Estela
A little bit rustic, a lotta bit lively, Estela doesn't look like your typical, stuffy, Michelin-approved joint, but alas, it is! When the cozy, second-floor Soho spot opened back in 2013, it was a buzzy big deal thanks to Chef Ignacio Mattos. A haven of indulgent small plates to share, even Obama popped in to see what all the excitement was about. Six years later, it has finally earned a Michelin star.
Estela, 47 E Houston St.
[Photo via @the_current_classic]