The Early Word on Ovvio Osteria

[Photo: Facebook]

Last week, Italian restaurant Ovvio Osteria opened in Merrifield. The cuisine emphasizes the Calabria region of Italy, and focuses on simple and seasonal preparations. The restaurant is being overseen by Chris Watson, formerly of restaurants including Brabo and the Four Seasons Lana'I, who's joined by another former Brabo kitchen staffer, pastry chef Jennifer Short. Here's what the Yelpers, Facebookers and more have had to say about Ovvio so far.

The Yelp Rave: Yelper Rebecca S. said the sweet corn and mushroom risotto "was so good I actually wanted to lick my plate afterwards." She also raved about the pork cheeks and the zeppoli with orange cream dipping sauce for dessert. [Yelp]

The Heavy-Handed Seasoning News: B.M. on Yelp was less than enthusiastic about the dishes overall, though. "The food was overall just OK, if anything, less than that. Everything was over salted." [Yelp]

Stick With The Pizza: Jay T. on Yelp said Ovvio reminds him a bit of Graffiato, but has suggestions for diners. "My recommendation is to go for the pizza, but everything else is overpriced and a bit underwhelming." [Yelp]

Lauding the Lamb: Facebook friend Eric C. Wang singled out last Friday's lunch special, braised lamb, mushroom and cauliflower cannelloni: "Really good, lamb is tender and flavorful." [Facebook]

The Decor Details: TripAdvisor poster Chimple calls Ovvio "probably the most sophisticated addition in the batch of new restaurants popping up in the 'new' Merrifield," praising the interior as "super stylish and urban, but not stuffy with a large bar area, open kitchen and subdued lighting." [TripAdvisor]

Service News: TripAdviser user Nads82 said the "service was overall good and attentive. Management was heavily present to ensure this great new restaurant succeeds. I have no doubt this gem will remain a fixture in the community." [TripAdvisor]

· Ovvio Osteria [Official Site]
· All Previous Ovvio Coverage [-EDC-]

—Kelly Magyarics