When it comes to amazing service, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and amazing food, you're going to catch me there multiple times. Which explains how my wife and I ended up at Lostella twice in less than a week - once without our daughter for date night and once with our daughter as a family dinner.
We made reservations both times because after Instagram stalking for months, I know how busy this place can get. The moment you step off the street and into the door, you are met with your own personal Italy. With warm lights, a room full of laughter, and a team dedicated to your experience, you are in for a treat.
The first night we had Luca as our server, who was incredibly kind, attentive, with a joyous personality, even with the speed and business of the restaurant. Quality is very evidently important to him as well as experience; he remembered us on the second visit, and I'm sure he sees so many people.
On our second night, we had Alex, who was knowledgeable, funny, attentive, and a joy to have as a service. She made having our daughter (7) with us so easy and helped us select our extra options. We saw Alex interact with her tables on our previous visit, and you can tell it all comes so naturally to her. We agreed she would be our server every time we return.
We ordered: Bread and Focaccia Basket, Capesante alla Trevor (Scallops with Red pepper Purea, Burrata and Hazelnuts), Prosciutto e Burrata, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni alla Carillon, Penne al Ragu d Agnello, Gnocchi with Lamb Ragu (specially ordered) and Gelato - Vanilla Bean and a Salted Caramel
To start - if you do not want authentic Italian food, centered around the flavor of the ingredients, Lostella is not for you.
Capesante alla Trevor - 7/10 - I was not the target audience for this dish, however my wife thoroughly enjoyed every bite. While the scallops themselves were flavorful, evidently fresh, and cooked to perfection, I was not a fan of the sauce. I think for me I would have preferred a bit more flavorful sauce - similar to that of the sauce in the Lamb Ragu or the Rigatoni - but regardless still a beautifully plated and delicious meal.
Prosciutto e Burrata - 9/10 - Delicious We had it with the focaccia and it was delicious. The prosciutto was buttery, fresh and smooth and the Burrata made for a perfect balance between the flavorful bread and prosciutto.
Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe - 10/10 - For a simple dish having this much flavor should be unheard of. The noodles were cooked to perfection and the preparation within the cheese wheel added even more. We added some extra fresh parmesan when they came to the table and this is such a classic dish that we will always want a piece of.
Rigatoni alla Carillon - 9/10 (my wife rated as an 8 - specifically for preference for a softer guanciale) the creaminess of the vodka sauce and delicious richness of the noodles made this plate a delight to try. We saw it come to another table on our first night and swore that we would come back for it, and we were so happy we did.
Penne al Ragu d Agnello - 10/10 The entire reason that I came. From the preparation within the cheese wheel to the overwhelming flavor of the Lamb Ragu topped with the fresh parmesan, every single bite was a treat it was delicious and worth having a thousand times over.
Gnocchi with Lamb Ragu - 9/10 - This was a special request; the Gnocchi comes with a pesto sauce, but I am personally not a huge fan of pesto and asked for other options. Due to my positive experience with the lamb ragu previously, I requested that when offered on top of the Gnocchi. The Gnocchi was soft and buttery and overall delicious and the lamb ragu was an excellent addition. One thing I wish is that the gnocchi in itself could be prepared in the cheese wheel (and yes I know it would likely destruct the shape and the integrity of the noodle, but the cheese really does make a difference).
Vanilla Bean Gelato - 10/10 A classic, delicious and flavorful - every bite was the perfect balance of sweet and light.
Salted Caramel Gelato - 10/10 Star of the show - this was a balance of flavors and while packing sweetness still remained light. read more