Osteria 2350

Tucked behind Right By Nature in the Strip District are two restaurants run by chef, Greg Alauzen. They are side-by-side and couldn’t be more different in my book. The first time I ventured back there I originally had plans to go to Osteria 2350 but ended up at Cioppino. Osteria was a ghost town while Cioppino was swarming with life. I made the wrong choice that night.

I went to Osteria 2350 last week before the Pittsburgh Power season opener (uh, weird) with low expectations. I walked in and was immediately put at ease by its easy-going atmosphere. It may be more open and sterile than Cioppino but it recovers nicely with its food.

I sat at the “bar” (I love sitting at bars when the opportunity arises. It provides a whole new perspective of a place). It’s not exactly a bar but more of a “lunch counter” as they only serve beer and wine at Osteria.

The entire menu looked appealing. It’s mostly filled with classic Italian dishes at very affordable prices. I selected one of the most expensive menu items, Gnocchi house made and baked with Fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano, for $12.00.

Just because something says “house made” doesn’t necessarily mean its good. The house made gnocchi at Osteria are good. Actually, better than good. They were light and fluffy, not starchy and heavy like most gnocchi can be. And the sauce… oh boy. It was light and sweet and tasty and one of the best sauces I’ve tasted in Pittsburgh. Plus how can you go wrong with a sprinkling of Fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano? I don’t think you can.