My second festive season restaurant visit was to Esteban. I have been meaning to go here for about 6 months, however the pandemic put my plan on hold. I was so glad to be able to go there for my partner’s birthday.
Esteban is one of those restaurants that you just have to know about. It’s not easily seen from the street and they don’t advertise very much.
Its entrance is actually down the alley to the left of the CBD Apple store. A lovely member of the waitstaff waits in the alley behind a pedestal to welcome guests and escort them to the restaurant… which is up the alley and down what looks like basement stairs.
However, that’s the end of the odd experiences. Upon entry the music is playing, the candles are lit and you can hear the laughter and buzz from all the other diners. It’s a bit of a transformation.
First course: Cocktails – Dragon fruit spritz and an Old fashioned
Just plain yum is all I can say about those. Great start to the evening.
Entree: Brisket and pork tacos with Salsa Verde and woodfired octopus
I’d come back to this restaurant just for the tacos. They were amazing! The Woodfired Octopus was nice, but a bit chewy and not overly flavourful. It wasn’t bad, but not amazing either.
Mains: Roast chicken with a black pepper sauce, Pork belly with crackling, roast potatoes with a cheese sauce dribbled over the top.
Dessert: Chocolate fondant with blood orange sorbet and chocolate mousse.
Now, I’m known to have a very small stomach. So when I dine out I always check the dessert menu for something amazing. If I like what I see, I skip the entrees to fit it all in. But in Esteban, I just couldn’t skip a thing. Everything smelled and tasted so incredible, that I just had to make the effort.
Highly recommended for a good night out.
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