Sneak Peek of Osteria Ester

Foodie

Nov 12

Another sun-soaked, warm (and sound-treated) environment awaits Orlando diners from the Good Salt Restaurant Group.

Osteria Ester will focus on Italian cuisine from Chef Michael Cooper, known to many for his work at The Osprey. The menu will offer handmade pastas and neighborhood spirit at one of Orlando’s most iconic corners, Thornton Park, located at 629 E. Central Blvd. in Downtown Orlando.

The restaurant pays homage to the comforting classics and communal spirit of Italian-American dining. “Growing up in New Jersey, Sunday dinners and the neighborhood red-sauce joints were everything,” says Cooper. “Osteria Ester is my love letter to that feeling — the food, the family, the energy. It’s about simple dishes made with care and shared with the people you love.”

Named after Cooper’s grandmother, Ester, the restaurant embodies her legacy of hospitality and connection. “She wasn’t much of a cook,” Cooper laughs, “but she loved bringing people together — and that’s the heart of this place.”

The culinary program features handmade pastas, nostalgic Italian-American favorites, and thoughtful, modern interpretations highlighting seasonal Florida ingredients. The beverage program, curated by Good Salt Beverage Director Lorena Castro, celebrates Italy’s rich drinking culture — from Aperol spritzes to Negronis and a wine list exploring the depth of Italian varietals. Imagine golden hour on the corner patio: a table of friends sharing cicchetti and sipping spritzes.

There is even an intimate section along kitchen windows where you can get a front-row view of the handmade pasta station.

Brunch service, launching later this winter, will carry on Thornton Park’s vibrant weekend social tradition, bringing the iconic patio to life with people, music, energy, and signature Italian flair.

Osteria Ester’s design blends old-world charm with modern playfulness. Warm wood tones, rustic textures, and amber lighting create an intimate setting, while bold artwork and vintage-inspired details add personality and fun. It’s cozy and soulful, but never too serious — a reflection of Italian dining at its best.