In Italy, an Osteria is an informal gathering place and neighborhood restaurant showcasing the local specialties and here in Greensboro, Osteria does just that. Locally sourced ingredients, handmade pastas and sauces from scratch, daily chef specials and a clever mix of old world Italian tradition and farm fresh flavors of the Triad combine to make an absolutely unforgettable meal.

Chef Koco Tamburi does it all and if you’d like to meet him go in sometime between 2 and 5. They are open all day and when you dine in the off hours Chef Tamburi does it all from greeting you at the door to explaining the specials, preparing your meal and bussing your table. When he’s busy in the kitchen his staff are some of the most passionate, courteous and knowledgeable people in the Triad when it comes to the traditional food and wine of Italy. Take the time to introduce yourself and don’t be a jerk because I can go ahead and tell you that after you try this place you will be seeing their faces a lot.

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous.. forget the dusty jugs of Carlo Rossi, flattened wine bottles and art featuring pigs dressed like chefs… everything from the chairs to the dessert in this restaurant screams quality and the minimal decor really seems to highlight the food and service. You could be the only person in the restaurant and still it doesn’t loose the intimate charm.

Even some of the most knowledgeable wine drinkers I know are going to be stumped in a fantastic way by a wonderfully curated list that is 100% Italian wine. Keep in mind they know their stuff here so ask for suggestions as the servers really know how to talk wine.

There are some stick to your ribs options on the menu (like the lasagna that seems to just kind of float in a delicious bechamel) but I was pleasantly surprised by the focus on very traditional, clean, fresh and colorful food that I’ve always associated with the home kitchens of Italy. We have become so accustomed to “feeling like family” at all the fettuccine alfredo joints that have popped up across America over the last 20 years… but this is not the Olive Garden.

Every guest is greeted with a delicious and fresh white bean salad with tomato, carrot, red onion, parsley and olive oil served with some of the best smelling fresh baked bread you’ll find in the area. Every pasta I have tried has been fantastic, the salads are gigantic and colorful and the chefs features are out of this world. I highly recommend whatever he is doing that night with lamb or corvina and make sure you save room for an espresso and some house made panna cotta or gelato.

Osteria
1310 Westover Terrace
Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 275-2550