The word stemmed from oste (innkeeper) and from Latin hospes (host). To ask for a bottle of wine, all you had to do was shout “WINE!”. Over the years, some osterias, especially those close to mines, gravel pits or construction sites, began to serve “cooked” dishes and to bear the sign “Osteria con Cucina”.

Jared Fox Matthews, owner of Lou Lou Food & Drink, has purchased Napa at 1211 Herr Lane in Westport Village from Craft Culture Concepts, the Louisville-based restaurant group behind the pizza chain Parlour. Craft Culture Concepts bought Napa, formerly Napa River Grill, from Manna Inc. in 2020.

In early September, Napa River Grill closed its doors after 24 years on the Louisville foodie scene, but the popular Westport Village dining space didn't wither on the vine. Jared Matthews, a bartender turned restaurateur, bought the place and turned it into Osteria Italian Seafood.

Osterias are wine bars that have evolved to serve simple meals. Traditionally, they are simpler than trattorias and usually have no menu. The offering changes daily, according to the market and two or three courses are offered for a fixed price, including wine.