Paige was absolutely phenomenal! Was able to guide me through to menu & answered all my questions with ease. Beef Tortelloni, Carpaccio, & the Budino are all game winners. read more

Had a lovely birthday dinner celebration at Osteria Ester! Food was delicious and the ambience is great for a date night or special celebration. - beef carpaccio - 10/10 for great flavor but 5/10 bc small portion for price - Bucatini Diavolo - 10/10 shrimp was delicious and spice was mild in my opinion (good flavor but I wasn't chugging water) - radiatori bolognese - 7/10 - butterscotch budino - 8/10 light dessert that hit the spot! Staff was great, and manager came by to check on us. We felt very cared for and I would definitely return! read more

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We've visited Osteria Ester several times because it's within walking distance, and we really wanted to make it our go to Italian restaurant. We knew it was a new restaurant and were excited to try it. Unfortunately, each visit has been disappointing for the same reason. We've tried the Spaghetti alle Vongole, Alla Vodka, Diavolo, and the lasagna. The flavors are all excellent, and the Diavolo had a great spicy kick. The lasagna was the one dish I truly enjoyed from start to finish. The biggest issue has been the pasta. Every pasta dish we've ordered has been consistently overcooked, becoming chewy, sticking to your teeth, and clumping together. It's a shame because the sauces are genuinely delicious. The service has been fantastic every visit. Our server was attentive, drinks stayed full, food arrived quickly, and plates were cleared promptly. I didn't mention the pasta this last time because it was our third visit with the exact same issue. After reading other reviews mentioning overcooked pasta, it seems to be a recurring problem. I really hope they address it because the potential is definitely there. We'd love to have a great Italian restaurant this close to home. Sadly at the moment I can't recommend this location for anyone looking for a good meal. read more

I'll start this review by saying the service here was incredible. They weren't above and beyond. The vibes inside are high too. Cute, comfy, and homey. The flavor of the food overall was insane. Probably my favorite part of the entire day Beef Carpaccio: insane flavors but I do think this meal gets a failing grade overall. Like tastewise you'd order again, but texture was a pass. The beef was too thick and too chewy. Not for me Steak: incredible flavors! Temp was slightly over done but man, I can't complain about how great the flavor is Ice cream (honeycomb) : AMAZING! Canoli: I've never had a canoli before so I don't know how to judge them properly. They were good though read more

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Newly opened Italian style restaurant. Oh boy this is good. Besides some small nuances. The entire party was treated well and efficient. This duo of trades is not easy to find in newly opened restaurants. Yet. Esther. Took the gold. We tried the bolognese as well as the clams. And some diavolo pasta. The shrimp needed a little more char. For my taste. The sauce and pasta was amazing Will come back. Give them a chance and try them as well. read more

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GREAT service, great vibes, amazing food! Osteria Ester was such a great experience. The restaurant was clean with a dark ambiance. My friends and I sat outside, which was great for people watching. I asked for a dirty gin martini with as many olives as they were willing to give me and they did not disappoint. They gave me the filthiest martini with about 4 olives (as many as they could fit on the skewer). For the food, we started with the Tuna Tartare, which was fresh and perfectly balanced with the grapefruit on top. The Gnocco Fritto was incredible, although a little messy. I'd personally prefer a focaccia bread with the fondue but the fry bread was so light and airy, i wasn't mad at it. The Braised Beef Tortellini was a smaller portion than some of the pastas. However, it was the perfect amount for me/someone who prefers a little lighter of a portion. My friends got the Bucatini Divalo and the Braised Short Rib. They were great with allergy accommodations too. My friend has a shellfish, tree nut, and dairy allergy. Our server talked to the kitchen and let her know what was safe to order and even suggested a few ways to tweak unsafe dishes to meet her needs. The affogato was a great way to end our meal and have a bit of a coffee pick-me-up at the end. I fully plan on becoming a regular here. This is perfect for a girl's night or even a little date night. read more

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I went to restaurant that is new to the area. Salt group has some amazing restaurants in area and Osteria Ester does not fall behind. We went for brunch and although the menu might be a little bit smaller with options, it was all fresh and from scratch. We had a wonderful time celebrating our friend's birthday and I look forward to going again for dinner. 5/5 read more

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The ambiance is designed well to make you feel like you are at an Italian grandmas house but elevated. There were pictures on the wall that gave a personal touch. All the pasta is made fresh in house which i appreciate as we need more places like that!! We went for a birthday party and every single person enjoyed their food. I tried a little bit of everything and i agree that everything had flavor and tasted fresh. It would not surprise me if the salad dressing and sauces were all made from scratch as well. Our server was very helpful in making suggestions and i asked about which dessert to try and she recommended the Butterscotch Budino. It was delicious. One of the better desserts i have had in a while! It is enough to share and everyone loved it. The Tiramisu had a very bold flavor and the person whom ordered it loved it. Definitely worth a try if someone is looking for a nice evening out with friends or a date night. read more

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I was excited to give this place a try. Great location and the service I received was 10/10. Staff was friendly and nice. However the food was just alright. Had the pancakes. Good flavor but nothing special. The pasta was too Al dente. Felt like I was chewing plastic. The portion size for the price was not good either. Small portions. Not sure if I'd give it another try. read more

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AHHHH this spot is just absolutely fantastic. We came here shortly after coming back from a trip to Italy and this food did not disappoint even in comparison to the "real thing" All of the dishes were absolutely amazing but the clear winner for me was definitely the vodka pasta! I'll be going back for this 100%! The ambiance is also funky with a great vibe. Our waitress was very friendly and made perfect recommendations! read more

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Came to Osteria Estero for a birthday double date and it was a lovely setting for a night out. The ambiance felt warm and inviting and the service was attentive without being overbearing. It definitely set the tone for a special evening. That said, the food did not quite live up to the atmosphere. The carpaccio and focaccia were the highlights and had great flavor and texture. I ordered the lasagna rotolo but ended up sending it back as it missed the mark for me. I replaced it with the truffle gnocchi, which I was excited about, but it still did not deliver the depth of flavor I was hoping for. Overall, a beautiful spot with great service, but the dishes we tried left something to be desired. read more

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I have been wanting to come here forever! I've noticed it's been trending on social media and finally decided to give it a try for a friend's birthday. I absolutely love Italian food and feel the options for good Italian in Orlando are slim. I'm going to be brutally honest...the ambiance is very nice and the service was great but as for the food I felt it was subpar and we ordered a good amount of things to try. The focaccia bread, beef carpaccio and Mami Mia cocktail were our favorites but the actual entrees were nothing special and a bit bland. For the amount I paid, I didn't feel the food was worth it. I'd give this place a 3.5/5. read more

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Went for anniversary before the forth of July weekend, service was outstanding, couldn't have asked for anything better. Had the bread with honey and Caesar salad as an appetizer , both were delicious. I had the pasta Bolognese , and my wife hade the vodka pasta, mine was excellent and hers could have been less al dente. The dessert was excellent, we had the butterscotch pudding, which was so delicious that we got an order to go for our daughter at home. Spoke with the manager table side, and later as we left, he was a really nice person and made us feel special and welcome. So the ambiance is great, the service/server was excellent, and the food had great choices and was delicious. We will be back with friends next time we return. read more

Osteria Ester - Current menu July - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This place was amazing! We had a big group and Chloe and Gabe were amazing at taking care of us. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and on top of everything. First off, the ambiance of this spot is so moody, chic, yet comforting. I loved it. We started with the focaccia, Caesar salad, and burrata - both so great and fresh. I also got a cute cocktail that was equally refreshing and photo worthy. My main dish was the vodka pasta and I got chicken with it, literally so delicious and perfect. Now for the star of the show: the butterscotch budino was recommended to us by our colleagues and it did not disappoint. It was so delicious and I'll be dreaming about this for the next few weeks. Whenever I'm in Orlando, I feel like I definitely need to come back just for this, also it was picture perfect. I really enjoyed the spot and I will definitely be back for the good vibes, yummy food, and great drinks! read more

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I had high expectations for this spot knowing it was a good salt restaurant! Looking at the menu, I knew I couldn't go wrong with anything I chose. Vibe: great, cozy and nice decor. Both outdoor and indoor space plus a separate bar area Service: 10. We were seated right away. Our server was great, attentive. Recommended a lovely wine, no complaints Food: Try the lasagna!!! So simple, so good. Can't forget tiramisu for dessert. Delicious!!! parking - yes it's downtown so you'll either get lucky and find street parking like we did or you have a nearby garage available as well. read more

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Osteria Ester has got it going on! Our large group of colleagues met here the night before a work event, and we had an amazing experience. The service was top notch, the ambiance is moody and vibey, and the food is *chef's kiss* delicious. The menu is expansive, and it really didn't seem like there were any bad options. They even have a special gluten-free menu, which included GF pasta. I started with the "Caffe Shakerato," which is their version of an espresso martini. We also shared a few of the appetizers including the focaccia, the arancini, the Caesar, and the burrata. Honestly all of them were amazing, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the burrata. I went with the Hearth Half Roasted Chicken for my entree, which was tender with a crispy skin. The mushrooms beneath it were a great addition, although the polenta/grits mixture was not my favorite. For dessert, we tried the butterscotch budino and the gelato trio, both of which are must-orders. This is a wonderful addition to the Orlando restaurant scene, and I'd love to return the next time I'm in the area! read more

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My new favorite neighborhood restaurant! I've only been twice since they opened, but I plan to go a lot more and make it my neighborhood haunt. Top favorite food items I've had so far: 1. Crispy polenta - so crispy and flavorful! 2. Braised Beef Tortelloni - the broth is amazing 3. Alla Parmigiana (Chicken) with side spaghetti with Alfredo sauce - three big pieces of chicken and a big portion of pasta, definitely shareable 4. Tiramisu Top favorite drinks: 1. Unrefuseable Offer 2. White Negroni Of course, like every other Good Salt restaurant, the decor is perfect. A wonderful ambiance - the perfect spot for a girls night out or a date night. My partner and I personally love sitting at the bar. Speaking of the bar, the bartenders are amazing! Super attentive, have great recommendations, are really friendly and personable and of course...make amazing drinks! The white Negroni was my favorite and the amount of work that goes into making the white chocolate and olive oil washed gin for it is outstanding. read more

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Finally checked out this spot for the first time with a friend for brunch today. It was nice the host was able to seat us inside despite having made a reservation for outdoor (as that's all that was available at the time of making the reservation) since all the tables were in the sun. The decor was super cute and then menu was smaller but had some great options. Our server walked us through the menu upon arrival and gave us recommendations including the pancakes which we tried to order but were apparently sold out. That was the only sweet item on the main dishes so we ordered the sticky buns as a sweet treat alternative but it only came with one and was a bit dry. Our server also recommended the vodka pasta and the sauce had great flavor but the pasta wasn't properly cooked and was chewy. My bloody Mary was supposed to be garnished with a blue cheese olive (one of the reasons I ordered that beverage) but the bartender forgot and a food runner brought it over with some extras but they had a strange flavor so I wouldn't get that again. The carpaccio was on the lighter side and fine. All in all, I think there are some kinks to work out but would definitely try again. I am coming again Friday for dinner and hoping it goes better. read more

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I couldn't wait to get home and write a review about our wonderful experience at this restaurant. Every single thing that we ordered tasted amazing! I'll start off by saying that the restaurant itself is so impressive, really beautiful. Warm mahogany wood, and vintage looking furniture tastefully decorated the interiors. I felt so comfortable there, I didn't want to leave. Service was outstanding, not only by our waitress but the manager came by and told us that the amazing gelato we had was locally made. I know I'm starting off with dessert first, but you HAVE TO TRY their honeycomb gelato. It's rich, silky, and luxurious as it melts in your mouth. Just a touch of salt and then the caramel of the honeycomb; it's perfection. I guess that's what left the best impression on me, it's such a unique flavor that you don't really find everywhere, it really was outstanding. Savory-wise my favorite thing was their arancini truffle balls. You get 3 per order. If you enjoy truffle, this is gonna be your jam. It's truffly, cheesy and the crunchy exterior is very satisfying. Clams were great, the polenta sticks were great, the truffle gnocchi with mushrooms dish was very rich, and creamy, the truffle flavor and cheese really stood out. So I definitely recommend this if you enjoy truffles. Our friend ordered the Wagyu sirloin and I had a bite; wow.... if you enjoy steak, this is going to be your dish of choice. Loved it, can't wait to go back. read more

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I had the pleasure of dining at Osteria Ester with a group of coworkers recently and this place was great! The exterior is charming with striped awnings and cute outdoor seating. The charm continues inside with family photos on the walls and tasteful decor. There's multiple rooms including a bar area, and dining room. We were seated in a little nook that felt semi private - perfect for our large group. For diners who are gluten free, they have a GF menu! Just ask. I was pleased to see a ton of options available for me including gluten free pasta. We ordered the caesar salad and burrata to share with the burrata being the star of the show. I didn't have any focaccia but it looked delicious. For my main, I ordered the vodka sauce option with gluten free noodles and added steak to it. I thought it might be a weird combination but it was actually incredible. My one complaint is my steak was a little overcooked for having ordered it medium but it wasn't a big deal. The sauce had great flavor and a nice kick to it and I devoured it! Dessert was absolutely incredible too with the butterscotch budino being a memorable standout. The butterscotch flavor was absolutely addicting and it was big enough for three people to share. We also ordered the trio of gelato which included hazelnut, honeycomb, and pistachio. So good! The one cocktail I tried was also very good - it was called the spritz bianco and it was very refreshing. I would absolutely return here next time I'm in Orlando! The hospitality was also incredible with our server Gabe being so sweet and patient with our large group. Thank you to everyone who made it a dinner to remember! read more

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Great Italian food, right near downtown Orlando! This place came highly recommended by our local work friends. Service was great, especially for what a large party we had. The appetizers and desserts were the standouts for me. Focaccia, burrata, and the butterscotch buccadino are my 100% must-try-recommendations. I had a glass of the lambrusco (my fav, always order it when I see it on a wine list). The burrata was incredible and paired perfectly with the focaccia. I had the vodka pasta, which was delightfully spicy, and added some steak on top, since I couldn't decide. The portions are deceptively large. You won't leave hungry. The desserts were incredible. Must try. read more

Osteria Ester - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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We've been really excited to try this new Italian restaurant in the heart of Thornton Park but reservations always seem to be booked a week out on weekends so we booked this reservation 1 week out on a Thursday early evening. We weren't sure if our toddler and baby were welcome but we were kindly accommodated with a small space for our stroller. It is a bit tight so do keep that in mind. The gnocchi sardo was packed with flavor and the truffle cream really stood out. The chicken alla parmigiana was delicious and with two generous sized chicken cutlets. We were disappointed that the dish didn't come with pasta, but I suppose it was our mishap as in smaller print next to the listing it states "*add pasta for $6". We do wish the server would have asked us if we'd like to have added the pasta so as not to miss this. The braised beef tortellini was really flavorful but the edges which are expected to be thicker and chewier were slightly tough and perhaps slightly undercooked. I really like what the management has done to this spot which was formerly Soco, much improved vibes. Would definitely come back again to explore some of their other offerings on their menu and it's a great addition to the Thornton Park community. read more

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Food quantity: 8/10 Food quality: 0/10 Service: 8/10 Ambiance: 6/10 Overall rating: 5/10 The lasagna and the butterscotch dessert were fairly good, but the tuna crudo tasted fishy, it was not fresh. The meatballs were okay, a bit dry. Unfortunately I had a very upset stomach after dinner and would not recommend this place. read more

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Nearly perfect experience here. Our waitress and the male host were most accommodating. Pasta was very fresh and my breaded chicken was cooked like my Nonna herself made it. I had the mushroom gnocchi with the cutlet added which was a spectacular choice protein forward dish. Portions were nice as well. we also ordered the bolognese. Both were amazing. Will be returning. Parking was a little annoying though. read more

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We tried Osteria Ester for a group of about 12 of us and it was such a great experience. The ambiance was lovely where we could be dressed up a bit but it was still warm and inviting. The staff was incredibly helpful from making a reservation to the service that evening. We had a semi-private space which worked perfectly where we could all easily chat and hear each other while enjoying some amazing food. We tried quite a bit across our group from multiple apps, focaccia, salad, main entrees, and desserts. For apps, the burrata, arancini, and polenta spin on fried mozzarella were lovely. Several of us got the gnocchi which was amazing fresh (eat it that night though, bc reheating didn't do it justice), and the chicken parm got great reviews as well. Their sauces were all exquisite. Many of us were intrigued by the butterscotch budino which definitely lived up to the hype and was the dessert round favorite. They had several creative and fun drinks as well! We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and will absolutely be back. While it was great for a group, it would also be an absolutely lovely spot for a party of any size. read more

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5 Stars for a romantic vibe and outstanding Italian food! The atmosphere at Osteria Ester is truly perfect. It's dimly lit, each area feels unique and yet like it's been there for a long time, and every texture and detail is intentional. It's primed to be a new favorite date night spot! For drinks- I *had* to order their signature martini called the Cacio E Pepe. It's made with peppercorn & Parmesan vodka, pasta water, and olive brine. This is a special drink! I wouldn't be able to have more than one, but it's a briney aperitivo worth savoring! Everything we ate was note-worthy, but the lasagna rotolo was a standout given it's unusual presentation. Think a lasagna done as rolls and then cut into medallions. I had enough to take home for leftovers and it re-heated beautifully. I really appreciated that they seemed to have options for everyone. My husband is a vegetarian and he had several hearty dishes to choose from. Finally, the service at any Good Salt restaurant group business is always exceptional and Ester didn't disappoint here. I will absolutely be returning and look forward to meals on the patio and at the bar next time too! read more

Osteria Ester is one of those places that just feels special the moment you walk in. The ambiance is warm, cozy, and intimate without trying too hard. It's the kind of spot that works perfectly for a date night, but also so fun for a girls' night out where you can dress up a little and stay awhile. The food was honestly so good. I absolutely loved the lasagna, it was rich, comforting, and perfectly layered. You can tell it's made with care. And the gelato... you have to order it! It was creamy, not overly sweet, and the perfect way to end the meal. Service was also wonderful. Everyone was friendly and attentive, it made the whole experience much better. Definitely a spot I'd come back to again. read more

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If you haven't been to Osteria Ester yet, run -- don't walk. This place is quickly becoming a new Orlando staple for Italian food. We came with a group and it was perfect for sharing. We ordered a bunch of apps and pastas for the table, which made it such a fun, family-style dining experience. Everything we tried was delicious and clearly made with care. One thing that really stood out was the portion sizes. The main entrées are huge. The chicken parm alone could have easily fed three people! Needless to say, we all left with very happy stomachs and some seriously good leftovers. They also did an incredible job transforming the space. The restaurant feels fresh, stylish, and inviting, and the bar area is especially cool -- definitely a spot where you could hang out for drinks before or after dinner. On top of all that, the service was so warm and welcoming. The staff made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun. Between the great food, generous portions, beautiful space, and friendly service, Osteria Ester is absolutely worth checking out -- especially if you're dining with a group. read more

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I loveeee the other Good Salt restaurants especially Reyes, so I was super excited to try Osteria Ester. Let's start with the positives, the vibes are so pretty inside. I love all the details. Our server was helpful when trying to decide what to order, I think that made our experience better. We started with some happy hour drinks for $10, I ordered a Negroni and my husband got the Paper Plane. Of the two the Negroni we both liked more. For food we started off with the truffle arancini for $9. It comes with 3 small balls full of rice, truffle on top of a cheese puree. I think of all the things I ate, I liked these the most. When we order entrees we went with the popular lasagna rotolo for $36 and the Bucatini Diavolo for $26. I was unimpressed by both of these dishes. Especially with the steep price for pasta. The Bucatini was suppose to be spicy but I didn't see the heat, and the plate served looked quite sloppy. I felt like the presentation on the lasagna was the same. Neither of the pastas tasted like they were made in house. The pasta sauce tasted like salt and sugar. I was really excited to try Osteria but I wouldn't return. I think they need to fine tune their menu and focus more on making their dishes more presentable considering the high price point. read more

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Overall a good experience for brunch! I think that ambiance was cozy but elevated and our server was super attentive. I think I would really enjoy going back for dinner but a solid first impression. Everyone enjoyed their food read more

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The focaccia is phenomenal. Get it. The chicken parm was quite good and a very large portion. The bolognese sauce was very nice. I'm not a fan of the style of noodle it comes with. But the pasta is house made and you can tell that in the quality. Wine selection was delicious. Ended the night with a glass of grappa and a cappuccino. Our server was very nice and even made an extra effort by sending a prosecco to the table because it was my birthday. Will be going back to try some other items. I've heard the tortellini are excellent. read more

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I recently visited Osteria Ester before a show at the Dr. Phillips Center, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. As a Michelin-recommended restaurant, my expectations were high, and Osteria Ester exceeded them. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. Despite a packed dining room, the staff was able to accommodate our request to move indoors from our original patio table because of the heat. Their professionalism, efficiency, and hospitality made the entire experience feel effortless. We never felt rushed, and every member of the team seemed genuinely invested in making sure we had a wonderful evening. Let's start with the cocktails. I ordered a dirty martini with stuffed olives and their signature espresso martini made with Sambuca. That espresso martini instantly transported me back to Brooklyn, reminding me of evenings at my godmother's house. It was nostalgic, unique, and one of the best espresso martinis I've had in a long time. For appetizers, we shared the Carpaccio Piemontese, Truffle Arancini, and the rice cakes. The beef carpaccio was incredibly tender, and the hazelnuts added the perfect texture and flavor. The Truffle Arancini were perfectly crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with rich truffle flavor. The rice cakes came with a delicious garlic sauce that had us scraping the plate clean. The portions are on the smaller side, but they're perfect for sharing before diving into pasta. For entrées, my friend ordered the Paccheri Alla Vodka and added a breaded chicken cutlet. I highly recommend that addition. One of the managers also mentioned that ricotta is a great add-on, and after seeing the dish, I can absolutely see why. This was probably the standout entrée of the evening. I ordered the Spaghetti Alle Vongole. The clams were fresh and flavorful, and the sauce was absolutely delicious. My only minor critique is that I wished the pasta had held onto the sauce a little better. I ended up ordering bread just so I could soak up every last drop, which tells you how good the sauce really was. My vegetarian friend ordered the Gnocchi Sardo along with a side of broccolini. I'm typically not a gnocchi person, but even I thought the dish was excellent. If you enjoy mushrooms and gnocchi, it's an easy recommendation. The broccolini was fantastic as well, I actually added some to my pasta, and it paired beautifully while adding a fresh element to the meal. The ambiance was cozy, clean, and surprisingly quiet, making it easy to enjoy conversation. As someone who grew up in Brooklyn and loves Italian food, I can honestly say everything we tried was phenomenal. Expect to spend roughly $30-$80 per person depending on your selections and cocktails, and in my opinion, it's worth every penny. Osteria Ester delivered on every level: exceptional service, expertly crafted cocktails, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's easy to see why it earned Michelin recognition. I already can't wait to go back and explore more of the menu. One of the best Italian dining experiences I've had in Orlando. I'll definitely be back. read more

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The Good Salt Restaurant Group has done it again! Another great restaurant added to the area. We sat at the bar for dinner and service was great. Manny the bartender did a great job of providing suggestions and did an exceptional job of giving gluten free options! I ordered the gluten free pasta with clams and wow! The pasta didn't have that "gluten free" texture. In addition to having clams in the shell, they also added whole and chopped clams! Talk about not skimping out! Everything tasted fresh! The food was seasoned really well and the texture of the pasta we had, truly chef's kiss. I will definitely be back!! read more

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Beautiful new space, though hard to find street parking in the area. Lots of nice patio seating in front. Nice cocktail list, though I'd hope a $12 aperol spritz would be larger (also no happy hour, at least yet). Service was friendly and professional, lots of check-ins (which was good because my sirloin was undercooked). Desserts were enjoyable, though my sweet tooth preferred the butterscotch much more than the cake which had a yogurt-like "frosting". It's a "good salt group" operation and I appreciate that with each new opening they target a completely new concept (osprey is seafood, Seito is sushi, etc). read more

Osteria Ester - Clams/carpaccio, perch/sirloin, olive oil cake/budino - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This new Italian spot recently opened in Thornton park and it's a must try! The menu had great variety from shrimp and veal to homemade pastas and gelato. Most of our group has been to Italy and we all value the authenticity in these dishes, inspired by the chef's Italian grandma Ester, whose photographs add a homey welcome across the main dining room. The appetizers were all impressive in flavor--with the baked clams taking the cake for my favorite. The complexity in flavors and freshness of the herbs combined with the buttery meyer lemon sauce was chefs kiss! The garlic confit focaccia bread was perfect for sharing and nicely crisp outside while fluffy inside. The savory whipped ricotta on the toasted Crostini paired so well with the petal honey. The truffle arancini comes with 3, and it's small yet mighty in flavor with a yummy Parmesan fondue drizzle and would be perfect for a date to share between 2 people. My Chicken Parmigiana dish could feed a whole family with a generous portion of protein and draped in cheese and sauce. The tomato sauce was so fresh and robust it certainly reminded me of Italy. Now, the Butterscotch Budino dessert surprised me, the homemade whipped cream was light and the custard was not overly sweet. All of the desserts were served in adorable glassware. The espresso martinis and the spritz were both popular cocktails at our table and went well with the apps. The inside is so aesthetically pleasing with lots of photos hung, plants, and Italian vintage accents on the walls. I must say all of the food was plated gorgeously and made it even more appetizing. I went with a group of 10 and reservations are highly recommended! read more

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Cozy, but upscale Italian-American spot with incredible service and delicious pasta dishes. We made reservations to visit on a Friday night, glad we did as it was cold out and it seems like many of the walk-ins were being sat outside. Although there is also a nice bar area that I believe is first come-first served. We started with the focaccia which was excellent, a nice blend of herbs, salt, and oil/balsamic. For the entree I went with the bolognese which hit the spot. Plenty of meat and red sauce, and the pasta (which I believe is made in house) was cooked to perfection. For dessert we had the tiramisu, one of my all time favorite desserts, and it did not disappoint. Strong coffee flavor well balanced with the layers of cream and lady fingers. Our server was incredibly kind and attentive, checking in at just the right times to make sure we had what we needed. After our meal, we asked if there were any bar seats available to grab a cocktail and she went out of her way to reserve us a couple of seats - above and beyond! We really enjoyed our time at the bar as well, the bartender was kind and struck up a conversation while making the drinks and the cocktails themselves were delicious. The espresso shakerado is an amazing choice for coffee lovers, and the unrefusable offer was a well balanced choice for whiskey drinkers. Looking forward to coming back soon! read more

Osteria Ester - Focaccia - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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I am a big fan of Good Salt restaurants and Osteria Ester is yet another beautiful concept. The food was good, both the gnocchi and Sea Bream were full of flavor. We went during soft opening and clearly they are working out "bug" in particularly service. Our waiter was very nice but we found ourselves waiting several times for 10-15 mins to order drinks and our food. I was also surprised the burrata doesn't come with any type of bread / crostini. It is suggested you order with one of their bread options, none appeared to pair well. I also didn't want to spend $23+ on burrata and bread (to be clear we didn't end up getting). Overall, though a nice space and what we got was good, I won't be rushing back though. read more

Osteria Ester - Italian Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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What an amazing experience! Great wine, great food, great ambiance. I have been missing a high quality Italian resturaunt and this lovely location fills the spot quite nicely. The the dining room is simultaneously grand & understated. Dark wood, quiet tables tucked into dimly lit corners, and grand curtains dividing quiet spaces create intimate spaces that feel very special. The food is as wonderful as could be expected from a Micheline listed resturaunt. We started with the focaccia and it was delightfully soft and flavorful. Lightly salty and savory, is devine. We the Ester Salad and it was divine. I love that they list "wishbone"dressing, and it is actually wishbone dressing! I had forgotten how much I really do love this dressing! We moved on to the Radiatori Bolognesi. Even though I was getting very full, I could not resist trying some. It was divine! Spicey and rich, the sauce was bursting with flavor. The noodles were just delightful. My husband is VERY picky and even he loved it. To top it off, the device is exactly what you would expect from a fabulous restaurant. Friendly, attentive, and not pretentious in the slightest. Can't wait to ho back! Highly recommend!!! read more

Came here on a Thursday night for my husband's birthday. This restaurant is beautiful! We were greeted and sat right away as we had a reservation. The food here is delicious and it doesn't seem like you can go wrong with any of the menu items. We started with the focaccia bread and carpaccio. Highly recommend both! I very much enjoyed the Cacio e Pepe martini. It's surprisingly smooth and a great take on a dirty martini. For entrees we had the Paccheri Alla Vodka and the lasagna Rotolo. Both were rich in flavor. However the pasta was very hard and a bit too al dente. I think next time I would try the gnocchi. For desserts we got the tiramisu and an espresso martini. The tiramisu was divine! Overall the service was great which is common with good salt restaurant group! We've become big fans of this and their other restaurants because of the stellar food and service. However, I took a star off because it was noted that we were dining for a special occasion in our reservation and again mentioned in the notes section of our reservation but it was not acknowledged to my husband once from the staff nor was there a special candle or dessert presented, which was something I saw from other reviews. This was a bit of a let down. Otherwise this is a great place for dinner and I'd recommend it! read more

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Lovely place great for a date or a group dining experience. Gabriel our server was very attentive from the start, he gave us his best recommendations. Everything was great except for the Braised Beef Bolognese the pasta was a bit undercooked. For drinks if you like spicy Margarita the Mama Mia is a great choice. The Expresso Martini is also very good here. Parking is available on the street if you can find a spot or there is the Thorton parking garage. Rates start at $4 for a 2 hour time period. read more

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