D

Danavia Google

about 1 month ago

We had an amazing experience tonight! Our waitress Paige was fantastic. She was so kind, attentive, and really helpful when walking us through the menu. Everything we tried was delicious, and we definitely went a little overboard ordering for just the two of us. We started with the focaccia and meatballs, and for our main dishes we split the lasagna rotolo, gnocchi sardo, and the hearth roasted half chicken. Every dish was packed with flavor. The meatballs were honestly some of the best I’ve had. I wish I would have asked for some Parmesan for the meatballs, but it didn’t take away from the dish. The chicken was thick, juicy, and cooked perfectly. The Marsala sauce with it was excellent! The gnocchi was creamy and super filling, and the lasagna portion was huge, which makes for good leftovers! We were so full we grabbed the house made tiramisu to go. Overall, such a great meal and we’ll absolutely be back!

D

Diamante Suarezvia Google

about 2 months ago

Great restaurant, and one we were really excited to try for my fiancé and I’s 10 year dating anniversary. I’ll start with a few things that I wish would’ve been better. I made the reservation well in advance and noted that we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary, which felt like a big milestone for us. I’ve been to other restaurants where mentioning something like this resulted in a more intentional, elevated experience, so I was a little disappointed that this detail didn’t seem to be acknowledged. I also specifically requested a booth in the reservation notes, hoping for something a bit more private given the occasion. We were initially seated at a table in the middle of the dining room. I asked about the round booth near the host stand and was told it wasn’t available, though I’m not entirely sure why. The restaurant closes at 10, our res was for 9 and no one sat there during our entire visit. We ended up in a half-booth situation and were told there would be a party nearby, which was totally fine. I just wish the seating had aligned a bit better with the advance notice we gave. That said, Maddie was a fabulous server and we hit it off right away. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, ingredients, cocktails, and wine, and was so friendly throughout the night. She was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure we were having a nice time. She seems super passionate about the food and the story of how Osteria Ester came to be. Do yourselves the favor of asking for her when you come in! Danny also stopped by to introduce himself as the manager, and we had a great conversation about other restaurants in the Good Salt group and drinks, which was a nice touch. Danny is super hands on, we saw him circling the restaurant and running food while we were there. The focaccia was my favorite bite of the night, and my fiancé loved his Negroni. My cocktail, the Sorrento with a View was fine, but I’d probably opt for wine next time. The salad was fresh, definitely an interesting twist on the cesar salad. I really enjoyed my chicken parm, and the Italian-made pasta was a standout. It didn’t leave me feeling heavy, which I really appreciated. The tiramisu, however, left a bit to be desired. It felt on the drier side, and I’ve definitely had better. As a native New Yorker, I know the concept is meant to feel like NJ style Italian and a love letter to the owner or chef’s (I can’t remember at this point) grandmother, so I was hoping for more there. That said, it was the end of the night, so I get it. Overall, it’s a gorgeous space with a great vibe. There were a few misses, what new restaurant doesn’t have them, but enough positives that we’d come back and give it another try.

C

Chris Peraltavia Google

2 months ago

I can't say enough good things about this place! We visited during the soft opening. The food is amazing!! Everything tasted homemade and had so much flavor. We ordered the foccacia bread, mozzarella sticks and the lasagna (it was shaped like pinwheels, like cinnamon sticks -- very unique presentation!). All the drinks we ordered were great as well. The staff were all very friendly and helpful -- especially Manny at the bar, who was able to get a table for my wife and I during the bustling soft opening week!! Definitely recommend!!

B

Brydan Rockwellvia Google

3 months ago

Absolutely beautiful restaurant! The decor is warm, rich, and welcoming. Gabriel, our server, was the epitome of attentive service. And, the food, the food!!! We had a pepperoni dish (compliments of the house) that was delectable. After that we order the in-house fresh Foccacia and the Classic Caesar. Both of these were top of their class. Following that, we ordered Paccheri Alla Vodka, and Gnocchi Sardo. The Gnocchi Sardo had a more subtle rich flavor that built with every bite and the Paccheri Alla Vodka was "wow!" from first taste (it gave me my own Anton Ego from Ratatouille flashback). We added a side of Meatballs (3) to our main which were a very solid add on. We finished with the Gelato Trio of which each flavor was distict and delicious. Would highly reccomend Osteria Ester with my personal favorite being the Paccheri Alla Vodka and the crutons from the Caesar salad were a surprise standout!

S

Sebastian Taveravia Google

3 months ago

From the moment I stepped into the building I was greeted by their staff. I Was impressed on how nice the ambiance and decor is inside. It’s an Italian restaurant. Maddy was the lady making sure we had an amazing time, she explained the concept of the menu, recommended some amazing cocktails and of course food, and made sure we had a great experience through the whole dinner. Tried quite a few items on the menu. let’s start with the pesce crudo, yellow tail was fresh mix the w/ the right flavors to make it a perfect flavor bite. The mint and red orange gave a good mix of flavors. The Crostinis texture and flavor were 10/10! We order the bistec allá fiorentina medium raw and it came out exactly how it’s supposed. Crusty flavory on the outside and pink and juicy inside, a 10/10 as well. One of may favorites was the Carpaccio, so flavory with fried cappers that just adds more texture into the bite 10/10. In general I didn’t try anything I didn’t like, everything was great. Perfect place to bring family, a date or someone special for a good dinner and cocktails. Prices are very affordable, I was impressed!