Creative New American w/ Med influences. Lively, intimate vibe, great wine, w/ standouts like endive salad & beef tartare. Expect a buzzy, sometimes cramped, but delicious experience.
A jewel in the Nolita dining scene, this restaurant offers a lively and intimate atmosphere perfect for sharing a meal. Known for its creative American cuisine with Mediterranean influences, it provides a dining experience that consistently impresses with its thoughtful dishes and excellent wine pairings. While it can get loud and a bit cramped, the overall consensus is that the food quality and unique flavor combinations make it a worthwhile visit for a memorable meal.
The cuisine is New American with Mediterranean influences, featuring creative dishes and small plates. Standout items include the endive salad and beef tartare. While many rave about the unique flavor combinations and quality, a common criticism is that the portions can be small for the price, and some find the food not memorable enough for a Michelin-starred establishment.
"The beef tartare and the endive salad are frequently highlighted as must-try dishes. The black rice has also been mentioned as a recommended item."
Customers generally praise the creative and delicious food, with many highlighting the excellent wine pairings. However, some find the restaurant to be too loud, cramped, and overpriced for the portion sizes.
Important Note
The restaurant can be very loud and cramped, and some patrons feel the portions are small for the price.
"Estela is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Positive"The commenter found the food at Estela amazing but the portions very small, mentioning they left hungry despite ordering many dishes."
Positive"This commenter agreed with a previous negative review of Estela, finding no memorable dishes and experiencing cramped conditions and poor service."
Negative"Estela is highlighted as one of the few Michelin-starred restaurants the commenter has revisited multiple times and looks forward to returning to."
Positive"The commenter states that they and their wife visit Estela annually for their anniversary and find it exceptionally good."
Positive"The commenter prefers Estela, also suggesting Bridges as an alternative with an ex-Estela owner and seafood-forward menu."
Positive"A straightforward recommendation for Estela."
Positive"This commenter had a very negative experience at Estela, considering the food mid-tier and portions too small for the high price."
Negative"This commenter recommends Estela over Tuome and suggests Le Crocodile as another option."
Positive"The commenter considers Estela a more upscale, energetic 'event' compared to Tuome, and highlights its classic endive salad."
Positive"The commenter likes Estela but has not been to Tuome."
Positive"The commenter highly recommends Estela, citing great food and service."
Positive"The commenter prefers Estela but cautioned that it might be limited for a pescatarian due to its menu, advising to double-check."
Positive"This user recommended Estela, stating they have a great croissant."
Positive"This user recommended Estela, stating they have a great croissant."
Positive"Estela is listed as an excellent option."
Positive"Estela is listed as a restaurant worth trying to get a reservation for."
Positive"This user simply lists 'estela' as a recommendation, likely in response to the request for restaurants with acid/vinegar-forward dishes."
Positive"This user agrees with the recommendation for Estela, reinforcing its potential suitability for acid/vinegar-forward dishes."
Positive"This user suggests Estela as a potential restaurant that might suit the request for acid/vinegar-forward dishes."
Positive
