12/31/2025
The Juicy Squeeze Review: Osteria Ester (Thornton Park). Esther’s is a serious glow-up for the old SoCo space — same prime Thornton Park energy, but now it’s a cozy, candlelit Italian osteria vibe with shareable plates, strong pasta ex*****on, and a “stay for another glass of red” kind of atmosphere.
The Vibe
Warm, intimate, and date-night-ready. Think dim lighting, polished service, and a menu that’s built by Nona for sharing. Perfect for:
Date night / anniversaries
Girls night with wine + apps
Out-of-town guests who want “Orlando, but elevated”
What We Tried (and what hit)
🥩 Carpaccio (Piemonte style)
Thin, tender, well-seasoned, and balanced with greens + crunch. This is the kind of starter that disappears fast—order it early.
🍞 House Focaccia
Golden, fluffy, herb-flecked, and absolutely a “don’t skip” situation. It’s the table anchor—especially if you’re doing multiple apps.
🦪/🐚 Clams on ice (with a punchy topping)
Bright, briny, and dressed with a savory-sweet bite that keeps you coming back for “just one more.” Great with a crisp white or bubbles.
🍝 Pasta (ragù-style with shaved parm)
Comforting and rich without feeling heavy. The sauce clings, the pasta has chew, and the finish is pure Italian comfort.
Menu Notes I Loved
The menu is doing the right things: burrata, Caesar, crispy polenta, and a pasta lineup that reads like a greatest hits list (bolognese, vodka, vongole, tortelloni). It feels approachable, but still chef-driven.
Quick Pros / Tiny Cons
✅ Pros: vibe, pasta quality, shareable starters, solid pacing, great for entertaining
⚠️ Cons: it’s popular—expect a wait at peak times if you don’t plan ahead
TJS Ordering Cheat Code
Go 2 starters + focaccia + 1–2 pastas for the table. Add a glass (or bottle) of red and call it a night.
TJS Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)
A legit Thornton Park addition — and a worthy successor to the space.
