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Estela
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Estela
9.0
Opened in 2013 by chef Ignacio Mattos, Estela is a Michelin-starred Nolita dining room known for intensely flavored, shareable plates like ricotta dumplings and endive salad that have become modern NYC signatures. Strong multi-platform ratings, international press, and more than a decade of relevance make it a destination for serious eaters who want contemporary American cooking with Mediterranean leanings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta Dumplings with Mushrooms & Pecorino Sardo, Endive Salad with Walnuts & Anchovies, Bison Tartare with Sunchokes
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin-starred, high-impact small plates that helped define modern downtown dining.
Who should go: Seasoned diners chasing inventive, shareable American plates.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner with a reservation for full buzz.
What to order: Ricotta dumplings, endive salad, a tartare and a seafood plate.
Insider tip: Bar seats offer the full menu and a slightly easier reservation game.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Houston/Lafayette; rely on nearby paid garages along Lafayette or Mulberry.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; dark denim acceptable but most guests dress up slightly.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—you can hold a conversation, but peak dinner buzz is energetic.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins often face 45–75 minutes; bar stools sometimes turn faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-only operation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several vegetable-focused dishes and share plates are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—ingredients skew dairy-forward; expect 1–2 modifiable dishes at best.
Gluten-free options: Many plates are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, intimate two-top spacing, and polished service make it an excellent first-date pick for diners who appreciate adventurous plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—arrive early for bar seats or right at opening; prime-time walk-ins are rarely successful without a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—tight seating, a sophisticated menu, and a quieter, adult-leaning vibe make it better suited for teens or older rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Bold, modern flavor combinations and shareable plates that appeal to seasoned diners wanting inventive American cooking with Mediterranean edges.
Skip if: You prefer large-format entrées, quiet rooms, or menus with extensive vegan options—other downtown restaurants may suit those needs better.
Estela
8.6
Since 2013, Ignacio Mattos’s Michelin-starred bistro above East Houston has turned ricotta dumplings, beef tartare, and other small plates into downtown fixtures. It’s an intimate, high-energy room where serious wine service and bold, shareable dishes draw industry folks, couples, and food-obsessed travelers alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and Pecorino Sardo, Beef tartare with sunchoke and elderberry, Warm crab cloaked in shaved celeriac
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Nolita bistro from Ignacio Mattos with intensely flavored small plates and a deep wine list.
Who should go: Adventurous diners who prioritize creative small plates and wine.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners after 8pm or late bar snacks.
What to order: Ricotta dumplings, beef tartare with sunchoke, warm crab with celeriac.
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats for easier reservations and the best view of plates leaving the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on East Houston is limited and competitive; expect to use nearby paid garages on Lafayette or Mulberry ($25–$40). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge; dark jeans and a button-down or elevated knit are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable but can feel energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for bar seats; reservations for tables are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable-forward small plates; several dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be adjusted, but the menu skews dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly dishes, though no dedicated prep area; inform the staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate lighting, sophisticated plates, and strong wine program create an elevated, conversational atmosphere ideal for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — bar seats are your best shot, especially after 9pm. Tables usually require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the tight space, adult-leaning menu, and higher noise level make it better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Boldly seasoned, high-impact small plates and one of the stronger wine programs in Nolita; ideal for diners who like sharing and experimental flavors.
Skip if: You want large entrées, a quiet room, vegan-friendly menus, or budget-friendly pricing — consider alternatives with more spacious layouts or softer ambiance.