"Estela was the first restaurant from the team behind Lodi, Altro Paradiso, and Corner Bar, and it’s still the best of the bunch. If you’re looking for a nice little place where you can share interesting small plates by candlelight, book a table. Bring a date, bring your mom, or bring someone who gets excited about things like a perfect endive salad and ricotta dumplings with pecorino." - team infatuation
"Estela was the first restaurant from the team behind Lodi, Altro Paradiso, and Corner Bar, and it’s still the best of the bunch. If you’re looking for a nice little place where you can share interesting small plates by candlelight, book a table. Bring a date, bring your mom, or bring someone who gets excited about things like a perfect endive salad and ricotta dumplings with pecorino. The snug space up a small staircase on Houston Street isn’t too formal or stuffy, and tables aren’t tough to come by as long as you book a few weeks in advance. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - bryan kim, willa moore
"Ignacio Mattos’ eclectic small plates restaurant keeps its star. Some classics remain, including beef tartare with sunchokes, as well as ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and Pecorino sardo." - Eater Staff
"Brunch at Estela is the sophisticated kind of fancy—more cashmere than diamonds. On weekend afternoons, you’ll see people wearing cozy knitwear in every shade of white eating gorgeous endive salads and velvety ricotta dumplings. Estela’s quarters are tight and cozy, and wine is consumed enthusiastically here. This is your best option if you're eating with an out-of-towner who isn’t easily impressed with the flashier restaurants in the city. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - team infatuation
"Next Tuesday, Estela invites Copenhagen-based spirit company Empirical into the kitchen for a one-time dinner and cocktail collaboration. The owners of Empirical are basically people who can’t let go of shit. They spent years recreating a dessert they ate (once) in the form of a spirt called "The Plum, I Suppose,” and, after trying a Pasilla Mixe chili at a Oaxacan market, they found a local academic to learn its entire history and create “Ayuuk.” Empirical’s co-founder and the team at Estela probably chased down some kind of crystal skull for the night’s à la carte menu, and we’re sure it’ll become our new obsession too. RSVP here. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - neha talreja