#10: [REVIEW] L'Ostrica
A 6-course chef's tasting, yet another martini, the cutest cup you've ever seen
Made a spur of the moment decision to try L’Ostrica last Friday. I was looking for last minute reservations and, after striking out with a few options, I finally found one lonely spot left for L’Ostrica’s March tasting menu experience. A sign!
I’ve been wanting to give tasting menus another try, but I’ve been hesitant due to a disastrous 9-course experience in Charlotte I had two years ago involving a communal table and frozen white bean and corn cannoli (why). I genuinely thought I might die. The dishes were FULL SIZE. I will not name the place but, if you were there, you know. We went to war together, brother.
I felt ready to get hurt again.
First impressions
L’Ostrica is (apparently) 10 minutes from my house. I drive past it almost daily. I had no idea where it was until we went on Friday. The outside of the building really offers no signal that there is a restaurant inside, let alone one churning out elevated tasting menu experiences.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find yourself amidst a beautiful, tasteful interior. The high ceilings give it an airy feel even though it’s a pretty compact space. The bar, lounge, tables, plating station, etc. are all in one room. I really enjoyed the open concept because you felt less separated from what was happening in the kitchen.
I can’t express to you the sheer PEACE that comes with simply showing up, being seated and having no menu to look at. There are ZERO decisions about food you have to make tonight, queen! You are going in completely blind! You are a butterfly. You are a bird. You are free.
The tasting
Price: $110/per person + tax & gratuity
What’s included: If you opt for just the “Tasting Menu,” like we did, you’ll get 5-7 courses. They also offer a more expensive “Signature Tasting Menu” with 10 courses.
Optional add-ons: Wine pairings & caviar service (we skipped these)
Course #1 - Oysters
Baked Beausoleil oyster, truffle aioli, sunchoke chip, winter black truffle
The night started off strong. These oysters tasted like they were baked with little pieces of truffle potato chips. The aioli came in and made it the entire bite beautifully creamy, while the oysters themselves had a light, kind of buttery taste. I could have eaten a dozen of these.
Course #2 - Smoked trout soup
Sunburst trout, Kennebec potato, local carrot, Tsar Nicoulai smoked trout roe, dill
Back-to-back absolute dunks. This soup may be my favorite dish of the entire night? The broth was creamy and smoky. It reminded me a little bit of a chowder broth but richer and a bit more dense. The trout itself was locally sourced and cooked to perfection. It’s the smoke for me.
The trout and carrot were elevated by a secret mound of potatoes. A genius move that added to the overall creaminess and feeling of pure joy. There are little smoked trout roes hidden throughout and a hint of dill. A perfect dish from start to finish.
Course #3 - Periwinkles & peas
Fresh periwinkles, hand-shelled English peas, vermouth and white wine reduction, smoked cream
My first time trying periwinkles and tbh I wasn’t a fan! They are sort of like little sea snails or clams? (I tried to figure this out but am still unclear) They looked like tiny mushrooms, and texture-wise they were sort of rubbery.
The peas were bright and fresh. They really popped against the smoked cream sauce, which added an interesting dimension to the dish. I honestly think the peas didn’t need the periwinkles. They could have held it down on their own.
Course #4 - Agnolotti
Piedmontese pasta pillows stuffed with NC rabbit, ricotta and herbs; Madeira butter sauce; black truffle
This little bowl packed so much punch in it’s adorable pasta pillows. I was caught off guard when they told us there was locally-sourced rabbit in it. I have eaten rabbit before but it’s not a go-to protein for me. I tend to like rabbits and think they’re cute and also have questions about how “local” we’re talking. Like are you catching these in your backyard?
All of my hesitations and questions quickly faded upon taking a bite. The butter sauce was so decadent and the pasta filling was melt-in-your-mouth savory. The ricotta and herbs complemented the rabbit and the black truffle on top took it up a notch. It was a more rustic dish than the previous three but equally impressive in terms of execution.
Course #5 - Lamb chop
Pistachio and arugula crusted lamb chop, crispy lamb terrine, cumin scented carrot purée, demi-glacé, petite greens
Lamb is another meat that I don’t often consume but tasting menus are about stepping out of your comfort zone. We’re trying new things. We’re going with the flow. Right out of the gate, it’s a stunner of a plate. The lamb chop itself wasn’t the star for me but I’ll admit it was cooked beautifully.
The real standout for me was the crispy lamb terrine, which was like a fried sausage ball? I’m not making it sound appealing but trust me. It was perfectly crunchy on the outside and filled with warm, shredded lamb that struck the ideal balance of salty and savory. I devoured it along with the cumin scented carrot purée. I couldn’t stop dipping the terrine and lamb chop in those little spiced carrot dots.
Course #6 - Strawberry rhubarb torte
Local strawberry, rhubarb gel, pine nut crust, honeycomb, nettle gastrique, meringue
By far one of the most visually stunning dishes of the meal. I’m not a dessert person (don’t murder me) but I did enjoy this torte. It was light and fruity. You could tell the strawberry and rhubarb were fresh AF. The honeycomb was a nice touch of added sweetness without being too sugary. The rhubarb gel layer reminded me of Jell-O. I didn’t hate it. Overall, an impressive dish and a great way to end the meal.
Bonus course - Shortbread cookies
In an incredibly classy move, L’Ostrica ended the meal by sending us home with two containers of shortbread cookies dipped in dark chocolate and topped with pistachios and sea salt. We enjoyed them with our coffee for the next two mornings and they were delightful.
Final take: Hag highly recommended 🔥
L’Ostrica altered my brain chemistry and forever changed my mind about tasting menus. They can be enjoyable! The portions were perfect, allowing me to indulge in each dish and not feel like I needed to have my stomach pumped at the end. I feel like I could do the 10-course Signature Tasting after trying that one.
What stood out the most was the attention to detail with every single plate. The food was executed at a level that blew me away. You can tell with every bite there’s a ton of thought and care going into the composition of these dishes. There’s also a strong focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that doesn’t feel put-on.
It felt like a Michelin-quality dining experience but, at the same time, it wasn’t overly intimidating. I know L’Ostrica opened back in 2023 but I’m kind of stunned that I haven’t heard more consistent buzz about this restaurant. It deserves lots and lots of buzz. I’m already plotting my next visit and planning on checking out their chef-curated market, which offers upscale grab & go meals 4 days a week.
5 things I consumed this week in Charlotte
A lobster roll ($28) and “Deckhand” cocktail ($10) from The Waterman. The warm weather this weekend had me craving a lobster roll. The Waterman’s isn’t the best I’ve ever had but it satisfied the craving. I always go with the cold Maine-style because I’m a hardcore mayo girlie.
A glass of sparkling wine ($18) from Petit Philippe. Mixed feelings about my first visit here. Enjoyed the glass of wine but the space felt like a hotel lobby meets a Nordstrom.
Chicken Tinga Bowl ($14) from Chopt. A real mom & pop spot, I know. The warm bowls are kind of a game-changer, though. Lunch salads make me feel sad but this bowl doesn’t.
A cortado ($5) in the tiniest cup known to man from Stable Hand. My husband actually ordered this cortado (I got my usual draft latte) but I’d say I consumed it spiritually. I was (and still am) completely obsessed with the tiny American Girl doll cup.
Katsu Sando ($15) from Hex. We went to try and snag their limited time chicken and waffles but they were tragically sold out. The Katsu Sando was a delicious consolation prize though.
Heading to Greenville, SC for a few nights this week and we’re planning on hitting some of my favorite spots. Are we down for more travel content??
c u next tuesday,
the hag herself
All of the food and drinks reviewed in QCH are paid for by the author. This newsletter does not feature any ads or sponsored content.
Also in addition to the grab and go market, L’Ostrica typically has a fresh made sandwich of the day on market days. I highly recommend trying any of their sandwich offerings.
I am begginggggg my friends to go to L’Ostrica with me. Someone thought I meant Osteria Luca 🤦🏽♀️