Estela: A Guide to Fine Dining in New York City's Houston Street

Estela Introduce

Estela - An Essential Fine Dining Experience on Houston Street

In the heart of New York City's vibrant dining scene, Estela stands out as a destination for those seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience. Located at 47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY 10012, this celebrated establishment has earned a reputation for its sophisticated approach to New American and fine dining. Estela is not just a place to eat; it is a full sensory experience, combining an inventive menu with a trendy, yet cozy and romantic, atmosphere. The restaurant's focus on small plates encourages a communal and exploratory style of dining, where guests can sample a variety of meticulously crafted dishes. Whether you're a local New Yorker or a visitor to the city, Estela provides an upscale and memorable setting for a special occasion, a romantic date night, or a treat for yourself.

Estela has mastered the art of creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere while maintaining a high standard of service and culinary excellence. The intimate space, while sometimes described as "lively and a bit loud," contributes to its unique NYC charm. It's a place where the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses feel like part of the experience. The menu, which changes seasonally, is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. From the inventive cocktails to the extensive wine list, every detail is considered to ensure a cohesive and delightful dining journey.

Location and Accessibility

Estela's location on East Houston Street places it in a prime position within one of New York City's most dynamic neighborhoods. The area is a hub of activity, with a mix of art galleries, boutiques, and other renowned restaurants. The restaurant is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, and its street-level entrance makes it simple to find.

For those planning to drive, it is important to note that only paid street parking is available. As with many popular NYC spots, it is advisable to account for parking time. While the provided information does not detail wheelchair accessibility, the ground-floor location is generally more accessible than a multi-story building. The vibrant surroundings make it a perfect spot for an evening out, with plenty to see and do before or after your meal.

Services Offered

Estela provides a polished and accommodating dining experience with a range of services designed for guest convenience.

Dine-in: The primary service is dine-in, with options for both counter service and table service, allowing for different types of dining experiences.
Onsite services: The full-service bar offers a prime spot for enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine.
Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy Estela's cuisine from the comfort of their home, delivery services are available.

Features and Highlights

Estela's reputation is built on its outstanding features and a dedication to quality. These are some of the key elements that make it a standout choice for New Yorkers and visitors alike:

Exceptional Cocktails and Wine List: Estela is known for its "Great cocktails" and an even more impressive "Great wine list." The menu features unique creations like the Celestial Spritz and a vast selection of sparkling, white, and red wines from around the world, including rare finds from small producers.
Small Plates and Inventive Cuisine: The menu is primarily composed of small plates, which allows diners to explore a wide range of flavors. Dishes like Ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino Sardo and Tuna with gooseberries and nasturtium showcase the chef's creativity and commitment to fresh, organic ingredients.
Perfect for Dinner and Solo Dining: The restaurant is particularly popular for dinner, offering a memorable evening out. Its upscale yet casual atmosphere also makes it a great choice for a solo dinner, where you can sit at the counter and enjoy a glass of wine and a few plates.
Romantic and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is a major highlight, blending a romantic and intimate feel with a trendy, modern edge. It’s an ideal spot for a special date.
Reservations are a Must: Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as there is "usually a wait" and the restaurant is frequently booked. This highlights its status as a sought-after dining destination.

Contact Information

To make a reservation or for further inquiries, you can contact Estela using the following information:

Address: 47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 219-7693

What is Worth Choosing?

Choosing to dine at Estela is a choice to indulge in a high-quality, creative, and memorable meal. The primary reason to go is the food itself. The menu, which combines elements of fine dining with a relaxed small-plates format, is what truly sets it apart. Highlights that are worth choosing include the consistently praised Beef tartare with elderberries and sunchoke and the Ricotta dumplings, which are described by a customer as a "surprisingly light delight." The seafood dishes are also a major draw, with the Cod with cabbage and green Meyer lemon and Fried arroz negro with squid and romesco showcasing a skillful handling of fresh ingredients. The dessert menu is also a must-try, particularly the Chocolate cake with whipped cream, which has been described as "exquisite" and "perfectly balanced."

Beyond the food, Estela's drink program is a compelling reason to visit. The "great cocktails" and "great wine list" are not just buzzwords; they represent a carefully curated selection. The wine list, in particular, is extensive and offers a chance to explore unique and hard-to-find vintages. The atmosphere is another key factor. While the seating may be "a bit tight," this is a typical New York experience that contributes to the lively, bustling energy. The romantic and cozy ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a date or a special celebration. The commitment to a top-tier experience is evident in every detail, from the inventive flavor combinations to the extensive drink options. While some dishes may be a "mixed bag," as one review suggests, the overall consensus points to a dining experience where the highlights are truly outstanding, making it a worthy choice for anyone looking for an exceptional culinary journey in New York City.

Estela Menu

Dinner Menu
Lodi bread with butte $6.00
Marinated olives $9.00
Jamón Ibérico $37.00
Oysters with yuzu kosho mignonette* $25.00
Tuna with gooseberries and nasturtium $32.00
Beef tartare with elderberries and sunchoke* $26.00
Kohlrabi with apples, hazelnuts, and gran cacio $22.00
Endive with walnuts, anchovy, and ubriaco rosso $26.00
Lobster with grapes and woodear mushrooms* $30.00
Grilled foie gras and grape leaf $35.00
Fried arroz negro with squid and romesco $31.00
Cod with cabbage and green Meyer lemon $39.00
Ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino Sardo $31.00
Duck with pole beans, potato, and vin jaune* $45.00
Ibérico pork with winter squash and perilla* $49.00

Dinner Menu - cocktails
Celestial Spritz $18.00
grape, Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, soda
Golden Ratio $19.00
Amontillado, Copalli cacao, Tximista blanco, orange
Sky Garden $19.00
mezcal, celery, aloe, lemon
Almost Famous $18.00
reposado Tequila, ‘Inferno’ bitter, génépy, lime
Estela Negroni $20.00
gin, Forthave Red, Giardino Torino

Dinner Menu - bajo velo
César Florido
Cruz del Mar Fino, Chipiona – Andalucía, Spain NV (375 ml)
El Maestro Sierra, 12-year Amontillado, Jerez – Andalucía, Spain NV
(375 ml)
Domaine Tissot, Vin Jaune
En Spois – Jura, France 2014

Dinner Menu - sparkling
Hild, Elbling Sekt – Mosel, Germany NV
Bernard Vallette
Née Bulleuse Rosé – Beaujolais, France NV
Pierre Moncuit
, Delos Blanc de Blancs – Champagne, France 2018

Dinner Menu - white
Celler Credo, Miranius Xarel-lo – Catalunya, Spain 2020
Peter Lauer, Senior Riesling Feinherb – Saar, Germany 2021
Forjas del Salnés, Leirana Albariño – Galicia, Spain 2021
Rui Reguinga, Terrenus Field Blend – Alentejo, Portugal 2018
La Grange de l’Oncle Charles, Mille Lieux Sur Peaux – Alsace, France 2020
Clos des Rocs, Pouilly-Loché
Les Mûres – Burgundy, France 2018

Dinner Menu - rosé
Kalathas
To Kokinnaki Field Blend – Tinos, Greece 2018

Dinner Menu - red
Leoncio, País – Valle del Itata, Chile 2020
Chacra, Barda Pinot Noir – Patagonia, Argentina 2021
4 Monos
GR10 Garnacha – Madrid, Spain 2020
Domaine Montrozier
, Cuve Nº1 Fer Servadou – Southwest France 2020
Christophe Peyrus
Pic Saint-Loup Syrah/Grenache – Languedoc, France 2018

Dinner Menu - beer & cider
Domaine Lesuffleur
Folletière Apple Cider – Normandy, France 2018 (750 ml)
Stillwater Artisanal $12.00
Extra Dry Sake Style Saison (16 oz)
Oxbow, Northern Lager $12.00
Newcastle, ME (12 oz)
LIC Beer Project, Sour Hour Berliner-Style Weisse – Queens, NY $14.00
(16 oz)
KCBC $15.00
Strictly Chronic IPA – Brooklyn, NY (16 oz)

Dinner Menu - zero proof
Celery Tonic $15.00
Amass ‘Riverine,’ celery, quinine, lemon
Rivington Mule $14.00
Proteau, lime, ginger
Salted Cucumber Soda $9.00
Ginger beer $7.00
Sparkling water $10.00

Wine List - SPARKLING WINES - FRANCE CHAMPAGNE - WHITE
Amaury Beaufort, 'Le Jardinot XVIII,' Polisy
NV 245.
Bérêche et Fils, 'Réserve' DG.
03/22 NV 120.
Bérêche et Fils, 'Rive Gauche' Meunier, Le Port à Binson
DG. 11/21 2018 195.
Vincent Charlot, 'Le Fruit de Ma Passion,' Mardeuil
DG. 09/21 2016 100.
Ulysse Collin, 'Les Maillons' Blanc de Noirs, Congy
DG. 03/21 2018 295.
Ulysse Collin, 'Les Pierrières' Blanc de Blancs, Congy
DG. 02/22 2017 365.
Corbon, 'Millésime' Blanc de Blancs, Avize Grand Cru
DG. 03/22 2002 330.
Benoît Déhu, 'Cuvée de L'Orme' Blanc de Noirs, Fossoy
DG. 09/20 2016 300.
Egly-Ouriet, 'Les Vignes de Bisseuil,' Bisseuil 1er Cru
DG. 11/21 NV 220.
Egly-Ouriet, 'V.P.,' Verzenay Grand Cru
DG. 11/21 NV 385.
Egly-Ouriet, 'Millésime,' Ambonnay Grand Cru
DG. 11/21 2012 600.
Henri Giraud, 'Argonne,' Aÿ Grand Cru
DG. 08/18 2008 890.
Benoît Lahaye, Bouzy Grand Cru
DG. 02/22 NV 165.
Georges Laval, Cumières 1er Cru
DG. 05/22 NV 230.
Georges Laval, 'Les Chênes' Blanc de Blancs, Cumières 1er Cru
DG. 03/19 2015 350.
Georges Laval, 'Les Hautes Chèvres' Meunier, Cumières 1er Cru
DG. 01/21 2016 625.

Lunch Menu
Charcuterie $27.00
Oysters with finger lime and sea grapes $25.00
Raw scallop with green tomatoes and basil* $28.00
Stone fruits with pecorino and Thai basil $26.00
Endive, walnuts, anchovy, and ubriaco rosso $24.00
Market greens with orange and ponzu $23.00
Market greens with orange and ponzu $27.00
Steelhead trout with sea urchin and seaweed $35.00
Ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino Sardo $29.00
Roast chicken with leeks and Béarnaise $38.00
Bread and butter $6.00
Strawberry sorbet with candied cherry leaves and lovage oil $12.00
Panna cotta with vinegar and honey $12.00
Chocolate cake with whipped cream $12.00

Lunch Menu - cocktails
Rhubarb Spritz $17.00
quinquina, St. Agrestis ‘Inferno’ bitter, sparkling wine
Sky Lounge $19.00
Bourbon, Michelberger Forest, lemon, Aperol
Bloody Mary $16.00
vodka, tomato, fish sauce, Thai chili

Lunch Menu - fortified
César Florido, Cruz del Mar Fino, Chipiona – Andalucía, Spain NV
(375 ml)
El Maestro Sierra, 12-year Amontillado, Jerez – Andalucía, Spain NV
(375 ml)

Lunch Menu - beer & cider
Cidrerie du Vulcain
Cidre de Fer Apple Cider – Fribourg, Switzerland 2020 (750 ml)
Stillwater Artisanal $12.00
Extra Dry Sake Style Saison – Baltimore, MD (16 oz)
Oxbow $14.00
, Zeit Pils Pilsner – Newcastle, ME (16 oz)
Flagship $14.00
Guava Gose Sour Ale – Staten Island, NY (16 oz)
Greenport Harbor $14.00
Light Work IPA – Peconic, NY (16 oz)
KCBC $14.00
Beverly Hills Croc IPA – Brooklyn, NY (16 oz)

Lunch Menu - zero proof
Celery Tonic $15.00
Amass ‘Riverine,’ celery, quinine, lemon
Ludlow Mule $13.00
Proteau ‘Red,’ lime, ginger
Ginger beer $7.00
Sparkling water $8.00

Lunch Menu - sparkling
Peter Lauer, Riesling sekt – Saar, Germany 2018
Domaine La Folle Berthe
Les Folles Bulles Rosé – Loire Valley, France 2019
Pierre Gerbais
Grains de Celles Extra Brut – Champagne, France NV

Lunch Menu - white
Celler Credo
Miranius Xarel-lo – Catalunya, Spain 2020
Peter Lauer
Senior Riesling feinherb – Saar, Germany 2021
Quinta da Palmirinha, Loureiro – Vinho Verde, Portugal 2020
Bertin-Delatte, L’Echalier Chenin Blanc – Loire, France 2019
Vivanterre, SGS Sylvaner/Gewürztraminer/Sauvignon – Loire, France 2020
Sylvain Pataille, Bourgogne Les Méchalots – Burgundy, France 2019

Lunch Menu - rosé
Stein, Rosé Trocken – Mosel, Germany 2021

Lunch Menu - red
Celler Pardas, Sus Scrofa Sumoll – Penedès, Spain 2021
Chacra, Barda Pinot Noir – Patagonia, Argentina 2020
Textura, Pretexto Field blend – Dão, Portugal 2019
Château du Petit Thouars, Les Georges Cabernet Franc – Loire, France 2020
Terroir al Limit, Históric Garnacha – Priorat, Spain 2018
Le Champ d’Orphée, Fer Servadou – Southwest France 2019

Estela Details

Service options
Delivery
Onsite services
Dine-in
Takeout

Highlights
Great cocktails
Great wine list

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Tourists

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Paid street parking

Estela Photos

Estela Location

Estela

New York New York County New York East Houston Street

47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY 10012, USA

Estela Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1424 user reviews.

beef tartarericotta dumplingsendive saladoystersmichelinwine listscallopssmall platespaella negrasquid ink rice

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Absolutely delicious, can’t believe we hadn’t been here before! Every dish was outstanding; nothing felt lacking or off. Highlights included the beef tartare, the endive, and the dumplings, which were a surprisingly light delight. The cod was fabulous, and the chocolate cake was exquisite: perfectly balanced, not overly sweet. The cocktails were also excellent.The atmosphere was lively and enjoyable, though the seating is a bit tight between tables and it does get loud, but hey, this is NYC. Overall, an amazing experience, and we’ll definitely be coming back!
August 15 · Monica Trigos
Came in for lunch. The atmosphere is comfortable and the drinks menu was innovative. The food was a mixed bag. The scallop was perfectly balanced, the celery salad lacked creativity, the omelet was well made but the kelp that was served alongside was extremely salty that threw off the whole feel of the dish. The steak was cooked perfectly and the heirloom tomato was the highlight of the dish, but it felt that the ingredients did most of the carrying of the flavor
August 16 · Zixiang Pan
I had dinner at Estela for my birthday with my boyfriend and received some of the worst service throughout the night. Our server James (whose name I only found out after looking through their instagram) had an attitude with us right off the bat that was extremely unwarranted. Right as we sit down i’m looking through a book that was what i assumed to be the wine list. Before i even get a chance to look, he snatches it from my hand and says that’s the drinks are on the other side of the menu. The attitude did not stop there and that interaction set the tone for the rest of the dinner. It felt like he was doing us a favor by dining there and that was the overall feeling from the hospitality.Although my boyfriend marked that it was a birthday dinner on the reservation, there was no mention of a celebration from any person. The hostesses were also extremely cold. Absolutely no hello or goodbye as we entered the restaurant. Everyone just seemed like they were too good for the place. I expect a base level of formality or just friendliness from a one star but this is the worst one star restaurant i’ve been to by far.Food was hit or miss, we liked the beef tartare and lamb the most but the endive salad was extremely salty and that’s coming from someone who eats on the saltier side. Ricotta dumplings were okay and arroz negro was good.
September 16 · Andrew Kim
Estela, which means "star" in Spanish, is a one-Michelin-star restaurant in New York that has a unique charm. The entrance features a small blue door that’s easy to miss, marked only by a light sign with the restaurant’s name; it’s so difficult to open that instructions were provided.The atmosphere reflects classic New York style, characterized by humble wooden chairs and tables, dim lighting, and tables that are quite close together. As is common in New York, the restaurant is noisy, with 80s classics playing at a high volume, making it challenging to hold a conversation without raising your voice. Personally, I prefer quieter places, so I deducted one point for the noise level.The service was satisfactory, and the wine list was impressive, offering a diverse selection of French, Austrian, and German wines (though there were no Italian whites), with options across a wide price range. The sommelier, a friendly French gentleman from Toulouse, was eager to assist with suggestions. Our waiter, Katherine, was very kind as she explained the menu and highlighted popular dishes.The food was truly outstanding and undoubtedly deserving of its Michelin star. We began our meal with oysters, tuna, an endive salad, and foie gras (which may be one of the best things I've ever tasted). We also enjoyed arros negro, dim sum, and panna cotta. The portion sizes were suitable for sharing, and the dishes arrived at a perfect pace, allowing us to savor each course.
July 06 · Marcos Pimentel
Solid, well-composed meal, just missing a few sparks.Came here for dinner on a Sunday evening. Estela has been around for over a decade, so compared to other Michelin starred restaurants, the reservation was fairly easy to get. While they keep their signature dishes like Endive salad evergreen, a little more than half of their menu gets rotated. However, since most of what we ordered were house signatures, they felt a little too safe. Still, nothing about the meal was mundane or disappointing.We started off with the oysters and the scallops. The scallop paired pristine, minimally treated scallops with the green snap of asparagus. Instead of the usual almond crumble, almond milk brought a creamy counterpoint and a marzipan-adjacent warmth without heavy dairy.The famous Endive salad. It was glossed with a punchy anchovy-based saline vinaigrette which somewhat masked the natural bitterness of the endives. It also softened it up a little while maintaining that crisp. Worked perfectly as a vessel to complement that nutty sweetness from Ubriaco Rosso.The fried arroz leaned more like a paella than the crispy, scorched bits I’d expected from the name. Without overloading it with seafood, the dish had a concentrated, savory, briny depth from the squid ink. Exceptionally tender squid with a nice chew, and while the romesco’s heat was subtle, I liked the occasional nutty pop from what seemed like almonds.The poached trout was our second favorite of the night. Flaky to the point of barely holding together, with gentle fat balanced by the mild, vegetal sweetness of artichoke. A beurre blanc–like sauce underneath added a rich, savory anchor.Ricotta dumplings was also one of our favorites. I was almost blanking out when I first took a bite of this and thought I was eating gnocchi. Hidden under a canopy of thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms were ricotta dumplings that were incredibly light yet pleasantly chewy. The Pecorino Sardo gave a slightly salty, sheepy finish, but my favorite part was the mushroom broth. Comforting, with a faintly funky, woodsy depth that lingered.The drinks and service were just okay, but recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for a good elevated casual restaurant.
August 10 · Jea Kim