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Osteria Via Stato
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Osteria Via Stato
8.3
Osteria Via Stato splits its space between a casual pizzeria and a candlelit osteria, highlighting Roman-style pizzas and seasonal antipasti. It works as a flexible neighborhood standby for pre-theater dinners, work outings, or family meals where reliable, straightforward Italian is the priority.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roman-style margherita pizza, Rigatoni with short rib ragu, Angel hair aglio e olio with shrimp
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Dual-concept osteria and pizzeria serving Roman-style pies and classic pastas.
Who should go: Diners wanting dependable Italian near hotels and offices.
When to visit: Weeknights before theater or after downtown shopping.
What to order: Margherita pizza, short rib rigatoni, seasonal antipasti.
Insider tip: Ask to sit on the osteria side if you want a quieter, more romantic feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during peak dinner hours; nearby garages within a block; limited metered street parking in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable in the osteria side, livelier near the pizzeria and bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter at the pizzeria side or early seatings.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though larger groups should reserve.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, antipasti, pizzas, and several pastas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few antipasti and customizable pizzas/salads; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta and several entrees available on request; pizzas may be limited — ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the osteria side is candlelit and relaxed, with a warm, classic Italian feel that supports easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are more likely to be seated on the pizzeria side or early evening; expect a wait at peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — staff is accommodating, portions are shareable, and the pizzeria side is especially comfortable for families; evenings skew more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, crowd-pleasing Italian with flexible spaces — ideal for dates, business dinners, and groups that want reliable classics without formality.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge or chef-driven Italian, ultra-quiet fine dining, or a deeply regional, specialty-focused menu.
Osteria Via Stato
8.3
Osteria Via Stato is a Roman-inspired Italian spot led by Chef David DiGregorio, known for candlelit rooms, Roman-style thin-crust pizzas and handmade pastas like housemade ricotta gnocchi. Its long-running presence and flexible setup—pizzeria, osteria and patio—make it a reliable choice for classic-feeling Italian dates that can be either casual or more celebratory. Regulars appreciate the combination of warm service, shareable antipasti and a thoughtful wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi, Cacio e Pepe, Short Rib Rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Roman-style pizzas and handmade pastas served in a long-running, candlelit osteria and pizzeria combo.
Who should go: Couples wanting cozy, traditional Italian with pizza, pasta and wine.
When to visit: Early evening or later weekend reservations for peak candlelit atmosphere.
What to order: Housemade Ricotta Gnocchi, Cacio e Pepe, Short Rib Rigatoni.
Insider tip: Use the pizzeria side or bar for easier last-minute walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available during dinner hours; nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking on Illinois St.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational across a two-top, livelier in peak weekend hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter on the pizzeria side or bar.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait, depending on convention traffic nearby.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several antipasti, pizzas, and pastas can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified; best to confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — select pastas and entrées can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit dining room, warm service, and shareable antipasti make it comfortable without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — the pizzeria side, bar, and patio (weather permitting) are the best bets for walk-ins, especially earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — early seatings work well for families, with pizza and pasta options, though later weekend service skews more date-night and adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, classic-feeling Italian dates with handmade pastas, Roman-style pizzas, and attentive service in a warm, candlelit setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge, chef-tasting menus or very quiet, fine-dining formality — consider a more upscale or modern Italian alternative instead.