Osteria Tressanti is the new name for Esse Osteria. The owners say they changed the name to go along with the change in concept: less chef-based, more classic. They slimmed the menu down to make it a little more rustic and now make food-stall appearances at some Berlin markets.
Summary: The food is still excellent along with a small but very good wine selection, mostly Italian. The ambience is friendly neighborhood spot.
I hadn't visited here in a while for three reasons: the pandemic, I don't live a block away like I used to, and the last time I came I got annoyed after sitting outside for a while and not getting served.
I still find the service here... off-key. The people are nice but what is the deal with the service? In Germany the normal procedure is to signal the server that you want to pay, rather than the server bringing the bill to the table as in North America. At Osteria Tressanti are we supposed to flag down a server to order as well? After sitting down and being given a menu, I waited almost 30 minutes before my order was taken. The restaurant was not busy at all. I didn't receive the still water I ordered. Although a loaf of bread sat on a cutting board along with some baskets, I was not offered bread with olive oil, as you usually are at Italian restaurants. I *might* have ordered dessert and coffee with encouragement, but not a word about it. (The decor seems a tad rundown in the light, but maybe that is purposeful, a rustic charm?)
That's not to say I was annoyed - the guys are really personable. They speak Italian, German, and English. When I said I wasn't sure on my wine order, the man gave me a few good samples to choose from so I could take my pick. I got a very tasty Amuse-Bouche with walnuts and creamy sauce. The Lasagna Classico, Carbonara, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese and Gnocchi stand out.
So, I am still on Team Osteria Tressanti, and will keep coming back for the terrific food, Italian wine and the neighborhood vibe. read more