Tucked in the back of a shopping center in Johnston, Rhode Island sits a fine Tuscan Italian restaurant that goes beyond one’s expectations!

Osteria Toscana has been on our “must try” list for quite sometime. I’m not sure why it took us so long to find this diamond in the rough; perhaps because we always eat on Federal Hill when we’re close to Providence and like most we’re creatures of habit. Nevertheless, since we were headed to Chepachet to see The Silks we thought let’s check it out? Although reservations are recommended it was late on a Friday evening and we were able to get right in.

Chef Luciano Canova grew up on a farm in Italy and attended the Culinary Institute of Italy,  He worked around the world before fulfilling his dream of opening an Italian Osteria (small local restaurant in Italy) in Johnston, RI. Like me, Luciano has a passion for food and people which is evident in your dining experience at Osteria Trattoria.

Don’t let the fact that it’s in a shopping plaza fool you. As we approached the entrance I thought “how nice” then when we walked through the doors I immediately knew we were in for a fine, authentic dining experience.

The first thing I saw was a beautiful 8 ft tall wine cabinet with lanterns on the floor in front. It caught my attention for so long that I didn’t notice the hostess waiting to check us in. As we waited for our table we looked around admiring the elegant atmosphere. Beautiful cherry stained wood throughout the lounge and dining area with a tall stunning tree lined with white lights in the center of the room.

As soon as we sat down our waiter, Phil, was eager to serve and offer wine suggestions. Although I originally intended to enjoy a glass of wine, I quickly changed my mind once I saw Italian Margaritas on the cocktail menu. Tequila, Triple Sec, Amaretto, a splash of orange juice and sour mix…um um good!

Then the bread came! One of my favorite things about dining in a fine Italian restaurant is the bread. Good Italian bread has a nice hard crust on the outside and is soft on the inside. That’s exactly what they served along with fresh focaccia bread and olive oil, balsamic, garlic, fresh parmigiano-reggiano cheese, oregano and other spices for dipping. Did I mention an assortment of olives, as well?

As I sipped my cocktail and devoured the bread, Phil began to tell us the chef specials (and there were many) reciting each ingredient and how it was prepared making it that much more difficult to narrow down a selection from an already extensive menu.

Mushrooms stuffed with fresh lump crab meat, shrimp, scallops Ritz cracker crumble sautéed with butter topped with fresh melted mozzarella cheese and a dollop of Bearnaise sauce, one of the chef specials, was our choice for an appetizer (the picture does not do it justice as it picked up the green hue from the lights on the tree that we sat beneath.)

For entrées Mike chose Stuffed Manicottu Napolitana…Home-made manicotti stuffed with ricotta & Parmigiano-reggiano cheeses, topped with San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella baked and served with two jumbo meatballs.  I went with Bocconcini Della Nona Al Vin Santo (I really need to brush up on my Italian)…Chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella cheese, imported baby porchetta, and fresh sage, sautéed in a Vin Santo and sherry wine demi glaze with button mushrooms served over Parmesan risotto and finished with parmigiano-reggiano cheese, a house favorite (are you drooling yet?) Mike scrapped his plate clean while I only managed to eat half of mine as it was quite a generous portion.

I’ll be honest, as I was enjoying each and every bite I overheard a server offer the guests at the table next to us an affogato, one of my favorite after dinner treats!  An affogato is an Italian dessert, coffee, and an after-dinner drink all in one.  It’s a cup or bowl of vanilla gelato topped with fresh whipped cream then hot espresso poured over the top.  It can be sipped slowly or eaten with a spoon…a great way to enjoy dessert. (Next time I’m going to add a shot of Amaretto!)

It’s no wonder Osteria Toscana is now one of our new favorites (how many can we have?) We left pleasantly pleased with full bellies planning our next visit.  If you’re looking for fine Italian cuisine and have an opportunity to visit contact Osteria Toscana for a reservation.  It’s a culinary experience you will thoroughly enjoy! Buon Appetito!

Next we’ll try one of their sister restaurants…possibly Trattoria South in Wakefield.  Stay tuned!