Osteria, new Springfield Italian wine and appetizers bar, to open in December

Chris McKiernan is looking to educate people dining at Osteria, his new downtown Springfield Italian wine and appetizers bar.

“I want to educate people on what pairings go best with traditional Italian entrees,” the restaurant owner said. “People aren’t used to Italian wines here, we can’t wait to introduce them to Springfield.”

Osteria, which means “tavern” in Italian, will have food and wine that a whole table can share. Guests can expect to dine on Italian homemade pasta dishes as well as some smaller Mediterranean-influenced plates. Osteria will serve a varied assortment of Italian white and red wines — including Il borro toscana, moscato d’asti and piemonte barbera — that can be purchased by the glass.

McKiernan is partnering with property manager Matt Hubeny in the opening of Osteria.

• Read More: Owner of Springfield’s BarKaya to open Osteria, a new Italian tapas and wine bar downtown

The restaurant’s grand opening date hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, McKiernan plans to host a series of soft openings in the middle of December.

“We’ve been taking early reservations and we’re already booked out through December,” McKiernan said, adding that dozens of wide-eyed potential customers have stopped in the middle of traffic to peek through the establishment’s opaque windows since its July announcement. “Tons of people have been coming up and wondering who’s moving into the old Cafe Manhattan.”

Osteria set up its marble bar, ambient lighting and traditional Italian decor in the old Cafe Manhattan building at 301 Bridge St. — directly across from McKiernan’s other downtown Springfield restaurant, BarKaya, on Worthington Street.

“We’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Osteria Head Chef Tim Matusko said. “People loved Cafe Manhattan, we’re excited to bring a new atmosphere to the space and live up to people’s expectations.”

Ahead of opening week, the head chef has worked diligently with McKiernan in constructing a robust menu filled with tight appetizers and small entree plates that the two said will pair “perfectly” with the restaurant’s selection of wines.

“We’re super excited for people to try the focaccia,” Matusko said.

Osteria’s grilled focaccia with roasted tomato confit small entree and ossobuco alla milanese special entree with celeriac and parsnip purée are just a couple of dishes the head chef can’t wait to prepare for diners.

Slice Italian meats and cheeses like the restaurant’s soppressata, mortadella and burrata will also be offered at Osteria along with other small entrees and appetizers.

Guests looking for substantial portions will be able to purchase one of the restaurant’s seasonal specials. During its December opening, Osteria will serve black pepper short rib, lobster tagliatelle and winter vegetable risotto specials.

“Do you know we’re also doing flights?” McKiernan said.

Osteria will treat guests to a wide range of flights including buffalo mozzarella, gelato, home-made pasta and its signature wine flights.

Although the Italian restaurant specializes in wine, diners will still be able to purchase traditional cocktails and mixed drinks such as its house-made limoncello — a traditional south Italy liquor.

Painters and other interior design workers could be seen scurrying throughout the restaurant as Osteria prepares for its grand opening in a couple of weeks. McKiernan said the construction of Osteria’s second-floor balcony venue is nearly complete — the upper level will host private parties and events.

“We’re just finally excited to open our doors to the public. Can’t wait for people to grab a glass of wine after work, kick back and enjoy themselves,” said the owner.