Estela, Nolita, NYC

Food: ☆☆☆☆½

Service: ☆☆☆½

Ambiance: ☆☆☆

Cost: $$$

Must try: Everything

Ignacio Mattos is the brilliant chef behind Estela on Houston Street.

Raised in Uruguay, Mattos veers his cuisine towards a Mediterranean bent.

Sharing is strongly encouraged at this small plate spot, which has a menu that changes often and is limited to about fifteen items.

Mattos’s training at the kitchens of Chez Panisse, Il Bucco and Isa shine through in his modernist offerings. His combinations are really quite spectacular.

Take for example the burrata with salsa verde and charred bread. Every bite of this stunner is filled with complimentary yet contrasting flavors. I also thought the Bialy with smoked salmon was superb.

Estela offers a brilliant wine list along with some really delicious cocktails. Co-owner Thomas Carter showcases his talent here just as Mattos does in the kitchen. The menu at Estela is really perfectly designed to compliment its beverage offerings.

Here is some of what we ate: