I really enjoyed both of my experiences here: one ordering mainly tapas and small plates, and the other doing the Wednesday night $20 beer + burger special, which is a good deal. The small plates were all great, notably the roasted olives, homemade bread, and grilled octopus. Burger deal was also good, I had a chicken bacon ranch burger that had all three of those things on it for real. Homemade ranch did not taste like ranch but it was still yum. Comes with fried potatoes, not French fries (think smaller steak fries). Consistently good, a little pricey but in a reasonable range for a restaurant like this. Would recommend. read more

Funky vibe and tasty, fresh, local creations. We shared a mix of small plates and felt adventurous to try some new flavors and foods that night. The quality warrants the price. Fun cocktails, nice servers, great time. read more

Osa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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I want to like this restaurant more, but I just can't... Osa has all the makings of the sensational restaurant; chic décor, hip waitstaff, being part of the same company as the nearby fantastic pizza place, Krust. However, I can't justify giving a restaurant a high star rating when the portions are so dinky. I left the restaurant almost as hungry as I was entering. The stars of the menu was the pork agnolotti; I just wished it came at a full entrée size. The chicken liver was fantastic too, but I wished more bread was provided. My orange ginger mixed drink was refreshing and smooth! My husband and I went here on a double date. All of us were so hungry that we finally had dinner at Mikado, where we spent less money and got our bellies full. read more

This restaurant is sensational... if you're a leprechaun. Look, I know this is a small plates/tapas/dim sum/farm-to-table hipster socialite kale fest. I get that. But I'm still a full-sized human being with a full-sized stomach. Small plates are fine, microscopic plates are not. Four of us had a total of two "snack plates," two "small plates," and a drink each. $93 before tip. Ninety... three... dollars. We left early because we were just shocked at how little we were getting for this much money. The chicken liver mousse was amazing, I'll give them that. But it's served with three toast points... so most of it was eaten without any bread to put it on. The pork agnolotti was just not that good, especially when $14 got us less food than you'd find in a Lean Cuisine. I am sure that this place will be a big hit, though. I mean, people will come from Glastonbury, Middlefield, Durham, and other wealthy areas just to feel better about throwing their disposable income at Downtown Middletown. My wife and I are the types that can afford a nice night out, but we're still value conscious people. So we went to Mikado down the street for the "second half" of our meal... seriously. read more

This place is just amazing. First time here and just wondering why there isn't a huge line in front of it to get a table. My favorite spot from now on in all CT. Food, drinks, wine, hospitality, ambiance...it's all amazing! Congratulations to whoever created this place and to all the ppl that work so hard to bring to the table such an amazing experience!!!!! I will be back over and over again! Cheers!! read more

One of my best restaurant experiences in Connecticut. I would give them 4.5 stars if I could, because I wish they took reservations and because of the noise level. Otherwise, the food was impeccable, the service was great and enthusiastic, and the design of the place is fun and inviting. We went with one pescatarian, one vegan/gluten free, and two vegetarians and we were all able to find plenty to eat and the kitchen was very accommodating about substitutions. We ordered extra small plates because of the reviews below that said the portions were meager. I wholeheartedly disagree! We couldn't finish the entree and skipped dessert because we were so full! It is a high end place, with local & fresh ingredients, so I didn't feel the prices were unfair, but maybe a little higher than is normally seen in the area. I won't remember all we had, but the smoked carrots, shishito peppers, spaghetti chitarra, and mushrooms over polenta were standouts! Very excited to have a foodie establishment within driving distance, especially one that is amenable to vegetarians. read more

My husband and I just moved to the area and have been trying to check out local spots and this one just happened to catch our eye! SO HAPPY we stopped in. The atmosphere is very trendy, but chill, service was exceptional and the food was hand-crafted goodness. Our appetizer of the chicken sausage and pork belly with lentils was so tender and well seasoned.. I wish I could've gotten it as an entree! My husband got the burger and I got the scallops and everything from start to finish was outstanding. We will definitely be back for the Wednesday burger and beer special ! read more

Osa - Pan Seared Scallops - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

With little plates being all the rage, this was a great opportunity at a convenient location to hit a home run. Unfortunately, Osa's first at-bat was a foul tip. The ambiance is cool and casual with creative design and a modern vibe. Where things start to slide is with the food. Plate price is between $11-14+ on average. Pricey, but the real crime is what's ON the plate...mini-Tapas with very few 'protein-based' plates. This was surprising given their tusked-logo greeting us upon arrival. I frequently dine at Tapas restaurants and Gastropubs all over the US, and this is one of the more imbalanced menus I've come across. Equally concerning was the service. Party of 8 where heavy ordering and conversation was taking place, and yet anytime a plate was delivered, it was dropped unceremoniously onto the table without an explanation of what was being served. At best, asking yielded inaudible, over-the-shoulder answers as the servers shuffled away. They pulled off an extra star for their drink menu, which was fantastic. Great local craft beers along with a creative cocktail list. If you're looking for a great Tapas restaurant for dinner, there are better options within a 10-20 minutes drive. If you're looking for a cool vibe, a cold drink and you're planning on arriving with a full stomach, you'd probably have a solid experience here. Try the Poussin. It's French and roughly translates to small, tasty, expensive chicken! read more

Just went to Osa for dinner and thought it was delicious!! We were lucky to get a table for two without a reservation, and we appreciated it. The atmosphere was cool and reminiscent of Krust, but it was slightly nicer, and we liked the lounge music a lot. The menu was a bit intimidating, even though we have traveled quite a bit and have tried many non traditional foods. It was hard to imagine what the dishes would like based in their descriptions. However, each item we tried was fabulous!! We had the olives and bread to start. We then shared the beef croquettes, porchetta sandwich, crespelle, and spaghetti. We didn't leave anything behind, but were happily full by the end of our meal. It was all so well prepared, and the plates complemented each other nicely. We were too full to have dessert, so we will try to have it next time!! Can't wait to go back soon :) read more

Great atmosphere and service! Really enjoyed the whole minimalist concept and limited menu. They offer more wine options than food which is right up my alley. Anyways, the food was delicious, the bread was to die for and the waitresses all seem very nice! Prices were a bit high even for appetizers but they were delicious. Dinner portions were a bit small but again I savored every bite. All and all 9/10 read more

Osa - Wood-Roasted Half-Chicken - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

The food here is incredibly good. My husband and I tried a few dishes from their menu. We ordered the Stay Golden drink which was very good. We then started out with the shishito peppers, followed by the melinda mae cheese, the marinated mussels and finally the William Wallace sandwich. OMG amazing food with such great taste!! Our server was friendly and she was also very attentive and helpful with suggestions on the menu. We ended our dinner with the wood roasted apples for dessert. To die for! read more

Osa - Shishito peppers - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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The BEST food accompanied with amazing owners and staff! The cocktails are delicious as well. The owners really know what they're doing, the food and cocktails are well made and crafted with love. We always go for small plates, the octopus and spaghetti was astounding! My boyfriend had the osa burger and he could not stop raving about it! All around 10/10. read more

Our table of 4 was overall underwhelmed with the food at osa. It does have a nice atmosphere (a replica of krust) and friendly staff. Additionally the peaches and cream dessert and the stuffed pepper tapa were both tasty. That said, the menu was small, with very few true entrees. The menu could also benefit from better explanation of the theme of each tapa. We tried the pork shank entree, it was terrible. While I understand pork shank is fatty, the meat around the fat was tasteless, not worth anything near $28. read more

Looks cool but how you gonna be closed for brunch on sundays? I mean, it seems like an untapped market

The fabulous interior is topped by Chef Matt Wick's innovative food. The meal was absolutely flawless. Anxious to return to sample his creative menu. The space is lively, but generously scaled. read more

I went to this place on Saturday night and I have to agree with everyone here writing so highly about the service and the waiting staff. They were all really good. Hats off. the reason why I am giving three stars is due to the fact that ordering a pork chop for $34 I am hoping this chop would be at least 2 inches thick. After all, pork is not sirloin. Anyhow, I was wrong. The thickness of the chop was maybe 1/2 inch thick with some veggies on the side. It looked very healthy. As for the taste, it was delicious no doubt about that but after eating well.....I was still hungry...and so my friend. I hope there isn't an expectation nowadays that to feel satisfied, we have to spend close to $100 per person. Anyway, to make a long story short, I called the restaurant next door. We ordered a pizza to go. Picked it up 15 minutes later and finally we were happy. (It's true). Again, great quality of food, great service but the portions are rather small. read more

We go out to dinner at least once a week. Everything from burgers and wings to fine dining. We have been trying to go to OSA for a while but just hadn't made it there. Well it it worth the wait and we won't wait long for our next visit. The meal was lick your clean worthy!!! From the attention at the bar to the taking of our check nothing let us down!! The owner was behind the bar working as hard as the regular bartender. I can't say enough about the uniqueness of the menu and the flavor of the food. It's not the place I'd bring my kids but we all deserve a night out read more

Previously gave them a 3 because they were inconsistent but the past few times they have been just incredible. Best place in a 15 mile radius by far!!! Thanks so much!!! I am a Wesleyan alumn, and hated my time in Middletown. Told myself I would never come back but it's a bit hard with Osa nearby! I will definitely be back one of my favorite restaurants. read more

We hadn't been by for a while so we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a few changes to the menu. I ordered the tuna tartare with the potato sticks. Oh my god - wow. I thought the matchstick potatoes were a bit of an unusual choice when I read the menu, and I had my reservations, but when I tasted the dish, I immediately understood. The combination went hand in hand and the dish was perfectly executed. The summer pasta was also a nice update to the usual cacio e pepe. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the summer vegetables complemented the dish so well. We immediately regretted not having ordered the larger serving. We'll keep that in mind next time - the pasta is not a dish for one to make pretense of exercising restraint. read more

I've badgered chef Matt Wick about Osa's imminent opening every time I've run into him for the last year or so. And his answer has always been, "soon!" Well soon finally arrived, and we sped up to Middletown to check out this new eatery under Krust's umbrella. One imagines that Matt has spent the time carefully considering the attributes of wild herbs, how to best preserve blueberries, and crafting artful combinations of unusual flavors. This guy's ideas about local food, how it's grown, prepared, and presented are serious, to say the least. He's got a pedigree, too, as ex-head chef at both River Tavern and Otto. Spare and clad in pine planks, the room has an L.A. meets chalet vibe that is perfectly suited to its clientele of hipsters, foodie freaks, a sprinkling of college students, and regular old people like us. A communal table runs the length of the room ending at a cozy bar, serving up craft cocktails (try the Salers Adrift, a fizzy and light concoction of Salers Aperitivo, Chopin rye vodka, strawberries, and prosecco). You'll need that drink because you'll want to take your time with the menu which begs for your complete attention. Segmented into a small section of snacks, then a long list of complex small plates, plus a few main dishes, all meant to be shared. Interesting. While perusing, order some snacks for the table: cracklings for sure, shishito peppers, and Stonington shrimp with crumbs of andouille went well with our cocktails. Next, we tried almost everything between the four of us. Service is quick; plates arriving at the table in minutes (which allowed us to double up on the luscious Lamb Agnolotti in smoked tomato sauce with salty olive crumbs!). The salad of Mystic's Melinda Mae cheese, sweet and sour blueberries, and purslane was almost too pretty to eat. Fall flavors are introduced with ringlets of roasted Delicata squash, blue cheese, apple, and spruce. We kept at it with a riff on potato skins: new potatoes stuffed with smoked fish mousse and cured pork (the girls liked this one, the boys not so much). For main dishes, we were advised to share. The whole poussin, with sweet and sour baby eggplant, cherry tomatoes and freshly picked lettuces, was out of this world. We picked it to the bone (a pathologist at the table with knife skills helped). The chicken is first cooked sous vide, then wood-fire roasted, with a result so succulent and tasty, I'll be dreaming about it. Desserts were all about fruits of the season: roasted peaches covered in a mound of whipped cream scented with woodruff, and a picture-perfect strawberry semifreddo. This is experimental dining at its best, in simple surroundings, with delightful and honest servers, and prices that won't break the bank. Thoughtful, deliberate, and genius. Good to know: no reservations. Go early. Save me a seat. Open Wednesday thru Saturday from 5pm. 500 Main Street, Middletown osarestaurant.com read more

Osa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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We've been going to OSA since they opened. The food is consistently delicious and the people who work there are awesome. Plus they support local farms! I think you can't go wrong on the menu but two favorites are burger and beer night (especially the kimchi burger!) and the scallops. You should go! read more

As an out of town guest, I have been waiting to go to OSA for two years. When I knew I was coming to CT for Thanksgiving I made an advanced reservation for dinner (a month in advance). When I got there for my reservation, the hostess said we had to sit at the communal tops, which are glorified bar seats uncomfortable for dinner. Let's keep in mind, IF I was a walk in I'd have no problem sitting at a communal table, HOWEVER since I made a reservation 1 month in advance I would expect a table. When I kindly asked the hostess for a table instead, she said those were for parties who have specified a table with chairs. I'm sorry, so when do you have to specify a table when making reservations? Is this a new requirement in CT?!? IF I wanted a table with a reservation, I'd have to wait an additional 45 mins! Please management Please - if you want to stay in business you need to focus on customers service and accommodating those that are paying to come to your establishment. Just be a little more accommodating to your guests. May I also add when we were rejected from a table top, the tables that were available were not seated until the end of our meals, like an 1hour after we sat at the communal table. This place is full of hostess that wouldn't know what customer service is IF it hit them in the face. A small apology or understanding that this is how the establishment is run, would have cooled me off and made me feel better about their policy, BUT NO, no acknowledgement of the shitty situation was acknowledged. The food was also sub-par for the portions and prices. IF you're looking for a bougie atmosphere and glorified pub food when in CT, please come here. But IF you know better and have been to other states other than CT in your life and know what good food and service is, then please SKIP this spot, because you'll be disappointed! Update: Owner - you did NOT address yourself OR say that the olives and bread were on the house for the reasons of my disappointment. Bread on the table is standard at restaurants, how would anyone in our party know its was free! Again IF YOU CAME INTO someone's home and you didn't apologize for the misunderstanding but rather handed them an extra drink or food on their plate and ASSUME they would think it's a peace offering - that's a miss on your part. Never assume, because assuming makes an ass out of you and me! An acknowledgement goes a long WAY! I was not aware of the gesture! And BEST of luck to you - you're the one in business trying to get ppl in your establishment - NOT ME! read more

My girlfriend Julie and I had dinner at Osa on Wednesday night, seriously one of he most memorable meals we've had in quite some time. Every single bite is carefully crafted with locally sourced goodness. Each plate is put together with care and love. This place is on another level. Try the monkfish (!!), carrots, new potatoes, the kale, the squash, and everything in between. Wine, beer, & spirit selection is marvelous as well. Thank you, Osa! We literally can't wait to come back and do it all again. read more

We've been meaning not visit this restaurant for a while. Finally the stars aligned for us and we got our chance. I started with a very well crafted gin martini with the most amazing Arethusa blue cheese hand-stuffed Olive's...sublime. Three types of pickles, house kimchee, shishitos and half sours...great execution. Crispy grilled octopus with crispy chickpeas, charred scallions, a dynamite mayo...best I've had. The spicy pork head sandwich was off the charts rich with great kick, totally unexpected. My wife also tried their hot lobster roll... great. Our server was not only very personable but extremely knowledgeable about what we're ordering. Overall, I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed it and the quality of both the food but the service. The chef came out to greet us at the end and share great chocolate chip cookies made with rendered local Berkshire pork fat...these pigs were finished with an acorn diet! Overall A+ read more

Eating at Osa was a very pleasant experience. The aesthetic of the restaurant was outstanding and the servers were on top of their tables. While we didn't sit outside, the seating area was heated and seemed pleasant. I highly recommend the goat cheese dip, very creamy with the right amount of spice. Overall a great experience and date night spot. read more

I attended a private event this weekend at Osa. I can't say enough good things about how amazing the staff was. In addition, the chef was creative, serving a delicious "party-themed" menu. Everything was perfect. The space lent itself nicely to this 50 - 75 person event. If you've never been to Osa, get there as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed. read more

where to start? 4 of us went Saturday night. It was awesome. The minute we checked in for our reservation we knew it would be wonderful. The menu was creative and super yummy. Our waiter Joe was great. We ordered a bunch of different things. As a result of a very very tiny snafu on one of the entrées the owner was so kind to bring out four different complementary desserts. We enjoyed every minute of our experience here and can't wait to return and try even more things on the menu. We parked in the public parking lot and it was a quick walk to this restaurant easy Peezy. Keep up the great work guys. What a great addition to Middletown. So worth the drive from West Hartford. maybe they can open the second location in West Hartford someday. It would give current places here a good run for the money something new and fresh!!! thank you for a fantastic evening Osa! read more

Love it every time! Please bring back the mustard salmon, it was absolutely sublime! I don't have a favorite, I love everything here

Great food, great atmosphere, great service! Really top-notch, delicious and unique menu. Was blown away by the duck special entree. Great cocktails as well. Would certainly recommend if you enjoy creative, fresh cuisine and will be returning. read more

Went here for dinner, food was great, my favorite was burger and octopus. Also had bread, olives, and pasta.

This is one of the best restaurants in CT. They have a small, but well rounded menu, comprised mostly of locally sourced ingredients. But, the most exciting thing about OSA is the wine and cocktail menu- truly great! Also, maybe not to be expected, but their burger is the best around! read more

What a nice surprise! The food was absolutely amazing and unlike anything I have ever tasted. The owners are not cutting any corners here. From the beautiful woodwork inside, to the nice downtown vibe, its a great place to bring a date or go with a group. The staff treated us like the highest end restaurants I have been too. The prices are well worth it, farm to table is a nice treat! read more

5 Star! The food was amazing from start to finish and Santo was an outstanding host. I had the wood fired steak that was cooked to perfection, which, since it was a thick cut, is no easy task. The homemade bread was awesome and the drinks were perfectly blended. My girlfriend had many dishes including the pasta and octopus and she was in heaven. I've eaten at every restaurant on Main Street and this is my new favorite. read more

New little spot on Main Street Middletown. Reminds you of Krust (in terms of the interior décor). Great craft cocktails, but nothing really sweet or on the lighter side. Service was ok, it was a Friday night, so it got busier as the night progressed, but tables didn't really flip. Immediately we didn't get enough menu's for the amount of people are our table (and they had them at the host stand....), there were 6 of us, and we each ordered small plates/cocktails and desserts but the server just plopped them in front of the same person each serving and didn't even bother to look at who ordered. Not sure if I'd come back - but glad I tried it at least once. read more

AWESOME. Went with my family and it was very tasty. Serving size is small but they do recommend ordering things to share. Can't wait to go again. read more

Great service on a Saturday night. The food tasted AMAZING but for the price, they were small portions. My husband and I left wanting to go to another restaurant. I got a scallop "big plate" that only came with 6 scallops, a butternut paste underneath with some barley like things, and a couple shiitake mushrooms for $29. The term "big plate" was deceiving to me read more

Food here is amazing. Most probably the best restaurant in Middletown. Some of the dishes were as good as some Michelin Star restaurants I've had read more

Hip and trendy atmosphere, easy to get a table on a Friday evening. Food was creative, well-presented, fairly good but not mind-blowing. The carrot dish was delicious, pork rinds were just okay, beef heart was tasty, and olive starter was underwhelming. Prices are on the higher side and we left slightly hungry despite the near $100 bill for 2 people. Overall, a decent experience but not the best. read more

This is one of Connecticut's great restaurants. Warm and inviting atmosphere, Pleasant staff, wonderful drink selection with a knowledgeable bartender, very unique presentation of meal. Don't let the shared dish scare you. This was a three and a half hour meal and i never felt wanting. Each dish had unbelievable flavors. The waiter allowed time to have a conversation yet made sure are dishes arrived timely dinner drinks were full. read more

I have never had a dining experience where I felt so appreciated, nor have I ever stopped to document my remarks for the benefit of the public. The menu is full of wonderful small plates and dinners which are filled with complex flavors and ingredients used to create these ever changing, awesome dishes which are each truly remarkable. As a diner that travels great distance for a great experience, I look forward to my next adventure on this culinary "magic carpet ride." From the manager/server Madison to the owners Kevin, Rich and Matt, to the great decor and tasteful tunes, as well as their amazing best in class Pizza and Bourbon shrine down the block (Krust), I have never had this much fun and enjoyment while dining. Then the bill comes and one would expect to pay proportionately, but not here. The value is the icing on this mega-cake of perfection. If you are a "foodie," make a reservation. Upon arrival, introduce yourself to Kevin and tell him "you would like to surrender like Joe M from LI... you will be so happy you did. read more