Bacari acquires former Ostia site in Montrose

Bacari Restaurant Group has purchased the former home of Ostia in Houston's Montrose neighborhood.

Documents reviewed by the Houston Chronicle indicate that Bacari Dunleavy LLC bought the property at 2032 Dunlavy St. last week. The space had been vacant since September 2025, when chef Travis McShane permanently closed the Italian restaurant. McShane cited industry strains and the current climate as reasons for the closure. The acquisition includes the original dining area, greenhouse, and patio.

The purchase is the first step in a larger expansion for the Los Angeles-based company. Bacari also acquired neighboring properties at 1816 Indiana St., 2012 Dunlavy St., and 2014 Dunlavy St. The group, founded by brothers Danny and Robert Kronfli in 2008 with Chef Lior Hillel, has not yet released official plans for the Houston location. A representative for the group did not respond to requests for comment regarding the new site.

Bacari is known for Mediterranean and Italian-inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and a global wine list. The company currently operates multiple locations across California. According to a previous report by the Los Angeles Business Journal, the group plans to open its 11th location in Pasadena next year. Following that opening, the brothers intend to expand into Las Vegas, Orange County, Dallas, and Austin. The Houston purchase places the company ahead of those cities in its western expansion timeline.