A review of Vecchia Osteria Italian Restaurant in Newtown, Bucks County

Crisp fall air, peaceful dinner music, a crowded dining room & the smell of fresh Italian food. If you have ever dined at Vecchia Osteria (Prounounced veH-Kia oh-ster-EE-a), a relatively new Italian BYOB in Newtown, you can picture it yourself. Pasquale Palino, formerly of La Stalla, is the executive chef. My husband and I recently checked it out.

Ambiance: It was packed! Every seat was taken! A testament to Pasquale's talents. Definitely call for reservations. There is live music, which adds to the authentic ambiance. You are able to see into the kitchen from a good portion of the restaurant, which makes you feel like you are sitting in Pasquale's own kitchen.

Paparadelle alla vodka. Yum!

Taste: The food is excellent! We had an appetizer of freshly steamed mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce, followed by paparadelle alla vodka and cavatelli with broccoli and garlic.

Chef Pasquale chatting with his diners.

Service: Pasquale makes the rounds very frequently throughout the night, introducing himself to newcomers and catching up with “the regulars.” Service is not slow, but in true Italian fashion, you do not feel rushed either. My husband and I spent a nice leisurely evening enjoying our food and wine and never felt like they were trying to “turn our table.”

Price: Our total bill was around $40! Not bad for a Saturday night date.

UPDATE: Vecchia Osteria will be having an end-of-summer party on September 24th. Give them a call at 215-860-7774 for details.