There’s an Italian term ‘figurati’ (fee-GUH-rah-tee) meaning ‘don’t worry about it’ that is often bandied about once thanks are offered at the end of a meal. It’s a word that perfectly sums up how showing Italians gratitude for their hospitality is similar in effect to water off a duck’s back. Ever the natural hosts, this innate disposition for wining and dining is being demonstrated to its fullest at the latest outpost to open in Parnell, Osteria.

Tacked onto the front of the stalwart pizzeria Non Solo Pizza, Osteria is an extension of Antonio Crisci’s celebrated Italian operation. For those unfamiliar with the nature of an osteria, the term is used to describe an Italian restaurant whose offerings are typically simple and inexpensive. True to form, the newly minted façade of this tried and true Parnell Road address is giving way to a smorgasbord of casual Italian delights that we simply can’t get enough of.

From 7.30am in the morning, the breakfast menu sees a simple series of delicious egg dishes that are further to the bar cabinet offering a mouth-watering selection of baked goods such as graffe, cornetti and bamboloni — a far more gratifying way to describe a custard-filled sugar-coated doughnut — that are the perfect accoutrement to your morning espresso or three. Later in the day, Osteria becomes your destination for your habitual Aperol Spritz, Peroni or Negroni with a side of antipasto — this is where the magic really happens.

Starting with the Mozzarella Bar, you’re encouraged to assemble your own board from the ample range of specialty cheeses that include melt-in-your-mouth burrata and homemade smoked cow’s milk mozzarella amongst others. Additionally, you can pick away on the small plates comprising cured meats such as charcoal roasted organic free range porchetta, prosciutto crudo, and capocollo (cured top pork aged neck). Furthermore, the crudo (raw) bar is where you can order fresh seafood dishes such as rock oysters with chardonnay vinaigrette and exceptionally delicious king prawns served on ice with chilli, salt and lemon dressing.

Taking a moment to assess all that Osteria has to offer — crisp cocktails, cold Peroni, antipasto, excellent coffee and baked goods — it’s a dangerously good calling card for everything we love about the Italian way of life. So whether it’s to start your day in an utmost convivial manner, or, to finish it by partaking in the social art form of aperitivo, there’s little not to love about this freshly minted new Parnell space.

Open Monday to Sunday — 8:30am till 11pm