Esteban
Sydney
At a glance
Esteban, tucked away in Temperance Lane, offers an inviting taste of Mexico in bustling Sydney. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant brings the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine to life. The menu celebrates traditional ingredients and culinary techniques, providing an authentic dining experience. The establishment doubles as a bar, showcasing a thoughtful selection of tequila and mezcal, perfect for pairing with the food.
With a welcoming ambiance, Esteban suits those who enjoy exploring new culinary landscapes in a lively setting. The restaurant's decor combines modern design with elements reflecting Mexican culture, creating a warm and engaging environment. Esteban's dedication to fine food made fun ensures that every visit feels special, whether dining with friends or celebrating a milestone with a larger group.
Whether grabbing a bite during lunch or unwinding over dinner, patrons can expect consistently high-quality dishes and drinks. The service is attentive, making it an excellent choice for both casual meals and special occasions. Those looking for private dining experiences will find Esteban accommodating, offering options for intimate gatherings or larger groups.
Reviews
I took my wife to Esteban for a little treat and was again amazed at the food and the level of service that they provided. From being welcomed to our exit, the service was excellent. They were quite busy, so we could only get a couple of seats at the bar, which was also great because we got to speak to the bartender. We drank way too many cocktails than we should have. Everything we ate was delicious, and I tried to get a few different things. The scallops were amazing. The halibut ceviche was different but also very good, but no complaints about anything. We'd definitely go back.
So this isn't the first time I have visited esteban. This has become my number 1 spot for special events. I am hard pressed to find something wrong with this venue from the food to the staff and the atmosphere esteban ticks all the boxes and exceeds at it food presentation and flavour are excellent and the price point is an added bonus. A must try is the flathead cervicheis a must try along with the duck. I wish I got our servers name but she was amazing she went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. She even invited us to try some tequila that I was definitely up for. She even allowed us to see the unique bottle it come in. This just added to how amazing the staff were and showed how much they care and enjoy what they do. We also did a few of the cocktails all of witch are outstanding the pear cocktail of the month is Highly recommend and i hope its added to the menu as a regular drink i could drink a jug of it. Its that good. We toped the night off with pan de elote and it didnt disapoint. Definitely give esteban a go if your looking for a venue for a special someone.
Tried the flathead ceviche, grilled cuttlefish, prawn tacos, grilled eggplant (fave). All tasted great and all were well-seasoned. Walked-in on a Saturday night but we only got seated outside. Better to book a table on the website beforehand
Above average experience overall. The second floor seating felt quite crowded, with tables packed too closely together. The tacos did not really live up to the hype either. The flavours were fairly mediocre and lacked depth. The cuttlefish, however, was very well executed. Perfectly cooked with that slight bouncy texture still intact, balanced nicely with a subtle sweetness. The duck was decent with good flavour overall, but nothing particularly memorable. Ceasar salad was good. Nice play on the parmesan.
I visited Esteban tonight with some friends. We started in the upstairs dining room before moving outside later in the evening to enjoy the fresh air. The cocktails were intriguing and well balanced. We began with tacos; salmon ceviche and beef tartare; Both excellent in flavour and texture. The scallops and pork belly with green sauce followed, each dish refined and very satisfying. For mains, we had the duck and the Murray cod of the day, served with spicy roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The cod was fresh, delicate and beautifully flavoured with cherry tomatoes. The duck was cooked perfectly pink, although the skin could have been slightly crispier. Desserts were also very enjoyable, especially the crunchy dulce de leche. Service was warm and attentive throughout. Overall, a very pleasant experience: portions are moderate, but the quality and flavours are outstanding. Prices are in line with Sydney CBD dining. We will certainly return.
