Here to celebrate a birthday. We were seated right away at a large table and greeted by a super friendly server. There were a lot of items on the menu that we all wanted to try. Three of us started with the carpaccio and it was delicious. We really enjoyed that and it would be one of the top in the Orlando area. For the entree, I opted for the steak and eggs. The steak was perfectly cooked as well as the eggs. I really enjoyed my dish and everyone who tried the steak also raved about the flavors. My husband had the eggs in pergatory. The flavors were good, but the eggs were overcooked for sure. They server completely recovered and offered to re-make the dish, but we didn't want to waste food and again the flavors were good, but just over cooked egg. They did opt to remove the item from the bill (which we did not request, but was apprecaited). One of my kids had the pasta. She asked for no chili flakes and the server also recommend some ricotta on the dish. She said it was a little spicy, but she still really liked it and the ricotta helped with the spice and also made it taste great. My other kid had the burratta. She said it was delicious and I could not get a photo since it was half gone before I could try so it must have been good. I had an affogatto for dessert and it was delicious. The decor was warm and friendly. The location was not too loud and we were able to have great coversations. We really enjoyed the brunch and hope to make it back it to try the arancini since they were out by the time we ordered them. read more

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I can't say enough great things about this restaurant-- definitely our favorite Italian restaurant in the Orlando area by far! We've been a couple times, trying several new dishes each time and all of the food is amazing. The wine selection is a bit limited but they have some great options. I'll have to try the cocktails sometime too as they seem to have a great selection there as well. The ambiance is classy, modern, with darker lighting. Reservations can sometimes be hard to come by, but last time we took advantage of bar seating. The service is always exceptional and inviting. Definitely looking forward to returning many times! read more

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The ambiance of the restaurant was on the intimate but also casual side, and the interior design was chic. I went here for magical dining and the server was very friendly and tended to us every so often to check in and make sure the food came out good. Appetizer: Baked Clam Im not usually a fan of shellfish but these were phenomenal! I added some lemon juice and it enhanced the flavors; they were cooked just right. Main course: Duck risotto The duck was juicy and tender, with a very crisp skin, and was seasoned well. I will say that the risotto was cooked just right, but it was too salty; i think if they reduced the amt of seasoning on the risotto, it would be even better bc it would accompany the duck. Dessert: Hazelnut budino Super creamy and heavy on the hazelnut flavor (which i personally enjoyed) i will say that halfway eating, it started being too rich and too sweet. In addition, the portions were just right to feel very satisfied but not overly full. Will definitely plan to come back!! read more

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Had a reservation for 8pm, but didn't get seated till a little after 8:30pm. The waiter apologized and then offered us a drink and said we'd be comped for it, but then still charged us. We didn't complain or say anything, but was kinda disappointed by it. The carpaccio was good and the duck was crispy which went will with the texture of the risotto, but flavor profile wasn't really there. Pork loin was good a little chewy. I think overall the food was fine, but I think had higher expectations based off the prices and ambiance. I've heard from others the pasta is really good which went didn't get, so if we ever go back I guess we'd try that. read more

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Pros: server ? Excellent- I think her name was Jan but there were several people who helped us and were very down to earth. It was a cool Italian hipster vibe there . I liked the decor . The focaccia bread that we got with the oil was amazing. We ordered two of them because they were so good. That along with the Truffle Arancini were the best things we tasted ! Cons: some of the food we had just wasn't great. I think I'm stuck in the past where if I spent 60 bucks a person, I expect the food to wow me. And it just didn't. The Carpaccio Piemontese had 0 flavor and the Duck Confit was just not good. It just wasn't what I was expecting . It was bony and the meat was bland and the risotto didn't have much flavor. We would absolutely be willing to try another dish but what we had was not great. read more

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I kept seeing this place all over TikTok and I love Italian food so I came to check this place out with my friend for dinner. The inside of the restaurant is really nice. The service here was top-tier. Our waitress told us a lot about the chef and the menu items offered here. We ordered the carpaccio and arancini to start. The Arancini were good, but I feel like they were pretty small and you only get three. We didn't like the beef carpaccio, it was a bit tasteless. We ordered the vodka pasta as our entrée. Well, I do love al dente. I did feel like this pasta could've been cooked a little bit more. I felt like the quality of the pasta was good though the vodka sauce wasn't my favorite. This place kind of missed the mark for us, I'm not sure if I would return. read more

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My expectations were fairly high given the buzz this place has gotten from social media influencers and its spot on the Michelin Guide's recommended list. That's usually not a good sign: the higher the expectations, the more likely they are to fall short. But Osteria Ester met them. From the moment I walked in, I loved the atmosphere: sophisticated, with neutral tones and touches of red, and décor that felt effortlessly put together. The separation between rooms adds an extra layer of elegance. The food was executed beautifully. The Piedmontese carpaccio with wagyu, hazelnut aioli, and arugula was divine. We ordered a side of bread, and it was the best toast I've ever had at a restaurant, extremely crispy and flavorful, toasted with plenty of good-quality olive oil. My main was the chicken parm, which came in a generous portion and was delicious, the chicken cooked to perfect doneness. For dessert, we couldn't skip the tiramisu and I think it might be the best I've ever had. An explosion of flavor. Our waiter was very attentive and kept my water glass full all night. We stayed until closing, and instead of rushing us out, the staff ended up chatting with us. We laughed a lot and felt completely comfortable staying so late. I'm planning to go back to try the brunch with Lavazza coffee. read more

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There were seven in our party and we stopped here for a birthday. The place is beyond cute and cozy. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and go above and beyond what they need to do. The beef carpaccio melts in your mouth. The steak and eggs were scrumptious the lemon ricotta pancakes left you wanting more and the butterscotch dessert which we shared because by then we were so full as the portions are really large with scrumptious. If you're looking for something delicious and special, do yourself a favor and stop in you will leave happy and wanting to come back. read more

First time coming here and the ambiance was nice. Low lighting with dark wood. It really sets the mood. Our server had great recommendations such as the gnocco fritto, truffle arancini, lasagna rotolo and chicken Parmesan. A lot of the food was a bit different than I expected as they put their own twist on classic Italian dishes. The gnocco fritto was delightful with deep fried pasta noodles accompanied by prosciutto and Alfredo dipping sauce. The lasagna rotolo was my favorite with each component being very well seasoned. The chicken Parmesan needed more salt and the tiramisu was a bit runnier than I prefer. Drinks are STRONG, I had their take on a sangria and it definitely completed the mission lol. read more

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Absolutely WOW! Our first visit to Osteria Estia, and it certainly won't be our last. From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely exceptional. Every dish was beautifully prepared with fresh, authentic Italian flavors, and every pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. It truly felt like a little trip to Italy. We started with the crostini bread, the carpaccio, crispy polenta, Caesar salad, and baked clams, each appetizer was outstanding. For our entrées, the stars of the night were the Paccheri alla Vodka, Gnocchi Sardo, and Lasagna Rotolo. Every bite was packed with flavor. To top it all off, we paired dinner with the 2020 Ciochino, a full bodied, dry red that complemented the meal perfectly. We ended the night with their delicious light and creamy tiramisu. If you're looking for authentic Italian cuisine, impeccable service, and an unforgettable dining experience, Osteria Estia is a must visit. We can't wait to come back! read more

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My boyfriend and I came here for lunch, originally thinking for Magical Dining, which we now know is only dinner...oops. We had espresso martinis with bourbon instead of vodka, highly recommend the switch. Then a toast with whipped ricotta and the carpaccio which was to die for. We shared the vodka pasta which had just the right touch of spice. We of course had to have dessert which was a toffee type pudding. Incredible. We will be back to try the whole menu. read more

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Osteria Ester is located in Thornton Park area. Nice location, good ambiance in the restaurants, terrible parking options. The service was excellent! Very attentive and nice staff! I met with my work colleagues and we shared several appetizers. My favorite was the beef carpaccio. It melts in your mouth! We also had 2 orders of the fresh focaccia bread. You can tell it was homemade and hot out of the oven. Sadly, I forgot to take photos. I chose the Wagyu top sirloin over potatoes for my dinner which was very tender and delicious. I tried my friend's stuffed Lasagna Rotolo and thought it was good. It was a little too dense for me, but my other workmates polished their plate. Everyone else loved their entrees. We had a butterscotch alcohol concoction as a palate cleanser, which was amazing! For dessert, tiramisu and a butterscotch pudding. They were incredible! If you don't like super sweet desserts, this was a perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess. For parking, find a reliable parking lot. The parking garage has a 2 hour minimum and you have to pay by scan. They trick you into thinking you pay when you leave. I was hit with a $90 ticket plus $15 parking fee for being over by 15 minutes. It's a third party parking enforcement which I disputed. Thankfully they lowered the fine. My dinner lasted longer than the time allotted and with misleading tactics in the adjacent garage, it's a scam. It was a rainy day when I went so I didn't have a choice but to park in their garage. I would come back to dine there again even with the crappy parking situation. Maybe not for a while, though. read more

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Absolutely recommend this restaurant! We had Jana as our waitress and she gave fantastic recommendations! It's upscale enough to feel special but isn't pretentious. Kitchen executes dishes beautifully with super fresh ingredients. The portions are appropriate and get the cacio e Pepe martini if you like dirty martinis. My fiance ordered the white Negroni (which I typically despise Negronis but this one is slightly sweet with a light bitter after taste) definitely worth trying! We both ordered the duck risotto, tried the truffle arancini and butterscotch budino! The dessert was absolutely killer and we enjoyed it with a glass of homemade limoncello read more

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We had a lovely dinner at Osteria Ester to celebrate a friends birthday. She chose this place because she is Italian, but also a vegetarian and there were ample options for her. This restaurant is part of the Good Salt group, and if you know anything about this group, you know they have many other wonderful restaurants in the Orlando area. The location is in the old Boca spot in Thornton, it has a great patio for relaxing and people watching but it is on a main intersection so during busy times it could get a little noisy. We sat inside at a booth, the atmosphere is romantic and upscale, and the booth was large enough for our party without feeling cramped. We got the arancini balls as an app, the photos on Yelp were hard to tell the size, so don't let the pics deceive you! They were much smaller than we were anticipating! Still delicious none the less. I got the marsala for dinner, it was quite tasty! It came with a polenta which was a nice touch. The polenta wasn't listed on the menu so I had to ask because I was unsure if it came with anything other than the chicken and sauce. I'm glad to see something new in this spot, I hope it does well! We'll return another time to try some new menu items! read more

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I got to visit during the time of magical dining with my husband and the service was nice, friendly, helpful, and accommodating! We ordered off both menus and the Carpaccio Piemontese was a hit with my husband. The ambiance was a little dark in the area we were at but the decor and interior were beautiful. Since being pregnant, it was a little difficult for me to enjoy the food to the fullest but I would love to come back and try some different things next time! 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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We tried this place for brunch today. Oh man.... What a great meal! The atmosphere in the restaurant is super chill. Great vibes. Our servers were awesome. They were super chill and fun to chat with! Our food was so tasty!! The cappuccino had the perfect foam on top. The Sicilian sticky bun was fresh and not as heavy as we thought. The honey was a great addition. The pistachios gave a nice crunch. Steak and eggs, the citrus flavors and seasoning gave the meat a nice fresh taste. It was refreshing. Lemon ricotta pancakes had a great lemon flavor. The pancakes had the perfect crispy edges. Topped with almonds and blueberries. Fresh flavor all around. The breakfast lasagna was crispy and delicious. Great sauce. The breakfast sandwich was great! The ham and cheese were pan fried, crispy, and bursting with flavor. The chips had a BBQ seasoning on them. Very nice. Overall.... Wow. We had a great meal! I definitely recommend this brunch! 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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