Very nice staff and overall food quality was excellent. We ordered quite a bit of appetizers and everything we had was well executed and service was prompt. The standout for us was the snap peas side ( so refreshing and tastes so good) and the garlic shrimp was amazing and flavorful. The ambiance is nice but it gets so packed so if you get overstimulated easily, just prepare for this. read more

Osteria LK - Meatball - Italian Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

Still some of the best Italian cuisine in SOMa. Arrived at 8.30 on a Friday night, was told a 30 minute wait. Spot on. They texted when our table was ready and we were promptly seated. It's BYOB but we didn't. We split the seasonal bread with salted butter and ricotta cheese appetizer, my GF got the chicken parmigiana, and I got the chicken Milanese. Both were fantastic. And massive. I can't believe I ate the entire chicken parmigiana the last time I was here. My GF was only able to finish 1/3 of it. And I was only able to finish 1/2 of the chicken Milanese. The portion sizes alone make the meals worth it. Highly recommend Osteria LK. Just don't expect a quiet atmosphere during busy times because it's LOUD. read more

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So...had occasion to dine at Osteria LK in Maplewood two weeks ago but didn't have an opportunity to post a review. Went again last evening and will post review on both visits. I'll just cut to the chase; the food is SPECTACULAR. Met chef James on the previous visit and while he was quite engaging and checked in on the dining room, the star of the evening was John our server and of course, the cuisine which was again, superb. The Parm was thin and crispy and the homemade rigatoni with vodka sauce was perfect as an accompaniment. A top 3 on my list and at $24, an absolute steal. My girlfriend had homemade linguine with seafood which she loved and the Prosciutto di Parma appetizer that John recommended with the fresh burrata with hot honey... my god, amazing. Everything was legitimately, exceptional, which is why we went back last night, two weeks later. However, the experience we had last night was far from exceptional and in direct contrast to our first time. Upfront, I will say that again, the food is absolutely exceptional, however the management of tables was terribly disappointing. I feel for the hostess as I feel that this is a reflection of poor systemic management. We arrived at 6:30 and told it would be a 45 minute wait. One hour and 40 minutes later, we were finally seated in what I felt was the worst location, straddling the outside gazebo to the inside restaurant on a cheap table and chairs. We had had enough and told the hostess we were leaving never to return when she switched us to an inside table. Now, again, I feel for the hostess but cannot help feel that they do not have a handle on table turns. Everyone was being told 45 minutes which was complete bullshit and not realistic. All should have been told the true turn time so that everybody could plan accordingly and find alternative options. Now Osteria LK is a gem and clearly in demand as I was told there is a line out the door at 5 pm. So, my question is, for the befit of your clientele, why not have a reservation system and If needed, as many restaurants do, have a two hour table limit? This shows respect for the diners and staff and I can't Imagine any downside. Certainly their revenues would not go down as they'd have more turns. So, I'm conflicted as truly the restaurant is stellar but waiting over an hour and a half when we're told 45 minutes is not going to work and not sure I'm returning. I'm sure they won't care as again, the place is always packed, but they should have some consideration for their customers. Food: 10 out of 10 Space: Too many tables 7 out of 10 Noise: deafening (needs acoustic deadening tiles) 5 out of 10 read more

Osteria LK - Exceptional Chicken Parmesan with Rigatoni in vodka sauce. - Italian Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

This place came highly recommended by several people. I managed to get a reservation on a Friday night. Everything we ordered tasted amazing. The grilled zucchini was one of my favorite appetizers and I definitely recommend the LK Meatball appetizer. Good sized portions and delicious food, will definitely be returning. read more

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Food was well prepared and the service was attentive. Pricing was a bit upscale, but that's strictly a personal opinion.

First time here and I will for sure be back. Everything was delicious from the appetizers to the entrees. A little pricey for some of the appetizers vs the portion size, but everything was delicious. Tables are a bit close together so something to be aware of. It also was VERY warm inside, so that was the only downside. Server made good recommendations which was helpful. Can't wait to go back and try more of their menu. read more

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This place replaced the former Artie's pizza. Service was excellent. I walked in and the hostess asked if I was here for my friend by her name and I hadn't even told her yet I had a reservation, it was like she just knew. She even remembered my friend's name. The place is so cute. I love the modern vibes. I had the pistachio honey French toast which was delicious, but I could not pinpoint the pistachio. We got the breakfast pizza also which was definitely something different than what I'm used to. I'd never had eggs on my pizza before but it was surprisingly good. Finally we had the chicken Milanese and the arugula salad was very refreshing and the cutlet had excellent flavor. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Solid meal at this hopping byob spot in Maplewood. Charming restaurant with solid service and respectable food. Chicken parmigiana, roasted artichokes, kale salad and burrata was all well served. Celia was great guiding us through our first meal. Diners are friendly and very chatty in this lively venue. read more

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Good food, good service, and nice atmosphere. A little pricey, but only a little above what one would expect.

We really enjoy Osteria LK. Quality food and great service. Unfortunately the shrimp was so overcooked last night, rubber. The scallops were perfect. I overlooked the shrimp because the pizza and chicken Parmesan were perfect. BYOB and no reservations accepted. read more

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Another fantastic restaurant by Chef James. Our trio started with the cacio e pepe fries, the crudo and stracciatella. They were amazingly good with us fighting over the fries which were crispy and coated with plenty of cheese and pepper. For my entree I opted for the Ralph Piccolo pizza which took me back to Ralph's place in Paterson. Amazing crust, delicious sauce and just the right amount of cheese. I also sampled the duck confit pasta which was outstanding. We will definitely be working through the rest of the menu soon. read more

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Super pleasantly surprised with the overall experience of this new-ish restaurant in the old Arturo's space. The decor is beautiful, modern, elegantly chic, and not overdone. The staff is super friendly and attentive while being very relaxed and confident. I've visited for lunch and dinner and had a great time each visit. The portions are nice and the flavors are on point! I look forward to leftovers at home! Absolutely recommend this place. The only sad aspect is the no-reservation policy. But all good! Can't wait to go back. read more

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Went on a Tuesday night; they don't take reservations for less than 6 so be sure to get here early. By 6pm, mostly all tables were taken. We got the last open table for 2 and were seated promptly. Bread here is rustic and amazing but you will be charged $5 per serving (approx 4 slices). Worth it 100% for dipping and mopping up the amazing sauces. Burrata appetizer was excellent. Shrimp appetizer was delicious, the sauce was amazing with that bread! Great broccoli rabe and a delicious orichette pasta dish. We skipped dessert but the meal and service were top notch. All of our plates were returned to the kitchen picked clean. Thanks Osteria LK for an awesome meal and overall dining experience!! Downtown Maplewood is always fun to visit. read more

Osteria LK - Shrimp appetizer - Italian Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

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Today is Good Friday. I'm here and the food is absolutely delicious. Small space with a great vibe and some cool music. Amazing food. Had the garlic shrimp as appetizer, the scallops with sautéed spinach with garlic. Gnocchi with sausage bolognese, and pan seared scallops. Absolutely delish. I will be back! read more

Osteria LK - Pan seared Scallops. - Italian Near Me - Maplewood, New Jersey

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A Hidden Gem in Maplewood: Osteria LK Shines Bright Osteria LK in Maplewood, New Jersey is an absolute treasure, delivering an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. Owned and lovingly operated by James and his lovely wife Aylin, this warm and beautifully designed restaurant offers a level of hospitality and culinary excellence that rivals the very best of NYC -- with the charm of a local neighborhood favorite. We started our meal with the cheese pizza, and I can say without exaggeration -- it's one of the best pizzas I've ever had in my life. The crust was perfectly blistered, thin yet chewy, with just the right balance of tangy tomato sauce and rich, bubbling mozzarella, finished with fresh basil. Truly memorable. The Caesar salad followed and was just as impressive -- crisp, fresh romaine mixed with a touch of mesclun greens for a nice twist, lightly dressed and full of flavor, with just the right amount of parmesan and anchovy to keep it classic but elevated. We also ordered the grilled artichokes, which were phenomenal. Delicately charred, tender, and drizzled in olive oil with a delicious dipping sauce on the side -- the kind of dish you wish you could have every day. Next came the branzino, cooked to perfection -- light, flaky, and beautifully seasoned, paired with vibrant vegetables and herbs. The plating and balance of flavors showcased true culinary craftsmanship. We also sampled a few standout dishes from the kitchen -- the gnocchi Bolognese was pillowy and rich, topped with a savory meat sauce and a dusting of parmesan that tied it all together. The massive meatball was another showstopper -- juicy, tender, and smothered in house-made marinara that was bursting with flavor. And don't miss the tuna crudo with capers and citrus -- vibrant, fresh, and packed with texture. The ambiance is cozy, modern, and very clean -- perfect for date night, a family meal, or a special celebration. The staff was incredibly warm and attentive, offering thoughtful suggestions and impeccable service throughout the evening. Osteria LK is the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular. James and Aylin have created something truly special in Maplewood -- a welcoming, high-quality Italian restaurant with heart, soul, and unforgettable food. Highly recommended. 10/10. read more

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Excellent food and service! Space is small so be prepared to wait if dining at peak hrs but I think it's worth the wait!

Have been here two times now. No reservations, but worth it. If you go with a larger group, better to get there on the early side or go during the week to avoid the wait. We went across the street to another bar while we waited Food has been worth it both times. We cancelled a reservation somewhere else with another couple just to bring them there. Will make this a regular stop. Nice portions, reasonably priced delicious food. Can get a bit lout but the ambiance it still good. Great service as well. Will be putting this on our rotations for sure. Also, its BYO. read more

Server did not answer my questions about the food accordingly and he seemed perturbed with my asking. I also asked for a cup of soup, but received a bowl which should not cost $17 for some balls and broth. The "baked" shrimp was swimming in sauce that I thought it was soup. Will not be returning. #FakeBougie read more

A warm, inviting atmosphere welcomed us upon setting foot inside Osteria LK, with plenty of lively tables around us. Our server was quick, efficient and professional, and our entrees were very nice. I was partial to the dark greens on the menu, but every bite was solid. The scallops were to die for! The venue is BYOB, which means we got to splurge on a nicer bottle of wine (from a store across the street) than we normally would've. read more

Wow. It's been a long time since I've been impressed with a restaurant. And I was impressed! Do yourself a favor and stop by! It's BYO which I also enjoy. The people that work here are all so nice. And the food was delicious. I honestly can't wait to go back and try other items. The Caccio e Pepe French fries appetizer was so good, the fries tasted cut same day and brined for flavor, cooked perfectly and consistently. Not even end bit of a potato. I think you can tell a lot about a restaurant by how they do their fries, it shows how they focus on even the little things. My gnocchi with red sauce was so good, I had to make myself stop eating it. Cooked perfectly with a sauce that I can only dream about making at home. The crostini was fresh and the ricotta was fresh, drizzled with honey and some salt and chives. I didn't want to share. Place is very nice on the inside. I went wearing a ball cap and no one seemed to mind. It's a nice balance of comfort and fancy. read more

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I have nothing bad to say, service was top notch, the place had a really nice ambiance to it and the food is great. I've ordered chicken entrees here twice and both times they were huge, appetizers were very good, their appetizer pizza is a meal in itself Definitely a must try read more

A gem of a restaurant in Maplewood and so glad to have discovered it! Osteria reminded us of some of the best restaurants we enjoyed in NYC but with fantastic service and unpretentious. Very warm, welcoming restaurant upon stepping in and beautifully decorated. The hosts were very friendly and helped point us to where we could keep our stroller (that's one thing to note, no strollers allowed in the restaurant given the space so if you have a very little one not quite ready for a high-chair then be prepared to hold them). Service was excellent. Our water glasses were constantly filled, tables cleared off quickly with new dishes/silverware between courses and when we had to run out as our little one was getting fussy, the waiter had our leftovers packed and check out to us in a snap. Onto the most important part of the review, the food. We really enjoyed everything we ordered which were as follow... Grilled artichoke special: Nicely grilled artichokes. I love the pairing of the smokiness of the char with drizzle of lemon on top. The garlic aioli was a perfect dipping complement for the dish. Tuna crudo: Simple dish that had a touch of sweetness from the orange, citrus from the lemon agrumato, and slight saltiness from the capers. I personally could have used a bit more citrus from a drizzle of lemon but enjoyed the dish nonetheless. Pan Seared NJ Scallops: Fantastic. Very generous in the number of scallops there were. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Spaghetti carbonara: This pasta was good and creamy. Guanciale had the right amount of crisp. I wish they offered tableside pepper but that's just a minor nitpick. Bucatini (duck bolognese): This was my favorite pasta of the two we ordered. The duck bolognese was shredded duck meat in a tomato sauce. Even after everything we ordered and ate, I nearly demolished this entire dish myself. read more

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My wife, adult daughter, and I visited this restaurant recently. While the food left us wanting more, the overall dining experience, from atmosphere to service, was positive. First Impressions The restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere and felt clean throughout, including the bathrooms. However, one small detail stood out, one of the menus had an oil stain that had seeped into the bottom of the page. Not a major issue, but noticeable, especially given how tidy the rest of the space was. Appetizers We started with the meatball appetizer. The presentation was appealing, but the texture was too dense for my taste. The sauce was fresh but basic, lacking the depth or seasoning that could have elevated the dish. My wife ordered the ricotta-and-basil crostini. She enjoyed it, but I felt the dish missed an important contrast. The bread didn't seem toasted, so everything had the same soft texture, and the flavors were mild rather than vibrant. Main Courses All three of us chose pasta dishes. I ordered the eggplant pasta. While the flavor was acceptable, I found myself wishing for more eggplant. The pieces that were there were good, but too few, making the dish feel incomplete. My wife had the crab meat breadcrumb pasta. Presentation-wise, it didn't quite work. It looked like the plate may have been sitting in the kitchen waiting to be brought out, which might explain why the sauce had started to break slightly around the edges. It created a watery appearance that was off-putting. She liked the dish, but I tasted it and didn't enjoy it, the flavors just didn't come together for me. My daughter ordered the rigatoni with vodka pompadour sauce. I actually liked the sauce, it had good flavor and just the right heat. But overall, the dish still felt basic and lacked visual appeal. Service & Value The service was on point -- attentive without being intrusive, and the pacing of the meal was appropriate. In terms of price, it was slightly on the high side, but not unreasonable. We've been to similar restaurants that were significantly more expensive, so the pricing felt fair for the setting. Overall Impression While the food itself was lacking and could benefit from stronger flavors, better textures, and more attention to presentation, the overall restaurant experience was positive. Clean space, good service, and a pleasant atmosphere made the evening enjoyable despite the shortcomings in the dishes. read more

We had a fantastic experience at Osteria LK! The restaurant is in the heart of downtown Maplewood. Phenomenal location. Despite it being a very busy Friday night we were seated in only 30 minutes as promised. There's a nice book store across the street to enjoy while waiting. My wife and I both loved our food--we had the Tuscan kale salad, spicy rigatoni and branzino. All excellent with plentiful portions. The bread and butter was also great! The service was also quick and very warm and the restaurant has a lively atmosphere without being too loud. It's BYOB which we always appreciate. Another patron spilled some water on the floor near our table (not a big deal at all) and the restaurant was kind enough to comp part of our meal which was extremely generous. We look forward to returning! read more

We went here last night with another couple. It is a BYOB. We were seated promptly upon our arrival which was nice since they do not take reservations. They have a nice enclosed outdoor area with heaters in addition to their indoor space. Service was very attentive. For appetizers the four of us shared the meatball appetizer, grilled artichoke appetizer and each couple shared a salad. All delicious and the meatball was so big that was easy to share among the four of us. For mains our friends shared a chicken Milanese special. My wife had the grilled salmon and I had the Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and sausage. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals. I'd highly recommend you give this place a try. read more

i went with a group of 5 ppl and it was amazing! we split the margarita pie, rustic bread with ricotta and corn, rustic bread with stracciatella cheese and pesto, cacio pepe fries, and cacio pepe pasta. everything was so delicious. i don't have a fav. i just loved all of these dishes. all different flavors and of course cheese and carbs lol. the only con i have is that the portions tend to be smaller and prices are higher. so go with people to share things. i also know its a small place with big windows. you will get blinded if the sun is shining on you. so just ask to shut the shade. they also don't seat you until your whole party arrives. over all it was a great place and you def. need to check them out. read more

Osteria LK is one of my favorite casual restaurants in the area. I have been there 4-5 times already. Their meat ball appetizer is amazing (and I generally don't like meat balls). read more

This place has such great food options - we started off with a salad and then I had the spicy rigatoni, all of which were flavorful and great portion sizes! It's BYOB and they offer to open the bottle and bring some glasses! My family and I enjoyed our time here and are definitely coming back soon! The service was also timely and kind! read more

Wow ! Our server Cecilia was informative and prompt. The meatball, chicken parm and other dishes were delicious.

Visiting this BYOB restaurant was a lesson in patience and compromise--one that ultimately left me wishing the owner valued comfort as much as cuisine. With no reservations accepted and nowhere to wait inside or out, we found ourselves at the mercy of the weather, which unfortunately did not cooperate. The cramped entry made for an awkward start, as we jostled with other guests for space. Once inside, the dining room felt more like a crowded commuter train than a restaurant. Tables were packed so tightly that we had to physically move our food and drinks multiple times just to let servers squeeze by. On more than one occasion, I accidentally brushed against a server--an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. The lighting was harsh and unflattering, and the poor acoustics made conversation nearly impossible, forcing us to raise our voices just to be heard. The hosts seemed overwhelmed and struggled to manage the flow of guests, which only added to the sense of chaos. Service was well-intentioned but disorganized, and it was clear the staff was under pressure in a space that simply tries to do too much with too little. Food There were some bright spots: the starters were genuinely phenomenal--simple, well-executed, and bursting with flavor. They set high expectations for the rest of the meal. Unfortunately, the pasta fell flat. It was overcooked and drowned in sauce, lacking the balance and texture I expect, especially as someone who has lived in Italy and knows how good pasta should taste. The contrast between the quality of the appetizers and the mediocrity of the mains was disappointing. The owner's decision to cram so many tables into such a small space comes across as greedy rather than hospitable. The result is an uncomfortable dining experience that overshadows the kitchen's strengths. With better spacing, improved lighting, and a focus on guest comfort, this restaurant could truly shine. For now, it's a place I'd recommend only for a quick bite at off-peak hours--if you're lucky enough to avoid the crowds and the chaos. Suggestions for Improvement * Reduce the number of tables to allow guests and staff to move comfortably. * Soften the lighting and address the acoustics to create a more welcoming environment. * Train hosts to manage busy periods more effectively or take reservations. * Focus on consistency in the kitchen, especially with pasta dishes. Until these issues are addressed, I can't see myself returning, despite the promise shown by the appetizers. read more

Delicious Italian food has the rigatoni and the salmon. Super fresh ingredients and pasta was al dente. BYOB and good vibes

This restaurant has its act together. So refreshing. Servers are attentive to all needs at the table. No need to wave to get your water refilled. Ask for something once and it's there. Food is delicious and you can tell the owners and staff put a lot of energy into making going here a really good experience. read more

Delicious food, great service, wonderful place! Quite a gem you must try! BYOB. We did have to wait about 30 minutes. Only one thing I have to say is it was a bit noisy and seating was a little crowded. Other than that we enjoyed everything else very much! read more

The food is fantastic! We had a table of 4 adults and 3 kids! They were super amazing and got the kids order in and out to the table asap (we didn't even ask). We had the burata and the shrimp to start along with their scrumptious homemade bread! The garlic shrimp had the best flavor! I had the spaghetti carbonara and nearly licked the plate clean! So absolutely fresh and light! I didn't feel heavy after or even super full. My husband and my mother each had the seafood fettuccine which they loved! They both said it had lots of seafood in it! My brother had the chicken Milanese and said it was perfect! I didn't get dessert but I was so tempted! Next time! We will definitely be back! read more

In the heart of downtown Maplewood - this Italian eatery has the perfect menu of all the favorites and they live up to the mark especially the pastas read more

Came here with a few friends. Pleasantly surprised. Good food, ambience, and friendly service. Parking lot nearby. BYOB is always a plus. Will be back. read more

so Glad we got to enjoy a meal at this family friendlyrestaurant. We went early so plenty of tables with well behaved kids in an elegant atmosphere. Food was outstanding- pasta with sausage, Gorgonzola finished with Balsamic vinegar was perfectly balanced. Excellent Food, fast friendly service in welcoming setting. Highly recommend! read more

Great food and service but the place was way too bright for a Saturday night. Turn the lights down and let us be cozy.

2nd time there and did not disappoint. Chicken parm the best. Largest and tastiest meatball app easy of the Mississippi. Chef is awesome guy and staff on target. Pasta all freshly made. Carbonara and Cacii Pepe cream sauces excellent. Extra bread no problem. Argula Salads was Delicious. Roasted Branzino was tender. This is one of our favorite Italian placed read more

Everything was just perfect. We were treated like royalty. Offerings were innovative and well-prepared. They were willing and able to accommodate our special requests. Portions were generally large, appetizers shareable, and priced fairly. Great value and a wonderful experience. We will be back! read more