The Forum Ilm - Porters Neck

My wife and I recently visited the Osteria Cicchetti for an appetizer and a drink to just relax and have some us time . We sat in the bar area at a high top table for two and our server was Danielle. She was friendly, polite, helpful and made our visit even more enjoyable but not rushing us. We ordered the Margherita Pizza, a glass of white wine and a Stella Artois. Everything was just right... Danielle bought us over some Italian bread and Flatbread, which we both like. I added some olive oil with sea salt and black pepper to my dish so that we had some dipping sauce . All in all we both really enjoyed our visit to the O.C. for an appetizer and relaxation time.

I love eating here! It is a great bang for the buck, the food is always delicious, service great, and it is a nice atmosphere. Have been here at least 20 times since I live in Wilmington, and will continue going. Absolutely love the chicken piccata, not too lemonie, not too buttery, just perfect. Pizzas, salads, and the fish are my favorites. Keep doing what you do OC! You rock.

I don’t often write reviews, but I feel compelled to provide a warning to other potential diners. A few weeks ago, my mom and I were excited for our reservation on the outdoor patio of Osteria Cicchetti. When we sat down, and noticed that were wasps buzzing around the patio, we pointed this out to the waitress, thinking it would raise concern and someone could bring over repellent, or take some other (any other! appropriate safety precaution. The waitress was not concerned, and basically dismissed the safety concern. About mid-meal, a wasp landed on my mom and stung her. My poor mom was wincing, almost crying in pain — and I immediately alerted the waitstaff nearby on the patio and also inside, asking for any type of first aid kit or help. My mom has severe allergies, and most people know that a severe allergic reaction to wasps is very common. Her entire hand, wrist, and arm started to visibly blow up. We found the waiter, hostess, and management and told them immediately that a wasp had stung her at the table — AND THEY DID NOT CARE, nor react at all. If anything, they seemed to be bothered by my poor mom, tearing up in pain, asking for any first aide kit or ice because she was afraid she’d go into anaphylaxis due to the sting at any moment. I had to go inside and get her ice for her swollen arm, because no one who worked there cared enough to do so. I asked for a first aid kit — they did not have one. I asked for the check immediately because she was ABOUT TO HAVE A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION, and they stood around and did nothing for an entire 10, maybe 15 minutes while someone supposedly went inside to get the check. I told them that we needed a first aid kit and were afraid she could go into anaphylactic shock at any moment. They simply did….not…care. There was a massive wasp nest that was obviously visible (see photo on the roof of the patio area, directly over the tables. I of course understand that no establishment can control nature. However, they could have controlled their gross negligence of the massive wasp nest in roof over the patio. We stood there, icing her hand, making a plan of how to either get to the hospital, or if we should go to a nearby CVS first to get an antihistamine, and heard a waiter tell a tall man who was either the owner or in management, and they both stood there and looked up at the wasps nest above us. I expected him to ask if my mom was okay, but he completely ignored us as we stood directly next to us, my mom almost in tears. I am not one to complain, and I typically wouldn’t share a bad dining experience publicly. However, this was not just a ‘bad dining experience.’ This was a DANGEROUS dining experience, due to this establishment’ severe negligence, lack of adherence to food safety code requiring first aide materials and knowledge, and most disappointingly, blatant lack of care for their customers.

Reservation was received and table was ready. Server was very pleasant and did a good job. Bread service was fresh and warm. Appetizer of toasted mozzarella was very fresh delicious. Entrees were well prepared. One in our party raved about the ravioli, the chicken Parm was a very good portion and chicken fried perfect, the vodka penne was well received and the Bolognese was enjoyed. I had the pork tenderloin very good but something was missing I'd order different next time. Desserts were fantastic especially the croissant bread pudding. We'd definitely go back. Beautiful restaurant.

Nice area, a lot of parking, a variety of shops. Driving around to different locations in the parking area is too disconnected, with several different lots to maneuver around.