The fixed course experience at Hestia ( @hestia_austin ) was legendary. Every aspect of this feast was dialed in, the flavors were powerful, perfectly cooked and prepared, and a roller coaster of tastes. The wine pairing felt like a solo cup kegger that tasted like magic and never ran dry. Above all of this, our host and waitress for this adventure was one of the best I've ever had. Mind blown.     People, the right people, qualified, talented, A players only will make or break a business. It doesn't matter if it's code or plates of wagyu, the wrong person is never worth it. Our care taker flawlessly explained every little detail of every single component of each dish and pairing. I've been to numerous spots across the country including multiple Michelin starred establishments and she was easily a top 10 performer. So much so, that at one point, I stopped the experience to tell her. I understand & appreciate how hard that job is, & how more often than not the 8th deadly sin entitlement makes her life a living hell. She didn't believe me at first. After my buddy, noticed, & explained, "he's not fucking with you, he does this frequently!" She finally trusted and accepted the compliment. I told everyone as we exited.     Another timeless memory on the books! read more

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Hestia slightly disappointed me. The service was not bad, but it didn't stand out. More importantly, the food did not meet my expectations. Even though I might've missed the mark for my orders, I don't really see myself coming back unless I'm particularly curious about something. The Wagyu Tartare was decent. For beef tartare, I look sweet, juicy bites with a crunchy texture and a signature finish. Hestia mostly delivered in that aspect, but it was missing that signature finish like some acidity or a standout ingredient. I actually recommend the Napa Cabbage. It looks like a timidly sized plate, but the surface area gave me a satisfactory amount of bites. I also enjoyed the sharpness from the sauce and fermentation. However wasn't happy with the entrée and dessert. The red ranger chicken was quite small, bland, and priced at $48. I didn't taste the chilli in the honey, and the honey itself was incredibly mild. The sourdough ice cream was exactly as the name implied. The quality of the ice cream itself was okay, but the flavor definitely leaned on the unique side. I got it because it was different, so I'm not particularly upset with the dessert. All in all, like the many other places that I've been to in Austin, the platings definitely outshined the flavours. And these price points don't make a compelling argument to comeback. read more

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I honestly, expected more from this establishment. We arrived to the restaurant about 5-10 minutes late just to find out we have to wait an additional 20minutes because our table was not available- they completely ignore our reservation time. It was very uncomfortable- the staff were pushing for us to get drinks which we end up getting. After all that waited, we didn't know they validated parking until I saw it on a previous review. When we finally sat at our table. We were greeted with a glass of complementary champagne. Our waiter Jackson was as quite rude and Kept undermining our decisions. As if that wasn't horrible enough, he took our plates before we were finish, I felt as if it was a joke. Especially, since the plates are about $65 average. The atmosphere feels like an over price Outback Steakhouse Overall, very disappointed and underwhelming experience. read more

Hestia - Complimentary champagne With lovely view of the city - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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What a lovely surprise to have an Austin restaurant live up to both the hype and the expensive price tag that comes with it. We went to Hestia to celebrate my husband's birthday and went all out with the chef's tasting menu and wine pairing. It's important to note that the table must agree to the tasting menu and surprisingly and wonderfully, the wine pairing can be split between two people. We were delighted to find this out, as the wine pairing provided approximately a full bottle to whomever indulged and while that seems like a great value for price, it's just not something we could do as individuals. Being able to split the pairing allowed us to enjoy the experience while not suffering the next day. Let's go with the ambiance and service first. We were able to easily make a reservation online but be warned, this did require us to plan pretty far out in advance because we wanted a Friday seating. When we arrived onsite, our table was set with a birthday card and we were promptly helped with water and the menu options explained. We were given notice that the taster menu would take approximately two hours and honestly, the time flew by. Our courses were served quickly but not overwhelmingly fast and our servers took great care to explain each plate along with the wine accompanying it. Honestly, we were blown away by how friendly, knowledgable and quick the service was throughout the night. Multiple people took care of us and it was certainly a well-oiled machine. No missteps, no mess ups. The tasting menu was prolific and honestly, one of the best we've ever had outside of our normal omakase experiences in Austin. The premise Hestia is fire/hearth and local farming partnerships. The menu outlined all of their local partners, highlighting their commitment to farm-to-table sourcing. There were MANY highlights from this tasting but our favorites were the sun choke dish with caviar, the scallop and the beef skewers. The flavors were rich, layered and every bite was delicious. The menu was truly varied in protein selections and flavors and each was really wonderful. The wine pairing was very white forward and also fairly sweet in nature. As not huge wine drinkers but when we do liking dry reds, this was an interesting experience but not necessarily a favorite. While some dishes truly felt complimented by the wine selected, others for us missed the mark. But, again, we know we aren't true wine people so take this aspect of the review with an understanding that more wine forward folks may truly enjoy the pairing top to bottom. The biggest hardship for me with tasting menus is feeling overwhelmingly full by the end and this was true again with this experience. I was pushed over the edge in our second to last savory course, which was delicious and super rich. It made it challenging for me to enjoy the final savory course and I was truly unable to do more than the smallest taste of the dessert course. We were given the most AMAZING sweet buns to go and they were spectacular to enjoy the next day. A wonderful reminder of a delightful experience. The bill was as expected, very high. The two tasting menus and the wine pairing (split) came to just under $600. Tip is on total and again, the service we had was exceptional. While a very expensive experience, for us it was worth the price. We would absolutely return to Hestia to enjoy the delicious food and excellent service. Next time, I'd definitely want to try the table side martini cart! I passed it up this time because of the wine pairing but the items you could select looked amazing. While we didn't have cocktails when we went, it is important to note they are PRICEY! The table side martini starts at $30 and can go up depending on add ons and most other cocktails were $25+. Again, if you are looking for a beautiful foodie experience, Hestia is worth the trouble to secure a reservation and for us, it was worth the price. We will very likely return. read more

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Hestia was incredible! I was worried it wouldn't live up to the hype, especially after receiving a Michelin star, but I was still blown away by the food quality, flavors, and service from the staff. It's truly a 5 star experience and is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion! FAST FACTS: * Parking - valet available on Friday and Saturday for $12 but nearby garages available as well * Reservations - available online through Open Table * Closed on Mondays * Tasting and a la carte menus available * Bar seating available SERVICE - We arrived at 8:40 pm for an 8:45 pm reservation and had to wait in the lobby for a few minutes before getting seated at 8:50 pm. There was a card waiting at the table since I was celebrating my birthday. Our server, Jackson, was fantastic and took great care of us from start to finish! PRICING - The total was $198.11 after tax ($15.11) but before tip for 2 orders of charred corn ($8 each), 2 orders of crab tostadas ($12 each), 2 orders of profiteroles ($8 each), oysters ($28), wagyu tartare ($22), long beans ($15), halibut ($48), and sourdough ice cream ($14). It's pricey for small portion sizes (as to be expected at a Michelin star restaurant) but I left feeling completely satisfied with the quality of food I received for the price! You get complimentary bread service with butter that's delicious! CHARRED CORN (6/10) - This bite was good but was my least favorite of the 3 bites I tried... it's topped with popcorn so there are some nice textural differences but it's a little messy to eat. I'd skip this one next time. CRAB TOASTADA (7/10) - I love crab and this bite was good but didn't blow me away. There's a little too much garnish on it. I'd skip this one next time for the cost. PROFITEROLE (8/10) - This was my favorite of the 3 bites I tried... the chicken liver mousse is jam-packed with flavor! I'd order this again. OYSTERS (9/10) - This was my first time ever having raw oysters so take my rating for what it's worth but I thought these were amazing! The wiri wiri hot sauce is absolutely delicious! You get 6 oysters on the half shell. I'd order this again. WAGYU TARTARE (7/10) - I love tartare and this was very fresh! The pickled mushrooms added a nice acidity and the smoked aioli added a depth of flavor. I'd order this again. LONG BEANS (8/10) - These were coated in XO and the peanut chili crisp so they are kind of heavy instead of fresh as you'd expect a veggie dish to be but they're delicious! I'd order this again. HALIBUT (10/10) - One of the single best dishes I have ever had! The halibut was cooked well but the shiro dashi is the hero! It's insanely flavorful! The corn adds a nice sweetness and texture along with the trout roe. I'd come back just for this dish! SOURDOUGH ICE CREAM (9/10) - Order this for dessert and thank me later... it sounds like a crazy combo but it's AMAZING! The shoyu caramel is delicious and the tomato and orange jam adds a nice acidity. The strawberry ash powder is so unique and delicious! I'd order this again. This was my first time dining at Hestia and I had an incredible experience celebrating my birthday there! I'd definitely come back to celebrate another special occasion and would recommend it to others. The interior is stunning and the plating is pristine along with the service. The halibut is a must order for anyone coming! read more

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Parking: Park at the garage in the same building as the restaurant and they validate parking for 2.5 hours! Highly recommend a reservation The ambience was so cozy and the servers were very knowledgeable and attentive. Their house made sourdough bread was spectacular with the butter and great to use as a dipping vessel for some of the dishes. The lightspeed cocktail was so light and refreshing and had a hint of vanilla to it which I really enjoyed. Bites: The charred corn is a MUST get! It's so flavorful and my favorite bite that we tried. The crab tostada was good too and was very refreshing. The caviar tart was my least favorite bite because it was too salty for my taste. Raw: We tried the Wagyu tartare which was very good! It had toasted white Sonora which gave it a nice crunch to the raw tartare. Hearth: The grilled zucchini was surprisingly very yummy with the blistered tomatoes and the epazote. The scallops come in twos and was so yummy with the beef tallow. This is where the sourdough bread is worth having to dip it with. Mains: The halibut is MUST have! It's been on their menu for at least 3 years which is when I first had it and I've still dreamt about how delicious this dish is. Dessert: Get the mesquite cake if you are chocolate fan, even more so a dark chocolate fan. It was soooo delicious! read more

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Amazing experience at Hestia! You're treated like VIP from the moment you step in the door. Upon being seated, our amazing waiter Anderson introduced us to the menu including the tableside martini menu which was so fun! We opted for the tasting menu which was like 12 or so dishes and more extras thrown in. Also got the wine pairing which made the food taste even more amazing. Each dish and accompanying wine was carefully explained to us. Among my favorite dishes were the scallops that literally were like butter in my mouth and the NY wagyu which had an amazing sauce. For a birthday the staff also signed a card and each staff member that came by said happy birthday. The ambience was both intimate and modern. You could see their famous wood fire from where we sat and there was plenty of room and. It overcrowded and noisy. Well worth the cost for the food and experience! read more

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Hestia has slick, cool look as soon as you as you walk in the door. A view right into the kitchen prior to seating was a nice touch. We sat in the room towards the back of the restaurant. Im old, but not that old in spirit, unfortunately you practically had to scream for the person across from you to hear you. We should have moved but it was a packed house. The stars for me were the long beans and the pork chop. The long beans made me feel like I went to high end Chinese restaurant from all the awesome flavor. The pork chop was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Many restaurants overcook pork in fear, not Hestia which was impressive. I would pick from the meno instead of ordering the prefix. Seemed like a better deal too in terms of price. read more

Hestia - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Puts the fine in fine dining! Everything about this place was 10/10. The food was immaculate and service even better. It was fine dining without it feeling stuck up which is one of my favorite things. You can have conversations with the wait staff and service and still felt elevated. Do the Tasting Menu. I repeat, do the Tasting Menu. It is such a fun experience and the wine pairing made it that much more fun! The food was well presented and very full of flavor and freshness. My favorite things were the scallop, halibut, and ribeye! All of it was excellent though. Gabi, Angelyn, and Blake were SO FUN! They checked up on us, brought their personalities, and really made the evening one to remember. They epitomize the definition of service and set the bar high. Bonus ifykyk, the pretzel sticks stole the show. read more

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Loved our experience at Hestia! Highly recommend making a reservation even on a weeknight. We got lucky with an available table of a Wednesday. The drink menu is carefully crafted and the wine list provides a great selection. For side dishes I highly recommend the green beans. All of our entrees were magnificent and my scallops were beautifully presented in shells on hot rocks. I definitely recommend dressing up for the occasion and can't say enough good things about our server. Will be back again soon! read more

Hestia - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Ordered charred corn, crab tostada, grilled zucchini, scallops, halibut, smoked mushroom, and sourdough ice cream. The food was very tasty, esp the scallops. The sourdough ice cream was unique. We also ordered drinks called Daisy Duke and Laissez-Faire. I had the Daisy Duke which had the perfect blend of yuzu. Service is what you would expect in a 1-star Michelin restaurants. They gauge your preference and provide recs. The restaurant has dim lighting, perfect date night spot. They also validate your parking ticket in the garage closest to the restaurant. read more

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This is the second year my friend took me out for my birthday and he chose Hestia. I know very little about the place and for me that is on purpose because I like experiencing a new restaurant without setting expectations. Starting with parking- downtown parking is never my favorite but I wasn't driving so I didn't mind at all. After parking we had a short walk to the restaurant where we were warmly greeted and quickly seated as we had a reservation. The vibe of the restaurant was relaxed and chill despite its busyness. There was a card on the table with birthday wishes from the staff when we sat down. Nice touch. When our waiter came over he also wished me happy birthday and took our drink orders. I ordered the lightspeed and my friend ordered the hestia no. 5. He stated he enjoyed his drink, and I enjoyed mine, particularly the lightness and freshness of it. We both decided on the tasting menu as it felt like a great way to try their menu and try new and interesting dishes I might not try if I ordered individual dishes off the menu . I will say for a tasting menu it is pretty hefty with more than enough food to leave you satisfied. I was not able to finish every course by the end due to being full but wanted to make sure I tried everything. While I will post pictures i won't get into every dish because the menu will better serve that role. I did have favorite dishes like the scallop and salmon which were divine. I also thoroughly enjoyed the beet dish and the dessert with ash bark was a marvel. However, there was not a dish that I didn't like. I will say it is not a rush and eat kind of place-we had a 5:45pm reservation and left a little after 9pm but it didn't feel nearly that long. I also love the window that they pull the curtain back from near sunset. Yet another reason to sit back and enjoy the evening. read more

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Service was superb. From door to table everyone was gracious and accommodating. Was my first time visiting and I did have very high expectations. Even in close quarters we could still hear each other very well, which was appreciated. I do wish they had a more robust cocktail menu, but the martini cart did help, and although the lights were low, the correct things were well lit. The food - spectacular. We had the steak, pork, and Halibut and they did not disappoint. Appreciate the nice touch of a handwritten birthday card. And can't forget to mention that they validate parking! Huge plus! read more

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Jim G. and I had a wonderful anniversary celebration here! Our server Leah started us off with a little bubbly to toast our occasion and we enjoyed some cocktails. We knew that we would not be able to finish all the food from the tasting menu, as we had gorged on bbq earlier in the day, so we ordered a la carte and enjoyed everything. Chicken Liver Bite aka profiterole ($8) was inspired by a banh mi and was very tasty; it is truly a little bite, so order one per person. Caviar Tart ($18) pretty small bite, though it is somewhat shareable. Nice salinity and flavor. Wagyu Tartare ($22) nice combination of flavors XO Long Beans ($15) this was surprisingly amazing! Would order two servings if we were hungrier. Scallops ($32) were cooked perfectly and pre-sliced for multi-bite enjoyment Berkshire Pork Chop ($56) 40-day Dry Aged and cooked perfectly at medium rare. This was the star of the show! And it tasted just as good the next day (since we had to take some back to our hotel! Great service and great food! We were sitting in a room in the back that had crazy acoustics; it was so loud! A large group sitting near us was having a blast and the shrieky laughs were a bit ear-piercing, but everything else was great! Service is a bit more casual and informal than a traditional Michelin-starred place, but it didn't detract from our enjoyment. read more

Visited Hestia for a work dinner and was impressed. Due to our group size we had a Prix Fixe menu which is arguably the best way to experience their offerings. Service was excellent and added to the fine dining atmosphere. Highlights of the meal - Watermelon/Chili Oil Oysters, Halibut, and Kampachi Crudo. Outstanding plates all loaded with flavor. The whole menu was excellent so you can't go wrong with any of these dishes. Highly suggest adding to your Austin itinerary! read more

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I like the food presentation, taste and service. But it's very pricey $175 per person. Don't feel worth it. I have been to Hestia before they became Michelin one star. Their old price is reasonable. So Michelin only makes things more expensive. read more

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Wow. Just wow. Hestia is where wood fired dreams come to life. Everything is cooked over an open flame, and the Michelin Star is fully deserved. A very elevated experience. You can taste the art in every bite. Wr started with 2 bites, the corn and husk and the crab toast. They were so cute. One bite. We then got the crudo and I loved the smokiness of this dish. The halibut was even better. It came with a pour of this green tasty sauce. Bring me 2 mesquite cakes! That wood fire process is making babies back there. Excellent! read more

Hestia - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have to admit I was a little unsure about what to expect after reading some critiques on Reddit. However, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent anniversary meal at Hestia. The front door is a little hard to find from the cul de sac (hint: it's behind a big bush) but once inside it's a lovely space, with the smell of wood fire in the air. Everyone from the host to the person refilling our water wished us a happy anniversary and there was a card on the table. They also started us off with some complimentary sparking wine. Thoughtful. The standouts were for sure the scallops and the halibut. I would def go back just for those. That said, everything we had was delicious, including the pork chop, the zucchini, and the mesquite cake for dessert. When it was taking a while for the chop to come out, they brought some complimentary hearth tomatoes that were delicious as well. With the included pan de cristal, we ended up quite full and had to take some pork to go. Looking forward to those leftovers! The cocktails were good but didn't blow me away. The hestia martini was a fine take on a dirty martini but I was disappointed to get only two olives... For good luck and a $17 cocktail, you should always get 3 olives!!! My wife enjoyed her aperol spritz and I finished with a Ladybird, which was enjoyable. We did have several different folks checking on us throughout the meal. All were kind and helpful, but it wasn't much different than anywhere else. Happy for them to have the Michelin star, and the halibut and scallops were really really good, but I couldn't tell you how it was massively different than a lot of other great restaurants around town. I would definitely go back, though! read more

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Food was excellent, service was outstanding. The vibe was upbeat and lively. Definitely look forward to returning. read more

Tried a variety of food, with mixed reviews. Started with mixed bites: - beet tart: good, interesting - corn tart: also good - caviar tart: very good but a tiny bit too salty - Bread: seriously amazing - Crudo: horrible, do not order this. I am usually a fan of yellowtail, but this was extremely fishy and the flavors did not work - scallop: amazing, perfectly cooked. Also a bit too salty though - halibut: insanely good, made the meal - sourdough ice cream: also incredible. High end dulce de leche vibes Overall, recommend going for the halibut! read more

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Hestia was outstanding....one of our favorite dining experiences while visiting Austin. 5-star food and service...outstanding experience and meal. We were a group of four and all loved our creative cocktails, the delicious made at your table martinis, and feel in love with their scallop dish and their halibut as well as the green beans - all delicious and incredible. The drink menu is creative and carefully crafted and the wine list provides a great selection. All of our starters and dinner entrees were magnificent but the show stopper was the scallops, beautifully presented in shells on hot rocks. Outstanding dining indulgence and worth a visit. read more

We recently had the opportunity to dine at the newly awarded 1 Michelin star restaurant Hestia in Austin, Texas. After having the chef's testing menu, I am uncertain how this restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. Starting with the atmosphere the restaurant itself was very nicely decorated but could be a bit dark in some areas which could make it difficult for older people to see. It was a lively restaurant with a moderate to high noise level. At the time we were there it was loud enough that it was a bit difficult to carry on a conversation without having to raise our voices so we could hear each other. Service staff we very nice and knowledgeable, however, could be quite clumsy. I realize that accidents will always occur, however, they seemed to happen more often in this restaurant. There were a number of dishes that required sauces or finishes table side and with almost every dish the sauces were dripped onto the table and even in my water glass. Not a big deal but definitely not what you would expect at a Michelin level restaurant. A server even dropped a bowl while clearing the table next to us and spilled sauce all over the table, floor, and customer. Again, accidents happen but I'm not sure if it was rushing or clumsiness, it just seemed to happen more often here than any other restaurant I've been to. The food unfortunately was the biggest disappointment of the night. The dishes were plated beautifully but they lacked harmony in the flavors. I think the focus on "hearth" cooking and an attempt to incorporate fire, smoke, and ash into every dish as a novelty, ruined what might have been otherwise excellent dishes. For the vast majority of the dishes served we could not taste any of the flavor elements or ingredients that the server described aside from the ubiquitous char elements previously mentioned. It's not that I'm a food snob (I enjoy everything from spam and rice and cup noodles all the way up to Michelin star cuisine and everything in between) but for me it's about the value. If I'm spending over $500 for a meal for 2 people then the value should be there and it just wasn't. Atmosphere: 3.5/5 (For poor lighting and noise level) Service: 3.5/5 (below the standard of a Michelin star restaurant) Food: 2/5 (execution and flavor miss the mark and are definitely not Michelin level compared to other restaurants I've dined at) Price: $$$$ Overall Value: 2/5 Total: 2.75 read more

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Hestia invited us back and treated us to a fantastic dining experience last night, more than making up for our experience on New Year's Eve. We were impressed with everything, from the attentive service to the incredible combination of flavors in each dish. The menu here is so well thought out; each offering is unique and delicious, not to mention high quality. Our favorites from last night included the Tuna Belly Tostada and Crème Brulée starters, followed by the sweet potatoes and the best pork chop I've ever had in my life (the Berkshire Pork Chop, I truly didn't think pork chops could be THAT good), and finishing with the incredibly unique and delicious Sourdough Ice Cream for dessert. You can't go wrong with this menu, I'm confident that all the dishes will impress. If you're someone that loves food like we do, Hestia's offerings are more than just a meal, they are a full sensory experience. Thank you to the whole staff, but especially to George and Rudy for the wonderful service and hospitality! You really made our night and we look forward to dining at Hestia again. read more

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Sorry Hestia for missing my yearly review. But congrats on the Michelin star that is much deserved! We celebrated our anniversary 4 years in a row here. It is also our go-to for birthdays as well. I could write a novel about how good everything is here, but you just need to go experience the magic yourself. Must try: scallop, halibut, sourdough ice cream. Make sure to end your meal with a flaming carajillo too. Service: Shoutout to Alexis and Zenil and the rest of the amazing team! They are true experts in their craft. The ambiance is always very swanky, and the music adds more magic to the place. Book your rezy well in advance now that they got their star, they are booked out! read more

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I'm clearly going against most people with my review. My family did not enjoy our dinner at all at Hestia. It was a great start, we were welcomed and greeted with a happy birthday from the employees and a card on our table. Very nice touch. We started with the side table service for a martini. It was $30 and we expected a nice show for it. The bartender had most things already made and wasn't any different than ordering the drink at the bar, nothing particularly special about it for the up charge. My husband had the oysters and did not like them at all. The most important or flavor attribute of an oyster is the brine and it wasn't there at all. He took the lemon purée off them and just didn't like the dry oysters without brine. The scallops by far were the best thing we had. They were cooked perfectly and the broth was delicious. My husband had the pork and it was ok. Nothing special - we've had much better pork chops for less than half the cost. I had the chicken and enjoyed the flavor. The service is a lot at Hestia. We had so many people constantly at our table. It actually got to be annoying. We finished the scallops and were using the broth to dip our bread. I'm not kidding when I say we had at least 10 people try to take the plate from our table. We had to stop each one to say we were still eating the broth. The last person just reached over and grabbed it without asking. It was like we were on an episode of punked. It was nonstop for about 10 minutes of waiters rotating and trying to take the plate. Hestia is very cute - and the ambience is very lovely. One thing I will say is that they know that there is an issue with guests hitting a big metal bar under their tables. The host was telling us to be careful when sitting not to hit our legs and unaware of where the very oddly placed and my daughter hit her knees on it and got a small scratch and bruise from it. It really should be fixed. read more

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I went back a second time and this time for my birthday! I ordered their seasonal oysters, their beef tartare, scallops, their pork rillete, kampachi crudo, long beans and for our mains - their halibut and the wagyu steak. I thinkkkkk my first experience was better. However the scallop slapped both times! Regardless, I think the food is amazing and the service always impeccable. If I could switch anything up - I'd prob get the pork instead of the halibut read more

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I've heard a lot of great things about Hestia and especially since they just received a Michelin star, I knew I needed to try it. Overall, the service and ambiance was top-notch. We were checked on frequently and the staff were all knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. We ordered the following: Oysters: 4/5 The oysters were fresh, but the flavor was a little overpowered by the habanero gochujang. Pan de cristal: 1/5 This was the bread service recommended by our server. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't two loaves of bread with a tiny bit of sauce. The bread was just okay, like your typical free restaurant bread, there was nothing special about it. The apple molasses and butter was alright. It tasted like apple cider vinegar to me. I wasn't a fan of this bread service, especially given the price. However, I did dip some of the bread in the scallop butter which made it 10x better. Scallops: 5/5 Delicious! Perfectly cooked and I loved the sauce. I would order these again and again! Berkshire pork chop: 5/5 I loved this pork chop! Definitely reminds me of Dai Due and their quality. The fat was rendered perfectly and I loved the sweet crust on the chop. I'd order this again in a heartbeat! While this was a great meal, I wouldn't consider it Michelin star-worthy in my opinion. read more

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Our last night in Austin and we wanted to make it good - chose Hestia as it looked very interesting - the waitstaff were perfection and the interior was modern gorgeous and dark, clean bathrooms - service impeccable. The drinks were interesting and strong and the food was very tasty and interesting, the theme being cooked with fire. Everyone enjoyed their food, I wish we had ordered desserts, they would have been more interesting than the marginal ice cream we had afterwards - ah well - Definitely come try this place - worth every penny - just look at those plates of food! read more

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Disclosure: This review is based on a meal that was unexpectedly comped. We didn't know until the end - when we presented our card for payment - that the GM had comped our meal based on a prior conversation we'd had about Austin restaurants in general before we even made reservations. None of our food/wine choices were based on that - we fully expected we were paying for a meal. And yes, Yelpers, we did ask for a $.01 bill so we could [over]tip on the full amount. We'd considered Hestia for an anniversary prior to this because of their tasting menus, but some discussions with other foodies online caused us to question that choice as a first experience with them. I'm glad we made that choice (we will, however, be going back for the tasting menu, perhaps for the spring seasonal change). More on this later. We arrived and were seated at a table in the main dining area - there's a larger, more open space and then what looks to be a more enclosed space in the rear. They also have an outdoor patio that looks like it'd be great for drinks/bites when it's not 90+ outside. The dining area has large windows that face west, so the curtains were closed as the sun was setting. It wasn't dark, but it wasn't bright. Towards the end of the meal after the sun was behind cover, the staff opened the curtains and it was like being in a completely different restaurant. A much more open, light feel - if there were a way to tint the windows and have them open all the time, I'd highly recommend the restaurant do this. It completely changed the atmosphere from "somber" to "delightful." Temperature was fine - not too hot or cold. No annoying ceiling fans or vents blowing straight on you. They had just made some changes to their fall menu, so we started with drinks. I had The Offering, a bourbon-based cocktail. I'd tell you what's in it, but the menus on their website either aren't updated or have changed in the two days since we were there. I suspect they haven't been updated with the new changes yet. On to the food... We started with the butternut squash tarts, a bit-sized "snack" vs. an appetizer, and the scallops in beef tallow as an appetizer. The technique and presentation for both were impeccable, but the difference in flavor was stark. The squash tarts were good, but nothing about them popped. Even topped with caviar, the earthy squash underneath needed something - maybe even a little more salt. I thought perhaps a drop of honey under the caviar for a little contrast, my partner thought that would take away from the sweet of the squash. Nothing was wrong with it, and looking back over the course of the meal I think I understand it a bit more (final thoughts at the end). It's probably not something we'd order again. The scallops, on the other hand, were divine. Served in shell in a broth made with beef tallow, with a good balance of fat and acidity. Good enough that drinking it out of the shell when the scallop was gone... happened. In a risky choice, the scallop was served seared and sliced in the broth to make sure it could soak it all in, and that worked. It also helped to slow down the experience, taking smaller bites vs cutting it in half and being done. Now we were rolling. I ordered the pork chop (my partner ordered the hallibut, but I didn't get pictures of it). They were more than happy to do medium on the preparation. It came with a side of seasonal squash, blossoms and onions on a pepita puree base. The pork chop was bone in (bonus!) but the bone wasn't so big that it was used to serve less pork. The portion side was exactly right. Here's the thing, though - this is where I started to understand Hestia. The pork chop was seasoned, for sure, but the seasoning wasn't the focus of the entree. The pork was, and I think this may be where some people are disappointed in the tasting menu, the absolute center of the dish. You won't get "the best honey-walnut shrimp" or "the best adobo-guajillo pork chop" you've ever had. You'll get a really good protein with spice and seasoning (and sides) to showcase the protein (my partner's term). You'll taste the protein. The same applied to my partner's halibut - well seasoned, well accompanied, but definitely "this is halibut... this is what halibut tastes like." So, understanding that and looking back to the tart, I feel a need to be fair. I still wouldn't order the tart again, but that doesn't have anything to do with the creation or presentation. It's that all things considered, I don't find butternut squash to be an "exquisite" taste. That's on me. I love big, bold flavors. Given that, and with the understanding that the core of the dish is the focus, I'd say two things: we'll be back for the tasting menu (likely in spring, for those flavors) and if you go, order something you know you like. Don't be adventurous - experience how Hestia presents the thing you know you enjoy and see how they focus you back on just that. read more

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Absolutely incredible!! One of the best meals I've had. The service is exceptional from the moment you walk in. Every staff member was so kind, helpful, gave suggestions and made our experience memorable. Extremely classy ambiance making it the perfect date night spot. The items are all meant to be shared so you can get lots of yummy bites. My favorite must gets were the salmon bite, tartare, scallops and halibut. The only bummer is they don't have an espresso machine for an after dinner espresso drink. You have to check this spot out for your next special occasion! read more

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Service and ambience was top notch as befitting a Michelin Star restaurant. Food presentation was also impeccable. Hestia has a unique concept with different ways of making food in a wood burning hearth with lots of bold flavors. Of course there's the charred without too much bitterness as well as lots of sour and fermented flavors. In general this works well together. However the only reason this was not a 4 star experience was the amount of saltiness of each of the dishes in the tasting menu. By the end of the tasting menu we were remarking on how salty the food was despite having plenty of water to drink. This also prevented a full 5 star experience given the high price of the tasting menu. read more

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I was visiting my friend in Austin and we stopped by Hestia Friday to see if we could get a rez Saturday. We managed to get the chef's table and have one of the best culinary experiences and definitely the best one I've had in Austin. The food was excellent. The penultimate course, wagyu filet, was merely very good while the other dishes were truly excellent. The relative decrease in quality of that dish was made up for by 2001 Saint-Émilion. The other wine pairings were good, but that one truly shined. Service was good but the pacing off. I think the kitchen is making its life hard by offering a la carte and an elaborate course menu. There was a moment when a course was served and my wine pairing not plated with it in a timely fashion. Otherwise, everything was fine. But in all honesty, if the service improved just a touch, Hestia can easily earn 2 stars. If they aren't awarded one when Michelin publishes its Texas guide, I will be shocked. read more

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I know I'm not the first person to talk about the steak, and I certainly won't be the last, but I highly, HIGHLY recommend the steak here. It is absolutely cooked to perfection. To be completely honest, all of the food here is so amazing, but the steak as well as the dessert were two dishes that I'm going to think about nonstop until I return, and I 1000% WILL be returning. The service, the food, the energy of the space, it was all so relaxing and enjoyable and just top tier quality all around. I can't compliment this place enough. I look very forward to coming back! read more

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We were so excited to get a spot off the waitlist for my birthday dinner on Saturday. We arrived at 9:30 and stood at the bar for a few minutes, where we were offered drinks that met us at the table. The atmosphere was warm and lively, just as we remembered from our anniversary visit, and the smell of the wood fire made us eager to order the trout, which was the reason we came back. After being seated, we waited about 10-15 minutes for a server. We figured there might have been a shift change and that our table was missed. No big deal at first, since we already had drinks and were looking over the updated menu. When our server finally came, we ordered both food and another round of drinks. He commented that we "hadn't ordered enough," but it was fine because "they'd bring bread." We laughed it off...clearly he didn't realize that eating at 10 p.m. in your forties hits a little different! Unfortunately, that was the last we saw of him. We eventually received bread and a couple of our side items, but our drinks never arrived, and he passed by our table dozens of times without a glance. By nearly 11 p.m., my husband asked for the check for what little we'd received, and we decided to leave. Feeling disappointed, I asked to speak with the manager. She was kind and offered a $100 gift card, which I accepted only because that's about what we'd spent on two drinks and two sides. Still, I doubt we'll return. It's disheartening to feel undervalued simply because a server assumes you won't spend enough. That kind of attitude seems to have become part of the downtown Austin dining culture lately. Hiring some more experienced staff who understand genuine hospitality would make a world of difference. read more

One of the best seafood that I had in recent times. Scallops were soft as butter and highlight of day, texas crudo was great as-well with only downside being Texas wagyu sirloin which felt a bit chewy for me(taste was great though). Ended with Sourdough ice-cream which had unique flavors and was pretty good. read more

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A unique dining experience that will delight your senses. We did the tasting menu on a recent Wednesday evening and were absolutely delighted with the food, service and tasting experience. Everything is cooked over an open wood fire. The ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal. Great cocktail and wine choices as well. Each of the dishes in the tasting menu are mini works of art. Expertly prepared with a wide arrange of cooking techniques and a vast eclectic list of ingredients and spices. You will sample an array of vegetables, seafood and meats that will absolutely impress. The service was impeccable. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. read more

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Incredible experience all around. The serving staff was so friendly and personable, the restaurant itself was beautiful, and the food was top tier. Our table decided to à la carte multiple items to get the full experience and every thing from the small bites to the main protein to the dessert course was fabulous. A major highlight was the scallops, our entire party agreed we would come back just for that! We also had a lovely conversation with the GM who was very helpful and had us laughing throughout the interaction. Will definitely be coming back and already recommended to fellow Austin foodies I know. read more

Hestia - Scallop - New American Near Me - Austin, Texas

Where can you go when you don't have a reservation on your anniversary night but you want to be wowed by food and are willing to throw down on some good food? Here enters Hestia Bar Side. Bone Marrow & Crab - I love me some bone marrow and I love me some crab. I personally ended up taking the crab off mid bone and ate both separately. Both good - but I feel the marrow got lost with the crab on top. Beef tartare - by far my fave so far in Austin, I've even had this dish at other restaurants since Hestia and my decision still stands. The mushroom miso topping added a unique umami that other tartares lack. The spelt cracker which I would assume made in house was a perfect thin crispy cracker. It let you embrace the tartare with a nice crunch. Crab Louie Tartlet - whoever in the world invented this decadent bite of goodness?! I've never even heard of such a thing. Or did Hestia invent this? Either way, how can such a little bite pack so much power in flavor? And whatever the green outer shell was added a nice contrast crunch. We kept ordering this throughout our meal because it was so good (total of 8 to be exact). Halibut - Recommended highly by our bartender, I reluctantly ordered it in lieu of the pork shoulder. I guess I'm from a weird mindset that if I'm paying a high price - a meat of substance is more bang for your buck than a fish (unless it's sushi ;)). Who better than Hestia to prove me wrong. This well exceeded my expectations. The sauce. The trout roe. Perfection. read more

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My fiance treated me to Hestia for my birthday. It was both our first time dining here and we were both very impressed. The ambiance is very dark, moody, and sexy. The open fire in the kitchen was beautiful and the hustle in the open kitchen was fun to watch. The wine and spirits list was impressive. I ordered an old fashioned with Basil Hayden dark rye which was smooth, sweet, and just a touch of spiciness. We shared the pan de cristal which is freshly baked sourdough and a side of strawberry compote butter. We also shared two entrees: the halibut and the berkshire pork chop. Our server explained that the halibut was delicately cooked to perfection and in browned butter. Browned butter makes anything 10x better! The pork chop was cooked medium rare which we weren't sure of but I'm glad we were wrong. The outside had just a touch of crusty char and the inside was so soft-- you probably don't even need teeth to chew it. It was indeed as our server described, "the wagyu beef of pork". Overall my experience at Hestia was wonderful from the friendly and knowledgable service to the overall ambiance. Treat yourself or loved one to this unique dining experience. read more

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Hestia was an exceptional experience overall! I can't think of a time we felt more special or cared for. The team went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. We opted for the tasting menu and enjoyed some 14-15 innovative courses. The standouts were the beets (of all things!) and the halibut. The only dish I didn't enjoy (at all) was the Wagyu strip. I may have had a bad piece but I couldn't chew it and had to discard it out of my mouth. The rest of the overall experience was so good they don't lose a star for that. Seriously amazing staff. They all took incredible care of us for our special evening. We haven't stopped talking about it. P.S. it was dark so my pics aren't great. Please like this review and pics if you find them helpful. read more

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