My Memorable Dining Experience at Osteria De Roma, a Fine Italian Restaurant in Playa del Carmen

Share this article

As an expat living in Playa del Carmen, I’m always on the hunt for exceptional cuisine that satisfies my craving for authentic flavors. During my time here, I’ve discovered that one of the finest Italian restaurants in town is the renowned Osteria De Roma.

Nestled right in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this unassuming restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for serving top-notch, authentic Italian fare prepared with an admirable passion for food and dedication to quality.

Eager to experience Osteria De Roma’s take on classic Italian cuisine for myself, my husband Steve and I decided to visit for dinner one evening. What ensued was one of the most memorable and delicious dining experiences I’ve had since moving to Mexico.

In this detailed review, I’ll be sharing my personal account of dining at this exceptional Italian eatery, including the food, atmosphere, service, and what sets it apart from other restaurants in town.

Initial Impressions Upon Arrival at Osteria De Roma

As Steve and I approached Osteria De Roma, I was immediately struck by how charming and inviting the exterior appeared. Adorned with rustic wooden tables illuminated by strings of fairy lights, the outdoor patio area looked absolutely magical. The entrance was flanked by elegant iron gates and potted olive trees, transporting us to a romantic Italian villa.

Friendly Hostess and Wait Staff at Osteria De Roma

Upon entering, we were warmly welcomed by the hostess, who swiftly checked our reservation and escorted us to our table outside. Our server promptly introduced herself and presented us with menus before taking our drink orders. Both ladies were amiable and attentive throughout our meal.

Exploring the Menu – An Array of Classic Italian Fare at Osteria De Roma

As I eagerly opened the menu at Osteria De Roma, I was enthralled to discover a diverse array of classic Italian fare. Ranging from homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas to risottos and grilled seafood, the options were seemingly endless.

Scrumptious Starters at Osteria De Roma

To commence our feast, Steve and I opted to begin with a couple of their highly-raved about appetizers. We selected the Burrata Caprese, a decadent burrata cheese served with vine-ripened tomatoes, and the Antipasto Misto platter, which featured an assortment of Italian cold cuts, cheeses, grilled vegetables, and olives.

Both starters were visually stunning and exceeded our palates’ wildest dreams. The creamy burrata complemented the sweet, juicy tomatoes flawlessly. Meanwhile, the Antipasto Misto offered a delightful medley of flavors and textures to awaken our tastebuds.

Mouthwatering Homemade Pastas at Osteria De Roma

For my main course, I opted for one of Osteria De Roma’s specialties – homemade pasta. After much deliberation, I settled on the Fettuccine Alfredo con Funghi – fettuccine tossed in an utterly addictive parmesan cream sauce with mushrooms. From my very first bite, I was blown away by the fresh, al dente texture of the pasta and the rich, velvety sauce that coated each strand. It was pasta perfection!

Wood-Fired Pizza with Perfectly Charred Crust at Osteria De Roma

Ever the pizza aficionado, Steve chose to sample Osteria De Roma’s wood-fired pizza. He selected the Pizza Capricciosa, which was generously topped with artichokes, mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella and basil. One bite in, and Steve was raving about the perfectly charred and crispy crust with just the right amount of chewiness. The medley of ingredients tasted sublime together.

Atmosphere – Classic Italian Charm at Osteria De Roma

As Steve and I indulged in our delectable Italian fare, I took in the charming atmosphere around me. Osteria De Roma’s dining space exudes understated elegance, with rustic wooden tables dressed with classic red and white checkered tablecloths.

Interior Design Reminiscent of Italy at Osteria De Roma

The interior walls display black and white photos of Italian landmarks, celebrities, and films. Combined with the exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, wrought iron chandeliers, and wine displayed prominently at the bar, the overall aesthetic makes you feel as if you’ve been effortlessly transported to a trattoria in Italy.

Romantic Outdoor Patio at Osteria De Roma

The outdoor patio area where Steve and I were seated was equally charming. Olive trees in weathered planters framed the space while strings of Edison bulbs cast a warm, romantic glow as darkness fell. The close seating arrangements and ambient Italian music completes the intimate trattoria vibe.

Service – Warm, Knowledgeable, and Attentive at Osteria De Roma

A restaurant can offer exceptional food and atmosphere, but falter terribly when it comes to service. I’m happy to report that the service at Osteria De Roma is every bit as fabulous as its food and decor. Our server, in particular, was wonderful – displaying extensive knowledge of both the food and wine menus.

Spot-on Wine Recommendations at Osteria De Roma

As Steve and I are no wine connoisseurs, we were delighted when our server offered to recommend a red that would properly complement our meals. Her suggestion of a smooth Italian Chianti was spot-on, balancing beautifully with my creamy pasta and Steve’s charred pizza.

Unrushed Yet Efficient Pace at Osteria De Roma

In addition to her stellar wine recommendation abilities, our server had the pacing of our meal down pat. She allowed enough time between courses for us to properly enjoy each dish without making us feel rushed. At the same time, she was highly attentive, promptly fulfilling any requests and anticipating any needs we had.

What Sets Osteria De Roma Apart?

It’s abundantly clear that Osteria De Roma offers superb Italian cuisine, ambiance, and service. Yet what exactly gives this restaurant the edge above the numerous other Italian eateries in Playa del Carmen?

Emphasis on Fresh, Local Ingredients at Osteria De Roma

The first factor setting Osteria De Roma apart is their unwavering dedication to utilizing high-quality ingredients that celebrate the flavors and essence of Italian cuisine. From ripe tomatoes and fresh basil to pasta made in-house, you can taste the freshness and vibrancy in every bite.

Artisanal Preparation Methods at Osteria De Roma

In addition to premium ingredients, Osteria De Roma specializes in artisanal preparation methods that honor Italy’s rich culinary traditions. Their wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and Tuscan-style grilled meats exemplify these specialized techniques that render each dish exquisite.

Care and Attention Dedicated to Every Aspect at Osteria De Roma

It’s evident that the team behind Osteria De Roma pours genuine care and consideration into perfecting every element of the dining experience. From the cozy ambiance to bespoke service tailored specifically to every guest, their devotion to quality Italian hospitality is unmatched.

My Overall Dining Verdict – An Italian Feast to Remember!

As our sublime dinner at Osteria De Roma drew to a close, Steve and I were basking in Italian food bliss – thoroughly satiated yet already envisioning our next visit. Every aspect of our dining experience from the exceptional food and drink to the warm hospitality surpassed our expectations.

In my time living in Playa del Carmen as an expat, I’ve dined at my fair share of Italian restaurants. However, none have come close to encapsulating authentic Italian flavors and charm quite like Osteria De Roma. Their mastery of both cuisine and ambiance simply transported me straight to the Italian countryside for a feast I won’t soon forget.

Conclusion – A Must-Visit Spot for Italian Cuisine in Playa del Carmen

If it wasn’t already evident, I cannot recommend Osteria De Roma highly enough, particularly for travelers seeking a sublime Italian dining experience here in Playa del Carmen. Between the melt-in-your-mouth homemade pastas, perfect wood-fired pizzas, delightful wine list, and convivial atmosphere, you simply can’t go wrong eating here.

So do yourself a favor and book a table at this exceptional Italian eatery on your next visit to Playa del Carmen. I have no doubt you’ll walk away equally as impressed and longing to return, just as Steve and I felt that memorable evening. But I must warn you – once you’ve tried authentic Italian cuisine of this caliber, it may just spoil you for life!

Author Bio:
Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid world traveler on a mission to uncover hidden gem eateries. After relocating from San Diego to the Riviera Maya as an expat, she spends her time immersed in local culture, beach-hopping along the coast, and seeking out Playa del Carmen’s best regional fare to share with others. When she isn’t off discovering new culinary finds, you can find her writing at local cafes or planning her next international adventure with her husband Steve.

Opening Hours: Daily from 13:00 pm – 23:00 pm.

Additional Articles on Food in Playa Del Carmen

Here are some additional Articles on Food in Playa Del Carmen

Additional Resources and Information