Osteria 20
818 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
03 9818 3600
Italian
$$$
Food
- Bruschetta
- Petto Di Manzo (Beef Brisket)
- Spaghetti Pescatore
- Prosciutto Pizza
- Tiramisu
- Cannoli
The Good
We started off with the Bruschetta and were suitably impressed. The incredibly fresh tomato salsa was light and tangy, dressed in a rich olive oil that provided incredible aroma. Topped with light feta that offered up a hint of creaminess, the crisp toast sitting underneath held everything together perfectly.
The Petto Di Manzo, 48-hr slow cooked beef brisket, was definitively one of the highlights of the evening. Generously layered on top of the toasted sourdough, we found some of the most tender and succulent beef brisket we’ve come across. With an incredible beef flavour that was exceptionally juicy and forward, the 48hour smoking process ensured that the protein was cooked to absolute perfection. Without so much of a hint of dryness, the lightly salted beef brisket was well accompanied by a variety of pickled vegetables and a tangy mustard sauce. Simply perfect.
The Spaghetti Pescatore did not disappoint one bit. Generously topped with wholesome portions of seafood, we found the lightly dressed, olive oil coated spaghetti within cooked to a perfect al dente. The main attraction was of course the abundance of beautifully wholesome seafood, all incredibly fresh and offered up an amazing seafood aroma along with a very juicy and appetising experience. The huge scampi was nothing short of spectacular, offering an incredible crunch and plenty of juicy, flavoursome goodness.
We also enjoyed the Prosciutto Pizza. Made in a Neapolitan style, the thin crispy base made its way towards a puffy and spongy crust. The dough was fragrant and aromatic, formed by quality flour which was well accompanied by a lightly sweetened tomato base. Coupled with plenty of thin, tender prosciutto and rocket leaves, along with a drizzle of chilli oil, this pizza was rather appetising to say the least.
We rounded off the evening with the Tiramisu. Made in true Italian fashion, the thick layer of cream on top made way for layers of beautifully spongy and moist, coffee soaked biscuits that exhibited a stunning coffee flavour. The silky smooth and airy layers of mascarpone, combined with the beautifully decorated chocolate powder on top, made this classic Italian treat a must-have at Osteria 20.
The Mediocre
Unfortunately the Cannoli didn’t quite impress on this occasion. Despite it’s spectacular appearance, the pastry of the cannoli itself was rather thick and brittle. We would’ve also preferred if the cannoli was filled with a ricotta-based stuffing, rather than just a sweetened cream which didn’t offer much in terms of depth of flavour.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
As a new entrant to the ever expanding choice of Italian eateries in Melbourne, Osteria 20 offers patrons a taste of Italy that surely won’t disappoint.
From the generous serving sizes, to utilising only the best of the best ingredients, the true Italian flare is evident in every dish and very bite, and we certainly left having satisfied both our tummies and our tastebuds.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
You can count on it! Can’t wait to be back for more of that amazing beef brisket and spaghetti pescatore!
Penguineats would like to thank Osteria 20 for inviting us.