Osteria Shrewsbury: A Contender for Best Restaurant in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury has a lively food scene, but Osteria often tops conversations for its authentic Italian dining. This cosy restaurant on Mardol has built a strong local reputation. Regulars rave about the genuine flavours and warm service. One reviewer said they “rate this the best restaurant in Shrewsbury” after a meal there. This local gem consistently delights visitors from across the county with genuine Italian cuisine and hospitality.
Signature Italian Dishes
Osteria’s menu showcases fresh Italian classics that keep customers coming back. Diners often start with hearty antipasti: one guest said a shared starter was “literally overflowing with deliciousness”. Seafood is a highlight, as another visitor noted the Frutti di Mare pasta was a “feast” of flavour. The award-winning pork belly dish also earns praise for its rich tenderness. One diner mentioned their carbonara was made with guanciale (pig cheek) just like in Rome, and it was “delicious”. Even the pizzas are celebrated – one pizza fan said Osteria’s was “the best in Shrewsbury – bar none”, with a crispy base and premium toppings. The menu also includes classics like lasagne and risotto, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Decadent Desserts and Treats
Osteria’s sweet endings win smiles as much as the mains. Customers warn new diners to leave room for pudding. One guest joked that if you’re on a diet, you shouldn’t come, because the desserts are irresistible. The milk chocolate mousse with whipped cream (pictured) is a favourite. People also rave about the creamy tiramisu and seasonal gelato. Even classic panna cotta or cheesecake are made to perfection. In one review, a couple said their desserts were “generous and boozy”, complemented by limoncello on the house. With a selection of cakes, mousses and gelatos made daily on-site, these homemade treats are the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
Cozy Ambience and Friendly Service
Diners say the atmosphere at Osteria feels authentic, like a family-run trattoria. One reviewer described the staff as a “delight” and noted that the chef even came out to chat about the dishes. Another customer said they received a “really warm welcome” and found the team “very friendly and attentive”. The service style is genuine and personal – staff often learn diners’ names and preferences. Even when the restaurant is busy, guests say they never feel rushed. Osteria is also very family-friendly; reviewers note children are treated just as warmly as adults. Many say dining here feels like having dinner at a friend’s home.
Rave Reviews from Diners
Local foodies often agree on Osteria’s high standards. Reviews highlight consistent quality, fair prices and authentic flavours. One visitor said she had “not eaten such rich and tasty food in a very long time,” calling Osteria “up there with the best food in Shrewsbury”. Another diner joked they’d be “surprised if there’s a better restaurant in Shrewsbury town centre”. Even quick lunches impress: one guest praised the lunchtime meal deal as “quick, tasty and cost-effective” and noted Osteria is very family-friendly. With generous portions and high-quality ingredients, many agree that every penny is well spent. For example, one reviewer pointed out that “the quality you receive here exceeds the cost… every penny spent is worth it”. All these voices add up: Osteria has become synonymous with top Italian food in town, often earning praise as one of Shrewsbury’s best dining experiences.
Passionate Team and Accolades
Osteria is run by owner Alex with a talented team of Italian chefs. A reviewer put it simply: “Alex and the whole wider team are truly amazing”. The kitchen’s dedication shows on every plate. Head chef Alessandro Degiorgio was named Best Chef 2024 at the Italian Awards – a national honour even celebrity chef Aldo Zilli presented. This award highlights the skill behind each dish. Alex often greets guests personally, and the staff take care to source ingredients from Italy whenever possible. The result is a genuine slice of Italy in Shropshire. With these personal touches and award-winning cooking, Osteria has earned its place among Shrewsbury’s top restaurants.
Read our reviews
You won’t regret visiting!
The food here is quite frankly the best in Shrewsbury. Simply delicious, authentic Italian food cooked with the best ingredients and served by the most wonderful staff.
MattTPezz
5 August 2024
Gorgeous food
Delicious pizza and seafood pasta was the best we ever had.Service was wonderful drinks were very nice as well.10/10 experience.
Stelios V
August 2024
Best experience and food I have had in a long time
We just the tastiest dinner at Osteria this evening! I have not eaten such rich and tasty food in a very long time. Up there with the best food in Shrewsbury, I wouldn’t change a thing. The service was amazing, it was an authentic Italian experience and the timings and food were 5* for a very reasonable price. We felt so well looked after and had a fantastic evening. We will be back for more!
Fay
4 June 2024
Our new favourite restaurant in Shrewsbury!
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Osteria italian restaurant near me in Shrewsbury. We had the sharing starter which was literally overflowing with deliciousness. We couldn’t eat it all and didn’t want to fill up before the main course so accepted the offer of the rest being boxed up to take home. I enjoyed Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare with so many mussels, it was a feast! My husband had the Vibo Valentia with garlic bread. The depth of flavour of everything we ate was immense.
We kind of stumbled across Osteria and didn’t really know what to expect, but based last night’s meal and the friendly atmosphere, we’ll definitely go back! It’s well worth a visit.
Becky M
November 2023
Best Italian food ever
Jun 2024 • Friends
The best Italian food I’ve ever had in my life. The food was so flavourful and cooked to perfection, I highly recommend coming here for any occasion, it simply is the perfect meal. The service was lovely and the drinks were nice as well!
Sara N
June 2024
Gorgeous food.
Aug 2024 • Friends
Delicious pizza and seafood pasta was the best we ever had.Service was wonderful drinks were very nice as well.10/10 experience.
Stelios V
1 August 2024
Superb all round yet again!
I have reviewed this restaurant a couple of times previous but I feel the need to do it again because the consistency at Osteria really is a credit to how the business is run. The customer Service is second to none and the food is so authentic and of course delicious. Just a quick lunch today and although I only had the lunch deal with a drink it really was fantastic, if you are yet to dine at Osteria. You really are in for a treat when you do!!!!
Phillip P
2 August 2024
Best Italian in Shrewsbury
Fantastic restaurant. Every time we visit from Leeds it’s our go to place in Shrewsbury. Service is excellent and the food is fabulous. 100% recommend, Try the orange wine!
Elaine W
4 August 2024
Carrying the torch of Italian food in Shrewsbury
Fantastic as always!! We were a last minute booking and we were seated and served our drinks promptly. The food was fantastic. We shared a selection of delicious starters. My partner had the authentic carbonara and I had the ravioli. We both finished off with a traditional Tiramisu. We look forward to our next visit.
Ash 96
July 2024
Amazing food.
The best meal i have had out in a long time. The food is out off this world. Authentic Italian food. Fresh and so tasty. The staff were friendly and happy to help. And the puddings …… wow. All i can say is if your on a diet dont go as you will not be able to resist.
Telfordmummy
4 June 2024
Impromptu Italian…we’ll be back!
Jun 2024 • Couples
Visited on a Monday night and it was still quite busy, which we thought bodes well. Attentive and service, unique menu, and everything was cooked together perfection. This is far from your usual day to day Italian. It is pricey, more like a special occasion kind of place. We will be surprised if there’s a better restaurant in Shrewsbury town centre.
Table for 2
3 June 2024
Fantastic food and excellent service
I have dined with my wife at Osteria on several occasions once in December 2022 and again on 14th February 2023 and again 2 weeks ago My wife has a serious medical condition and has to be very careful about what she eats. The staff at Osteria were very helpful and considerate of my wife’s needs. After explaining the situation to a member of staff , the chef came over to us and discussed the food available and what was suitable for my wife. Also what adaptions could be made to other food to make it safe for her. This was very good and made the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable for us both. The food was excellent, as was the . I would very strongly recommend Osteria to anyone.
Tour33896870025
February 2023