Anabel Blake
What a Gem!
I set out on a little mission to celebrate my husband’s birthday ,a week of treating him to hidden gems around town. La Estancia turned out to be one of those rare treasures you stumble on and immediately want to keep secret. From the moment we walked in, it felt like discovering a warm, familiar place you hadn’t known you were missing.
A quick heads-up before you go: if you’re hoping for wine, bring a bottle. Because the restaurant sits so close to a church, they aren’t able to sell alcohol. It didn’t dampen our evening though, just a small, easy-to-remember detail.
The food is made entirely from scratch, and you can tell. Plates arrive with a kind of thoughtful patience that’s worth waiting for; nothing rushed, everything prepared with care. Each bite was a little revelation, the starters, the main dishes, even dessert were layered with flavor and warmth. We loved everything we tried.
By the end of the night, my husband and I agreed: La Estancia is a place to celebrate, linger, and return to. Perfect for a birthday treat or any evening when you want something truly delightful.
… moreTravis Darwin
We had a nice dinner, food tasted fresh and the sauces were all good, just was thrown off by the lack of people there…maybe because it’s the holidays. We made reservations per the earlier reviews, but we were the only table at 7pm. Gnocchi appetizer was very good, Caprese salad was fresh, and all our entrees were very good (Chick Alfredo, Penne w/Sausage, and Cheese Tortellini). Was able to bring a nice bottle of wine from Fredericksburg, so the BYOB aspect was good. I hope they get busier, shame to see a good local place not busy.
… moreKyra Harris
The owner/chef is AWESOME! His food is fresh and he cooks with love. My favorite dish is made SPECIAL REQUEST ONLY . If you love sausage and peppers at Italian restaurants then you will love his version of it in pasta form. If you don’t like a a great flavored red tomato sauce then this not the dish for you . But if you love penne pasta, red tomato sauce, fresh sliced Italian sausage, fresh green and red peppers , tossed and coated perfectly on a bed of pene pasta then REQUEST the “Pasta-ALA-Kyra.” Parmesan cheese on the side. Thank me later.
Disclaimer- Do not order this dish if you don’t like flavor or like Italian sausage.
I highly recommend trying the sausage and peppers dish first then come back and REQUEST Pasta-ala-Kyra. This dish was a collaboration with two foodies who love flavors and food )
They have good bread as well.
I also recommend the chicken parm.
… moreTawnya Hartberger
I have finally found great spaghetti carbonara in Texas. Took nearly a decade. If I had Italian grandparents, this would be their restaurant. Homemade, wonderful food. BYOB–also just like my imaginary Nonna’s home would be, with the Three Tenors singing in the background.
… moreCynthia Merejo
The service, food, and ambiance are an absolute delight. Chef Peppino and his wife were so friendly. The food was delicious and tasted freshly made. I will be returning. Grazie mille per una cena molto deliziosa.
… moreCharlotte Sacco
Went here for a private event this past Saturday for lunch. Excellent service and surprisingly delicious homemade food. We did have a limited menu, but they made concessions for one person who could not have pasta. The Caesar salad was delicious with homemade dressing. The grilled chicken Alfredo was some of the best I have had. The garlic bread was great and calamari tender and crispy. I hate that I did not get pictures of the food! Very quaint atmosphere with linens and beautiful table settings. Loved being able to bring our own wine!
… moreRenato Mello
Get details if you’re a group! Beware!
We went in a group of 5 couples on the recommendation from one of them. The menu was limited but good. The service was slow but the food was very good. The prices were exorbitant, though! My wife and I had a salad, a main course and desert. Water for drinks. The bill was $178 with a 20% tip and an extra 5%(?) for paying with a card.
… moreJason Gamble
Had rigatoni w/ italian sausage and peppers, and chicken marsala. The flavors in the rigatoni were amazing but not overwhelming. Everything seemed fresh. The service was great and not rushed. The layout and decor in the restaurant was nice.
I will return and try another dish.
… moreJo Vic
We felt that the food was absolutely perfect. It is obviously fresh and made to order. The owner and his wife give lots of individual care to every meal. We had Veal Parmigiana. It was so tender it could be cut with a fork. The eggplant parmigana was just a tiny crispy on the edges. The Tiramisu is delicius. Everuthing seems very aithentic. Remember its BYOB so bring some nice wine if you would like. Thank you for a wonderful relaxing meal. Remember good food cant be produced quickly.
… moreSway
By far #22 on the menu was the best pasta dish I’ve ever had! Definitely very traditional and and flavorful! The red sauce and sausages were perfect! And CHEESE! OMG CHEESE HEAVEN! Very very very well cooked. It’s different than most people’s sauces it’s not thick. But very rich and so much flavor. It’s BYOB SO Bring your own good wine. I will definitely come back over and over again!
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