(312) 642-8450
620 N State St
(Ontario Street)
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8931
-87.6283
Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
Hours:
Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Sun 5pm-9:30pm
Price:
$$$
Parking:
Metered street
Osteria Via Stato
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Osteria Via Stato
The Editor

Emilie Zanger
Citysearch
Smooth stone walls, candlelight and a wood-beamed ceiling lend the cozy impression of dining in a Tuscan wine cave, an appropriate ambience for this relaxed Italian restaurant on State Street. Affordable wine and comfy, Italian grandma-style dishes like simple, tomato-sauced veal meatballs and roast chicken with braised lentils put casually dressed couples and lively groups of friends at ease. And, wouldn't you know it, that relaxed vibe usually leads to more wine and good times. Desserts, like the main menu, change with the seasons, but if there's a fruit crostata on offer, it's a safe bet…
Just ok
by emom at Citysearch
We had a Lettuce Entertain You gift card to use, and decided to try Osteria Via Stato. We had a drink at the bar before being seated - the bartender was really nice. The atmosphere in the place is a little odd. Some very modern light fixtures in one spot, a medieval looking sconce on the wall in another, and then a bare light bulb dangling from the ceiling on the other side of the room. It's like they're not even sure what it's supposed to look like.
We really enjoyed the cheese platter with "seasonal accompaniments" (honey, almonds, crostini, etc.). For our entrees, I had the carbonara and my husband had the gnocchi. The carbonara was tasty, but a little boring. I would've like to see some peas or something in it - other than the pasta and bacon (with the egg of course). The gnocchi was good - very traditional.
Overall, it was fine, but I'm not sure we'd return unless we had another gift card, of course. :)
- Pros: cheese course
- Cons: atmosphere
Terrible host service
by kmg8421 at Citysearch
Let me start by saying that our food actually was quite good. This does not compensate, however, for the terrible hosting staff. We had a reservation for my birthday for 9:30 and checked in at 9:15. 9:30 came and went and we were standing in front of the station until 9:45 when I asked when we could expect be seated. They then told me that they didn't have our name in the system. When they finally seated us at 10:00, we received no apology. Also annoying was the fact that my husband had told them that it was my birthday and asked for a cake, which never arrived. (Adding insult to injury, the table next to us was also celebrating a birthday, complete with a cake.) By the end of the night, we were extremely frustrated by the staff. I would never go back.
- Cons: service, close set tables
Would Not Return
by azwinick at Citysearch
Went with great expectations. Were greatly disappointed. Felt like cattle being herded in and out. Very much a chain feel and quality of food far below expectations. Food not remarkable and too pricey based on the quality of food and service. Too noisy, service too fast and brusque. Nothing tasted special. In some cases, food was over oily and too salty. Six of us rated the restaurant exactly the same. Two stars. Definitely would not return.
The Details on Osteria Via Stato
Know Before You Go:
Your table has two options for ordering: the a la carte menu and the Italian Dinner Party menu. If everyone agrees on the latter, then family-style platters of antipasti, pastas, a choice of entree and sides will all magically appear at your table for a set price of $38.95 per person.
What to Drink:
The all-Italian wine list offers plenty of half- and quarter-bottles, which makes tasting a variety of wines easy, but increases the potential for confusion. Don't want to deal with all the choices? Opt for the "Just Bring Me Wine" program. Pick from three price points, and your server will bring out three four-ounce pours to enjoy with your meal.
The Extras:
It's not often that you find two restaurants under the same roof, but what looks like just the front bar area of Osteria Via Stato is actually Pizzeria Via Stato, a lunch and dinner spot serving wood-oven pizzas, small plates and cocktails.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Special Occasion Dining, Business Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
At the bar







