First Bite: Houstonian Returns To Open Vibrant Italian Bistro In Montrose

Last week, Ostia, which means “host” in Italian, officially opened its doors in Montrose at 2032 Dunlavy. The name was no accident. Italian influences, along with other Mediterranean flavors, weave their way in and out of the New American-style dishes offered by Owner/Chef Travis McShane. McShane grew up in Kingwood and attended the University of Texas prior to his culinary training in New York. After a decade of working with Jonathan Waxman in several establishments around the country, he and his wife were ready to return to Houston and open their own restaurant.

Umbrella topped tables leading into the Greenhouse Room provide protection for outdoor diners. Photo by Sandra Crittenden.

Upon arrival to Ostia, guests will notice the many outdoor seats. There are umbrella topped tables and seating under a covered patio attached to an enclosed area known as the Greenhouse Room that has its side doors opened wide. Inside, the main dining room’s airy interior, a warm and unpretentious atmosphere awaits with lots of natural wood, greenery and comfortable brown leather booths, along with a welcoming bar and a fully exposed kitchen.

The kitchen is in full view of guests in the main dining room. Photo by Sandra Crittenden

We opted for an inside table in order to watch the kitchen crew. Once seated, masked servers immediately offered water, checked on preferred beverages and handed us single-use paper menus. The farm-to-table bill of fare, which is expected to change with the seasons, is divided into five categories: appetizers, salads, pastas, main courses and vegetables. It also includes a note mentioning a family-style tasting for $60 per person, which sounded interesting but a minimum of six guests is required. 

Roast peppers, eggplant and ricotta salata on toasted baguette. Photo by Sandra Crittenden

After inquiring about portion size and ease of sharing, we decided to order one item from each section except dessert, which we anticipated ordering as well. Starters range from crudo to duck liver pâté. Our server recommended some of his favorites. We took his advice and started with roast peppers, eggplant and ricotta salata on toast

The wine list has been well chosen to pair with the cuisine. Photo by Sandra Crittenden.

The wine list was accessible through a QR code that guests scan using their phones, and Master Sommelier Jack Mason was quick to offer his assistance as we planned the rest of our meal. We ordered a bottle of Matthiasson Chardonnay he recommended, which was an excellent pairing for our selections. Both the toast and the wine arrived moments apart. We placed the rest of our order and settled in to enjoy our first course and watch the kitchen in action. The crunchy, toasted baguette pieces were fully dressed with caramelized vegetables that were delicately topped with salty ricotta salata, fresh herbs and drizzles of balsamic and olive oil. The four flavorful pieces, each just a couple of bites in size, were quickly consumed.

The Little Gem salad offers a balance of tastes and textures. Photo by Sandra Crittenden

From the four salads that were offered, we chose the Little Gem with walnuts, guanciale (jowl bacon), polvorosa (an Iberian cheese) and a mascarpone dressing. Fresh, tangy, salty and slightly sweet, we enjoyed every bite of this appetizer-sized salad that provided two side-salad servings. The other three options were stracciatella cheese with stone fruit, tomatoes and olives, a classic Caesar and shaved cauliflower with spinach, golden raisins and pistachios.

Simple yet satisfying bucatini. Photo by Sandra Crittenden

The next menu section features three housemade pastas and a seafood risotto. At our server’s suggestion, we opted for the bucatini with walnut-sage pesto and pecorino. It arrived in a single bowl that was split into two portions at the table. Served al dente, the herbal and nut flavors coated each strand. We found it very satisfying despite its simple description. 

Served cold, the balsamic marinated summer squash is an ideal addition when patio dining. Photo by Sandra Crittenden.

Ostia offers a focused selection of main courses: two fish dishes, a half chicken, two steak options and a pork chop. We opted for the chicken and had no regrets. The half bird was roasted and coated in a lemon and herb jus and served in four pieces. The chicken, which pulled easily from the bone, was succulent, tender and juicy. With this dish, we were also served our choice from the vegetable options. We were initially leaning towards the green beans with preserved lemon and hazelnut dressing but opted for the marinated summer squash in balsamic. This was our only misstep. The dish was tasty but we were surprised that it was served cold. I think we would have enjoyed it more with the pork chop or hanger steak. Sweet corn with aioli and pecorino and crispy potatoes rounded out the vegetable choices.

Save room for dessert, the cannoli should not be missed. Photo by Sandra Crittenden.

For dessert, the cannoli are the decadent way to end a meal. These were outstanding. A thin, crisp shell was filled with luscious cream and dusted with powdered sugar and topped with drizzles of honey-rum syrup. Mason suggested pairing this with a Vin Santo, which was spot on. We finished our meal with an enjoyable cappuccino. 

Photo by Sandra Crittenden

McShane is creating something special and Houston will be glad that he has returned to his hometown to do it. While it is being billed as a neighborhood restaurant, it will certainly also become a destination for those outside of Montrose.

Ostia is currently open for dinner 5 to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 5 to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Lunch is currently served Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended. 

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  • October 6, 2020 at 2:34 pmMaureen Demar Hall

    We loved the whole shrimp with harissa, seafood risotto, pork chop and hangar steak! Being from NY, we thought the cannoli were the best in town!

    Reply
    • October 6, 2020 at 4:00 pmSandra Crittenden

      Your list sounds like the list that I need to try next time!

      Reply