Osteria Posto Softly Opens Today in Waltham

A "high-end, yet casual" Italian steakhouse softly opens today, a week ahead of its grand opening in a new complex in Waltham. Osteria Posto (99 Third Ave.) is the latest restaurant from the Somerville-based Alpine Restaurant Group (Posto, The Painted Burro, Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar).

Chef and owner Joe Cassinelli and executive chef Robert Fathman (formerly of Bel Ari and Les Zygomates) aim to source locally for Osteria Posto's lunch and dinner menus, including garden ingredients from City Green Growers. Lunch will be on the simpler side, with homemade pasta, salads, and shareable appetizers. For dinner, Osteria Posto will offer hearty meat and seafood entrees, charcuterie and cheese options, and dishes like bistecca fiorentina, made with roasted bone marrow and carbonara sauce. (Unlike its Somerville sibling, Osteria Posto won't serve pizza.) The restaurant will offer cocktails, beer, and wine.

"There is a growing trend of people that are looking for the quality and atmosphere of Boston-style restaurants, without having to trek into the city," Cassinelli said in a release.

Osteria Posto, in Waltham's CityPoint development project, spans 7,000 square feet and seats 300, including 22 at a full bar. There is also a private function area and a three-season patio.

The soft opening this holiday week leads up to a grand opening on November 30.