Osteria Umbra, a new Italian restaurant opened in Smithtown in September, offering cuisine inspired by Executive Chef Marco Pellegrini’s hometown of Foligno in Umbria, Italy. Pellegrini came to America from Italy in 2013 when he opened Caci North Fork in Southold, which has since closed.

 

The menu features starters like Grilled Calamari, which is grilled calamari skewers seasoned with Italian breadcrumbs and topped with lemon vinaigrette ($17), Chickpea Passatina, Consisting of chickpea passatina with sauteed shrimp and spring microgreens ($16), and Beef Carpaccio, beef tenderloin with arugula, black summer truffles, parmigiano reggiano and balsamic vinegar ($16).

 

Of course the menu has a great selection of pasta dishes that include Beef Agnolotti, homemade agnolotti stuffed with braised beef, served with gravy and 24-month parmigiano reggiano ($26); Veal Maltagliati, homemade maltagliati with white veal sauce, aromatic herbs and dry aged ricotta cheese ($25); and Gnocchi with Lamb Sauce, home made potato gnocchi with lamb bolognese and pecorini romano cheese ($24).

 

Photo: Osteria Umbra Facebook Page.

 

Their main courses consist of Maialino, which is slow roasted rotisserie suckling pig cooked over a wood fire, served with shallots alla ghiotta sauce ($35); Chicken, slow roasted rotisserie back quarter cooked over a wood fire with roasted potatoes ($26); and Wood Fired Tomahawk    for two, which is a grilled 32-oz. tomahawk CAB ribeye steak with grilled artichokes ($128).

 

On Yelp, Suzanne S, of Smithtown, said that she returned two weeks in a row to eat at Osteria Umbra and highly recommends it.

 

“The staff is courteous and knowledgeable,” she wrote. “The wine list is fantastic, including the dessert wines.  But the food is just about the most amazing I've ever tasted this side of the Atlantic.”

 

Joey D, of Commack, agrees and said it is a must-try place.

 

“This place is bringing Smithtown Blvd back on the map,” he wrote. “After a decade + of this location being a bust for restaurants, in comes chef Marco. Nicest most upscale restaurant in our little area. Great selection of red wines. The quality of food is impeccable.”

 

Location: 197 Terry Road, Smithtown, (631) 780-6633.