Osteria Hires New Chefs and Announces Holiday Events
The Louisville restaurant appoints a new culinary team ahead of a series of upcoming holiday dining specials.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Dining Out
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Osteria has hired Henry Wesley as executive chef and Erik Abraham as chef de cuisine. The restaurant also announced a schedule of upcoming holiday events, including an all-you-can-eat lobster night and the annual Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Why it matters
The new leadership appointments arrive as the restaurant expands its event programming to draw diners into its private event spaces. These changes aim to establish the venue as a destination for holiday celebrations in Louisville.
The restaurant offers a $17 Pick Two lunch deal, which includes a half salad or cup of soup and a half panini. The venue features two private spaces: The Barrel Room with 50 seats and the Vineyard Room with 20 seats.
The players
Henry Wesley
He has been appointed as the new executive chef at Osteria.
Erik Abraham
He joins the team as the new chef de cuisine.
Jared Fox Matthews
He is the owner of Osteria.
The details
Owner Jared Fox Matthews is overseeing the transition as the kitchen prepares for high-demand events like the upcoming lobster dinner. The restaurant, which opened at 1211 Herr Lane in 2023, continues to offer daily happy hour service.
Timeline
Osteria opened at the Westport Village location in 2023.
The all-you-can-eat lobster night is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes will take place on December 22, 23, and 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
Osteria is leaning into established holiday dining traditions like the Feast of the Seven Fishes to anchor its seasonal strategy. This shift highlights a broader trend of restaurants using curated holiday events to build community and attract loyal patrons.
Diners planning to attend the November 2 lobster night must secure a spot by paying a $79 reservation fee online. Families should note that tickets for children 12 and younger are priced at $40.
The takeaway
The restaurant is expanding its capacity for private events and seasonal dining to capitalize on upcoming holiday traffic. Guests interested in specific events should check the website early due to the required prepayment structure.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, see the Louisville Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Courier-Journal.
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