Lots of restaurants try to do “authentic Italian” but Osteria Pronto does it right. Located in the JW Marriott hotel right off the lobby, this restaurant is the perfect blend of impromptu dining, regional Italian cuisine and every day elegance.
The menu is unpredictable, but that’s what I believe makes them so good. For folks who believe Italian food is lasagna and Caesar salad, Osteria Pronto makes it happen, but there is a healthy balance between the familiar and dishes you can’t get at most Italian restaurants.
However, when they do popular dishes, they nail it!
Osteria pronto offers breakfast indulgences such as a build-your-own pancake soufflé, specialties like beignets, and cage-free eggs made eight different ways; but they also serve lunch too. Try a flatbread, panini or their rendition of a classic – spaghetti.
I visited Osteria Pronto for dinner.
I began my meal with the best minestrone soup I EVER had. I’m not kidding. I knew it could only go uphill from there. My husband tried the gamberoni with pan-flashed shrimp, shaved fennel, watermelon and other items you’d expect celebrity Italian chef Giada de Laurentiis to prepare.
For the main course, he ordered the pollo parmagiana (chicken parmesan) that was flavorful and downright delicious. I desperately wanted to order lasagna, but I decided to take a chance and ordered the garganelli made with Fisher Farms Italian sausage, roasted mushrooms, shallots and heirloom tomatoes. It was the perfect dinner for a hot, summer evening. Next time I think I’m going to get the risotto, another Italian classic.
For those who would rather eat hearty, Osteria Pronto offers several entrees that feature lamb chops, braised veal shanks, beef tenderloin or seafood deliciously crafted with the finest vegetables and ingredients.
The icing on the cake of this experience was the chef. Head chef Rino Baglio walked around the restaurant to survey diners’ eyes rolling back when they tasted their food. Now that’s dedication!
Osteria Pronto is one of those restaurants you must put on your “to do” list. The fact that it’s located at the JW Marriott, makes it more of a reason to head downtown. Make an entire night of it!
