I was in a party of 9, we stopped by at 7pm after a long day after calling ahead to confirm availability, and were told to come. Upon arriving we noticed they were ready for closing other than one large table in the middle for us and a man, who we later found out was the owner, sitting by the entrance welcoming us in to eat, which was nice. Unfortunately, after that is where the dissatisfaction and eventual complete unprofessionalism starts. We sit down and start looking at the menu and we ask the server how many each dish feeds as they take cash only and we only had about $130 in cash on us, so he offered us a deal that we can pick two pastas and they will make two BIG plates that in his own words "will keep us full" and that we'd be satisfied. We were skeptical so we asked in the event we aren't satisfied as we are extremely hungry, will we be able to get more food free of charge? And the server replied we wouldn't need it but in case we do, we would be accommodated. Once the food came out we immediately had doubts about the portion sizes as the plates were not very big at all (12 inch dishes max!) and the pasta was not piled on too much at all. Within 15 minutes all the food was eaten clean and we were all talking and decided we were still very hungry, hungry enough that we felt it warranted we ask for more food, after all we were guaranteed wed be satisfied which definitely wasn't the case yet. So we asked for more food and suddenly "the kitchen is closed" and "the cook already turned off the water" so naturally we are a little shocked and ask about our deal, which is when the waiter just completely lies and tells us he never said that, only that it was a "possibility". At this point we feel scammed on two fronts, one is that we paid an exorbitant amount for 2 plates of very average pasta and not a great amount of it, i probably ate a total of 10 gnocchis and a single serving spoon of shellfish pasta, which had very little shellfish in it too. The server then tells us he can ask the owner if its possible which is when things happened that made me want to put this whole story in this review. The owner came out and told us he gave us a lot of food and that he can't make anymore food for us, and we brought up the same points to him saying we felt "scammed". As soon as he heard that word his tone got aggressive and he raised his voice saying not to call him a scammer and telling us all sorts of things about how we are being bad guests, we kept trying to reason with him, asking that does he understand why we feel cheated, but rather than discuss anything he chose to tell us to stop talking and yelled over us. Then, very aggressively walked over to one of my friends, who he very rudely interrupted and told her not to talk when shed try to bring something up in our argument, and he got so close and aggressive that I felt the need to tell this man who runs a restaurant that he needs to stop yelling and instead have an adult conversation as this is getting very unprofessional, which he then calmed down a little but wouldn't budge at all. We made it very clear that even if they can't make us more food, things would be made right if they could give us compensation/a lower total bill because 1, we did not at all receive the promised extra food if we requested it within good reason and instead got disingenuous excuses, and 2, their original claim also wasn't true for a single one of us as none of us were full or satisfied with the amount of food, not to mention that each plate being priced at $75 was an extremely overpriced meal, especially considering the food was ok in taste at best and very simple, and these were hungry mouths talking so it should've been very easy to impress us there but they still failed. The bottom line is the owner did not budge and told us to get out and was very rude and unprofessional and downright threatening and this didn't even come with good food. And to top it all off, he is now giving racist replies to my friend's reviews as well. There is absolutely no reason to give this place your business. read more

Osteria Alla Romana - The owner adding a racist reply to my friends review. - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

We just had one of the best meals ever, right here in Lancaster. The caprese salad was so fresh and delicious. We followed that with a medley of ravioli that was phenomenal. Desert was a light lemony truffle. The owner is delightful and always has a story. I can't say enough about our great experience read more

Amazing food and service! The owner was so welcoming that we felt like family and our food was delicious! The lemon cello dessert was refreshing. read more

First time here because had great reviews. The restaurant is one room and tables and about 6 booths. Pretty much the owner is the waiter and not sure if he is the cook as well. Eventually another server showed up to clear tables. It was a plus that you can bring your own bottle of wine and probably sit an enjoy yourself well after you were done eating. I wanted a personal pizza however he said didn't have any pizza dough.....hmmm. I found this hard to believe. I ordered the minestrone soup, which was delicious and bruschetta. Hubby ordered a lasagna which he enjoyed very much. Prices are a bit steep and no side dishes came with a entree. Cash only. read more

Osteria Alla Romana - Menu - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

DO NOT GO HERE!! He was straight up disrespectful to our party. He was yelling at us and calling us scammers and other insults with racist undertones. He told us to go to a gas station and was acting like a baby. read more

Wonderful food, wonderful service very friendly owner. The place does not look impressive, but the food is phenomenal. You must stop in.

My husband found this place on a map and we celebrated our anniversary with lunch here. It's easy to miss if you drive by it, the reviews is what brought us in. The owner is friendly, from Rome and does it all. He takes your order, and goes to his kitchen to make it from scratch. Don't expect to be in and out, you need to be appreciative of the experience. The food was so delicious, and smelled amazing. The owner invited my husband to see the kitchen seeing it was all homemade. The food is flavorful and authentic. We will be back. Also, cash only! read more

$100 a plate....not that great!!! Went for Valentine's Day, should've asked what the price was before hand. Nor was it mentioned by the owner who took my reservation or the waiter when we first arrived. Now I realize some might say that was my fault that I never asked, but I never would've thought it would've been $100 per person. I think that crosses the line of disclosure, especially in Lancaster Ohio...this isn't New York, LA, nor Italy...(wasn't homemade either, keep reading...) Did the quality of the food justify the price? Nah. Did the quantity of the food justify the price? Nope. "5 course meal" that was the equivalent of any other restaurant's plain entree. Even a little less. First: salad...that we had to share! And not because we asked. One plate. A regular size salad. 2 grilled pieces of bread. Mixed greens, 4 cherry tomatoes cut in half, 4 mozzarella pearls, oil, pepper, dried oregano. It wasn't a bad salad, but if I'm paying $100 per person, come on, give us our own salad. Second course: soup. This was a good tomato soup, beans, peppers, not bad. But the parmesan on top appeared to be from a shaker. Tasted that way too. All in all not bad soup but for the $ it should've been a knockout. Third course: cheese ravioli. Again, shaker parm, bland otherwise, sub-par, came off as prepackaged dish, and only 5-6 small raviolis. Fourth course: filet mignon. How can you goof this up? Yep, still some complaints. Main one here fell on simply the fact that they never asked you how you'd like it prepared. Now we were able to eat ours fine, but I could see some customers having a major problem with this. Pretty much rare in the center. Now I'll use this opportunity to defend our waiter. High school kid, polite, no complaints with him. I truly believe the owner probably told him to not ask people. You're gonna get your steak the way the cook thinks you should get it. On top of that, there actually wasn't consistency between my steak and my wife's. Her's was far bloodier than mine. So her's may very well have been raw in the middle. Fifth course: desert. 4 to choose from. Lemon Truffle Tiramisu Cheesecake Profiterole Asked waiter about the cheesecake, "this is a different one than our normal one, it's from Krogers"....remember, $100 per plate.... We chose the tiramisu and profiterole. They were ok, but not made in house either. How do we know? Found them online from a food supplier. The container is very unique and telling. And based off of the rest of the meal, yea it's premade. Did the atmosphere make up for the price? Another "miss". Cold. Music was cranked up so loud at one point every customer was looking around at each other laughing uncomfortably. No candles for V-day. No fresh flowers (or even fake ones). Nothing special at all. I'm looking for something to justify the price. Anything! Couldn't find it. Now to top it all off, cash only. I did already know this, but I watched numerous customers have to leave and walk to a gas station nearby to use an atm. Wouldn't you think a restaurant that's cash only have an atm handy for that unknowing customer in this age of cashless-ness? Well they did, but it was "out-of-order". And this was only made clear to those people who tried to use it and had to be told it wasn't working, I'm sure embarrassing them some as it's right in the open of all the tables. Now all the husbands have to leave their wives to walk up to the gas station...maybe the walk helped cool them down after getting that surprise bill. Would've only made me more upset. ATM fee on top of it. And then you have the wives sitting by themselves waiting awkwardly too...ridiculous. read more

Loved our experience here! Service, food and ambiance was all first rate. We will be back! Please note this establishment is cash only and you may bring your own wine. read more

Amazing, authentic Italian food! The cook immigrated from Italy and cooks everything when you order it. Everything is very fresh and very tasty and the owner/cook is very friendly. Come prepared to stay a while and enjoy yourself! Cash only, be prepared. read more

See all

So good, we had to go back 3 days later because I couldn't stop thinking about how good the food was. My husband and I were out of town and we just happened to find this place by telling Siri how hungry we were. This was the closest restaurant to where we were at the time. We had zero expectations. When we pulled in the parking lot, we almost missed the restaurant. It doesn't look like much on the outside. We went in and found a cute little cozy atmosphere. We were immediately greeted with, "WELCOME! Make yourself at home"! The owner seems to also be the cook, the server, the dishwasher... I don't know if this is always the case, but the two nights we went it was. He's incredibly friendly and tries his best to make you happy and comfortable. Pros: The cheese ravioli is DIVINE. AUTHENTIC Italian food! The owner is so welcoming. Seat yourself. He sells his homemade sauces. Bring your own wine. Great cheesecake. Complimentary toasted sourdough bread for all. Bathroom inside. ATM inside. Cons: Doesn't look too inviting from the outside. Both nights we were there it was pretty cold inside. This is not a place you go if you're in a hurry. Cash only. Prices are a little high for what you would expect by the environment, but once you taste the food- you understand why. Semi-small portions. This is an amazing small business that I will continue to support, even though I live an hour away. I'm amazed by this place and how incredibly authentic the food is! read more

See all

The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. We stopped in to try it and felt like we were family. The owner is so kind and friendly. We will definitely be back. read more

Only 5 stars because I can't give six. Everything is homemade and the Ingredients are phenomenal. The mushroom ravioli includes 3 different exotic mushrooms. The lobster ravioli is rich and meaty. The house ciabatta is well hydrated and showcases a wood oven char on the crust. This place is BYOB so bring a nice bottle with you and celebrate the artisan who is crafting his passion The prices are on the high side, but an amazing meal is always worth the price. I live in California and have never encountered Italian cooked at this level of quality and detail!. It's not a restaurant for everyday people looking for Olive Garden. This is the place for the foodies and well-traveled who are want authentic Italian food, (not Italian-American food). read more

See all

This is real deal Italian food! Don't let the modest location fool you. You would ever guess from the outside that authentic Italian food was served inside. The owner gives you personal attention, as if you've known him your entire life. The food is made after you order, it doesn't come out of some warming tray in the kitchen. Be sure to save room for the gelato! read more

See all

A very nice authentic Italian restaurant right down to the red and white checkered table cloths. Very friendly owner who makes a point to stop at each table to talk to the customers. Dishes were authentic and with great taste. I wish I could try them all. Cash only. A unique experience that I did not expect in Lancaster Ohio. We loved it ! read more

See all

Went back a second time with my wife. Was going to have the lasagne since they were out of it last time. The chef/owner/dishwasher Christopho suggested the ribeye with mushroom fettuccine. I wisely agreed. Wife had the ravioli. Both were absolutely amazing. This place is not fast or cheap so if you expect either, you will be disappointed, but if you care more about taste and quality, you are going to love this place. Can't say enough about this location. Definitely our go to place considering we live about ten minutes from it. read more

Osteria Alla Romana - Ribeye with mushroom fettuccine - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

Hands down the best food in Lancaster! You'll need to BYOB and bring cash for the bill, but if you can handle that you're in for a serious treat. Authentic Italian fare, spectacular homemade pasta, unusual and tasty specials, and a chill atmosphere. If you like jazz, you'll enjoy the Osteria's jazz nights that happen once every few months and include a four-course meal. Truly the best night out for a celebration or a special date night. We especially love the minestrone, ravioli, and cacciatore (hunter's chicken stew). Yum! And don't miss the toasted bread and olive oil -- the first thing you get when you start your evening. I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

Osteria Alla Romana - Nighttime view of restaurant. - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

We moved to Lancaster from Cali last November, I had several people tell us, this was a good place to eat. We have gone several times to it, but it always closed. So, I guess they are no longer open. read more

This place stinks. The food is over priced. The lasagna was not made to order. It was re heated and burnt to a crisp. I paid 22 dollars for a bowl of spaghetti that tasted bland and he used store bought noodles. The ravioli was the only decent part of the meal. I didn't eat the lasagna or the spaghetti. I asked for the check and instead I got the owner to my table berating me in front of the dining room about how I'm used to Olive Garden. In my experience if you get offended it makes you look guilty. He then stormed off when I told him I didn't like the food. I was in the navy and traveled all over the world. This place is meant to be attached to a dollar general. Real Italians would vomit if they seen the food he was sending out. I hate Olive Garden but I'd gladly go there a million times before stepping back into this joint. If you want a good meal go to kanji. read more

Heard good things but was pretty disappointed. Pasta was not from scratch, bread had almost no oil on it and none for dipping, gnocci dish had barely any mozzarella, and dishes were very basic and overpriced. For $30/plate I would have liked server in something besides his high school tee-shirt and he could have been personable. I will say the sauce was good. read more

Incredibly good food that will convince you forever that Olive Garden is not Italian food! Ravioli, caprese salad, roasted vegetables and chocolate profiterole for two $80.00 so delicious and filling! read more

Osteria Alla Romana - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

See all

The food was fantastic! We ate every single item that was served to us! Highly recommended! Wish this place was closer to Cleveland! Loved the owner! Would come weekly! read more

We are Italian and LOVE Italian food. Chef Chris did an amazing job, from his delicious bread to the entrees! Don't dine here if you are expecting Olive Garden. We will be back Chris! read more

I was super excited to try this place! The food was good, but pretty pricy. I think it would be nice to have the specials and all of the menu items on the menu, that way people can actually know what they're ordering. My husband and I decided to share the ravioli special. We said we wanted only chicken and beef (we don't do seafood or mushroom) only got 6 raviolis total and it was $28. Thought we were getting the regular sized special just with only chicken and beef, but instead got half the amount of food. We were still hungry when we left. The server was telling us there would be more than enough and we'd possibly have extra to take home so we obviously didn't order 2 meals. The owner isn't very well liked in this town. He doesn't take criticism very well when it comes to his food. If you don't like something he will just tell you you're just used to Olive Garden...then if you leave a bad review he will also say you've never been a customer of his. How the hell do you know these people's names when you only accept cash for payment? Lol. I've been a local for 13 years. He's known to have cars towed too. If you go to tiki pool, make sure you park as far away from his restaurant as you can. He will have your vehicle on a tow truck within minutes and you will have to pay $200 to get it back! It's hard to tell what part of the parking lot is his and what is tiki's and what is dollar generals. I've luckily never had that happen, but I've watched him tow 6 cars while I was visiting the pool within a couple of hours. The bowling alley will let you use their parking lot. People in this town are convinced that he gets a kick back from all the cars that he has towed regularly. It's probably mainly how he stays in business because there's never anybody at his restaurant. read more

Slow service, mediocre food and a poor location. Better off taking your money to the bowling ally next door and getting a pizza and pitcher of beer. read more

Have lived across the road from this restaurant ever since it came and I wish I would have went there a long time ago!! It doesn't look like much from the outside but it is so cute on the inside. The owner is so nice and he explained how he cooks the food to me. I got beef ravioli and a personal pepperoni pizza. Both were delicious! The sauce on the ravioli was the best I've had in my life. The personal pizza was enough for two people. Will definitely go back and if you have been contemplating if it's worth the price just go it's worth it! read more

Osteria Alla Romana - Pepperoni pizza - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

See all

Food is good, but slow service. Owner needs more staff. I will not go back. Much better Italian food elsewhere.

I would love to provide a rating as my daughter in laws entire family give it a 5 star plus and have been going for years! However, even though their hours are stated as 11-9 Tuesday thru Saturday and Closed Sunday and Monday, I caution anyone to make the drive. In the spring did so from New Albany and found it dark and locked tight at 1 pm. This week tried again to find the same thing on a Friday afternoon at 2 pm. Closed with a clock indicating back at noon. Both times called the number and got the recording of their hours. This week messengered from their facebook page to confirm Friday's hours. No response. Called the number, left a message and never got a response either. I believe if I ever attempt again will time it for dinner. Or leave messages via facebook and their phone at least several days ahead to confirm it will be open. read more

The previous reviews have good information and are helpful. I have a different side to share. This is a rare gem and is well worth a visit and coming back. This restaurant is just getting started so don't complain about cans of cold pop for $1. They have water and coffee. This owner and chef is from Rome, Italy and Chris (the owner) is sharing with all who visit his restaurant "a taste of Italy." He makes his pizzas with the finest ingredients, including the best flour, direct from Italy! This is my second visit and I am trying different menu items. So far everything I have tried, such as the bruschetta, mixed greens salad with grilled shrimp added, the Pennette all' Arrabbiatta (pasta with a spicy tomato sauce), and hand made tiramisu (by the chef/owner Chris), is the BEST in central Ohio!! They currently can only accept cash, so make sure to have cash on hand, they do have an atm here also. After speaking with Chris, he plans to add to the menu as his business grows. He already has new dishes in mind to add to the menu. They offer takeout and have a takeout menu located near the door when you enter or exit. Again, this business is just getting started please be understanding and enjoy the small restaurant atmosphere and a different spin on Italian food that is NOT Americanized!! This chef is sharing foods from his heritage with us. I recommend this to everyone for every occasion! Even if you just want coffee and dessert!! read more

See all

Best restaurant experience my husband and I have had in a long time! The owner greeted us as family and cooks every meal from scratch! Such a kind soul and a phenomenal cook! 10/10 would recommend! read more

I had heard good things about this restaurant, so I decided to check it out. The first red flag was that there were no other customers when I walked in nor were there any other customers the whole time I was there. The second red flag was that there was a display of boxed, dried pasta that I could've bought at the store. The third red flag was one another member of my party wanted spaghetti, the owner chastised that choice. The fourth red flag was only four raviolis for $31. Upon questioning as to whether or not this was a full size entrée, the owner provided a rude response. As for the quality of the food, it was poor. All members of my party agreed that it appeared as if the pasta was not homemade, but purchased and reheated or cooked according to the directions on the packaging. I would've, should've left after the first red flag. Regarding the atmosphere, it was quaint and cozy. By the way, I have been to Italy and have been eating, homemade raviolis, tortellini, and more for my entire life. If you are looking for the taste and textures of homemade Italian meals, this restaurant would not be the place for you. read more

Loved this place! From the exterior it doesn't look like much, but it has great friendly staff and excellent Italian food to back it up. Had the gnocchi and the beef ravioli for the meal and loved the high quality of the pasta and the sauces. Tiramisu was the finishing touch. If you're in the Lancaster area don't pass it up! read more

First off, they don't take cards. It's 2019 and takes almost zero effort to take cards. Secondly, the prices are incredibly expensive. $27 for mushroom and bow tie pasta? What on there could possibly cost that much? I'm not sure because the under salted mellowed out flavor of the pasta didn't seem to taste like anything that costs that much. Need I mention my friend also got a bite of steel wool in his ravioli? They gave free dessert and some money off, but money off doesn't do much when everything is already $15 overpriced. At least the free dessert was good. Drab atmosphere, drab flavor, and astonishingly high prices. Go to Tiberios instead, or Olive Garden, or buy some boxed pasta at the store, it'll be more worth your money. read more

Although it doesn't have much curb appeal, once you've inside, the food will totally change your mind. Chris, the owner, chef, & waiter, is very personable & authentic. Most everything is made in-house & made to order. Prices are higher, but that is to expected for all the hands on prep of the food. Also , it will take some time, so relax, bring a bottle or two of your favorite wine, enjoy the company you are with & a delicious meal. read more

Outrageously expensive!!! 1 Water, 1 Coke, 1 Bolognese pasta, 1 ravioli (special) $65 plus tip. 2.5 hours!!! It waobvious the locals get special treatment. Multiple people came, ate and left during our 2.5 hours. We made the mistake of telling the waiter it was our first time here I guess. Food was good, definitely not worth the wait. Cash only. No credit cards. We all know what cash only places are doing. Even getting the bill and getting change took forever. I told the waiter do you realize we have been here over 2 hours. His response was "that's the way it is. It's made fresh". Then I asked what all the people that have come and gone. Again his reply was "that's the way it is. Then walked away. The potential of this restaurant is amazing but it so poorly managed. It needs a Gordon Ramsey restaurant rescue. Had to select one star to post, I wish there were negative stars to help bring down the average so people don't make the same mistake I made read more

Everything was delicious. Fresh baked bread, simple salad, roasted vegetables, and mushroom ravioli, all excellent. We finished it off with what may have been the best gelato I've ever had. You get what you pay for in terms of quality. read more

Osteria Alla Romana - Pizza Near Me - Lancaster, Ohio

Fantastic restaurant with the best Italian food I've ever had. The owner is amazing and his food was awesome! I would highly recommend coming here and bring a bottle of wine to accompany your meal. read more

Four of us had the most amazing dinner last night. We started with a mushroom, pepperoni pizza. The crust was perfectly thin and flavorful with the right mushrooms and perfect pizza pepperoni. Then it was on to a caprese salad with a simple and oh so flavorful house-made dressing. We're told Chef Chris is soon to bottle and sell the dressing. We can't wait. After this we had a bruschetta for the four of us. Again the simple presentation exploded with flavors. At this point we could have actually been in Italy. Our desired long slow food dinner then continued with our main courses: gnocchi Alla Romana, lobster ravioli with clam sauce (shared) and cheese tortellini with meat ragu. After exclamations of "Oh my God," we devoured the best Italian food this side of Italy. Our night concluded with chocolate gelato and two generous portions of mouth-watering tiramisu. We'll return . . . Often! If you want authentic Italian food, presented simply with authentic flavors, Osteria Alla Romana is your pick! read more

This place has a quiet, unassuming exterior. After all, it's occupying part of a former movie theater space. There were several other restaurants that tried to make a go here. I'm really hoping that this place succeeds. First, the atmosphere : Unlike previous tenants, they aren't afraid to turn on the lights! Clean, well lit dining area. And clean restrooms. Yes, this means a lot to your diners. The food: As others have mentioned, this is supposed to be a more true representation of true Italian food. This is not the Anericanized-version. You don't see tons of red sauce on every dish. This is not a bad thing. In fact, this is a very good thing. The lasagna is phenomenal. The Gnocchi is pretty good as well. As to drinks : True, not a big fountain system. They do have iced tea! Hey, it's a small place and they are putting money into the food. I have zero complaints. Do yourself a favor and try this place out. It's not ritzy or fancy. It's just a good family, casual place to get some great food. read more

Well isn't this quite the hidden gem? I had read reviews twice before and on a Friday, sans daughter, my husband and I met another couple. It's a tiny little place pretty inconspicuous from the street in what amounts to the side of an old big box stores building. It is BYOB and we didn't know so remember that for next time. We tried the bruschetta as an appetizer. Very garlicky, fresh tomatoes, lots of basil... delicious. Big fan. Even my husband ate it and that's saying something! Next the four of us split a caprese salad. Nothing too doctored up here. Cracked pepper and grinded salt, greens, mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. It was good. PS they brought repeatedly roasted garlic bread. Love it. Would have loved to dip a bit more in a garlic infused olive oil. Now the entrees. We got the penne with spicy tomato sauce and added chicken. We also had the special veal chop with a side of the mushroom farfalle pasta. Then we went for lobster ravioli as they were out of gnocchi. And the last dish was meat ravioli in a pink sauce. The mushroom farfalle ran away as the favorite and that was the one recommended by our waiter. The veal chop was heavily seasoned, perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious. Next were the raviolis. It's hard to choose one over the other. The meat was tasty and not over powered by sauce the lobster (a first for me) was buttery, sweet and delicate. It likely ruined me for others. It had a cream sauce which I could have just eaten with a spoon. Last was the penne. There was nothing wrong with it, and I'd try it again. The others were just more superstar quality. It definitely had a bite to it so steer clear unless you like sauce. For dessert we ate profitoles (like little chocolate covered eclairs), the cheesecake, and tiramisu. All were liked. The tiramisu was unexpected. It was more prepared as the ladyfingers as a base perhaps with Expresso granules. It had a great, satisfying flavor. Now they only do cash but it was well publicized and they did have an ATM. It didn't make the food any less yummy. We'll be back. Seems like there are a few families who treasure this hidden gem. We can now be counted amongst them. read more

See all