Osterias are wine bars that have evolved to serve simple meals. Traditionally, they are simpler than trattorias and usually have no menu. The offering changes daily, according to the market and two or three courses are offered for a fixed price, including wine.

Osteria, owned by Valerio Iorio and Al Cefaratti, opened in spring; hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until midnight on Friday, and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The word stemmed from oste (innkeeper) and from Latin hospes (host). To ask for a bottle of wine, all you had to do was shout “WINE!”. Over the years, some osterias, especially those close to mines, gravel pits or construction sites, began to serve “cooked” dishes and to bear the sign “Osteria con Cucina”.

In Italy, there's no shortage of eateries but choosing the perfect spot can pose challenging. There are endless options including trattorias, osterias, mescitas, hostarias and more. Yes, there are more.