Creative American small plates w/ acclaimed wine list; vibrant, intimate setting. Some find it loud & cramped.
This Manhattan restaurant offers a lively, intimate dining experience with a focus on creative American cuisine. It's praised for its exceptional wine list and expertly crafted dishes that encourage sharing. While many rave about the unique flavors and sophisticated ambiance, some find the space to be loud and cramped.
The restaurant's cuisine is described as creative American with Mediterranean influences, featuring small plates meant for sharing. Standout dishes include the beef tartare, endive salad, and black rice. While many diners find the food to be top-notch and innovative, a recurring comment is that the portions can be small, leading some to feel unsatisfied for the price.
"Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the beef tartare, endive salad, and black rice. Oysters and jamon are also suggested for sharing."
Overall, customer sentiment is mixed, with many praising the exceptional food, wine list, and vibrant atmosphere, while others criticize the loudness, cramped seating, and perceived small portions for the price.
Important Note
The restaurant can be very loud and cramped, especially during peak hours, and some diners find the portion sizes small for the price.
"A user listed Estela as one of their favorite places in all of NYC for steak tartare."
Positive"The commenter recommended Estela as a classic restaurant that is relatively easy to get a reservation for."
Positive"Estela is noted for having very good seafood dishes."
Positive"Regarding Estela, the user suggests ordering oysters and jamon for sharing, otherwise, the plates are mostly individual."
Positive"Estela is recommended for a date night, specifically highlighting their beef tartare and endive salad. They also mention a duck dish currently on the menu."
Positive"This user provides a positive affirmation for Estela."
Positive"This commenter advises against the dinner spots initially listed by the OP, suggesting Estela as a top choice for its cool, casual atmosphere and world-class food."
Positive"Estela was suggested as a potential venue for an intimate, special birthday dinner in NYC, as part of a list of restaurants suitable for private dining experiences."
Neutral"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
