Osteria Cucina Rustica

This place is my all time favorite. Every dish ordered has been exceptional. The ambience is beautiful. The staff are world class and we love our server Nef! He takes such great care of you. Get there. Make the reservation. You won’t be disappointed.

- Jeannette Mejias -

I came here on Valentine’s Day with an 8:30 p.m. reservation and overall had a very pleasant experience. We arrived a little before 8:30 and were told we’d receive a text when our table was ready, which is completely understandable for such a busy holiday. However, we ended up waiting about 40 minutes past our reservation time. I understand that Valentine’s Day is hectic, but at that point having a reservation felt a bit pointless. I can’t imagine how long the wait would have been without one. Once we were seated, we initially didn’t receive a drink menu. When we finally did and went to order, I was the only one asked for my ID. I don’t mind showing it, I do look young for my age, but the interaction felt a bit awkward. When I ordered my drink, the server simply held out his hand while taking my boyfriend’s order without actually asking for my ID. I was confused until he said “ID,” and I realized what he meant. He then told my boyfriend he didn’t need to show his, which left me confused since we’re the same age. It was just an uncomfortable moment for me. That said, our server was attentive and kind throughout the rest of the evening, which made me feel much better. We started with the meatball appetizer and were extremely happy with the quality. Our entrées followed, and everything was delicious. They also have a great dessert selection, but we were unfortunately too full to try any. We hope to return and indulge next time! Overall, despite a few hiccups, we had a very pleasant evening and left full and happy.

- Natalie Schafer -

Some of the most amazing food I’ve ever had. You NEED to try the Ostrica Michael and the Pappardelle. The Ostrica Michael are these perfectly cooked fried oysters with the most heavenly lemon white wine sauce. I was drinking the sauce after we finished the oysters. The pappardelle was a wild mushroom truffle pasta and it was out of this world. I will be dreaming about these dishes for the rest of my life. They accommodated my reservation request, and our server even surprised my mom with a happy birthday treat and sung her happy birthday! How sweet! Well worth the money, will be returning.

- Alyssa Michelle -

I passed this place so many times and it was always packed. For our anniversary during the week we decided to check it out. It was so good and worth every penny

- Maria Manjelo -

Everything screams awesome. The establishment is decorated perfectly and had so much character. The staff is very attentive and helpful. Everything that came out of the kitchen was perfect and made to order. Their menu has something for every taste and the deserts were spectacular. We look forward to returning soon!

- Richard Holst -

Amazing experience. Came here for Valentine’s Day and the service was phenomenal. Our server, Chris, was very attentive and pleasant. The food was amazing as well! I would 10000% recommend Osteria to anyone in the area. The overall atmosphere is amazing. :)

- kayla m -

We came here for my mother’s birthday and Mike was our server tonight. He was the best server we have ever had. He was personable, attentive and made my mother’s birthday special. Me and my fiancé look forward to come back. Thank you Mike for the terrific experience.

- Bryan M -

Was in the area from northern Bergen County, specifically to go to another restaurant (that somehow 'never got' our reservation). Noticed Osteria while en route, so we turned around and thought we would take a chance. The parking lot was quite full and there were many people in the waiting area. I took a deep breath, walked up to the hostess and asked how long a wait for a table for two. She went over some screens on her tablet and said, "Um, if you can give me like 5 minutes, I'll have a table ready for you!" ... Let me tell you, the place was BUSY ... the bar, all the rooms, and I know why. It's GREAT. The wait staff couldn't have been more attentive. The pace was perfect and we didn't feel rushed. My son and I were all set with our choices from the menu (which pretty extensive) and then our server announced some specials ... 5 appetizers and at least 10 entrées (I lost count). So our minds got changed (well, for my entrée and the appetizer for the table). Appetizer was calamari, spiedeni and baked clams. Not sure how the calamari was cooked, but it was barely sprinkled with crumbs (NOT a bad thing) It was tender and delicious and it's plate-mates were equally so. With a soup or a salad on the side, it was large enough to have been a shared entrée!!! My son had the Pollo Rustico (chicken breast with wing attached) over a very smooth polenta with a mushroom sauce (similar to marsala but so much better). I had a stuffed pork chop with spicy vodka sauce with rigatoni. (I am always on the quest for a stuffed chop--am a big valdostana fan). The chop was huge; it took up most of my plate. I chose a just-above-medium spice level (nice they offer a choice) for the vodka sauce and it was the perfect accompaniment. The chop definitely more then edged the meat-to-pasta ratio. It was a nice little portion of al dente rigatoni that this low carber had no issues eating all of it (and the other two-thirds of the chop I took home is calling me from the takeout box). Though we were stuffed, we HAD to try dessert. Jay got tiramisu and I had the cannoli (two large ones). They too, were perfect and glad we have leftovers on them. We will find any excuse to come back. "Because it's Tuesday" sounds just as good an occasion as any! Thank you all for an enjoyable evening.

- Jill Schmidig -