On November 25th, Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin opened their second location of Osteria.  Jay and I were lucky enough  to be able to try it before  they even opened!  We even bumped into our good friend Lisa – and we were all able to enjoy Osteria together.

Located at the Moorestown Mall, in Moorestown, NJ, diners can now experience a memorable and unique Italian dining experience that once only existed in Philadelphia.

Whether diners choose one of the 100 wines available, an Italian beer, or specialty cocktail, there is a beverage to wet everyone’s whistle.

The dining room is welcoming, warm and filled with authentic Italian charm and rustic appeal.  Diners can enjoy the dining room or sit at the bar, where food is prepared before their eyes in an open kitchen.

The ingredients are fresh, simple, vibrant and seasonal.  Menu items include house-cured meat, handmade pasta, pizza, fish, and vegetables.  Pastas are handmade – a real Italian specialty  and treat.

While every item on the menu should be tasted, the star of the show is the wood-fired pizza.  Each pizza is carefully crafted and cooked to  golden perfection.  The crust is perfectly crisp, with a gooey, melty, flavorful  center.   A must try!

No Italian meal would be complete without a sweet  ending.  Dessert, or Dolci, changes seasonally as well and diners are in for a fantastic treat – especially if bombolini – an Italian filled donut - are on the menu!

Now that Osteria is open – go give it a try!  Located  at the Moorestown Mall, it is a convenient spot whether you live in NJ or are  in the area shopping.  Dining hours are 10 am – 10 pm Sunday – Thursday and 11 am – 11 pm Friday and Saturday.  You are going to love one of my favorite Italian restaurants!