Icon

Estela

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

March 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 58 times today

Hot spot
Neighbourhood gem
Charming

One of the most celebrated restaurants in the United States, Estela is an intimate downtown bistro from chef Ignacio Mattos that can be experienced in many ways, whether it’s a thrilling dinner in the dining room, a leisurely weekend brunch with friends, or a late-night drink at the bustling bar. Since opening in 2013, the restaurant has served several signature dishes that are now considered New York City classics, while always offering guests something new to try.

Estela holds one Michelin star, among many other major accolades.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Ignacio Mattos

MICHELIN 1 Star2024
MICHELIN 1 Star2023
World's 50 Best #792022

From the OpenTable editors: When chef Ignacio Mattos debuted Estela in 2013, New York Times critic Pete Wells called it eccentric in a positive two-star review. That originality is what made the cozy downtown bistro an NYC icon with signature dishes like pillowy ricotta dumplings with thinly shaved raw mushroom and a simply perfect endive salad. Pair your meal with one of the creative cocktails or a pick from the extensive wine list—a meal here will immediately show you why Estela has held a MICHELIN Star for six-years running.

Additional information

Location
47 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2024
2. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
3. World's 50 Best #79 2022
Phone number
(212) 219-7693
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Hours of Operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

What 559 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York City
Contemporary American
Manhattan
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Estela delights with "imaginative menu" and "amazing food." The scallop dish is "out of this world delicious," and the wagyu beef "melts in your mouth." Friendly, knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making it one of the "best meals in Manhattan." The charming, cozy atmosphere invites frequent returns for a sublime dining journey.

559 Reviews

H
Heidi Nordby
London3 reviews
4.0
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had delicious scallops, beautiful crab, an abused foie gras and interesting ricotta dumplings that could have deserved some added texture. Great ambience and service, but a bit disappointing food experience.
Is this helpful?
RB
RonB VIP
Chicago36 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful evening at Estela last evening, and enjoyed fabulous food and service while seated in a quiet nook of 3 tables in the rear of the restaurant. Although Estela's menu is limited to carefully curated choices, there are still too many for 2 people to order at one meal. We started with the oysters, which are presented with a unique mignonette sauce on them. Absolutely delicious. We followed with bay scallops in a new, flavorful preparation, then paper-thin slices of raw tuna (melt in your mouth perfection) , and then bison tartare served with beautiful thick slices of crusty bread. The bison tartare mixture includes crispy bits of sun chokes and is unforgettably delicious. That should have been enough, but we broke down and split the crab dish, also a delicious choice. Our server, supported by many other members of the Estela team, provided helpful explanations of the menu's new dishes and saw that all our needs were met. We know Estela provides consistent, high quality food and service and we can count on a wonderful evening. Thank you to the kitchen and the servers!
Is this helpful?
A
Anita VIP
London2 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The wagu meat wasn’t the quality one expects at Estela or from a 1 star Michelin- it was chewy and definitely not wagu - the waiter refunded 2 of the 3 wagu ordered but it was still a disappointment as we didnt enjoy the last entree
Is this helpful?
R
Rickard
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing. And Alvaro at the bar made the visit even better
Is this helpful?
A
Annibale VIP
New York City19 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Estela is a wonderful restaurant. The menu is masterfully crafted. Excellent cocktails and wine list. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful, same for the sommelier who helped us chose an amazing Pinot from Oregon. The only thing we do not like is that tables are too close together. Keep doing a good job
Is this helpful?
T
Tristan
Grand Rapids2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an absolutely incredible experience and meal--thank you to the entire team for their hospitality. The crab was so good we skipped dessert just to get it again. Much appreciated!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Get the crab and be prepared to have your life changed for the best.
Is this helpful?
d
daniela VIP
Orlando6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved the restaurante, food was wonderful, very affordable for a Michelin restaurant, a must go!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City3 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Hi the endive salad and butter are great but the risotto dumplings are not good very plain flavor for a Michelin expensive restaurant. I didn’t finish it. Ambience & service great.
Is this helpful?
ES
EmilyS VIP
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite restaurant in nyc! Best food and ambiance truly one of a kind
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Estela is rated 4.8 stars by 559 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Booked 58 times today

47 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2024
2. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
3. World's 50 Best #79 2022
Phone number
(212) 219-7693
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Wine Bar
Hours of Operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Fri–Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Estela

Make a reservation

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Menu

What 559 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Estela restaurant rated?

Is Estela currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information