Osteria - Philadelphia

At first glance, Osteria appears warm and welcoming. The rustic decor and inviting atmosphere give the impression of an upcoming delightful meal. Unfortunately, that expectation falls short. The menu is quite limited and geared towards simple tastes. The prices are exorbitant, and the portion sizes are disappointingly small, which might be forgivable if the food was at least decent. During our winter gathering with friends at this restaurant, none of us left fully satisfied. Of the four appetizers, only two were satisfactory; the entrees featured a mix of overcooked and undercooked meats and fish. When we raised our concerns, only one dinner was taken off the bill. The desserts, while tasty, were also tiny and overpriced—$9 for half a cup of rice pudding? Really? We're happy to spend money on great food, but this experience did not qualify. On a positive note, the service was excellent, though I would prefer not to be reminded that my meal was just alive ten minutes before it made it to my plate. The wine list was a definite plus. Philadelphia boasts an impressive array of outstanding restaurants, but unfortunately, this one does not make the cut.