Ostro

Ostro by Julia Busuttil Nishimura is a celebration of the simple, heartfelt pleasure of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. Rooted in Mediterranean traditions and complemented by Julia’s Italian heritage, this cookbook brings warmth and simplicity to seasonal dishes. With a focus on fresh ingredients and unfussy techniques, Ostro is a book that calls readers into the kitchen with open arms. From nourishing soups and handmade pasta to rustic desserts, each recipe is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of comfort and community.

Julia’s accessible yet refined approach makes this book suitable for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. She encourages readers to embrace the slower, meditative side of cooking, creating beautiful meals with intention and joy. The recipes in Ostro are both sophisticated and grounded, with dishes like rich pumpkin risotto, handmade ricotta gnocchi, and delicate olive oil cake. Julia’s focus on seasonal ingredients shines through, allowing readers to connect with the rhythms of nature as they cook.

Praised for its authenticity and charm, Ostro has received rave reviews. The Sydney Morning Herald calls it “a soulful journey through Italian flavors, bringing elegance to everyday meals.” Renowned chef Maggie Beer describes Ostro as “a beautifully crafted cookbook, brimming with recipes that are as joyful as they are flavorful.”

With evocative photography and Julia’s warm storytelling, Ostro captures the essence of Mediterranean living, offering a true feast for the senses. This is a cookbook that doesn’t just teach cooking—it invites readers to savor each step, every flavor, and all the memories made along the way.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura is a celebrated Australian chef, author, and food stylist renowned for her soulful, Mediterranean-inspired approach to cooking. Drawing on her Italian heritage and a passion for seasonal ingredients, Julia creates recipes that are accessible, warm, and rooted in tradition.

• Background: Julia grew up in an Italian-Australian household, where family meals and traditional recipes formed the heart of her culinary education. This early exposure to Italian cooking laid the foundation for her food philosophy: that meals are best when shared and made with love.
• Culinary Philosophy: Julia believes in simplicity, focusing on fresh, local ingredients that bring out the natural beauty of each dish. Her recipes celebrate the seasons, using produce at its peak to craft meals that are both nourishing and beautiful.
• Ostro’s Success: Since its release, Ostro has become a beloved title for home cooks around the world. Julia’s warm, welcoming style and her ability to make complex flavors approachable have earned her widespread acclaim. Ostro has been praised for its genuine charm, with Good Food calling it "a timeless collection of recipes that honors tradition while inviting creativity."
• Beyond Cooking: Julia also shares her love for slow living, encouraging readers to embrace the ritual of cooking as a mindful practice. Her work promotes a holistic approach to food, from shopping at local markets to enjoying meals with loved ones.