We arrived 45 minutes early for our reservation and checked in with the host. We understood our table would not yet be ready and asked that we be notified while we waited at the bar. Ae all ordered drinks at the bar and they were good and had a great presentations. Unfortunately, our 5:30 reservation time came and went without any update. At 5:38, I approached the host stand again, and only then were we brought to our table which had not even been cleaned. The server wiped it down in front of us, brushing food and debris onto the seats and floor. Once seated, things did not improve. We were disappointed to learn that the fried burrata appetizer was sold out. After ordering our appetizers we were ready to order our entrees and was told the lamb chops and sweet potato fries were also unavailable. This was surprising given the early dinner hour. Our food did arrive quickly, but even then, there were oversights. Several of us were sharing dishes, and although the server was aware of this, no share plates were provided. The mashed potatoes also arrived cold. When it came time for dessert, we were informed that the apple crumb cake was unavailable as well, yet another item sold out. We ended up ordering the cookie skillet which came out burnt and the cream Brule came our way after our other desserts. While the gratuity was automatically included due to our party size, it felt as though the service suffered because of it. We did not feel that the server made an effort to provide a great experience or offer solutions to the repeated issues we encountered. Overall, the combination of multiple sold-out menu items, lackluster service, and poor cleanliness made for a disappointing visit. We had high hopes, but unfortunately the experience did not meet expectations.
Katherine
The food was delicious and the service great. Only negative was the entrees took a really, really long time to arrive. Not a major issue, but just know you'll be there for a while.
James
The food was exceptional and very reasonably priced. The servers were very friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely go back.
Pete
Absolutely terrible. Medium rare burger was completely burnt. Calamari were greasy and slightly nauseating. Salmon tacos with a piece of lettuce instead of a tortilla mislabeled as tacos. Glass of Pinot Noir was in the early stages of turning to vinegar. Sweet potato fries were cold and the food took nearly 45 to come out. Worst meal I've had at home or at a restaurant in many, many years.
Victoria
Our waiter was great, I sadly forgot his name. Ro and Alfred, the managers were so kind to check on us. The Rasta Pasta was also amazing.
Frances
We visited the Downtown Crossing location. We had a reservation and it took 4 hostess to determine where to seat us and then put us across from bathroom with no space between other tables. You are forced to scan the menu and it was different depending on who was accessing it. Our waitress was polite however had no idea about items on the menu when we asked questions nor provided the specials. We had the calamari app which was overcooked and serviced with a chunky red sauce that was enough for a few pieces. Two of the three meals were not great - Creamy Pesto Wild Mushroom was just tons of garlic as the sauce, Fin and Fire Salmon was a dried out sauce on the pasta though the salmon was fine and Steak Frites - was the one good dish with a generous portion of seasoned fries with steak. Overall it was like going to a chain restaurant however paying higher prices. The front staff was not welcoming and should be changed as it sets the tone for the visit. The bathrooms were gross with thick dust on everything, paint worn off and just overall dirty.
Janice
We chose Estella for a simple meal before a concert at the Orpheum. The staff were all very engaged, attentive, helpful and friendly. My teenage son said his birria tacos were "pretty good". My husband didn't think the burger was very high quality. The french fries were delicious. I chose a vegetarian ravioli dish that was delicious. Fresh tomato sauce, sauteed squash. It would have been great to have some french bread /butter for dipping. They got us in and out in a timely manner, which is a big deal for concert night.
Michele
The food was incredibly greasy and turned out to be impossible to digest. The server was friendly but when it came time to pay and tip, the suggested 18/20/22% tips were all miscalculated and were actually higher than what they should have been for food and tax. That's downright fraudulent. Won't be returning
Cammie
Food was fine, waiter good, but the door to the kitchen squeaked loudly every time anyone opened it -- super irritating. Drinks arrived long after food.
kate
Great food and cocktails. Portions were the perfect size. The lobster ravioli was excellent.
We went to Estrella for a birthday dinner before a show at ArtsEmerson, and had an absolutely wonderful time! The service was fast and super friendly, and the food was AMAZING. Tons of vegetarian options, too, which we really appreciated. Thank you so much -- we'll absolutely be back!
Penny
They do a food happy hour from 4-6 on weekdays and it is an AMAZING deal. Half off all appetizers. My group split a bunch plus a pasta and it was plenty of food. Totally recommend!
Trey
We were heading to a show around the corner and the reviews of this place were good. I'd say everything was fine. Not great and not terrible. So, if you're looking for an ok place before a show then it's fine.
Andrea
This was a joke of an experience that culminated in my daughter and I sharing a fork we borrowed from another party and never seeing our server again. What a serious disappointment. Never again.
LaLa
I recently had my birthday dinner here with friends and the food was pretty good. Service was alright. Atmosphere was nice.
It took some time to order food after receiving our drinks. Half of the table received food while others had to wait some time. And we had to ask someone else to bring over utensils.
We arrived 45 minutes early for our reservation and checked in with the host. We understood our table would not yet be ready and asked that we be notified while we waited at the bar. Ae all ordered drinks at the bar and they were good and had a great presentations. Unfortunately, our 5:30 reservation time came and went without any update. At 5:38, I approached the host stand again, and only then were we brought to our table which had not even been cleaned. The server wiped it down in front of us, brushing food and debris onto the seats and floor. Once seated, things did not improve. We were disappointed to learn that the fried burrata appetizer was sold out. After ordering our appetizers we were ready to order our entrees and was told the lamb chops and sweet potato fries were also unavailable. This was surprising given the early dinner hour. Our food did arrive quickly, but even then, there were oversights. Several of us were sharing dishes, and although the server was aware of this, no share plates were provided. The mashed potatoes also arrived cold. When it came time for dessert, we were informed that the apple crumb cake was unavailable as well, yet another item sold out. We ended up ordering the cookie skillet which came out burnt and the cream Brule came our way after our other desserts. While the gratuity was automatically included due to our party size, it felt as though the service suffered because of it. We did not feel that the server made an effort to provide a great experience or offer solutions to the repeated issues we encountered. Overall, the combination of multiple sold-out menu items, lackluster service, and poor cleanliness made for a disappointing visit. We had high hopes, but unfortunately the experience did not meet expectations.
The food was delicious and the service great. Only negative was the entrees took a really, really long time to arrive. Not a major issue, but just know you'll be there for a while.
The food was exceptional and very reasonably priced. The servers were very friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely go back.
Absolutely terrible. Medium rare burger was completely burnt. Calamari were greasy and slightly nauseating. Salmon tacos with a piece of lettuce instead of a tortilla mislabeled as tacos. Glass of Pinot Noir was in the early stages of turning to vinegar. Sweet potato fries were cold and the food took nearly 45 to come out. Worst meal I've had at home or at a restaurant in many, many years.
Our waiter was great, I sadly forgot his name. Ro and Alfred, the managers were so kind to check on us. The Rasta Pasta was also amazing.
We visited the Downtown Crossing location. We had a reservation and it took 4 hostess to determine where to seat us and then put us across from bathroom with no space between other tables. You are forced to scan the menu and it was different depending on who was accessing it. Our waitress was polite however had no idea about items on the menu when we asked questions nor provided the specials. We had the calamari app which was overcooked and serviced with a chunky red sauce that was enough for a few pieces. Two of the three meals were not great - Creamy Pesto Wild Mushroom was just tons of garlic as the sauce, Fin and Fire Salmon was a dried out sauce on the pasta though the salmon was fine and Steak Frites - was the one good dish with a generous portion of seasoned fries with steak. Overall it was like going to a chain restaurant however paying higher prices. The front staff was not welcoming and should be changed as it sets the tone for the visit. The bathrooms were gross with thick dust on everything, paint worn off and just overall dirty.
We chose Estella for a simple meal before a concert at the Orpheum. The staff were all very engaged, attentive, helpful and friendly. My teenage son said his birria tacos were "pretty good". My husband didn't think the burger was very high quality. The french fries were delicious. I chose a vegetarian ravioli dish that was delicious. Fresh tomato sauce, sauteed squash. It would have been great to have some french bread /butter for dipping. They got us in and out in a timely manner, which is a big deal for concert night.
The food was incredibly greasy and turned out to be impossible to digest. The server was friendly but when it came time to pay and tip, the suggested 18/20/22% tips were all miscalculated and were actually higher than what they should have been for food and tax. That's downright fraudulent. Won't be returning
Food was fine, waiter good, but the door to the kitchen squeaked loudly every time anyone opened it -- super irritating. Drinks arrived long after food.
Great food and cocktails. Portions were the perfect size. The lobster ravioli was excellent.
Restaurantji Recommends
We went to Estrella for a birthday dinner before a show at ArtsEmerson, and had an absolutely wonderful time! The service was fast and super friendly, and the food was AMAZING. Tons of vegetarian options, too, which we really appreciated. Thank you so much -- we'll absolutely be back!
They do a food happy hour from 4-6 on weekdays and it is an AMAZING deal. Half off all appetizers. My group split a bunch plus a pasta and it was plenty of food. Totally recommend!
We were heading to a show around the corner and the reviews of this place were good. I'd say everything was fine. Not great and not terrible. So, if you're looking for an ok place before a show then it's fine.
This was a joke of an experience that culminated in my daughter and I sharing a fork we borrowed from another party and never seeing our server again. What a serious disappointment. Never again.
I recently had my birthday dinner here with friends and the food was pretty good. Service was alright. Atmosphere was nice.
It took some time to order food after receiving our drinks. Half of the table received food while others had to wait some time. And we had to ask someone else to bring over utensils.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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