Dinner at Osteria Alberico: Englewood’s Lively Italian Gem for Date Night
- MileHighDish
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
There’s something exciting about walking into a restaurant backed by the team behind Frasca Hospitality Group. Expectations are high — and at Osteria Alberico in Englewood, they’re absolutely met.
From the moment we walked in, the energy was contagious. The room was buzzing in the best way — glasses clinking, conversations flowing, and the unmistakable aroma of garlic, olive oil, and fresh bread filling the air. It felt lively and joyous, yet still intimate enough for a romantic dinner. That balance is hard to strike, but they’ve nailed it.
The Space & Vibe
Osteria Alberico manages to feel upscale and polished without being stuffy. It’s lively but romantic. Elegant but relaxed. You could dress up for a celebration or come in for a casual weeknight dinner and feel equally at home.
It’s perfect for couples, friends catching up over wine, or a celebratory dinner where you want incredible food without the formality of fine dining.
The Drinks
The cocktail/wine program complements the menu beautifully — balanced, thoughtful, and perfect for pairing with seafood-forward starters and rich pastas. Whether you lean citrusy and bright or spirit-forward and bold, there’s something that sets the tone for the evening. I typically enjoy a bottle of wine when I dine at Osteria.
The Food
Starters
We started with the crudos —
Blue Fin Tuna Crudo with pomegranate, pistachio, olive oil, and balsamic, this dish delivered a soft crunch and juicy brightness that perfectly complemented the buttery tuna. Every element worked together for a composed, balanced bite. Light, fresh, and beautifully executed.
Hamachi Crudo with Grapefruit, dill, and a citrus marinade made this dish fantastically fresh. It was vibrant and clean — the kind of starter that wakes up your palate and sets the stage for what’s to come.
Burrata with Pear- This one was intricate and playful. The burrata and hazelnuts were tucked beneath delicate pear, creating a layered, textural experience. Paired with their homemade focaccia (more on that in a second), it was indulgent without being heavy.
Mains
Cacio e Pepe: rich, creamy, and perfectly peppery with fantastic balance. It’s sharable but not overwhelming — comforting Italian done right. Sometimes simplicity is the hardest thing to perfect, and they absolutely did.
Fava Beans with pine nuts, chives, and a creamy sauce, this dish brought texture and a balanced finish to the table. Nutty, herbaceous, and satisfying.
Dessert
Pavlova with HoneycombLight yet rich, with beautiful texture from the honeycomb. The perfect sweet finish without tipping into overly decadent territory.
Standout Dishes
The crudos were the undeniable stars. Both were fresh, distinct, and beautifully composed — a light, flavorful, and elegant way to start the meal. It’s not always easy to make raw preparations feel exciting, but they absolutely delivered.
Personal Must-Order
I am obsessed with their homemade focaccia. Truly — it’s a must-order every single time. It’s the kind of bread you use to soak up sauces, olive oil, and every last bit of flavor on the plate. Dare I say this might be some of the best focaccia in Denver?
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic staple for a date night restaurant in Denver, and it’s equally perfect for celebrations or a lively dinner with friends. Being centrally located in Englewood makes it incredibly accessible while still feeling like a special destination.
If you’re looking for refined yet approachable Italian in Denver/Englewood, this Osteria Alberico review should tell you everything you need to know: go hungry, order the crudo, never skip the focaccia, and stay for dessert.
I’ll absolutely be back — and you should put it on your list, too. 🍝✨
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