Ostani’s fit-out is lovely and the big circular firepit inside is attractive and heart-warming, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON. Better still, it’s open on Sundays!
I’M amazed at the number of licensed restaurants (and even cafés) closed for lovely, leisurely Sunday lunches.
On our last visit to the Realm precinct, for example, Chairman and Yip, Leyla and Lilo Tang were all closed, and Buvette was, too (but being renovated).
We randomly met two business people from interstate and looking for a place to wine and dine. They asked why so much was closed. Economic decisions are obviously at play, but it can be baffling for locals and visitors alike, and this situation isn’t limited to Barton.
Musings aside, Ostani was open, and its multiple fireplaces took the edge off a rainy and cool day. Order at the front and save the Sunday surcharge or through the QR Code and pay the surcharge.
We ordered the Eden Road The Long Road Pinot Gris, one of our all-time favourite drops. Thumbs up to Ostani for offering 150ml ($13) and 250ml ($21) glasses (bottle is $60). Thumbs up also for offering complimentary sparkling water on tap.
While the wine was super, I ventured to the bar to get a replacement glass because mine had two chips around the rim. Staff were apologetic.
We ordered two dishes to share from the all-day menu. The hummus and baba ganoush dip starter ($12) arrived without the baba ganoush, so I inquired and we were quickly brought a serve.
Our other share plate was the spiced haloumi ($19), which we enjoyed although it didn’t arrive quite like the menu described. It was missing both pomegranate and radicchio.
Matters seemed to settle with the mains. The grain-fed Angus beef rump was perfectly cooked as ordered and tender, not surprising given it had been aged for 120 days ($34 for 250 grams). Chips were light and crispy.
Ostani offers seven pizzas and the Diavola hit the spot with spicy salami, salty olives, a sprinkling of rocket and chilli ($24).
Burgers include “The Ostani” with a chargrilled, 180-gram, dry-aged beef patty ($25), which sounded delish, but was just a bit big for my friend. No matter, the cheeseburger, at 120 grams, satisfied, and the chips were light and crispy.
I adore a great prawn linguine and Ostani’s came with saffron. The prawns were smallish and I couldn’t taste the chilli. I asked for extra, which is just as well, but was surprised to be presented with a bowl of dried chilli flakes on the side. I was expecting the dish to be made with fresh chilli and not so smothered with tomato sauce ($32). Oh, well.
Ostani’s fit-out is lovely and the big circular firepit inside is attractive and heart-warming. The large outdoor area is well presented, and the place pumps many nights.
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