Osteria Emilia is a stylish, authentic Italian in Ashburton, close to the Salcombe coast. It comes from Clare Lattin and Tom Hill, previously of Ducksoup and Little Duck The Picklery in London, who have brought all of their expertise and skill to this adorable, countryside spot.
Aesthetically, Osteria Emilia is very pleasing, with textured, butter-yellow walls, rustic bowls filled with colourful produce and the type of splattered pottery, typical of Puglia, decorating the space you feel you've walked into an Italian dream - or a well curated Instagram page.
The way the team describe the concept is 'a tiny kitchen and a large table' which seems to sum up the homely atmosphere nicely. Here, they serve lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, at two separate sittings throughout the day.
Nibbles get things warmed up with pickled peppers, chilli and oregano, next to gorgonzola and sweet pickled plums, and pork and fennel salami. Main dishes sound delicious, like courgettes with nectarine, ricotta and basil for a vegetarian option, classic pappardelle with pork and pancetta ragu, as well as feather blade steak, green beans, butter beans and salsa al dragoncello. If you're riding the pescatarian wave, try the salt pollock, accentuated with tomato, tropea onion, olives and mint. For dessert, we like the sound of the peach and brown butter pudding with cream, as well as the baked blackberries and mascarpone custard.
While the current menu sounds delicious, bear in mind that ingredients are chosen seasonally and the selection of recipes is refreshed regularly, so try not to get too attached to one dish! On Sundays, Osteria Emilia serves a 'Big Italian Sunday Lunch' menu which includes antipasta, primi, secondi, contorni and dolci for a set price.
The team put a note on the date of the online menu, but if in doubt give them a call or follow along on Instagram to keep up to date.