Osteria del Tempo Perso

Blythe’s Verdict

When MJ and I found a rare moment of diary crossover, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to try a newly-opened place that I thought would be right up her alley, given her adoration of rustic Italian food. After an early evening stop with Korean and Scottish writers at the Central Library, we headed to newly opened Osteria del Tempo Perso.

This is a sister restaurant to one in Italy of the same name, which has been trading since 2003.

The premises were most recently home to Tony Macaroni alla Romana, a purveyor of gigantic pizza that we’d never managed to visit. This place has focussed its media exposure on deliberately distancing itself from pizza and focussing strongly on their freshly made pasta dishes. This was another factor of attraction for cheese-avoiding MJ.

Upon arrival, we found things rather busy so while they prepared a table we were given complimentary glasses of pinot grigio while we paused at the bar. This was a nice touch. This allowed us a moment or two to consider the very swish set up, which was marred only by a rather distracting screen showing cooking shows in the background.

Once we were seated it was good to see a lovely array of soup options, both on the main menu and on the specials board. We were both lured in with MJ opting for the fish soup while I chose the broccoli and tomato. MJ took a moment or two before settling upon the spaghetti vongole while I chose the main course portion of melanzane parmegiana.

Soups arrived looking very neat. MJ was quite impressed with the tenderness of the squid in her soup, although it seemed a strangely small portion for the price. Mine was very tasty with a balanced blend of flavours in a well-seasoned dish.

We ran into a few problems with the main courses. Firstly, they delivered the wrong dish for MJ, then when it was re-delivered it was rushed and on the overly al dente side. My melanzane was good but little beyond that and MJ thought it looked rather inelegant.

In recompense for the main course snafu, complimentary dessert wine arrived with our coffee. One sip and I knew it would be too sweet for MJ’s palette but I found it refreshingly light and appley.

So overall, Osteria del Tempo Perso shows some good potential. My soup was very good, but other dishes didn’t quite hit the mark. The interior decor is stylish and the service warmly welcoming, if a little inaccurate. I think the place has a good chance to do well once it has ironed out those inevitable new-place kinks.

MJ’s Questude Verdict

They say that everywhere has teething pains
no matter
they gave us free wine and took our coats,
which seemed enough for the time lost.

A fish stew that was just fine, but stung with the price;
followed by miscommunication.

When my correct meal was finally dished; fine:
too al dente; too seasoned; too many closed clams.

More free wine somewhat soothed.

Scores
MJ scores Osteria del Tempo Person
2/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 12/20

Blythe scores Osteria del Tempo Person
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 13.5/20

We ate: broccoli and tomato soup; zuppa di pesce; spaghetti vongole; melanzane parmegiana

We drank: wines of many varieties, water, espresso

We wore: grey, blue

Total bill: £44

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