Houston favorite Ostia will soon close its doors, citing rising costs and economic pressures that have challenged restaurants citywide. The neighborhood-favorite spot will close its doors on September 13, marking the end of its five-year run.
Highlights
- Ostia’s last service will be on Saturday night, September 13.
- The restaurant posted on Instagram informing its followers of the closure.
- The chef said he will shift his focus to his growing family and some exciting projects.
Ostia Bids Farewell this September
Chef Travis McShane, a Culinary Institute of America alum, opened Ostia in 2020 as a neighborhood-driven restaurant. Located at 2032 Dunlavy Street, the restaurant featured a greenhouse-style dining room, lush patio, and seating for 164 guests.
With an open kitchen and glass-like room, Ostia exudes coastal California charm and offers a Mediterranean-Italian menu. The farm-to-table rotating dishes include fluke crudo, reimagined roast chicken with mint-cilantro salsa, and handmade pasta (like chitarra, bucatini, gnocchi).
Despite its popularity and distinctive menu, the restaurant will serve its final dinner on September 13.
Reason for Closure
Ostia posted on Instagram informing its loyal followers of the restaurant closure. “It’s with a world of gratitude for the support over the last five years, that I am announcing that the era of Ostia at 2032 Dunlavy has come to an end, and we will be closing our doors,” Chef McShane wrote.
He said the decision came after weighing the challenges facing the industry alongside personal considerations. “I will be stepping away from cooking for now and turning my attention to focusing on my growing family and some other exciting projects,” he said.
Chef McShane also expressed his gratitude to loyal customers in the closure announcement, reflecting on the joy, support, and memories built over the past five years.
“Since opening, I have met the best guests and regulars,” McShane wrote. “We have laughed, cried and celebrated together. These moments will be the hardest part of walking away. When I first started cooking 16 years ago, I dreamed of opening my first restaurant, and because of y’all I was able to live that dream. Thank you.”
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Though Ostia is closing, Chef McShane hinted at future projects while expressing gratitude for the community that supported him.
