that's a night to remember!
(4)Joe E.
Four of us had a light lunch here. The service was warm and friendly. My Caprese was made with the freshest ingredients of the highest quality. I will definitely return here
(4)Kim K.
Cool seasonal flavors, crispy crust, nice sauce. Decent pizza Probably wouldn't return here but I'm glad I tried it.
(3)Bridget S.
My experience here was not the ordinary - it was for a wedding ceremony, dinner and reception. That said, everything was wonderful! I was so impressed with the staff, and their attentiveness. I'd like to think that my hangover was derailed because someone was filling my water glass every few minutes (thanks again, guys! You kept me hydrated!) The food was fantastic, as well. The roasted garlic in balsamic was stuff dreams are made of and the filet with gorgonzola just melted in my mouth. Thanks to my friends for holding their wedding at such a unique site, and to everyone at Osteria for making it memorable.
(5)April R.
Don't waste your time. Service is horrible, party of twelve was sat on top of one another and when we complained they basically told us to deal with it. Food is bland and does not have any flavor, basically you'd be better off going to Olive Garden. If I didn't have to choose one star, I wouldn't. They will never get my business or friends business
(1)Mary S.
Dined here for the first time this past weekend. It was a great experience from start to finish. We were a large group so we did the dinner party deal. It was a ton of food, maybe too much. But it worked well for a group and the selections were very tasty! Also had great service! Will definitely return and skip the dinner party and order individually. Kind of brought us all back to the feeling of dinner in Italy!
(4)Kate M.
I recently spent an evening at Osteria Via Stato wining and dining some out of town clients. We were in the party room which would be great for a rehearsal dinner or a shower. The food was really good. I had the salmon with roasted cauliflower and a bite or two of a few other entrees. Everything was seasoned perfectly and tasted delicious. The service was really good too. There were 18 of us at a total of 3 tables. The servers did a great job of not interrupting the discussion but ensuring everyone had enough wine and food. Even in a separate room, with the doors closed and music turned down, it was still very loud. I suppose it would be a good date spot since you'd have to be thisclose to your date so you can hear them.
(4)Paul B.
Still amazing after all these years. Don't bother ordering anything else but the family style dinner for 39.95 per person (antipasti, pasta & side dishes are basically all you can eat). Warm, crusty outside but soft inside bread with olive oil that included roasted garlic cloves marinated in balsamic--crazy good. Pork chop & short rib entree choices are amazing. Great atmosphere & attentive service, too!
(5)Jessica Y.
Yum yum yum. My friends and I came here for Girls' Night, and it did not disappoint. All of them had been here before, but had only eaten the pizza (which they raved about). The bread and the olive oil / roasted garlic dip is to DIE for. I probably would've been satisfied munching on that as my meal. I'm glad I didn't stop there though, cause the gnocchi was FABULOUS. I was in pillow-dough heaven! My friend's paparadelle was also FABULOUS. The other two ordered some seafood pasta dishes that I didn't feel like trying (I'm not that adventurous with seafood), but they claimed their dishes were FABULOUS! Our waiter, Peter, was also hilarious, and wrote down a list of his favorite clubs around the area. I WILL be back.
(4)Bryan C.
I recently tried this restaurant having never heard of it and was there for a family friend's birthday party. Was easy to get to a block or two off Michigan Ave and about a block away form a red line stop. The décor and mood was very elegant but for the old folks the dim lighting might make it hard to read the menus (at least it did for my parents but they're old). The wait staff was great, pleasant and very attentive. I am not a wine drinker but many at my table were and mentioned that the wine list was extensive and that the wines they ordered were quite good. For our meal we all did the family style feast which was 39.98 per person I believe. It came with a starter salad along with some pretty delicious bread. There were about 4 antipastos that followed: One was a onion parmesan which was basically some pan fried onions top with cheese then stuck under the broiler but they were absolutely fantastic. The next was a polenta with some meat sauce on the side, again fantastic. We also had a lentil with some veggies mixed in I am not sure what they called it but it was very delicious. And there is one more that I can't quite remember. Anyway they keep bringing these out and when you finish more and more keep coming out, it's like sensory overload and everything is so good. Next, came the pastas. One was a clam shell pasta with sausage and spinach and the other was a gnocchi with vodka sauce I believe. Both were incredible especially the gnocchi. Again these pastas just kept coming out of the kitchen and by this point if you're not stuffed then you did something wrong. The main course came out next, I had the Scottish Salmon, it was placed atop a bed of spinach and a few potatoes and the plate was coated in a very nice sauce. Be sure to save some room for your entrée or if you're an American, pig out on all the antipastos and have a few more brought out so that you can take everything home for the next day and save your entrée. They offered us a dessert menu I think; however I was on a food euphoria enhanced stupor that didn't permit me to speak coherently so I am unable to comment as to the quality of that. I would definitely recommend this place to others and just based off of what I had I found everything very tasty and also very affordable for how much I got. I didn't get to try any of the other entrees and also the family style menu doesn't include all of their menu items but I can honestly say that I enjoyed everything that I ate and that is something I can rarely say about a lot of places. I hope you found this review helpful and informative.
(5)S P.
My mouth waters every time I think of this place. The outdoor space is so much fun. grilled octopus: amazing barese pizza: amazing The little dessert that comes in a jar is also pretty majestic
(5)Mark W.
Osteria Via Stato holds it own in a city of amazing food. Its simple task is to bring some of the best italian country meals to its dinners! Just like the Italian countryside its earthy. hearty, and rustic in its appeal. You can spend 3 times as mauch at Spiaggia and get half the culinary satisfaction. If its about food then go to Osteria Via Stato. Been there at least five times and I have never been dissappointed!
(5)Kyle K.
I recently went to Osteria Via Stato with family from out of town and they were so impressed with the Atmosphere, Food, and EXCELLENT SERVICE. You HAVE to get the Short Rib Bruschetta was when you go. I will definitely be coming back here again!!
(5)Melissa F.
One of the underrated benefits of Yelp is the presence of helpful tips like "make sure to get the ___" or "steer clear of the _____" or "the bathrooms suck/rule/have bathroom attendants." That's what I hope to do with this update! :) I still view this restaurant as a solid 4-star establishment. My latest visit included delicious food. The parmesan-crusted onions were a hit, as always. The prosecco fizz drink was not bad, but nothing stood out for me to order the $9 cocktail again. I was super excited for the papardelle with 3 types of meat in their house-made ragu. I love a deeply flavorful meat sauce, as I'm sure many do. Sadly, it failed to deliver, and I was barely able to get any flavors from it - very bland. The cavatelli dish was outstanding - the hand-rolled noodles had been browned a bit and definitely soaked up some of the butter in which they had been so lovingly sauteed! The desserts were nothing special, but the care they put into them was cool. One waiter (not the one assigned to us) knew my brother from HS, so he sent over two different desserts, including a house-made chocolate bar! I'm not a huge dessert person, but it was a very nice gesture, and the service overall is top-notch.
(4)Jenny H.
This place is pretty good but not as good as some of the other Italian restaurants in Chicago. Their bread and garlic oil in the beginning is SO good. I also got their meatballs (which was a bit salty and not as moist as I would like) and also their margherite pizza which I thought was just OK, very thin, not as substantial and tasty as I like my pizza.
(3)Aylet T.
I came in here with great expectations as the decor and ambiance was amazing however, that was not the case. I completely forgot what I ordered since it was not tasty at all. The pasta was dry and completely flavorless. I left the restaurant and had to go fill up elsewhere. Not the best place I've had at all.
(2)Jerome R.
Nothing beats great tasting, authentic Italian food. This one ranks at the top with great ambiance and customer service. Try the roasted garlic, balsamic spread - it is to die for.
(4)Alexandria H.
The pizza had nice fresh quality ingredients, but the crust was a little too thin to hold everything up. It also got soggy in about 10 minutes. The beer selection consisted of the usual domestics in addition to a few regional brews. However the chocolate dessert tasted store bought. Prices were reasonable.
(3)Kyle P.
favorite lunch place.....$10 for a three course meal and the best bread I have ever had.....the sandwiches are great and I love they give you a silver of dessert. Haven't been for dinner but lunch is great outside
(5)Tiffany L.
Osteria is a nice restaurant with cool ambiance and great service, but it has its flaws. It's connected with the Embassy Suites Hotel, so it's a typical overpriced hotel restaurant. It's also located in a touristy area of Chicago, so know that it will be packed on weekends after 6pm. I really liked the dark, cavernous feel of this place, and our server was great. The downside is that it's overpriced for what you get. There are two sides to the menu: One "family" style for large groups to share, and the other a la carte. That throws a red flag immediately: To me, a la carte means less food and more money out of your pocket. But since there were only 4 of us dining, of course we went a la carte. 2 people in our party ordered the 6oz filet mignon, which costs $33, and all that was on the plate was the filet. Absolutely nothing else. No vegetable, no potatoes, nothing. $33 for a small serving of meat. Really?! Two people in our party ate only salads and drank water, yet our bill was $200. So clearly the heft of the price tag comes in the meat and booze (2 filets & 5 glasses of wine total). What little food we got was decent, but I've had better for the same price or less in the great city of Chicago.
(2)Stephen G.
What a great surprise! Was just looking for dinner nearby hotel and the menu had plenty of options, the restaurant was excellent, great atmosphere and surprisingly very reasonably priced for neighborhood and the delicious food and well above par service by Sarah!
(5)Katy O.
I have been here twice- once for a wedding, once for dinner with friends. We actually looked at having our own wedding reception here- it is a great location and we would have gotten LEYE points for the money we spent (awesome), however the layout is not great. There are large brick wall/columns that split up three different rooms and we wanted our wedding reception to be open and all in one space. The wedding we attended here was fun, and the food was great, but it was an awkward set up. It is a bit dark, which makes it feel warm/cozy, not everyone's cup of tea for a wedding though. We came back here for dinner this summer and had a good time. The food was pretty good and enjoyed the limoncello at the end of the meal. This place is so loud though that it was distracting at times. I would rather go to Scoozi anytime than come back here. And outside the world of Lettuce restaurants there are a lot of better Italian restaurants, although this one is far from bad. We will try the Pizzeria next time.
(3)Adam B.
Went here last night with my girlfriend for Valentine's Day and really enjoyed our evening. The service was outstanding, from our kind, informative waiter to the men who came out with the dishes and filled our glasses throughout the evening. Wine selection was solid and we started with the veal meatballs. They weren't as amazing as I had expected but were still good. For my main course I had the shrimp linguine which was delicious! The sauce used on the dish was great and made the meal. Ended up signing up for the Lettuce Entertain You members card at the end of the night so I can get rewards for coming back -- not a pitch even though I realize it sounds like one
(4)Erika C.
ok, this place makes you feel like you are dying and flying up to heaven. my boyfriend and i decided to venture in here after sweating to death in the 10000 degree weather. ok ok, we were a little bit under dressed for this classy place filled with couples in collared shirts and dresses. but hey, we were still welcome with open arms. our server angelo, was very professional and we both agreed he gave the best dining service we've had here in chicago. VERY knowledgeable about the menu, made us feel welcome and was not kidding about how this place makes a mean cocktail! we both ordered the gnocchi dish and were not disappointed. we even drew attention from all the older people with the 300 dollar bottle of wines. we couldn't help ourselves from making the "oooo yummmm" sounds during this meal. really though, fresh bread, amazing food, romantic atmosphere, professional and attentive service. what more can you ask for? osteria via stato, will be back!
(4)Bill M.
Took my wife here for her birthday. We both REALLY enjoyed this restaurant. Everything was wonderful! The service was perfect. Great outdoor seating area, too. We went with the Italian Party pre-fix. Our meal consisted of a very good braised short rib, scallops w/ rissoto, sweet grilled onions, cranberry/walnut salad, pork shoulder carpaccio, and great lamb sausage - I'm missing a few small dishes - there was just SO MUCH food!! Service was very pleasant, prompt and professional. We had a very enjoyable server. The only negative was when going with the pre-fix menu, it's going to be quite pricey if you want drinks. My wife and I each had 3-4 drinks each. By the time we paid tax and tip, it was $210. (We really like to keep meals in the $100-150 total range, which really isn't hard to do). Without the prices, I would give it 5 stars. Still, if you're looking to splurge a little, try Osteria, or maybe save a bit of $$ by going off the regular menu. In the end, my wife was very, very pleased with everything and that's what matters.
(4)Tina M.
My husband and I had our wedding dinner at Osteria Via Stato earlier this month and we are thrilled we did. Preparing for the reception was the most stress-free part of the wedding. Allison, the restaurant's wedding planner, made the process so seamless. She answered every question I had promptly and was so accommodating with every request. The reception was wonderful and exactly what we wanted. The space was intimate, the decor was beautiful, and the food was excellent. All of our guests raved about the meal and how it's unheard of to have such delicious food at a wedding (note: get the veal meatball app and the short rib entree). And one of the best parts of having your wedding here? Guests can choose their entree at the table from a pre-selected list instead of choosing what you will eat when you submit your invitation RSVP weeks beforehand. As for the service, it could not be beat. Bill was one of our servers that evening and he was excellent and attentive with all of our guests. And apparently there was an issue with our wedding cake arriving in less than perfect shape thanks to a confused delivery driver, but we would not have noticed this at all because the team took it upon themselves to try to fix the cake, reshaping some of the icing and fixing the flowers on the topper. Thanks for such a beautiful and stress-free evening, Osteria!
(5)Nicole C.
We had a wonderful dining experience here on Saturday night during restaurant week:) Five Stars for the food and the service. Everything we had was SO DELICIOUS!! The four of us all had the $38.95/per person family style menu. You get ALOT of food so prepare to get stuffed...in a good way... *fresh hot bread with roasted garlic and olive oil&balsamic..so good *shared appetizers: polenta topped with a meat ragu, a vegetable farro risotto, broiled sweet onions topped with cheese ~ everything so YUM *shared pastas: gemelli with crumbled chicken sausage&rosemary(we got seconds it was SO delicious!) and a parpardelle with a duck ragu ~ both pastas were to die for. YUM again. *entrees we tried were the roasted salmon in a lobster cream sauce, the braised short ribs, and the seafood stew...all were very good We all loved the food and left on food cloud 9 :) Definitely will return probably for a special occasion because it does get pricey especially if you get drinks and dessert as we did! p.s. did i say YUM...and DELICIOUS?
(5)Kelly B.
I went with my Mom and some of her friends for her bachelorette evening last weekend...and it was a crowd pleaser. I had been there a few years ago and really enjoyed the vidalia onion (yum), but sort of forgot about it until I was thinking of restaurants near their hotel for the weekend. My Mom is very allergic to onions and the chef was so wonderful, he came out to the table to talk to her about what he could cook special for her. When the food did arrive, it was excellent and chef even came out to personally deliver her dish. We would all highly recommend Osteria Via Stato--great food and they made us feel important! Thanks, Chef!
(4)John T.
got the grilled octopus, which had much too much oil, too much potato and not enough octopus. The octopus that was there was relatively flavorful, hence the 2 stars.
(2)Jeff K.
Went to Osteria for Valentines day dinner and it was awesome. The food was great, especially the shrimp and lobster risotto. Our waiter Angelos was fantastic, he helped us pick out a great bottle of wine and even brought us a complimentary desert. I would definitely recommend Osteria as a great place for a romantic dinner.
(5)Valerie R.
We went here for a department dinner last Monday, and everyone was very impressed with the food. I was excited to try something different and tasty, and OVS did NOT disappoint! (the ambiance was awesome. Dark enough to feel relaxed but light enough to see your menu clearly. I had the hand rolled cavatelli with wild mushrooms (served in a brown butter sauce) that was so good, that I plan to try making it from scratch. Calling the cavatelli noodles/pasta doesn't do this dish justice at ALL. Think more like, heaven on the tongue. Oh yeah. They're THAT good. the salads are yummy, and from what everyone else at the table said, the desserts are pretty fantastic too. The wine selection is ample but even more importantly, the server knew wine. There's nothing worse (OK, maybe a few things worse) than having NO guidance when choosing a wine you aren't familiar with. I'm a broke ass so I don't plan to be back here soon... but I will DEFINITELY be back!
(5)Brad K.
Osteria was attached to our hotel, which made our decision to go there quite easy. Before you get all "That's awesome for you" on me, I should tell you this: there are TWO parts to Osteria. The front room bar, which has a pizza menu, and the back room restaurant where they have an amazing spread of Italian food. If you enter through the hotel, don't get all uppity and just sit down. (Only idiots do this!) You have to make your way to the hostess stand across the bar area (where you enter). Once you do that, you have to decide where to sit: front or back. Once you do that, it's all downhill from there. The restaurant food is amazing (but all the desserts have liquor in them, which is only problematical if you are like me and unable to drink). The front room is more of a drinky, snacky place. However, the thin-crust pizzas are pretty good. It's reasonably priced. The restaurant is romantic and the both settings are rustic, but in a good way.
(4)Mr. And Mrs. G.
Came here for an impromptu dinner on the night we arrived in Chicago. This place is cool and relaxed and a bit on the hip side. Their meatball appetizer is a must--I would be back solely to eat them again! They serve you bread to start which was really tasty, but it's easy to fill up on bread. By the time the pizza came, although they are thin crusted, I felt like I had had my fill of bread. Also, thought their white pizzas far exceeded their red pizzas. They have high chairs! Note: Their menu says that the pizzas are individual sized, but don't believe them! There were 3 adults and one child and between us, we ate 2 pizzas and 2 appetizers.
(4)Alina M.
Unfortunately we had a terrible experience at Osteria. Due to its location, the restaurant targets primarily tourists. After a day of shopping, we decided to try this restaurant. It was the weekend of the Chicago marathon and every place was busy. We arrived at 6:30 and were told the wait would be 60 minutes. We were ok with that and decided to have some drinks and appetizers at the bar. Two hours later, we were still not seated and the hostess didn't come up to us at all. We felt a little ignored. At 8:30, we complained and were told by a non-apologetic staff they were trying to "squeeze us in". Had we known that in the beginning we wouldn't have stayed. Cathy, the manager, as well as her superior, told us they were actually not even interested in our business at all. Wow, I've never been told this by a restaurant. We decided to leave all together. It became apparent to us to that the staff doesn't encourage return business because it relies entirely on the visitors from out of town. The only wonderful thing was getting to know Steve, the bartender. He was well versed in the wine list and was great to chat with.
(1)Tisa L.
Wanted something Italian while visiting Chicago and obviously the choices are a little overwhelming. Picked this place because of the reviews on Yelp and wasn't disappointed. This place was listed as not being good for kids which makes no sense because they have a kids menu! We sat outside on the patio which felt very private with the awning and hedge. My husband and I had the Italian dinner, which was a huge feast of multiple courses and loved it! Also, the service was great, but really I think Chicago has a great Midwestern feel for a big city, no matter where you go!
(4)Alexandra C.
Fantastic meal tonight at Osteria Via Stato! First time dining here, though we've passed it so many times. Tonight, we made an early reservation and sat on the patio. We really enjoyed the people watching, and that the tables were spaced out far enough you didn't feel to close to the next parties. We started with a salad, which was the mixed greens served with walnuts and dried cherries. They kindly split it on separate plates for us. Entree wise, I enjoyed the Local Asparagus Ravioli, and it was totally delicious. Really fresh, vibrant flavor and bright green inside, served in a brown butter sauce. The boyfriend had the nightly Risotto Special, which was with Goat Sausage and spinach. It was rich, creamy and really intricately flavored. To end the meal, we decided on the gelato trio, which was perfect. Bill for two including a beer was only 62$. Really reasonable pricing here. Our server was great and never made us felt rushed or pressured to order one way or another. Very relaxed and inviting experience. We can't wait to come back!
(4)Angela L.
Hands down some of the best Italian food I have ever tasted! Additional plus of large portions, a great price, great atmosphere, and great service! How can you beat that?! Do they make restaurants like this in SF?! In any case, I am so glad we stopped by during our trip. My favorite thing about the restaurant is that you can order half orders of the pasta dishes. It was a great way to experience multiple dishes without feeling regret about not ordering another dish. My BFF and I ordered the crispy calamari, the calabrian potatoes, and 3 half orders of pasta (penne, arrabiata, and paparadelle). The calabrian potatoes were my favorite appetizer. They were perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside with fluffy potato on the inside. Of the pastas, I enjoyed the penne the most. I loved the spiciness of the sauce-- the perfect compliment to the al dente penne. The other best part about all this? Two glasses of wine, three pasta dishes, and two appetizers only cost us around $60--with leftovers! A true winner in my book!
(5)Jon H.
The food it top notch. If you order off the normal menu (as opposed to the group meal side) it is more reasonable price wise. Be careful since the pizza part and the dinning part are different restaurants and you need separate reservations for each. The bathrooms (unless the hostess gave me directions to that farthest ones imaginable) are a trek requiring a pack and a Sherpa. They are on a different floor of the building with enough twists and turns to confuse the legendary Cretan Minotaur...
(4)Nicholas W.
Good food (esp. the pizza) and wine but it's very loud and difficult to have a chat. I work in the area and in my experience it's usually very crowded with both locals and visitors for dinner on Thursday-Sunday from 6 pm to close. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere for groups, it's a great choice. Otherwise, for a more low-key experience, go for lunch.
(4)Laura L.
Long plane ride + short cab ride + quick check in at Hotel Palomar = pretty much starving. What's a hungry Community Manager to do? Well, strike out from the hotel in concentric circles until finding something that looks killer. Or, open up ye ole Yelp app for recommendations. I was super happy to find Osteria Via Stato, and had no idea it was connected to a hotel. No matter! Joining me for tapas was Vegas CM Misti Y, and this was a cute little spot to hang out and get to know one another. We sampled the plump, olive-oily roasted garlic with crusty bread, and to-die-for caprese - I particularly loved that the tomatoes were slighly roasted, bringing out their sweet flavor. The beef carpaccio had a few too many greens on top for my taste, but it was still quite tasty. Topped off with a glass of prosecco, this was pretty much a perfect start to the evening. Charming setting, too. One note: something was strange that night with the olive oil. Both of us got a distinct hot and burny sensation on our tongues after eating it, so we figured it was infused somehow. We asked the server, and he kind of shrugged and said no, it was just regular. So, we were perplexed. But still continued to eat. :) Next time in the hood, I'm checking this place out again. So should you!
(4)Dianne S.
My girlfriends and I came to Osteria for Chicago Restaurant Week and boy were we happy we did! Inside you'll find genuinely friendly & welcoming staff who'll guide you through their impressive wine list & extensive Italian fare. We all went with the "Just bring me wine!" option (for those who can't choose) which includes 3 glasses of wine (white & two reds) to accompany our 3 course meals. The waiter got as started with their standard appetizers of veal meatballs, carmelized onions topped with melted cheese, and salad. We had to ask for another plate of onions...they were delicious On to my entree, I had the braised short rib over polenta and it just melted in my mouth! The short rib was so tender and moist that I could used a spoon to eat it! We completed our meals with a scoop of gelato. My friends like to share so I was able to try the carmel, chocolate, and hazelnut. All were light and refreshing, served with a sprinkle of sugary carmel, cocoa powder, and crushed hazelnuts respectively. We'll defintely be coming back to try their Itialian Family dinner!
(4)Lauren K.
I was in Chicago again recently and we stumbled across the Pizzaria at Osteria Via Stato and decided to stop in for dinner. Everything was delicious, and the service was great. The patio is the perfect spot for a cold drink and some people watching. The parmesan crusted roasted onions were AMAZING. Cheesy, warm, tangy...yum. I then had the classic cheese pizza. Uncommon in Chicago, it was as thin as a cracker, light and delicious. Sometimes a basic cheese pizza done right can hit the spot, and Osteria Via Statos did just that.
(4)Brian B.
Sat down in the Pizzeria for some light bites and a couple drinks. My girlfriend ordered the Roasted Garlic, Fonduta, and Caprese. I also ordered a Muddle Free Old Fashioned and a Manhattan. The drinks were strong, but smooth. The food was all fresh and curbed my hunger nicely. The Fonduta was the best of the bunch. Pecorino cheese, spinach, and perfectly prepared crostini. I'd highly recommend stopping in here if you are looking for a quick bite to eat. I really wish I would've ordered one of the pizzas. Next time.
(4)KChicagoan S.
Yuuuuum! This place has really good food! The portions are generous, the menu is varied and the services is GREAT! The atmosphere is really inviting and romantic. I also hosted my rehearsal dinner here the day before my wedding and everything was topnotch. Everyone loved the food and the service. I worked with their events/catering manager, Allison and she was amazing. She's very quick to return calls/emails, great at explaining everything and is sooooo easy to work with. From start to finish I really loved working with Allison and everyone at Osteria - I would highly recommend this place! Only downfall (but can't dock them a star for this) is that it tends to be a biiit touristy, but that's only because of the location. So, as a local, it can be annoying when you're trying to make your way to your table and there's a family from Ohio with massive piles of bags from the Disney Store and American Girl in your way, but aside from that, no complaints here!! Try the parmesan onions - they are soooooo good!!
(5)Evan M.
In response to Osteria's response, the issue is that three courses were sprung upon us, when we went there thinking we had our choice of the whole menu. Perhaps we may have found something more to our liking on the full menu and those who wished to only have one course could have done so.
(2)Emily B.
Great portion sizes. Incredibly fresh, very authentic, yet unique Italian flavor. Clean restaurant, great atmosphere, nice staff. On the Go Suggestion: Order the chopped salad if you are looking for a legit lunch option. Chicken, Avocado, Peppers, Tomatoes, Crisp Lettuce, Fresh Shaved Parmesan, and their House Dressing...the combination is literally amazing and takes under 10 minutes to call in and pick up.
(4)Jade L.
We enjoyed dining in here sooo much! I haven't been this excited about a Chicago restaurant in a long while. Everything was delicious, the rustic and elegant décor was so inviting, and mainly what won us over was how reasonably everything was priced! I could hardly believe it for the delightfulness of the restaurant, the portions, the uniqueness of the menu, and the part of town it's located in. We've easily spent more at chain restaurants, whereas I much prefer an independent restaurant! We started with the grilled octopus, and then I continued with the seafood stew (wonderful broth!!) and my husband had the short ribs which I also enthusiastically approved of. We had a sampler of their homemade ice cream for dessert which was such a nice way to end our meal. Our waitress really added to the experience too, as she portrayed the perfect balance of friendliness without being overly intrusive. Can't wait for our next date night here!
(5)Michael C.
Absolutely delicious! This place will not disappoint. The broiled octopus and the Rhode Island calamari are to die for. I probably would've been satisfied on those alone but to top it off with the Roman styled pizza and the ricotta cheesecake made it an incredible dining experience. Though the wait time was too much and we could have been seated on the patio (it wasn't that late). But I will come again.
(4)Miharu H.
Food was good but thought the portions were small for the price that was charged and in comparison to other Italian restaurants in Chicago.
(3)Peter B.
The restaurant , part of the Letttuce Entertain You restaurant group, is located on State St. in the River North section of Chicago. There is a main dining area and a more causal pizzeria featuring brick oven pizzas. I took a group of clients to the main osteria. We opted for the Italian Dinner prix fixe menu. Each diner selects an entree from an option of 5. The meal begins with a series of antipastis and pastas served on large platters. The mozerella balls were fresh, soft and delicious. A classic marinara sauce accomplied the veal meatballs. These were also tender and juicy with approporiate seasoning. The pasta dishes were prepared "al dente" and has adequate flavor profiles but would not be considered memorable. I had the short ribs entree served on a bed of creamy polenta. The ribs were excessively fatty, beyond what I would have considered acceptable. My clients seemed to like the Chicken Mario and crusted filt options in particular. The side dish of roasted root vegetables were a highlight of the meal with crisp, flavorful components. Make sure to review the all Italian wine list. Try to pass over the myriad of $50+ bottles and try to find a gem from Piedmont or a super Tuscan! This is a good place for large, loud groups to gather.
(3)Lynn K.
I really wanted to love this restaurant. After all, it is featured in Frommer's Chicago travel guide. Although my husband loved his meal of short ribs, sadly my pappardelle was quite lacking. The service was spot on in this family friendly restaurant. Perhaps we will give this restaurant a second chance if we return to Chicago.
(3)Tiger H.
Delicious! Great service and selection of food. Favorites are the short rib bruschetta and the veal meatballs. I will definitely go here again when I'm in Chicago next.
(5)Alissa B.
We are big fans of the LEYE group and this was one place we had not yet tried. We went on a Friday after work recently and was pleasantly surprised at how not long the wait was; just enough time to have a drink at the bar and start thinking of the amazing meal you're about to have. And we were not disappointed! I tried a watermelon arugula salad that was outstanding! And had the mushroom risotto (it was the special) for dinner - also outstanding! There was only 2 of us in our group this time but I think this would be a good group place too... maybe next time!
(4)Chris S.
We went for Restaurant Week, had a great time, and will be back for more. This is a relatively large, winding sort of taverna, with people moving in every direction from one room to another, which keeps the place buzzing and upbeat. The staff was all very friendly and helpful, reaching just the right balance of service - always there to fill a water or wine glass, make a suggestion, or clear a plate, without being overbearing or lingering. The food was great. We had the restaurant week menu but almost ordered off of the regular menu because it looked so good, and the prices were very reasonable. Everything from the fresh ciabatta, to the veal meatballs, to the salmon, short ribs, and wine was excellent. Score one for restaurant week turning me on to a new spot!
(4)Patrick W.
Count your change from the bar. This place was convenient for my wife and I to grab a drink at while we were staying at the Embassy Suites as it is in their lobby. Before we sat we wiped away the pizza grease from the heavy dark wood bar and ordered some beers. there was a wedding or something going on in the back room and there were tons of drunks falling allover themselves in the lobby and in the bar. I suppose that the bartender thought that I was one of them since he tried to short me $20. They make their own liquors here which I thought was cool... limoncello, which I usually like and a few of their own concoctions (abominations?) chococello and raspacello and some other thing that they added -cello at the end of.
(2)Melissa P.
I suggest going somewhere else if you want good Italian food. I found this place to be way overpriced for the kind of food you get and you didn't get enough either. The portions were too small for being so expensive. The waitstaff is not very friendly, arrogant, and too slow with getting stuff out and getting your bill to you afterwards. I thought the pasta I had was mediocre and small. My friend also thought her meal was not authentic and not that good. We had much better meals at Italian Village and I keep going back to that place because it is so good. Osteria Via Stato is just pricey and pretentious.
(2)Rich K.
Last night was my second visit to Osteria Via Stato. My first experience from the hostess to the food to the server was excellent. Not sure what happened but a certain hostess was a little rude and snotty. Not sure what was up her butt, she really came across as unhappy. No smile, no personality, no facial expression. You would almost think she was a robot. I would have liked to knock the restaurant down 3 stars for the robot, but the food was fantastic. The veal meatballs were great, but the gravy on top was stellar. The pork was moist and tender. The beef ravioli was also fantastic. Our server Bill D. was attentive without being intrusive. His recommendations were spot on. I will definitely be back, but nest time I will have someone else interact with the robot.
(4)Sue R.
Arugula salad was fabulous. Pizza was delectable. Service was very slow. In fact I never got my second glass of wine.
(4)Ev A.
Hate to do it... I really do. And it could have just been my awful experience tonight but it drove me to yelp about it... At least the bread at the beginning was delicious? Everything else was not delicious or pleasant. We opted for the Family Style dinner and received only 2 antipasti which were both cold. Soo disappointing and not tasteful. One was the veal meatballs and the other was a cold cucumber and tomato salad with some sort of pasta. We did not receive all what was promised on the menu. The pasta came much later and was cold. No offer for Parmesan either. The entrée came an hour and a half later. We sat down at 7pm, ordered by the latest 7:15pm and received the Seafood Stew at 8:40pm. Which was yet again, cold and disappointing. Our waitress did not even check up on us or tell us why the food was taking so long. Ok, I'm tired of complaining. My sister and boyfriend have both had wonderful experiences here on separate occasions but unfortunately I felt imprisoned by awful food and service at this establishment. I would recommend NOT ordering the "dinner party" and simply ordering your own entrée and waiting 1-2 hours for it to appear instead. Hmph.
(2)Sean C.
Had a fantastic lunch at the Pizzeria today. Started with a couple apps: roasted garlic with balsamic and eevo. Served with some really, really great bread. Even better was the grilled octopus with roasted potatoes. Maybe the best octopus I've ever had. Tender, sweet, fantastic, and the potatoes, added nice flavor and texture. For the main course, ordered the lunch special: sandwich, soup, dessert for $9.95. Nice cuppa chicken soup with farro. Veal meatball sandwich with provolone and some really nice red peppers on the side added a little heat to the sandwich. Finally, chocolate tart with candied orange peel for dessert. This was a fantastic deal, and a really nice lunch. Only downside: water glass was empty for 10 minutes. But I'd gladly go thirsty for more of that octopus.
(5)Grace L.
Came here for my birthday we all decided to order the family style dinner. All i have to say it was the best Italian food I've had in awhile. From the starters to the dessert! would def come back here and recommend this place to friends. Now i want to go back for the brick stone pizza with girlfriends and try that out.
(5)Don R.
There are so many great italian restaurants in Chicago and Osteria Via Stato is near the top of my list. My wife and I came here about 4 years ago and I had a duck ragu that was simply amazing. So why has it been 4 years to return? My mistake. On our recent trip I had a braised short rib and wild mushroom risotto that was no back seat to the duck ragu from my first visit. Flavors seem to explode here. The risotto was perfectly cooked and the mushrooms were fresh and wonderful. I also had an aruggla salad with dates, smoked bacon and parmesan cheese. The combination of the ingredients was outstanding. Salt, Smoke and Sweet over the bitter greens. Wow. My wife had a roasted beet salad that was equally tasty. This is not your old school italian that is offered throughout the city. Not to say old school is bad, just different. It will not be 4 years between visits for us. Our waiter was attentive and suggested an affordable, wonderful red wine that went perfectly with our meal. Sevice was perfect from making reservations to exit farwells. If you are in the city looking for italian, you must try this place.
(5)Kristin F.
Visited here last week with my boyfriend and all of the food was simply wonderful. We were considering over dessert and we decided that in the last three years of all the meals we've had, this was the greatest that held up from start to finish. Note that there's two restaurants in one building/entrance that serve different food. There's the "pizzeria" and the "osteria", this review refers to the osteria side, with entrees. Any reviews mentioning pizza were probably about the other half... Here's what we had. me: Muddle Free Old Fashion him: Italian Sidecar both: Bread with Roasted Garlic in Balsamic Vinegar and Oil me: Daily special lobster/shrimp risotto dish him: Chicken "Mario" with broccoli both: Gnocchi in cream and tomato sauce both: chocolate tart, 3 scoops gelato (2 burned caramel, 1 chocolate hazelnut) me: tawny port him: coffee with frangelico and a homemade chocolate liqueur His comments on the Chicken Mario: It was startling how good that chicken was. At first, I was just like, oh, it's a piece of chicken and some broccoli. Then I took a bite, and was like, these people are magic rainbow unicorns ohmygod. It was a little on the pricey side, but unlike some other more expensive meals we've had, we felt it was worth every penny.
(5)Lori Taylor R.
Osteria Via Stato amore mio - grazie! The ambiance warm and inviting. Dark wood, dimly lit, beautiful ceramic tile and an airy canopy style ceiling set the tone. An extensive wine menu and an array of dinner options at our fingertips. The service: polite, mindful, observant - yet, not overbearing or stuffy. Complimentary bread with extra virgin olive oil, a dash of balsamic vinegar and roasted garlic. Antipasti an order of mozzarella ciliegene and house marinated olives, both were superb. The portions were enormous especially given the small price tag. Pastas we decided to order two small plate portions and share. Hand-rolled cavatelli with wild mushrooms. This dish was amazing! The flavors melded so well together. The hand-rolled cavatelli was extremely tender. Pappardelle with 3 meat ragu was our other selection. Absolutely delectable. Our main course Chicken Milanese. The chicken pounded to perfection - delicately breaded with a parmesan crust. Fabulous food, conversation that never ceased and vino that continuously flowed made for a wonderful evening.
(4)Tara P.
Mixed experience here. We decided only a couple days before Christmas Eve that we'd rather go out to eat than cook a holiday meal - so, to be fair, we expected difficulty in finding a reservation at a standard dinner time. I called Osterio to get a reservation for their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner and was told there were no reservations available. I was ready to move on, but my husband called immediately after I did, and voila, he was offered a reservation. Annoying - either you have space for 2 or you don't. Turns out there were plenty of open tables while we were there - but maybe they didn't have enough staff to fill all the tables that night. The good aspects: we were seated immediately, there was a decent atmosphere, and courses were served swiftly, one after another. The bad: plates were removed from the table very aggressively, often before we were finished with them, forcing us to grab food off the plates as they were removed. Also, the courses were hit or miss, with some (seafood stew) being very tasty but most being average at best, leading us to feel that the meal as a whole was overpriced. Finally, they didn't box up one of our entrees despite our request for them to do so. I can't say I didn't like the place, but I won't go back - too many better choices.
(3)Mari B.
Was visting Chicago when my friends and I had a late dinner here. The food was good and the prices were fair. We had a margarita pizza and caesar salad. The waitress Lily definately made the experience better. She was honest and told us we could split the salad between three ppl depending on how hungry we were. She provided great service, was genuine and friendly when offering suggestions for other local places to eat (even wrote them down for us). Lily also recommended a great drink on the menu that all of us loved!! Would come back here again!
(5)K B.
Best octopus of all time.
(3)Mahsa T.
Came back again with a friend for dinner and sad to report that they no longer offer complimentary olives, you can still order them off the menu though. I asked our server about it and he said he would bring us some on the house--excellent service this time. Great wine selection--we had a wonderful Pinot Noir. I tried the veal meatballs which were delicious and had my favorite dish--the cavatelli with wild mushrooms--yum! This place is great for groups or a romantic dinner.
(4)Jen P.
We decided to have our wedding at Osteria because atmosphere reminded me of a wine cellar. It a beautiful dining area! We didn't even try the food before we booked as the setting was just perfect. Over the numerous months prior to the wedding, I had a number of questions but Allison was prompt to respond and she also directed us to our florist who was wonderful! Finally as the wedding approached, we went in for our tasting. My fiance and I were pleasantly surprised... the food was amazing. And we were also able to do a tasting to choose our wines. We were set!! Once I sent in my final numbers, Allison said we were under the required spend so we needed to upgrade some of our food choice. Sweet! We decided on the Scallops, Filet in Gorgonzola, Penne with Ckn and Braised Beef. In addition, we upgraded our wine package to the top of the line. Since it was only a few days before the wedding, we left the wine picking to Allison as she said she'd choose based on our original wine picks. Allison also had some great ideas on the passed appetizers and other side dishes. The day of the wedding, I went down to see how things were coming along. Allison was on top of everything. I was so happy and relieved!! After our church ceremony, we arrived to the reception. Before I even entered, a guest came out to great us and said 'Wow, wait until you see the inside!'. He was right, the place looked romantic and beautiful. The passed appetizers were amazing and the wines Allison chose were amazing. Then we sat for dinner and I couldn't have been more impressed with the food. But the service itself was even more impressive. At times, I'd be off talking to a guest or dancing and our table's waitress would come find me and ask if I'd like more wine or anything else. She was wonderful! We had so many complements about the food and service. The entire night was lovely. The funniest thing was the next day, when I went to pick up my saved cake at Osteria, I found two of our wedding guests eating lunch! They ordered the same dishes we had the night before and couldn't stop raving about the veal meatballs and penne!
(5)Charles J.
OVS offers a different twist to dining out with their Prix Fixe menu (about $35 per) that features all you can eat of their unique appetizers (the caramelized onions are fantastic!) and side dishes to accompany the main entree. They also had an extensive wine list that also included a variety of quantities (glass, half bottle, or full bottle) to suit. The wait staff was both friendly and knowledgeable and seemed to be there whenever we needed them. If there was any complaint, the size of the main entree could be larger. You leave full to be sure but it's due to the appetizers and sides. The decor had an upscale feel to it and was tastefully done. The bar was jammed with people on the night I were there. An inexperienced bartender, in addition to the size of the crowd, made the wait for a drink longer than desirable. Overall, I loved it and will go back, and I heartily recommend it to anyone looking for an out of the ordinary dining experience.
(4)Debbie E.
Smaller and slightly crowded place but man was it cozy on a cold winters night! Decent wine menu but make sure that you're up on your Italian wines. No Beringer White Zinfandel here! Wines come in a single carafe, medium (about 2 glasses) or a full carafe. If you break it down on a per glass cost, the wine is kind of pricey. But tasty. Started off splitting an Italian chopped salad. Very good, had lots of veggies and salami in it. Definitely enough for a one person meal or for two people to split as an appetizer. Main meal we noshed on individual pizzas. I had the 4 cheese pizza. Yummy. Definitely cheesy, but with better cheeses than you would get elsewhere. Service was good, almost too good. They were constantly on top of us and barely could get a chance to chat, order and sip wine, before ordering our meal. For the salad, two individual pizzas, and two medium carafes, the total before gratuity was $95.
(3)Robert S.
Valentine's Day, Feb. 14 update: I took away three stars after an unpleasant evening at what used to be my favorite restaurant. My friend and I had extremely lackluster service the moment we sat down until the time we left and swore we wouldn't be back. The fact that the busboy dripped olive oil from the second course serving plate onto my shirt and pants leg, then proceeded to set the messy plate down onto the table didn't help either. The manager, who simply gave me his card and apologized could not have been more pointless. The waiter, who stayed emotionally disconnected from us for the remainder of the meal, deserved the paltry tip. Ann Landers once wrote in her column that if you get terrible service, leave a dollar. I left two. I won't be going back anytime soon, if ever. I've edited out a large portion of what was once a glowing review: "Most reviewers hit the mark about the quality of food...service...and theatrics. The Italian Dinner is, hands down, the best value for fine dining.... For around $40, you get a fixed menu with several courses consisting of salads, appetizers and pastas. There are a few pleasant, simple entrees to choose from..."
(2)Wendy W.
Service was good. Filet was recommended and we requested med rare and steak was cooked med well.
(3)Luciana B.
This is definitely one of my go-to Italian restaurants. I'm very picky when it comes to Italian, since I feel like US-Italian restaurants tend to make everything too too creamy. Osteria Via Stato is different. Every time I come here, I order more or less the same get-up: veal meatballs and a half portion of pasta to share. For dessert I get (maybe) some gelato. My bill is never over $35 for two! I admit I haven't ventured to their entrees, but you should consider making a meal out of their appetizers and half-portion pastas. It makes for a more well-rounded experience.
(5)K L.
I have been here a few times, although I have only been to the pizzeria part of the restaurant. Which is phenomenal. I'm not really a fan of deep dish pizza... I know, sacrilege... and Osteria Via Stato serves incredible Italian style thin crust pizzas. In my opinion, it's the best pizza I have had in Chicago, or possibly, anywhere. It's the kind of thin crust pizza you keep eating until it's all gone, and you are still left wanting more. Maybe someday I will actually try something on their other menu!
(5)Daniel B.
I really liked this place better when they called it "The Olive Garden". The meal starts with a canned greeting from the hostess, along with a completely out-of-place over-sincere comment from the manager "We hope that you have a truly memorable experience".... (it's Monday night at 545pm. How memorable could this possibly be?) Like everyone else in the place, we order the prix fix "Italian Dinner". How could you not. All they talk about is this. The cheap-looking plastic coated menu is opened to that page when you sit down. Bring on the bagged salad! Bring on the mass-produced appetizers! Any semblance of mood is destroyed when you visit the washrooms, conveniently located on the second floor of a bright junky hotel lobby. The main courses were forgettable. The server was raving about the "specially prepared" pork dish, which I soon noticed that everyone around me had also ordered. I guess they must have had extras. I picture a kitchen table full of microwavable pork entrees. This place would get a significantly higher review if it was at a different price point. The food quality and service is the type that you would expect from a chain restaurant in the suburbs. Entirely avoidable.
(1)Ann S.
We held our rehearsal dinner at Osteria via Stato this past Saturday and we could not have been more pleased with our entire experience. We had a large group of 60 and fit just perfectly in the private dining room in the front of restaurant. We were concerned as told the room held 62 and thought we might be tight but it was perfect! The private event staff was very easy to work with. Allison was our coordinator and responded very quickly to emails and explained details extremely well. As we had not had a meal there before, we opted to do a tasting meal to finalize details and chose wines. The night of our event everything was perfect! Flowers and seating chalkboard we had dropped off earlier that day were correctly placed and the room looked very well appointed. The wait staff was attentive,kind, and flexible. Our special requests were handled professionally. Our guests felt special because of the attention of the wait staff to details. We had speeches going on throughout the night and the staff was experienced to serve us and not interrupt the flow of the evening but to add to it! The food was absolutely the best! Served piping hot, flavorful, and artfully plated, every selection was superb and just as at our tasting. Many of our guests stated that they look forward to coming back to this restaurant at some time as they enjoyed the meal so much. We highly recommend Osteria to anyone looking for a great venue for a party! The atmosphere inside is cozy and warm, making everyone feel so welcome!
(5)John T.
I had the Rissoto with Pulled Pork and it was awesome! Excellent service from our waiter!!!
(4)Alex M.
Met here with friends, reservations were a breeze and more than accommodating with no hassles. Drinks and bread were timely and delicious. I had braised short rib ravioli with a little parm on top. Waiter was GREAT and extremely helpful in our selections - now my go to place for Italian in River North
(5)Francesca L.
My firm had our summer outing here this summer. The location is great and the space was nice especially since they let our large group sit both inside and out. I had to give the restaurant such a low rating for a number of reasons. First, the service was really unpleasant. We had a large group and our party was completely understaffed. It was easily taking 25-30 mins to get a drink. Second, the food was decent but consistently cold. They kept bringing food out from the kitchen that looked fresh but it was cold. It was a little annoying considering we were ordering a ton of food and drinks and probably had a huge bill. Finally, at the end they forced us out of the room even after we asked if we could keep the tab open and continue drinking. Again, annoying! I understand that they may have needed the room for something else but it would have been nice for them to realize the potential and accomodate us in some way. The other part of the restaurant was completely empty! Overall, the bad service did this in for me. The pizza and other food we had were all pretty basic. I think there are better Italian or Lettuce Entertain You restaurants in the area.
(2)Dave S.
Perfect food, helpful and excellent staff... Italian sidecar is my favorite drink. Got to give it to these guys.. The chef really pays attention and the staff is very awesome and accomodating. These guys bent over backwards to help my friend who has severe allergies to anything with even trace amounts of soy. Special thanks to Chef Dave who took personal pride and care to not only make sure my friend and I were able to eat, but eat beautifully and without worry. Honesty, integrity and pride were all behind Osteria's full staff (from host to wait staff to kitchen-- which is brillant teamwork) to deliver an excellent experience after an arduous day. Our server Mike was an awesome dude to make sure all was recognized and confirmed all details were set to ensure all went well. Good sense of humor and excellent attentiveness. The food, again, was delicious! Gnocchi was beautiful and flavors so simple yet rich and perfect as an italian grandmother would do... Risotto with spinach and shrimp was freaking amazing and just robust and fab with every bite... carpacchio with fennel root, rocket(arugula), shaved parma and olive oil was just a burst of subtle but full flavor..procuitto with fresh fresh buffalo water mozzarella was a dish you hope never ends. This is a place that reflects the true beauty of what a chef wants to deliver: quality, uncomplicated, delicious food, solid, well made drinks, excellent service from every level, front and back of house combined. You guys are a true favorite every mine each time I've come to Chicago in the past 6 months, making this my 6th time I've eaten here, and I always intend on at least one meal at osteria for every upcoming visit. Thank you
(5)Brandon F.
There were 4 of us out, 2 pasta dishes, the chicken breast, and I had the Sea Bass. Unfortunately not everything was timed very well, both pasta dishes came out cold, but the chicken and fish were perfect. Server was decent, had a good knowledge of the menu and the wine list. However, was a bit disengaged and lacked any kind of enthusiasm. Not looking for a performance, but it is nice when the server takes an interest in the table.
(3)Nick B.
After La Madia, this is my favorite pizza place in the city. Surprisingly, it's not even because of the pizza. Osteria via Stato has turned into my unofficial after work drinks spot. It's rarely crowded before 6 and I'm always seated promptly. Before I talk about the food, I want to say how Osteria has outstanding service. The waiters and hosts are always friendly, attentive, and helpful. I typically sit on the pizza side, it's a little smaller, darker, and feels like a dinky old Italian kitchen. Which is awesome. The bread and oil that you start with is just unreal. I don't know how they flavor their bread, but it's always baked to perfection. The martinis are stiff, which is always an automatic plus. Depending on my mood I switch between the cheese pizza, margherita pizza, or the spectacular celery Caesar salad. Recently, I went with the cheese pizza. It's insanely thin and light which is a breathe of fresh air to most local pizzerias. I really can't find a complaint. In the bustling downtown, loop, and River North area, the latest after work trendy hot spots are jammed, but not Osteria! Osteria via Stato has my highest recommendation. Love it!
(5)Nelson H.
After standing there for a good 5 minutes flip flopping like John Kerry on whether to eat in the pizzeria dining area, or the formal dining area (2 different menus, gotta choose 1), the hostess suggested the bar/demilitarized zone where you can order from BOTH menus. Sold. In the lead-off spot was the creamy polenta w/ wild mushrooms which was creamy goodness. My taste buds forced me to use pieces of bread to wipe the dish clean of its tasty sauce. Next was the arugula salad w/ bacon and dates I think, which was the tasty green portion of the meal that makes you think it's ok to stuff your face w/ food. The 3rd dish of the night was the penne w/ spicy tomato cream and chicken, which continued the trend of good food. Similar to the polenta dish, I once again ripped pieces of bread to sop up the creamy, antioxidant-filled, non-artery-clogging sauce (that's what I had to tell myself, after all, it was tomato based right?). And finally, in the clean-up position, we topped it all off (more like went over the top) with the special pizza: mushroom/goat cheese/leek. Had a flaky thin crust, and after forcing down a few slices, I had to throw in the towel. All that washed down with Two Guys Monarch beer... not bad, not bad at all. Will definitely be back in the future, and will definitely sit at the bar again to have the 'best of both worlds'.
(4)Abby L.
Visiting from the west coast where traditional southern Italian cooking is in shorter supply, I enjoyed my meal at OVS. The sauce on the ragu papperdelle dish was the right amount of tomatoe and spice, and the variety of meats blended well. A good drink, good bread, very nice arugula salad, not especially imaginative (although I was surprised I liked the dates with arugula in the salad as much as I did and was surprised by the inclusion too) but a good example of old style restaurant Italian. Service was attentive. I'd definitely go back.
(3)Leigh A.
We had the dinner party menu.....great food, great value. We could easily have done without the entree and still have been stuffed. Service was excellent and we loved everything we tasted. Awesome!
(5)Ellen R.
Gracious service. Excellent dinner. Probably the best salmon ever!
(4)Ang R.
Totally decent Italian in a touristy part of town. We had a GC to spend, so decided to try a new LEYE restaurant, and chose this one. Just looking at the menu, I found the idea of sides of pasta appealing--choose two small plates of pasta instead of one big one--because I love to taste as much as I can at restaurants. With that concept in mind, we ordered appetizers. I had the potatoes with lemon aioli, and the aioli, and I can think of no other way to say this, was luscious. I'm a sucker for savory lemon foods anyway, and this was just. so. good. The potatoes were a little greasy, but since they're simply a vessel for getting aioli into your mouth, thumbs up! He had the prosciutto and mozzarella, which was half good, half bad. The prosciutto itself was perfect--La Quercia, which equals good. But the mozzarella wasn't so good, and the portions were off. 25% of a mozzarella ball and TONS of prosciutto? We're not complaining, but it was a little strange. For main dishes, he ordered the spinach ravioli, which was really, really good. It's not a huge portion even at full size, so it was perfect after the apps. The presentation is very simple: butter, truffle oil, ravioli. It tasted fresh, and you can't ask for more. I did experiment, and ordered half portions of the cavatelli with mushrooms and the rigatoni with chicken ragu. I have to say that the cavatelli was transcendent. Easily one of the better pasta dishes I've had in Chicago. The chicken ragu was...ordinary. I would never order it again, but I plan on inhaling some of that cavatelli again, I can promise you that. Yep. Pretty yum, all around. Not too expensive, either.
(4)Sarah S.
Made dinner reservations here before going to see Shrek the Musical. We were seated right away. They brought us fresh-baked bread with roasted garlic and balsamic olive oil-amazing!! My mom and I got a glass of their red sangria. The apple chunks in it tasted like they had cinnamon. It was some of the best sangria i've ever had. We ordered a caprese salad to share as a starter. The tomatoes were roasted and the mozzarella tasted very fresh. They served it with toasted bread. All very, very good! For my main dish, I had the hand-made spinach ravioli. Best ravioli i've ever had!! The mixture of spinach and ricotta is one of my favorites. The ravioli was topped with fresh parmesan and olive oil. There were only 5 pieces of ravioli, but it was definitely enough to fill me up! For dessert, we split the gelato platter. We had burnt caramel, chocolate hazlenut and peach. The chocolate hazlenut was my favorite, but they were all very good.
(5)Michael C.
Nice setting with both outside and inside service. Interesting offerings at reasonable prices. Service was good to great and the flavors were excellent. I would definately go again.
(5)Anne C.
I'm a sucker for a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant and Osteria Via Stato is no exception. The service was fantastic-- we were seated quickly and the waitress was really good at serving it back to my sarcastic dad. Dinner was wonderful and everyone raved about it-- we started by sharing two salads and an antipasti board, which had a really nice selection. Everyone was a huge fan of the dipping olive oil with balsamic and roasted garlic cloves-- nice touch. Between the four of us we each had a different entree: a risotto, a steak, pasta, and polenta and each one of us were very happy with our meals. And don't skip dessert! Delicious cheesecake and a fun selection of gelato flavors. We will definitely be back!
(4)Tam H.
I'm so glad that I booked online for this restaurant. If I had not, we would have endured a serious wait to just eat. I would encourage those curious about checking out their food to book on OpenTable to get a seat. the place was definitely crowded and very noisy. There are two sides which is the Pizzeria Via Strato and Osteria Via Strato. This is very important to know when making a reservation because one is very casual and Osteria is a bit upscale. If you are tourist, this is a great location to meet up because it's in the heart of downtown Chicago and allows you to walk to many places. The food is pretty decent on the Osteria side. We had the caprese salad along with the Gnocchi. Both were made fresh that day. In addition, the roasted garlic with the bread is truly amazing. I guess you could say I am a Garlic Fanatic! It was so fresh. I had to hold back and not eat too much...I didn't want my date to think I was REALLY hungry! LOL! The Gnoochi was definitely pleasing and very tasty! The waitstaff was very attentive and really offered great service. Overall, my date and I really enjoyed ourselves and plan on going back!
(4)Brett F.
I love this place...... the prix fixe "Italian Family Style Dinner" is a must! I dont remember the p/person cost off the top of my head but I know it was very reasonable for everything that comes to the table (in unlimited amounts!) The restaurant is pretty inside with a rustic feel... great wine list and downright amazing food. With the exception of your main entree which you select from a list of nightly specials you can requests seconds, thirds, etc. of any of the antipasti they bring to the table. Cold cuts and cheeses, salads, meatballs, amazing grilled fennel or grilled onions with Parmesan... two different kinds of pastas (usually a marinara based and a butter or white sauce based). YUMMMMMMYYYYY!!! 4.5 stars just because I've had trouble a few times getting seated at the time of my actual reservation... usually end up having a glass (or two) of wine at the bar while we've had to wait for our table. I think it's hard for them to gauge how long people will actually occupy tables since it's open ended portion-wise and dinners are long here. But that's their problem, not mine... figure something out so I'm not standing around for 30 minutes.
(4)Jonathan A.
loved the food here. atmosphere was sorta noisy for the night we went. but i liked the appetizer and entrees we ordered. Will come here again!
(4)Milly P.
I've never eaten at the restaurant itself, I've only ordered out from here (thanks to CEO deliveries). I have probably ordered about 30 times from here which proves that it is a solid, reliable restaurant. We get - the olives (hit or miss, sometimes they taste a little over-cured) lamb meat balls seafood stew pasta with the mushrooms parm crusted onion spinach ravioli pasta with carbonara sauce All of these are well-made and you are satisfied after eating it. This place is good for decent, satisfying Italian food. Note, I do like Pizzeria Via Stato much more!
(4)Kate S.
I really like Osteria and continue to come back for the friendly service and yummy salads and pizzas. My only complaint is that they have one glass of Pinot Noir by the glass and it's not that good. It's also $14 which is aggravating because I've had great Pinot Noir by the glass around the $10-$11 price point. I recommend sitting in either section (the dining room or the bar/pizzeria). Portions and prices are great. I'll be back!
(4)Chester W.
I was wasted when I came here. Was packed on a Friday night, service was attentive and the food was solid. Don't exactly remember what I had, but the pasta was al dente. 3 stars because I was starving and the place still didn't blow me away. Would be willing to go again in a more sober state.
(3)Lauren D.
This restaurant is fine. Not great, not superb. Just fine. In fact, if it were to suddenly shut down I don't think I'd shed a tear. As far as Lettuce restaurants go, I think this one is at the bottom of the barrel. The interior seems to be what every Italian restaurant shoots for - some kind of replica of some quaint little place in Italy that ends up looking like a chain. Our server was completely boring with no personality whatsoever, and the food echoed him. My ravioli tasted like olive oil. The ragu sauce was infinitely better, although still pretty plain. The chicken mario, their "famous" dish, was decent for chicken but nothing I'd write home about. For dessert, I went for the chocolate creme brulee which was - you guessed it - fine. If I had to go back, I'd probably sit in the osteria part where they serve pizza. More casual and smelled a lot better. **On Sunday, they wave the corkage fee if you bring your own bottle of wine.
(3)D F.
This place is a really fun place to head when you want to have a good meal and not pay through the nose. You get a good portion size for all dishes. Love the appetizer selections with the diverse and authentic options. Main courses and specials are seasonal, fresh and delicious. I have so much fun with the wine list every time I go. Mark, a server there, is so good at matching and making my wine choices into an adventure and takes great care of me every single time I go. Haven't had a bad meal here in my five visits. Only negative is the food can be unsubstitutable for people with dietary restrictions like my gf....but i am sure that it will be remedied sooner than later...
(4)Maija D.
This is my new favorite restaurant! The decor is rustic and inviting, and the staff must be hand picked by central casting.They were wonderful .. Now the food was downright wonderful. I ordered the braised beef rib with cauliflower puree and we began with a perfect chopped salad. We also had the tastiest mashed sweet potatoes and rapini that was so fabulously tasty! My braised beef rib was THE besr I have ever experienced ...so incredibly tender that it was really like butter & melted in my mouth with sensations of caramelized beef. One of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure to dine on. I did meet cher DiGregorio and thanked him. Please try this very very good non stuffy amd moderately quite restaurant.
(5)Poppy F.
I had this yummy Celery Salad and a little Margerita Pizza, simple meal...but super yummy, fresh and realxing environment and very nice bartender Patrick.
(5)Andrea C.
oh my gosh...YUM. came here this past weekend w/the bf, his sister and husband and their 2.5 year old niece. -+1 star for being so especially accommodating and sweet w/bella, the little 2.5 year old ball of energy(had a kids menu, high chair, the whole deal) -+4 for the food. holy DELICIOUS. all of us had pizza and it was delicious. in a world of deep dish, these guys know thin crust and do it right. bf had the pepperoni, his sis had a pizza w/asparagus and her husband and i had the "pizza of the month", which was a garlic+cheese+savory/tangy combination. there were several other items on the menu that looked amazing as well. finally, to top off our great experience, everything was VERY reasonably priced (especially for a downtown joint) and the service was great! i often find that downtown venues are overrated so this was a pleasant and tasty surprise.
(5)Suzy C.
I am SO disappointed. I think I have an old review on this place about my experience there few times years ago where I gave it four stars. It has clearly gone down the drain in the three or so years that I took a hiatus. I first came here when it opened and I loved it. Yesterday, I walked away SO disappointed. Most importantly, they committed the cardinal sin of over salting their food. I still feel sick from it. J and I liked couple of the dishes but by the time our main entrees came, we couldn't even eat it, it was so salty and disappointing. The quality of the food went WAY down that I had to re-review and give it a crappy rating. What a shame. This will be one of those restaurants that will close down in a few years time...
(2)Christina P.
When my parents come to visit me - I get a wave of anxiety and panic on where we'll dine. This is of course due to their wonderfully particular nature. That's why, I was beyond thrilled that we chose Osteria Via Stato for our Friday night meal. It's a great place to take parents. Trendy, but not too pricey. Social, but not noisy. Cavernous, but not too dark. It really was the perfect place to spend a few hours for great conversation. The meals are standard Italian with a kick - such as the asparagus & scallop risotto special (um, yum!) The wine list is extensive and served in various sizes. I also loved that they offer a more casual dining option with the Pizzeria space. But I do recommend the Osteria for a more intimate dining experience.
(4)Mihir P.
Another decent place in Chicago for thin crust pizza. The dining room is dark and somewhat romantic. Somewhat because it also has that casual Italian "red checker" feel to it. The music is great - they got Depeche Mode, New Order, U2 and The Violent Femmes flowing through the speakers. I recommend that you get the House - Marinated Olives. They are quite tasty with the rosemary and lemon. We got to try the Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine since the waiter brought us the wrong appetizer. When he delivered it, we told him it was the wrong one but he said to keep it as it was going to go in the trash anyhow. It is also worth getting if you like fresh mozzarella. We had a pepperoni pizza for the main course which was OK. But the pepperoni was WAY too salty compared to all the other ones I've had in my life. Next time I'll order a different topping. I have to say that for the decor and service and the overall quality of food that OVS is quite overpriced for what you get. If you've ever been to Quartino's across the street, you'll know what I mean.
(3)Kitty R.
Loved it! A very pleasant surprise during RW. Everything was phenomenal. The pork shank was one of the top 5 things I've eaten in my lifetime. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Alana S.
Minus the couple fighting at the table next to us, everything was amazing!
(5)sugi o.
I always passed by this place and wanted to try it and finally got to dine here last night. I'm not a fan of the Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants but we decided to give it a shot anyway. The restaurant itself was cute with a fireplace and cozy feel to it. We saw the whole dinner party menu but couldn't do it... it just looked like too much food. So, we decided to go a la carte instead. We started with the caprese which was fine.. your basic mozerella and tomato salad which they serve with toast points. For entrees, we had the chicken mario which I think the server described as chicken breast roasted or baked in butter. It was very good (what's not to like about anything cooked in butter) but really tiny... The fiance had the pappardelle with the chef's Signature 3-Meat Ragu and that was just like cafeteria style pasta. Noodles are not home made and the sauce was so weak (cmon, that's the chef's signature sauce???!). With all the good italian options in Chicago, I will not be dining here again. I gave another Lettuce Entertain You joint a chance.. and it failed me again. We brought our own bottle of wine as we had picked up a few from our trip to Napa and corkage was $25.
(2)Michael O.
Let me start by saying I wish I would have not had so many snacks at the hotel before dining here. The set Italian dinner party menu seemed like a great deal, giving you unlimited seconds, thirds, and fourths (if you can fit it in your belt straps) of their starters and a pasta. We ended up opting for the a la carte menu because we didn't have all that much room. The bread was crusty on the outside and warm and doughy on the inside. The aged balsamic and garlic clove mix was a delicious complement. I thought the polenta with mushrooms was good although a tad salty. The calamari was very fresh and its batter didn't overpower the flavors. The penne dish left me wishing it had been a little better. Although the pasta was cooked al dente, it didn't have any flavors that screamed, your going to remember eating this tomorrow. Our service was impeccable...some of the most friendly wait staff and extremely attentive to anything you need. Here's a helpful, important tip to make sure you can enjoy your meal. The restaurant is so warm inside. We both had sweaters on and it was hard to enjoy the meal at points because it was so uncomfortably hot inside.
(4)Lisa B.
Great for a large group....our party of 35 had a blast last week here! The staff were accommodating, friendly and never missed a beat. The house salad was surprisingly delicious and the entrees all arrived hot and were enjoyed by all. The pappardelle with bolognese, the shortribs on polenta and the lemon chicken were standouts, Only disappointment was the chocolate tart served for dessert. But all in all very impressive. I will be back.
(4)Gwendolyn H.
I took my mother and some family here for her 50th birthday because they claim to have a gluten-free menu. When we arrived, not only did they not have a menu, but the wait-staff didn't understand what gluten-free really meant. My mother was able to design her own gluten-free entree off the menu, but I was hoping for a better dining experience. At another point in the evening, the waiter made fun of my sister for not knowing what kind of cocktail she might like - suggesting she was like a high school kid choosing a drink. We all ordered steaks which were very good and perfectly cooked through. The wine list was pretty extensive. I wouldn't suggest the place if you're taking someone here to impress them... or if you're going in a larger group. This place is good for just a few people who want a good meal... don't expect much else.
(3)Kate S.
Well I'm not eating today. I'm still stuffed from last night's first visit to Osteria. We booked on OpenTable (still working towards that $20 gift certificate!) and walked into the beautiful front dining room to check in. We were promptly seated at a wonderful table in the smaller dining room to the right of the host stand. The service was great! The waitstaff removed plates very quickly which was good because ordering the Italian Dinner Party = tons of plates! Our wonderful waitress was knowledgeable about their wine list, and recommended two wonderful bottles! The food was DELICIOUS, but we were almost too full to start on our entrees when they arrived. Definitely FAST before you come if you're going to get the Italian Dinner party (fixed price option)! To start, the veal meatballs, bread with garlic vinegar, and salad were delicious. We each chose an entree, and 3 of us got the special of the night, the skirt steak marinated with dijon mustard and a bunch of other stuff! Another friend chose the short ribs, and all of us were just raving about our meals! Unexpectedly, one of my favorite dishes was the cheesy onions. Give them a try! Just when we'd put our napkins on the table and leaned back into post-meal food comas, we were brought some of the chef's chocolate. They broke the bar at the table, and threw some almonds and candied fruit over top. I mean, I'll never turn down chocolate, whether or not I've just eaten my weight in food! The bottom line: Great service, great food, great atmosphere, great location. Can't wait to go back!!!!
(5)Traci T.
I was actually told about this place by a former food critic whose opinion I hold very highly, so I wasn't at all surprised to have a great experience here. The Italian dinner party is an excellent choice, especially if you're visiting the area and want to get a taste of an enormous amount of real Italian food. Be patient as they bring it out- it is all you can eat, but it's also a gut bomb. I'd wait til you've received all of the courses before requesting more. Also, if you order this they "prefer" (I don't know if prefer means "insist") that everyone in your party order this as well. My only little complaints- I don't know if this has to do with when we were there (a weekend evening), but the place was very loud and bustling which was a bit of a strange contrast with the muted romantic atmosphere created by the candlelight and fancy table setting. Also, they quit serving dessert with the Italian Dinner party. You can order it separate, but like I said, tiny gripe. All in all, I'd come back if I were in the mood for a boatload of fancyesque prepared Italian food that I don't want to make myself.
(4)Nick S.
I came here with a party of eight for a birthday. I think it's a great place to go with 6 or more. You sit at these rustic, elegant picnic tables and chow. It's hard to describe the experience because it's somewhat upscale and sort of casual. Osteria Via Stato is a Lettuce Entertain restaurant, so you pretty know what to expect. Their standards are very high.
(4)Niki C.
I've been here twice, both with my bosses. The first time was a company-wide dinner. We had a blast, sharing food family-style at a large table. The second time was a smaller dinner with a client. Both times, we were greeted warmly & taken very good care of by our server. We were given suggestions on all items, which we took advantage of, making a very delicious meal all-around. The food was great, the atmosphere was wonderful, & the staff was fantastic. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Stephan J.
Great Italian food in a quaint and cozy environment. The food was amazing and the service was attentive. I loved the pasta dishes. They also had a nice seasonl menu featuring local ingredients.
(5)Megan L.
Several years back, my friends would come here pretty regularly for happy hour, but I was working in the suburbs so I never managed to check it out. Happily, tonight that changed. After dinner, my friend and I decided we wanted another glass of wine (or two or three), so we dropped in to Osteria. They couldn't have been more accommodating! The bar was full, but they were more than willing to give us a table. And our server, Brian, was extremely knowledgeable about the wine list, and made some great recommendations for us. He was super friendly, and didn't try to push us to something more expensive or try to pressure us into getting food. I rarely rave about a server (check my other reviews, if you doubt me), but he was great. They had a nice selection of reasonably priced wines, and while we didn't eat, I can tell you that the pizza smelled phenomenal - we're definitely going to go back for dinner. One downside - this place is connected to the Embassy Suites, and while there's a ladies room right outside the bar (in the lobby), if you're a guy, you have to go up some stairs, around a business center, and follow the yellow brick road if you have to pee. Seriously - it's a haul - I followed my friend there on our way out. Had I been alone, I might not have found my way back. Anywho. Good wine, great smelling food (I'll update the review once I eat there), but a men's room in Canada, which costs them a star.
(4)barbara r.
Went with friends the Sat. night before St Patty's Day. We had a fabulous waiter named David, feasted on ribeyes and porkchops, drank delicious wines, and thoroughly enjoyed the festive atmosphere.This is my new "go to place" in Chicago.
(4)Katherine R.
I went here for the first time for the 20 wines for $20 and had a great time. It was my parents first wine tasting and the wine (seller's?) people could not have been nicer. They answered all their questions without annoyance (they had a lot) and were very informative and interesting about each wine they poured. Alpana Singh was the host, so it was pretty cool to meet her- she was also super nice and interesting to talk to. Another plus of the night was the appetizers. Heirloom tomatoes are/were in season and each appetizer had heirloom tomatoes included. The bruschetta was awesome, the margherita pizza with tri-colore tomatoes was fantastic. We couldn't get enough! That portion of the review gets 5 stars for sure. After the wine tasting we got dinner in the restaurant. This is where I'd have to say 3.5 stars, but I rounded up on the star o' meter. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer which was good and I had the scallops -which I loved. Not one compliant or gripe to say about those, only that I wish there were more they were so good! My friend got the roast chicken which she just said, "eh" to. My mom just got a side of pasta as she was a little "full" from the wine tasting. I don't remember what my Dad had, which can be taken either way. All of the staff, especially the Maître D, could not have been nicer or more accommodating, except our server. I'm not really sure what his problem was but he had a horrible attitude. We were all in a good mood, having drinks so I'm not sure how he could have picked up some sort of 'vibe' with us to be so, well, rude. He definitely put a bit of a damper on the night. The food here and the rest of the staff was great, so it will not deter me from returning. Just maybe...look out for the male server with the crappy attitude. Geez!
(4)Mista C.
This place is AMAZING. Perfect for a fancy date. Although a little dark inside, the music was subtle and in good taste which made it a very romantic place. The food was well worth the money-really a great value considering the quality of the food. They have this thing where you can order a series of different wines, which is fun because you get to try several wines at a discounted price. And I can't say enough about the service-it was absolutely perfect. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone and will definitely be going back.
(5)Stephen R.
Good solid food, service was outstanding and the food quality was solid. Nothing exciting but just solid all around. Nothing here will wow you but its just rock solid.
(3)Andrew T.
Had a pretty decent meal here here for RW. Unlimited antipasto is great. Salad, grilled onions with cheese, mozzarella balls in olive oil and red chili flakes, olives (with pits) and mini veal meatballs. Then the braised short ribs, which was not good at all, it just felt like a cheap peace of meat that they tried to dress up. Came with sides of polenta and grilled brussel sprouts with bacon which were better than the actual dish. And vanilla gelato which was excellent. Ordered the "wine me" option and the wine seemed to have been breathing a bit much..
(3)Alissa K.
I'm so glad to read that everyone else loved the food here too! I was impressed from the moment I walked in the door. The ambiance is very nice, dark, candlelit, and rustic, can be romantic but there were also business people, friends, and groups dining so it wasn't super intimate. The food was great. They start you out with bread and roasted garlic, oil and vinegar which was delicious. We got the appetizer with pecorino cheese and spinach. It came with crispy bread. The dish was delicious, not super greasy or salty like your average spinach dip and almost kind of sweet. The main dishes were excellent as well. My date got the Chicken Mario which had delicious flavor and something on top that gave it almost a crispy, fried feeling. I got the Hand-Rolled Cavatelli with Mushrooms. So delicious. It wasn't overly rich and there were plenty of two different kinds of mushrooms to make it feel like I wasn't just eating pasta. After such delicious food we of course had to give dessert a try. We got the gelato platter which comes with three flavors that you can choose. We chose Chocolate Hazelnut, Burnt Caramel and Almond. They were all superb, but I liked the Burnt Caramel best because it was super sweet. To avoid some of the problems listed in other reviews, go on a weeknight! Our waiter was perfectly attentive, but not overbearing or rushed and we had no problem getting a table at 7:30. I don't often say I would go back to a restaurant, but I would definitely go back here!
(5)Matt L.
It's taken me years to swallow my pride and walk in here. See, Papagus, the restaurant that used to occupy this space, was the shit. All the goodness of Greektown, without the parking tragedies and long waits. Ok, so maybe that's a stretch, since my family used to walk to Papagus and we'd eat dinner at like 4:30 pm, but whatever... Anyway, I'd heard a rumor about this cavatelli with mushroom sauce. Well the rumors proved true. The cavatelli IS dating Serena Van Der Woodson. Hot! Oh wait, did I say "dating Serena Van Der Woodson"? I meant "very good". Sorry. Let this be a lesson kids. Never write a review while you're thinking about Gossip Girl. So yeah, my slightly dirty martini was pretty Chuck Bass. The bartender was Vanessa to us, and gave us this chocolate thing on the house. The prices were in line, or even Dan Humphrey for the neighborhood. Not sure anything here is going to Blair your mind, but if you're on the Upper East Side, I think it's worth a stop.
(4)lesley s.
We had the fixed menu since there were 13 of us dining together, and we were all extremely happy with our food. In a moment of cleverness, a friend and I ordered the filet and the whitefish and shared them (one of my favorite things to do at a restaurant) and I'd have to say the filet was slightly more delicious. The antipasti, pasta, and sides were all fantastic too and I truly cannot think of a better way to end a meal than with pistachio gelato and limoncello. That being said, the food is probably worth 5 stars, but I took it down a notch because of our snooty server. It's a nice place -- I get it -- but I've never quite understood why that entitles waiters to make rude comments to guests. A fellow yelper (who shall remain nameless) asked our waiter a simple question about local beers and got a less-than-polite response, which really annoyed us! I'm not going to dwell on it, but it definitely made an impression on me and will make me think twice the next time I have $100+ to spend on my meal (it could be awhile).
(4)Nick G.
Really nice place to eat. Very creative menu and great specials. I had a risotto special with wild mushrooms that really was great. It was tough for me to chose to stay at the hotel and eat because I was looking forward to trying some "local" food in Chicago, I was not disappointed at all. Really good food. I suppose a little pricey, but then again this is downtown Chicago and that is to be expected. I was surprised to find out that this was part of a chain because it didn't have that feel at all. Very classy, comfortable, and decent food. My chocolate desert bar was decent, but it was like a glorified Hershey bar (tasted much better) but not what I was expecting.
(4)Lindsay R.
The best wine sampling deal downtown! The "Summer Sips" is a wonderful wine tasting of a Red, Rose and White wine for $15. The sampling of each were very large. It was wonderful. I ordered the sausage pizza, in which I only finished half, and it was good, not the best pizza I've ever had but good. Our service was extremely fast and helpful, maybe too fast when they took my boyfriends plate when he was still chewing. Actually he hadn't finished his last piece of bread even. I've never had better dinner bread before Osteria's. It was truly amazing, fresh and soft bread. An overall good experience.
(4)D H.
I find myself eating here quite regularly even though there are lots of great restaurants within a few blocks. The reason? Great Pizza! I am not a fan of the local deep dish variety, but the thin, bubbly, chewy crust on these make my mouth water just thinking about it. I always go with the Pizza of the month and have never been disappointed.
(4)Thom P.
I have to say I was a little skeptical getting Pizza in the "hotel" restaurant, but wow what a delight. The pizza was super thin wood oven pizza and it was outstanding!!! I'm not the biggest fan of sausage pizza but my son ordered it and it left me wanting more! This place is a secret little gem for those who love thin wood oven pizza!!! Our server Angelo was great too... I will be back!
(5)Jess P.
Chose this place because of the good reviews and the Lettuce Entertain you giftcard burning a hole in my wallet .... We ordered wine, artisan cheese plate, Calabrese potatoes, and the paparedelle with the 3-meat ragu--not the greatest. The wine was okay...but expensive and the cheese plate was expensive and only had 3 pieces of cheese....WARM cheese--parmesian reggiano is not supposed to be served warm? what happened to the cold cheese plate! Also...the paparedelle was ok (not homemade pasta) and the sauce was rather sweet (it was decent after I added about a pound of red pepper)... Food took forever to come...and our waited acted annoyed he was a waiter since the moment we arrived (we waited a good 20 mins before he even came over...with no apologies)..also, when I asked what meats were on the "meat plate appetizer" he said I don't know I'll ask and it took him 15 min to do so...and he acted annoyed....sorry I don't want to waste $15 on "cold cuts" that consist of crappy jewel salami.--perhaps the waitstaff should be educated on Italian food... When we got the bill it was ridiculous! For the amount and quality of the food and experience it was entirely tooooo much! Needless to say I will not be going back and my mission to find authentic, delicious Italian food in the city has failed again... PLEASE if ANYONE knows a delicious authentic Italian restaurant plz message me and let me know!!
(3)Jenni S.
Drinks only--but oh, what drinks they were! Adam Seger's the head mixologist here--you might also know his liquid masterpieces from Nacional 27 and other joints in town. The legend of his baconcello (pancetta- and apple-infused vodka, capped off with lime, maple, and a pancetta swizzle stick) brought me here. Alas, I was too late--too exotic for most people, the beverage had been taken off the menu, so I couldn't try it. Boo! However, the other handcrafted cocktails more than made up for my disappointment. I started with the strawberry-rhubarb martini--fresh-muddled fruit with tequila, served in a salted martini glass, tasted just like summer pouring down my throat. Then the orange Dreamsicle martini, a drink I've had other places but never enjoyed it as much as I did here. Finally, Osteria's 'fresh' amaretto sour (meaning the sour mix was freshly made, not poured out of a dusty old bottle)--my favorite classic mixed drink, and now I have a new favorite place for it. I need to go back for dinner--if the food as as awesome as the beverages, that fifth star will go right up with its four brothers.
(4)George K.
In a one-third-full restaurant, we were shown to our table back next to the waiters station. After objecting, we were moved to a nicer one. I then watched them then try to seat other parties back there. Why do they insult their patrons this way when perfectly acceptable tables are wide open? After proclaiming that the wine we ordered was corked, another bottle was presented of a different vintage. Of course this was at a higher price. I hate this kind of vintage switching. Food got generally high marks, although one member of our party found it over-salted (tourist-pandering).
(2)Jessica L.
I went here with my boyfriend last night for dinner... Everything was great! Our server Jackie was super polite and attentive. Everything we ordered was delicious... The bread they bring out with the olive oil, balsamic vinegarette, and roasted garlic was absolutely delicious. It got to the point where I had to tell my boyfriend to pull it away from me because I didn't want to get full off of it. For our appetizer, we ordered the veal meatballs. Just about the best meatballs I've ever had in my entire life! The literally melted in your mouth! I want some, now that I'm thinking about them. I ordered their white peach bellini. It was very yummy.. A bit tart, but yummy... For our entrees, I ordered The Seafood linguine... The scallops, shrimps, and calamari were all perfect. The spicy tomato-ish sauce that it came with was absolutely divine... It was a bit spicy, but not unbearable or overpowering.. it had the perfect kick! My lova boy ordered their flounder special. He could not stop ranting and raving about it! It was very delicious (of course I tasted it!)... It was a piece of flounder with these yummy little scalloped potato thingies, and very large pieces of ruby red grapefruit surrounding the flounder. All of it was perfect! I cannot wait to go back! Oh wait! I almost forgot the best freakin part!! RICOTTA CHEESCAKE! [GASP!] Amazing. Delicious. Perfect. Orgasmic. Magnificent. Out of this world. Fan-freakin-tastic! Ok, now I'm done... Yes, everything was great- from the service, all the way to the food. We'll definitely be going back!
(5)Cindy O.
All I can say it great food and perfect service. My server was pleasant, polite and always there to answer questions but not in your face - get it? I had the beet salad which was very good with tender beets and arugula followed by the homemade cavatelli in a wild mushroom ragu.....amazing. Traveling for business I rarely take leftovers for lunch the next day but definitely did with this. The server knew how much I loved the marinated roasted garlic cloves in balsamic and olive oil with fresh Italian bread so she added this to my take-out. Nice touch. I really wanted the risotto with pork bellies and squash so maybe tomorrow night, if they still have it. The chef has a different risotto each night I believe. This restaurant ,for a road warrior, is nicely situated within the Embassy Suites Hotel on State St. It was an ugly, rainy night and after taxi fiasco's this was a warm, lovely place to dine at the end of my work day. For dessert I had the apple crostada with their homemade coconut gelato. It is on the menu with vanilla gelato but they also had coconut so I asked for it to be substituted fore the vanilla. So roasted marinated garlic cloves with fresh, crusty Italian bread, perfect beet salad, homemade cavatelli with mushroom ragu and apple crostada dessert with coconut gelato all for $32.00. YUM!! Not to mention the great service.
(5)Sara K.
A group of 10 of us had dinner for my roommates birthday and the experience could not have been better! A couple girls were late for the reso and they insisted it wasn't a problem. When we did sit, there were flowers and glasses of champaign waiting for us at the table! Nice touch! Our server, Eva, was so sweet and attentive and helpful with the wine! The food... Amazing! The polenta and the gnocchi was the best I've had! Everything was great! Atmosphere, food, staff, wine! We have a lot of nights out and it seems costumer service has gone down hill in Chicago, which is so disappointing, it was wonderful to have a beautiful evening without worrying about some bitchy server! If there's one downfall... There's only 1 bathroom and the restaurant is attached to a hotel under constitution with a bathroom impossible to find. But all in all, highly recommended!!!
(5)Ann M.
I had the Bring me Lunch...Pronto special and it was delish. The salad was a farro and summer vegetable medley, I ordered the Roasted Fennel pizza which was pitch perfect and the sliver of chocolate tart was an indulgent finish. Decent service and pleasant ambiance.
(3)Julia T.
I visited with a larger group (six) and the food was delicious...however....the waiter kind of gave me a difficult time about wanting to order gluten free. Wait, what?? If you have gluten free noodles, why can't I have them? Oh, they take longer to cook. And you have to change the water. Oh, sorry, am I not at a restaurant? When I finally was able to get my meal it was quite tasty.
(3)Nicole N.
SO happy we stumbled on this place for our Italian craving! We sat on the patio (quaint, a little loud when trying to order but didn't impact conversation much). We shared the octopus and fingerling potato app, stellar! Great citrus notes and perfectly cooked octopus with soft potato and garlic were a delight. I had a watermelon, fennel, and arugula salad, which was great to start but when I added a sliver of parm from hubbys salad became mind blowing. The server brought me a side of parm for the rest of my salad and I practically licked the plate. I had the gnocchi with sage and brown butter, possibly the best version I've ever had. They make it with ricotta so they are lighter than potato gnocchi. They also had a nice golden brown touch that gave an extra dimension of flavor. A lovely sour cherry crostada finished off my meal with a light biscuity crust and tart/sweet filling. I would have that meal again in a heartbeat!
(5)Chirag P.
Been here twice (most recently today for lunch). The first time was for a wine tasting which was hosted by Osteria and Alpana Singh from Check Please on WTTW. Anyways, during that wine tasting they had delicious hors d'oeuvres from the restaurant... unfortunately it was 2 years ago, so i'm drawing a blank on what, but it was all good. For lunch today I went with their Pronto Lunch which has the soup of the day, a pizza or sandwich and dessert. The soup was a cream of potato with roasted chicken, it was delicious... not too heavy as I usually think with a cream of potato. I got their version of a "BLT" for my sandwich it looked and tasted amazing, not sure what they did with the bacon, but it was perfectly crisp, with just a slight taste of honey. And dessert... a chocolate torte with candied fruit garnish, i licked the plate clean, enough said. My co-worker had the "Americano" pizza, can't remember what was on it, but she said it was amazing and I'll take her word for it, since she devoured it. The restaurant itself has a rustic vibe, dark. I was there for lunch so not as packed, but still a steady stream of people during the meal.
(4)Jason M.
Where do I start? We first enter the building. The hostess asks us what menu we would like? What? Sounds like a restaurant trying to do too much. The hostess was a little condescending too. We get seated. The complimentary bottled water was nice. The waiter seemed nice at first. He takes our drink order. Then we look at the menu. The menu is kind of all over the place and not very clear. Trying to be too clever. The waiter comes back with our drinks and asks us if we're ready to order. I start asking my girlfriend if she wanted a salad for a starter she says yes. He starts to say "do you need a couple more minutes?" I reply "How big are your salads?" The waiter replies "I'll give you a couple more minutes" and walks away. Thanks a-hole. My girlfriend is shocked because he clearly wasn't listening to my question. The thing I am pissed about is that we got our drinks and felt obliged to drink them because we already had a sip. My girlfriend ordered a cocktail though. I ordered a beer. It was $19 for the two drinks. We slammed the drinks, and asked for the check. The hostess ended up coming back with the check instead of the waiter. We left a $0.50 tip and walked on. I will never go back again.
(1)Jason M.
Wonderful restaurant! My favorite place to eat in Chicago. The italian food is fresh and seasonal. Their italian menu changes with the seasons. Have only had 1 bad thing on the menu, the waiter took it back and brought something else no questions asked. "Just Bring Me Some Wine" is Osteria Via Stato's 3 wine selection. Nearly always order this and have never been disappointed. We have been there about a dozen times over the past 3 years. Wonder restaurant even better Italian restaurant.
(5)Peter G.
I only ever get 3 dishes here, and have never gone wrong. The papardelle is perfect, the noodles are fresh and delicious, the ragu is great. Not mind blowing, but just what you want to fill up on any cold night. Always get the roasted parmesan onion appetizer. The special pizzas are great too - they had a special with truffle and sunchoke in the last couple of months that was absolutely incredible. I've had mixed experiences in the dining room here - two good, one bad. They did take care of us very well after the bad exeperience, very well. Takeout never disappoints, though.
(4)Justin L.
Makes you feel like you are dining at a 4 or 5 star establishment because the service is great. They really care about your dining experience. There was constant tending to beverage levels and dishes. We ate the Italian feast where multiple courses come at you. The antipasto was my favorite part. They offered delectable little meatballs and fresh mozzarella and olive to start. Then came the onion parm bake and a beet salad with feta. The next course was the pasta where a linguine with pesto and a penne with bacon pasta was offered. The main is where I have my problem. I ordered the pork chop and gf ordered the shortrib. Both were extremely over salted. While the cuts were nice and presentation was appealing the taste of salt was just to overwhelming. Overall it seems to be reaching to hit its price point. While the service is excellent and they really do dress up to be considered high end. The food is overall ok but they miss their mark by trying to be what they are not.
(2)Patrick M.
I wish I had the time to explain how absolutely amazing this restaurant is. My wife and I had our wedding reception here. It was a great decision! Everyone said it was the best meal they had ever had. The Parmesan crusted filet was mouthwatering good. We got to try all the dishes for free when we did our tasting for our wedding. All were great, but the best were the sweet onions and the hand-rolled Cavatelli! We can't wait to go back!
(5)Aaliya B.
This place was absolutely wonderful. The Italian Family Dinner is the way to go. I just went there on Sunday for my 30th birthday and I was not disappointed. You get all the antipasti, two pastas and one entree for $36 (be careful some entrees add $8 or $12 to the prix fixe price.) The grilled shrimp and calamari salad was so fresh since moving from New York I have missed fresh seafood. Also, both pastas were delicious. We each had a different kind of steak and I had a veal marsala. I would say one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The only reason it wasn't 5 stars is that Josh the waiter was not very attentive or asked at any time how was the meal and if we needed anything. The servers and bar staff inside were super friendly. You MUST GET the ricotta cheesecake but I'm not a fan of blueberries so I asked for caramel on top which was all to die for.
(4)