Osteria Ilaria

We were very disappointed with our recent experience at Osteria Renata. (Friday 6th June, 6:30pm) Our group of four included two guests with dietary requirements—one with an egg allergy and another with gluten, garlic, and onion intolerances. While our waitress initially seemed helpful, she spoke very quickly, making it difficult for us to follow. When we asked follow-up questions, she became visibly frustrated and seemed unsure of the answers. When we requested she double-check with the kitchen, her response was, “I can’t keep going back because the chef is stressed and the restaurant is fully booked.” This was disheartening to hear, as we were simply trying to ensure the meals were safe and appropriate for us. Regardless of how busy the restaurant is, every table should receive adequate care and attention—especially when dietary restrictions are involved. After further discussion among ourselves, we were able to clarify the egg allergy. However, the gluten, garlic, and onion dietary needs remained unresolved. When we asked the waitress for a recommendation between the market fish and the mushroom pasta, she rudely replied, “If you want fish, you have fish. If you want pasta, you have pasta.” There was no attempt to guide us or explain the preparation of either dish. At that point, the bar manager stepped in and abruptly asked to take our drink order—seemingly to move the waitress along to other tables so he can manage the situation better. He was more pleasant and did make an effort to confirm whether the wines were free from egg or cross-contamination, which we appreciated. However, the overall service left a lot to be desired. The food itself was also underwhelming—especially considering the high price point: • Vodka Pasta: Watery, overly tomato-heavy, and lacked any chilli/spice. • Bolognese: Pasta was undercooked and not quite al dente, though the sauce was decent. • Mushroom Pasta: Very mild mushroom flavour and poorly seasoned. • Frites: These were the highlight—crispy and well-executed. • Wine Selection: Solid range and enjoyable. Unfortunately, none of the main dishes impressed us, and the overall value just wasn’t there. We were really hoping for a more enjoyable experience, but we’ll be looking elsewhere in future.

We loved our visit to Osteria Ilaria. One of our party is celiac & the staff went above and beyond to help with her dietary requirements, making her feel very welcome & comfortable. We will definitely be back. The food was delicious.