East 12th Osteria
“We started with one of our favorites, which is often hard to find at an Italian restaurant, Vitello Tonnato.”
“We also sampled the tagliolini which had super flavorful ingredients- crispy speck, chanterelle mushrooms in a parsley root puree.”
“For my entree, I ordered Branzino di Lenza (Line-Caught Branzino, Baby Vegetables).”
East 12th Osteria
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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We came here for Easter brunch today, party of 4. This cute little restaurant only holds about 30-40 people max and they were NOT prepared for what they signed up for. That would be a prix-fix, great deal, $35 for 4-course Easter "brunch". I can't really call it brunch because none of the food is what anyone would've ordered for brunch.
If I had ranked this on food alone, it would have been a 4. HOWEVER, we had an 11 o'clock reservation and I'm pretty sure we arrived to the restaurant before the chef did. The average wait time in between courses was at lease 20 minutes and our 11 o'clock brunch finished slightly after 1:30. 2 1/2 hours for brunch was unacceptable. They were not understaffed, at least not in the waitstaff department (seemed like they were in the kitchen).
The food was wonderful and there were 3 options under each course and our table of 4 people tried almost everything on the menu. The drinks were good too, but $10 for a bellini, mimosa is a bit high for brunch. The bread basket was also killer and piping hot and fresh.
I have to share that this restaurant needs a manager. I'm sure they technically have one, but they need a new one. We kept waiting for an apology or a round of drinks for the absurd wait time in between dishes, but alas, 2 1/2 hours later, nada word. Also, during a chef's tasting like this, it's a great touch when a manager walks to a table to find out how everything is…that didn't happen either.
Luckily, the place is adorably set and the food was good, AND it was a good deal, so I'll look past it. I probably won't be back, but would hope that on an average day, they wouldn't have such a high volume of customers, and I would hope the service would be better.
Sidenote: my water cup was never empty, the waitstaff was excellent and this was not a reflection of them.
The food here has improved considerably. Our party of four wonderful and starters and entrees. My only complaint was the service which is slow. Staff chatted and were not attentive. Given the fact that there were only two tables with guests, was unacceptable.
Actually came here for Thanksgiving with a group as I was stuck in the city due to work.
The surrounding area was pretty dead (as expected), but when we entered we were greeted with a bustling room filled to the brim with diners. Although we had a reservation, we were unfortunately seated right next to the door which was constantly opening and closing, allowing the somewhat brisk weather to hit us every few minutes. Luckily, the room was pretty warm so we didn't care much.
As for the food, there was a pre fixe Thanksgiving menu with a bunch of choices available. I had a black truffle risotto, the turkey with stuffing, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Everything was good. Not great, but good. Beer is expensive, but quality. I think the cheapest beer they has was $10-11. A bit much for me as I do not typically have a discerning palate as far as my alcohol is concerned.
Maybe it was this particular night, but service was very slow and inefficient. Two diners at our table ordered steak for their main course and both diners stated the meat was not cooked to their liking despite ordering two different temperatures. I got a different dessert than I ordered. It took our check more then twenty minutes to get back to us.
I don't want to completely write this place off as it was on Thanksgiving and I would guess things could get hectic on such a busy night, but I can only judge from my experience. Would I go again? Sure. I still think the menu has some nice options and the decor is certainly a draw. I'll be sure to update this review if I end up going a 2nd time.
On the corner of 12th Street and 1st Avenue, you'll find a restaurant with a beautiful aesthetic, wrap-around glass panels and a rustic wood door. Inside is just as beautiful, and they're serving delicious Northern Italian food here at East 12th Osteria in the East Village.
Everything here is fresh and made to order. You really feel like you're a part of a true dining experience and not just out for a meal. The whole menu looked amazing, and while it was a little tough to decide, I feel the ordering we did do, was right on point. Before the meal, they bring out freshly baked breads (thin, crisp breadsticks, rosemary flat crisps, and a mini herb roll). These were all amazing and delicious. I especially loved the little rolls, which were warm, pillowy, and herby with hints of oregano.
Then, you're served a generously sized amuse bouche that could practically constitute for a small appetizer. I was served a Beefsteak Tomato Gazpacho. It was divine. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be fresh. They don't complicate this dish, just some olive oil, and simple seasoning of a little salt and pepper, and topped with mozzarella, it was delicious and refreshing.
Then, as an appetizer, we got the Involtini di Melanzane, Provola Affumicata e Basilico (Eggplant Rolls filled with Smoked Provola Cheese, Tomato Confit, Basil Oil). Holy damn. This was so wonderful. There's a distinct smokiness to the dish that almost gives you the illusion that you're having meat, but the dish is totally vegetarian. The eggplant is soft and creamy, and wrapped around this rich, smokey Provola cheese.
For my entree, I ordered Branzino di Lenza (Line-Caught Branzino, Baby Vegetables). I really loved this dish too. The fish is tender and juicy, served with a crispy, flavorful skin on top. The baby vegetables were perfectly cooked and lightly dressed in a really nice lemon-butter sauce.
And, we really went in and got dessert too. I had the Fondente al Cioccolato (Chocolate Fondant, Hazelnut Cream, Raspberries) served with a pistachio ice cream. Another perfect dish that really wrapped the meal up beautifully. The cake is light, and then out pours the warm, gooey, lava like hazelnut creme. The flavors really go so great together when mixing the warm chocolaty cake with the cool, creamy ice cream and a little sweet tartness from the raspberry puree.
Great choice for a date night!
My girlfriend and I came here for dinner one weekend night before grabbing some drinks in the East Village. We were able to make a 9:15 pm reservation via OpenTable at 7:30 pm, which worked out well since the restaurant was busy when we arrived.
The atmosphere was enjoyable. The restaurant was nicely decorated and conversations occurred at a quieter volume, which provided an intimate setting. Our servers were polite and attentive, and they demonstrated good knowledge of the wine and dinner menus.
The food was excellent. We started with the carpaccio (Carpaccio di Manzo) based off our server's recommendation, and it was delicious! I ordered the pounded veal chop (Costolletta alla Milanese), while my girlfriend went with one of their seafood pasta specials for entrees. The veal chop was massive, but that did not stop me from finishing every tasteful bite. The pasta was also very good, though I cannot remember its exact name.
I recommend coming here if you find yourself in the area. We will be back for another dinner, but we are also interested in trying their brunch one day!
Came here twice in a week – great vibe, very thoughtful food, and omg-delicious pandan ice cream! The pasta is great and there are always delicious specials (truffle taglioni with langoustine). The waitstaff are super friendly and welcoming. One thing to note: the owner has a bit of a bizarre vibe to her (does she hate me? does she like me?) but she's actually very kind.
Can't wait to come back here for brunch and try their version of pasta carbonara.
Delicious Northern Italian fare that is the right combination of casual and culinary. This is a small East Village gem with cute decor (antique mirrors, nice airy big windows!) and warm service. One of the best things about sitting on the floor is that you get to watch the chefs work in the corner kitchen, which is always fun. The restaurant is on the smaller side so I'd recommend making a reservation, and I would say it's a great fit for couples and groups both. You can also sit and dine at the bar. Came here with one other:
Onto the food:
– East 12th is known for an artisanal and delicious warm bread basket, which such a rarity these days. The basket comes with panninetti, breadsticks, and rosemary bread crisps. Dip it up with balsamic and EVOO as traditional goes- Major yum.
-We had the signature scallop appetizer with seasonal truffles, crispy potato medallion – a signature not to be missed. It was really, really flavorful (thanks to the truffles!) and seared perfectly.
– For pasta (arguably the BEST dishes of the restaurant and they are all house made), we had the Egg Ravioli which was filling and wonderfully oozy with quail egg and again truffles (!), and ricotta. Very rich and decadent. We also sampled the tagliolini which had super flavorful ingredients- crispy speck, chanterelle mushrooms in a parsley root puree. Filling and fun to eat
-For secondis, we had the maiolino special roast pork which came with on-point broccoli rabe, and, the seafood guazzetto which was light and hearty at the same time. It came with mussels, clams, langostine (the best!), in a saffron seafood jus and REALLY flavorful vegetables (julienned carrots and greens).
-For dessert, we shared an interesting green apple semi freddo which was tart and light- just the way I enjoy dessert.
I also think they serve non run of the mill Italian wines here, so that's a plus
I would recommend and will be back to try the brunch menu.
My BF and I went here on a Tuesday night for restaurant week, and we were both very impressed. I ordered off the restaurant week menu, while he ordered off the regular menu, and the nightly specials.
Food:
I started with Capessanta Scottata – Seared Sea Scallop, Potato Mille-feuille, Black Norcia Truffles. This apparently is one of the chef's signature dishes, and I can see why! The scallop was perfectly cooked, with a nice brown sear and amazing flavor. I love truffles, so if you don't prefer them, this is not your dish as there was shaved black truffle generously scattered on the plate. My entree was the Ravioli all' Uovo di Quaglia e Petali di Tartufo – again another signature dish. Also delicious! Very creamy, buttery and truffly (is that a word?). In the center of the ravioli is a quail egg, and it was cooked in a way so that a little yolk ran on your plate when you cut into the pasta. It was heavenly. Finally for dessert I had the Gelati assortment – one scoop Pistachio and one Vanilla. Really well made, creamy and amazing flavor.
BF had the grilled octopus as an app. Again, perfectly grilled and had amazing flavor. For his main, he had the lobster risotto, which was a special. Also delicious, in a more hearty savory way.
Overall, we had nothing bad here! Nothing even just ok! Everything was spectacularly done, and presented in a beautiful appealing way. My mouth is watering just thinking about it…
Service:
Excellent service! The waiter was friendly but very professional. Food was delivered to our table in a very timely fashion, and the staff was always attentive to our needs. A+ on service
We had wine with our food, and the server was great with making suggestions that fit our meal.
Atmosphere: Modern, but intimate – great date spot or anniversary restaurant.
Overall- I can't wait to go back!