With every dish made of the freshest ingredients, Osteria Papà delivered a true taste of Italy, leaving Bushra Hakim thoroughly impressed.
They say a restaurant is only as good as the passion behind it. At Osteria Papà, that passion arrives plated, garnished and served with a smile. The brainchild of the island’s cherished culinary duo, Chefs Steeven Gilles and Paul Gardin who have made sure this gem feels like home through and through. The charming sage-green exterior is impossible to miss and with ample private parking, the experience begins even before you step inside. The interiors are bright and pleasing, with a handmade pizza oven taking centre stage, surrounded by striking green tiles. The warm, Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic continues throughout, with white, curved walls and deep-set windows creating a soft, cosy glow. Natural touches like woven rattan lamps, dark earthenware bowls and wooden candle holders add character, and the lush greenery makes the space inviting. The rooftop dining area is perfect for Ramadan nights, while the garden, packed with tomato plants, basil, oregano and more, provides the freshest ingredients for every dish.
Chef Steeven welcomed us with a big smile and got us settled in before we embarked on the highlight of the visit – the food! Both chefs are incredibly hands-on, cultivating an atmosphere that feels less like dining out and more like being hosted by old friends. We kicked off with the Piatto della Squadra, and what a magnifico start it was. This vibrant starter platter featured freshly baked flatbread served with luscious truffle stracciatella and the true showstopper – halal cold cuts flown directly from Northern Italy. Yes, you read that right. Beef Milano, Beef Bresaola, Spicy Pancetta and Veal Ham, all sourced from Italy, made for a rare and delightful experience. The warm, pillowy bread paired with the creamy truffle stracciatella and the savoury melt-in-your-mouth cold cuts was nothing short of perfetto.
Next up was the Tomato Burrata, a dish that celebrated simplicity and freshness. Garden-fresh tomatoes were grated and paired with creamy burrata from Apulia, then elevated with roasted garlic, shallots and basil. The light spice of the tomatoes contrasted beautifully with the burrata’s richness, creating a perfectly balanced appetiser. The Truffle Salad followed, offering an exciting medley of textures. Frisée provided crunch, while wild rocket added a peppery bite. A mascarpone dressing brought creaminess and puffed rice lent an unexpected yet delightful crispness. The sun-dried tomatoes delivered a tangy punch, tying everything together seamlessly, making it light and moreish. Rounding off the starters were the Sautéed Shrimps, served atop marinara sauce infused with hints of chilli and fried garlic – a dish that had umami, savoury and spice and managed to hit all the right notes.
With appetites whetted, it was time for the mains. The Ravioli al Limone was the first to arrive, featuring delicate parcels of house-made egg dough stuffed with artichoke and topped with pine nuts and parmesan, all bathed in a luscious lemon-infused sauce. Even a self-proclaimed veggie sceptic like me couldn’t resist. The Spaghetti al Pesto di Pistacchio followed, made with semolina dough this time and a unique pesto crafted from pistachios instead of pine nuts. Tossed with basil butter and parmesan, it was hearty, comforting and undeniably satisfying. Then came the pizzas – featherlight, fluffy creations made with dough that had been fermented for 72 hours. So light, in fact, that one could easily devour an entire pizza solo. Exercising restraint, I limited myself to a slice of each to avoid succumbing to a food coma.
The Spicy Nduja pizza was outstanding. The fiery beef nduja sausage, imported from Italy, is perfectly paired with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, caramelised onions, mascarpone cream and parmesan. The combination of spices from the sausage and sweetness from the onions, along with the velvety cheese blend, was phenomenal and unlike anything I’d tasted before. The Escargot pizza was equally intriguing. It’s not something you often find on the island, but the chefs’ French heritage shone through with this clever addition. Mascarpone, caciocavallo and fior di latte formed the base, while garlic butter, roasted snails, lemon zest and pangrattato (crispy toasted breadcrumbs) elevated the dish to something truly special. The snails, mild in flavour, allowed the other ingredients to take centre stage, resulting in an unexpectedly delightful bite.
As the meal drew to a close, excitement for dessert took over. My absolute favourite – Osteria Papà Tiramisu – stole the show. Layers of Savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso, velvety vanilla mascarpone and just the right touch of sweetness made every spoonful heavenly. I could have devoured the entire dish had it not been for the other tempting treats that followed. The Padrone Verde, a house-made pistachio gelato topped with caramelised pistachios and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, transported me straight to an Italian gelateria. The gelato’s smooth, creamy texture was pure perfection, while the olive oil added an unexpected yet decadent finish. Finally, the Boccone Dolce provided the perfect ending. A refreshing raspberry sorbet enveloped in silky mascarpone Chantilly cream, topped with mixed berries and delicate Italian meringues. It was both sweet and sour making it indulgent yet comforting, leaving us thoroughly satisfied.
Osteria Papà isn’t just another restaurant, it’s an experience, one that lingers long after the last bite. With fresh ingredients flown in weekly from Italy, herbs grown right on the rooftop and beautiful hand-painted crockery, every little detail has been well thought out. Whether you’re planning a relaxed dinner with loved ones or a specially curated Ramadan menu under the stars, this restaurant is an ideal choice, especially for families. The best part? It’s refreshingly accessible without compromising on quality. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a taste of Italy, served with heart and soul.
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call Osteria Papà on 3228 3770.
@osteriapapa