Our Story
From the hills of Umbria to the heart of Scranton—a journey of passion, tradition, and authentic Italian cuisine.
Explore Our MenuFrom Perugia to Penn Avenue
Our story
In 2019, Chef Marco Benedetti left his family's osteria in the hills outside Perugia with a vision: to bring the authentic flavors of Umbria to Pennsylvania. After training in Rome's most respected kitchens and working alongside masters of traditional Italian cuisine, Marco chose Scranton as the home for his culinary dream.
Osteria Umbra opened its doors in March 2020, just as the world was changing. Through challenges and triumphs, we've remained committed to our founding principles: handmade pasta crafted daily, ingredients sourced locally when possible and imported from trusted Italian producers when tradition demands it, and natural wines that tell the story of their terroir.
Our intimate 32-seat dining room reflects the warmth of an Umbrian home, where strangers become friends over shared plates and conversation flows as freely as the wine. This is not just a restaurant—it's a gathering place for those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity done perfectly.
Our Journey
Key moments that shaped Osteria Umbra
2015
The Vision
Marco completes his training at Gambero Rosso Academy in Rome and begins working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Italy, dreaming of bringing authentic Umbrian cuisine to America.
2019
The Journey
Marco arrives in Scranton and begins searching for the perfect location. After months of exploring, he discovers the space on Penn Avenue and knows he's found home.
March 2020
The Opening
Osteria Umbra opens its doors to the world, just as everything changes. Through adaptability and community support, we persevere and grow stronger.
2023
Recognition
Pennsylvania Magazine names us "Best Italian Restaurant in Northeastern Pennsylvania." The recognition validates our commitment to authentic, quality cuisine.
Executive Chef
Marco Benedetti
Born in Perugia in 1985, Marco grew up in his family's osteria, learning the fundamentals of Umbrian cuisine from his grandmother, Nonna Elena. Her teachings about respecting ingredients and honoring tradition form the foundation of everything we do at Osteria Umbra.
After formal training at the Gambero Rosso Culinary Academy in Rome, Marco spent five years working in Michelin-starred kitchens throughout Italy before coming to Pennsylvania. His philosophy is simple: "Great food doesn't need to be complicated. It just needs to be honest."
When he's not in the kitchen, Marco can be found foraging for wild mushrooms in the Pennsylvania countryside or tending to the small herb garden behind the restaurant.
Our Team
The passionate people who make every meal memorable
Isabella Rodriguez
Front of House Manager
Isabella brings warmth and expertise to every service, ensuring each guest feels like family. Her extensive wine knowledge helps craft perfect pairings for each meal.
Giuseppe Rossi
Sous Chef
A master of handmade pasta, Giuseppe trained alongside Marco in Italy and shares his passion for preserving traditional techniques while embracing innovation.
Elena Marchetti
Pastry Chef
Elena creates desserts that are poetry on the plate. Her tiramisu and panna cotta have become local legends, each bite a perfect ending to the Osteria Umbra experience.
A Glimpse Inside
The atmosphere and artistry that define Osteria Umbra
Values
What Guides Us
Authenticity
Every recipe honors the traditions of Umbrian cuisine, passed down through generations and adapted thoughtfully for local ingredients.
Community
We believe food brings people together. Our dining room is designed to foster conversation and connection among neighbors and strangers alike.
Quality
From hand-selected produce to natural wines from small Italian producers, we never compromise on the integrity of our ingredients.
Recognition
"Best Italian Restaurant in Northeastern Pennsylvania"
Pennsylvania Magazine
"Exceptional handmade pasta and authentic Umbrian flavors"
Scranton Times
"Marco Benedetti has created something truly special on Penn Avenue—a restaurant that transports you to the heart of Italy without pretension or artifice."
— Philadelphia Magazine
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Experience authentic Umbrian cuisine in Scranton.
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