Osteria Marco Restaurant: Denver Restaurant Review

Osteria Marco restaurant has only been open since 2007, but has already gained a steady following as one of Denver's favorite restaurants. It's known for its creative, tasty pizzas and other Italian fare. You'll know you're at the right place when you see the brass pig above the entrance. This pig symbolizes the succulent roasted pig dinner that is served every Sunday night. Located in Larimer Square in downtown Denver, Osteria Marco is open for lunch and dinner Monday thru Friday, and dinner only is served Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended, as this popular Italian eatery fills up fast.

The first course you should order is the antipasti. Antipasti in Italian, means "before pasta," and usually consists of meat, cheeses, and olives. House marinated olives, salami, and assorted cheeses are available. Try the burrata, which is a warm, lightly salted mozzarella on grilled ciabatta bread.

For a different twist on antipasti, Osteria Marco also offers meatball sliders. Thick rounds of meatball are arranged on small herb rolls, topped with mozzarella and basil, and finished off with a rich tomato sauce. It's filling enough to substitute for an entrée. My favorite antipasti is the toasted marcona almonds. Everyone at your table will want to help you eat these.

If you like hot grilled sandwiches, you'll want to order a panini. A local favorite is the Italian Dip with Prime Rib & Provolone. Piled on chewy ciabatta bread, it will become your favorite too. If you like lamb, the Colorado Lamb has a generous portion of goat cheese, and tasty olive tapenade.

The tasty salads are large enough to be an entrée. The Imported Italian Tuna Salad has fingerling potatoes, green beans, boiled eggs, and capers. Pair it with a side of crusty bread dipped in pesto, parmesan, and balsamic vinegar.

No Italian meal is complete without wine, and Osteria Marco has over 100 labels less than $50. The house red wine is reasonably priced, or you might want to try the signature limoncello for $6. For a fun twist, try the Meat and Potatoes Martini. Potato vodka, bleu cheese stuffed olives, and prosciutto make up this unique martini.

Now it's time to order pizza. The Wild Mushroom Pizza with Robiola costs just $9.00, and two of you can share it. If you like your pizza spicy, the Spicy Sopressata is for you. Sopressata is Italian dry-cured salami that is pressed with a weight while drying. Topped with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, it melts in your mouth.

If you don't want to eat a full portion of dessert, the chocolate cake and creamy gelato sundae can be shared with your table.

The chef, Frank Bonnano, walks through the dining room chatting with customers, and makes sure the food comes out hot and that diners enjoy their meal. Servers are happy to answer questions about the food, and to give you recommendations on the wine. Take out is available, and Osteria Marco is a perfect place to schedule a meeting or other special event.

www.osteriamarco.com/images/pdfs/menu.pdf
www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/24/osteria-marcos-food-speaks-for-itself---or/