Patricia Pratt
Absolutely incredible. There was a bit of a wait but the service did not suffer from it. The food was the best Italian I've had in a long time. Will definitely come back again
Jason Stem
Old school Italian feel. Generous portions. Polite and friendly staff. Prices were a tad high even taking the current market into account. Would be better if they had different pasta side options as well.
Greg Kingston
If I could give a rating on food only, I would give 4+ stars. We had Chicken Parm, Chicken Romano, and Veal Romano. All three were excellent with fairly large portions. Salad was fresh and good. Wedding soup was good as well. Bread was ok, but didn't appear to be fresh/homemade. Unfortunately, the food doesn't tell the whole story.
We found ourselves in Monroeville looking for a place to eat and wanted to avoid a chain restaurant. We did a quick search on Maps to see what was close by and Esta Esta was close and had a good star rating at first glance, so we stopped.
Not much to look at from the outside from what I could tell. It was getting dark, so we weren't to judgemental. There appears to be a bar on one side of the building and a dining room on the other. We ate in the dining room.
Upon entering, I almost turned around and walked out. The decor and furniture likely hasn't been updated since the 1970s judging by the vinyl on the chairs. Various wood paneling, stained glass, grape shaped lights. Add onto that the smell of stale cigarette smoke, and it was not inviting at all. When we arrived, the dining room was mostly empty but there were 2 other parties already dining. If they hadn't been there, I think I would have left. It reminded us of the type of place you would see on Kitchen Nightmares that need a complete renovation. Pictures don't do it justice.
Once we got seated, the service was good. There was hostess that got us started with drinks and our waiter was pleasant and attentive. No complaints there.
S
We visited this evening and sat in the dining room. The service was excellent and the food was amazing. This is a charming little restaurant and I can't believe that this was my first visit. It certainly won't be my last.
Becky Hamilton
Amazing food...amazing service. Highly recommend
Matt Garger
Food is outstanding, I had the veal marsala and it was the best I ever had. More importantly they treated my 4 yr old like the most important customer of the day! Highly recommend.
Pamela Klaker
Don't let the exterior prevent you from dining here! The food was amazing as well as the service! Can't wait to return!
Beverly McDonough
Very Good food will be back, Chef Mike came out to check to see if we loved the food. Had Shrimp Scampi, BIG Jumbo Shrimp.
John Bednar
I don’t know what the food tasted like but the smell in the dining room made me sick. Idk if it was cigarettes like someone else said or mold. I’m sorry but you need to invest some money on the place.
Kathleen Leon
We came here on a friend's recommendation, and we were not disappointed! Old school decor, but worth the eclectic vibe. We came in with our hearts set on romano; him veal, me chicken, since someone said it was the best they'd ever had. But feature was crab cakes, so we took a chance. <br/>They were phenomenal and better than any we'd ever had at the shore. It was all crab, perfectly seasoned with little or no filler. They were topped with a lemon hollandaise sauce. Wish I'd taken a picture! Amazing! <br/>We will be back!
Chef Chuck Kerber
I rarely turn down Italian food, so when I was asked to go to Esta Esta last week I happily accepted. I had never been to the Italian eatery in Monroeville, PA, and wasn’t even aware of it’s existence. Esta Esta Interior. Restaurant Interior. From the outside, Esta Esta is very unassuming- there’s very little signage, and the building is inconspicuous. The interior is tastefully designed with soft ambient lighting, warm carpeted floors, and white tablecloth covered tables. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the maître d and shown to our table. Waters were poured, and our server approached to inform us of the daily specials.
Lamar
This is an old fashioned place but very nice. The pizza was good with a light and flakey crust. The wings are good but jumbo and naked, so not my thing. I will be back though Melzell1020
Melzell1020
Upon walking into the dining area the smell is really off putting. We were greeted by a young gentleman very nice but when I stopped him to ask a question he said "what's up" didn't care for that but we ordered wings and pizza. The pizza was surprisingly very good! I really enjoyed it. Our wings were done well and crispy. All and all ide.come back for the pizza. Since note ... they need a major overhauling done! I felt stuck in the 50s.
T_stefl
Utterly abysmal atmosphere and help with slightly better than average food.. The very first thing you will encounter is the horrid stink of 50+ years of permitted smoking and the musty dank interior. The cigarette smell that bleeds in through the lounge is strong and offensive enough by itself, but when combined with what I can only attribute to a long since spoiled corpse, an armed guard would prove a less potent entry deterrent. Our outing ended poorly when the forgettable waiter joined us on our great escape to the breathable air outside to complain and bring into question our more than adequate tip on top of an outrageous bill. After their guilt ridden attempt at parking lot panhandling we turned and left with a sated appetite and a soured evening.<br/><br/>The food is slightly above average and better than what you would find in a chain. That said, it is grossly over priced. So much so a glance at the menu after taking in the atmosphere was all but the last straw for a walk out. The Scallops and Shrimp Linguine was 3/5. 2 scallops and 3 over done shrimp on the whole plate. The lemon butter and sherry sauce was enjoyable, but not something to make a trip to the area for. 30-40$ for a plate was nigh laughable and I couldn't help but feel like we would be met outside by a few cameras and Ashton Kutcher to point out the obvious prank we were just victim to. <br/><br/>The establishment is prided on being open since 1955 has had seemingly sparse cleaning since. Absolutely ridiculous cost of the average menu items is either tribute to glory days long past or an attempt to make up the cost of having a live-in landfill to greet guests. Pairing that with rude and mendicant wait staff and the aromatic assault of dated offal leaves Esta Esta with a 3/10.
Billyfrostedmug
I will try it again. I hate people who look for the bad in everything but We did not like the food. I went there over a dozen times but not for the past 10 years. I have no idea if it is the same ownership or kitchen staff but it was no where close to the old times that I remember. The reviews were great, so we took our Living Social coupon and went. I had the shrimp and she had her usual Chicken Romano (Orders it 50% of the places we go) Both dishes were so lemon drenched that we were puckering with sour faces. Could not eat it with so much sourness, it had to be an entire lemon squeezed on both. But I hope that this doesn't stop anyone from coming as I am even going back because the waiter and salad and apps were good. I would suggest that if you order these dishes just ask for the lemon on the side. I wish them good luck and continued success
Stephie620
Pleasantly Surprised!. First off, I have to say that I read the good and bad reviews before visiting this restaurant. It was my boyfriend's birthday, and I wanted him to enjoy his meal. The atmosphere was just as other reviewers explained, but we both found it to be charming in its own quirky way; and Frank Sinatra background music just made it better! The waiter was efficient, and helpful. Everything we ordered was very good. The kitchen put its own spin on Bruschetta, and it was delicious. My boyfriend ordered Fettuccini Alfredo, which was perfect; and I had Chicken Romano--also not disappointing. The dining room may be dated, but Esta Esta is worth the visit. You won't be disappointed.
Joy_john
Great food and service!. My husband and I have been here quite a few times. Never a bad meal! I usually stick with something Italian but decided to try the filet on Saturday night. It was amazing! Cooked and flavored to perfection and a generous portion. My husband says they have the best broiled seafood platter in town. Dean was our waiter the last time we were there and took great care of us!<br/><br/>We even took my daughter and her husband there last time they were in town and they were impresssed - she loved the Chicken Marsala! They both enjoyed their meals and desserts!<br/><br/>Do not get turned off by the decor since it is a little dated. I love the choice of music - my husband and I make jokes about some people that may have gone throught there at some point. <br/><br/>We will be going back!
Peter.bourgeois
Don't Pass This Up. We dropped in for a late evening dinner after being referred by a local hotel.<br/>Pleasantly surprised and great service from Cassie who kept us from ordering too much food. If u like Italian, stick with the appetizers and you will thrilled.<br/>We are coming back.
J Obrien
Expected more. Been a while since we ate here, I know they have a great chef, maybe he was not working last Friday.<br/>Pasta and sauce did not have a great flavor, sauce was bland and off pasta was over cooked. Steak was extremely tough, if that is the quality you put out take it off the menu. The house salad was small and sad. Warm wilted lettuce, charge more if you have to. I would like a good place to go by our place. We will try again, also feel like it needs a good vacuum.
Jason
Good service but Food was So-So and pricey. Went on Saturday eve with friends who have been numerous times. Menu was pricy for the fare. Tried 2 Appetizers ....Fried Zucchini was good but should have been more for the price. The Bruschetta was unbroiled, chewy pull-apart dinner rolls with a slice of tomato and melted cheese on top! <br/><br/>For entre' tried the "Tour of Italy" (the Baked Manicotti was chewy/overdone...the Chicken Parmigiana was good, the linguini alfredo was just ok and entree pricey for what it was .... My friend's Lasagne was disappointing (it looked unappetizing) <br/><br/>Restaurant seemed busy and possibly short staffed....but waitress was attentive and excellent. Seating area was cramped and decor is way beyond dated including white Christmas lights and plastic grape leaves everywhere... One review here said place had been updated??... really? Friends even apologised afterwards for a so-so meal that was also pricey for what it was.
Fr.John Trigilio Jr.
Excellent food; tired ambiance but great service and superb food
Corymcnutt
Wonderful Experience. This is truly the best kept secret in Monroeville. The outside may look "old" and the dining area is in the era of Frank Sinatra (what's wrong with that?), but it is clean, the service is friendly and welcoming, and the food is EXCELLENT! We have never had a bad experience at this place. The bar is "friendly" and the drinks are made like a drink should be...with alcohol! The first time we went there to eat we entered through the bar area and were greeted by all age groups, welcoming us to the place. The dining room experience was just as friendly and the food was awesome; we have been regulars ever since. The owner/chef, Michael, comes out to make sure everything was as you expected and makes you feel like "family." There is no better steak in the area; their Filet Mignon is outstanding and always fixed to perfection. Do yourself a favor and try this treasure in the crowded restaurant field.
Nancy
OUTSTANDING FOOD & SERVICE. This is the best kept secret in Monroeville, Pa - The food is excellent and the service is with a smile...the owner is very friendly and cares about his customers. If you have not gone to this Restaurant, you MUST go...All food is top<br/>shelf.....
DR
Amazing!. Had never been here. Tried it, loved it, will definitely go again. Highly recommend it. Outstanding food. Amazing wedding soup. Fabulous service. Great prices.
Wdp9496
Exemplary Cuisine. Dated decor although somewhat charmingly so. Friendly attentive service. GREAT seafood and hand-cut filette cooked to perfection. Portion sizes generous. Award-winning crab dip was best I've ever had- lots of decilicious lump crab. Savory Italian wedding soup. Melted butter for lobster tails was heated and bubbling over a tea lights- a great touch. Good wine list.
Jaime
Once you get over the decor you will be pleasantly surprised by the food. Everything on the menu is fantastic. The owner/chef is wonderful and friendly. Highly recommend!!!
AKotvas
This Place Is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!. I used to go to the Esta Esta when I was younger, to pretty much "hang" at the bar with friends in my early twenties. I hadn't been there for 15 years, and decided to take my mom to their New Year's Eve dinner. My mother is extremely particular about her food......SHE WAS FLOORED!!! Her filet was done perfectly, and the lobster was to die for. Since that dinner, I make it a point to go there for dinner as often as I can, and I have NEVER had a bad meal. The place has been updated, & the bar is a great place to go before or after a meal.....or to just go to Happy Hour. This place is Monroeville's best kept secret. I have eaten at The Wooden Nickel, & the new Nardi's, but can tell you they cannot compete with the food or the service. I would highly recommend this place, & hope that they get the business that they deserve, although I hope it doesn't become so packed I can't get a table!!
Esta Esta Marie
Great Food.... The food is great and reasonably priced. And guess what folks...they have done quite a bit of remodeling. The bar and dining room are beautiful. Best yet ladies, the new bathroom is gorgeous!<br/>Stop in and see their new look, Great "Happy Hour" specials.
Noah
Best surf n turf in Pittsburgh!!!!!! Got to give this place a try!!
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