Restaurant
Esteban
1 Temperance Ln, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Find Esteban
1 Temperance Ln, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Esteban
Tucked down Temperance Lane, Esteban delivers modern Mexican dining backed by agave cocktails and candlelit laneway energy. The kitchen serves sharp ceviches, delicate tartare tacos, and pre-ordered kilo Wagyu ribeye across split levels—from the open kitchen counter upstairs to subterranean basement booths. Diners often note the peace of mind for coeliac guests, with an almost entirely gluten-free menu that flows seamlessly through courses like pork belly with green salsa and roasted potatoes draped in jalapeño crema.
- Coeliac-Safe Dining: Almost the entire savory menu is naturally gluten-free and coeliac-safe without sacrificing culinary technique.
- Contemporary Tasting Menus: Multi-course menus feature balanced seafood ceviches, tartare tacos, and pre-ordered kilo Wagyu ribeye paired with tequila and mezcal.
- Split-Level Laneway Setting: Features an upstairs kitchen counter, outdoor laneway seating, and an intimate subterranean bar with leather booths.
What's On at Esteban
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Dine at Esteban
Why discerning diners choose Esteban for contemporary Mexican dining in Sydney's CBD
Elevated Chef's Tasting Menus
Esteban curates an upscale contemporary Mexican tasting journey featuring delicate raw seafood ceviches, tartare tacos, and slow-cooked specialty mains paired with bespoke cocktails.
We opted for the Chef’s Menu, which was a great way to experience a variety of dishes, and every course flowed beautifully into the next.
Aurora Erika Bespoke Agave & Tequila Pairings
Passionate staff and in-house agave specialists guide guests through artisan tequilas and craft mezcal cocktails with expert table-side recommendations.
Our tequila expert was absolutely fabulous - recommended the tromba tequila.
Felicity Lodge Dedicated Coeliac-Safe Dining
Almost the entire savoury menu is inherently gluten-free, providing coeliac and gluten-intolerant diners with safe, stress-free dining free of cross-contamination fears.
Everything but one dish is gluten free and cross contamination is not an issue.
Meg Quin Seamless Dietary Customisation
The kitchen seamlessly adjusts multi-course chef selections for pork-free, dairy-free, and lactose-free requirements without compromising flavor or presentation.
I don’t eat pork and also needed lactose free options, and the team couldn’t have been more accommodating. They happily swapped dishes for us without any fuss
Aurora Erika Moody Laneway Romance for Milestones
Tucked discreetly into Temperance Lane, the intimate subterranean dining room and candlelit booths create a sophisticated retreat for anniversaries and special dates.
Love the dark and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect to celebrate a romantic occasion.
Kelly Intimate Group Celebrations
Whether celebrating birthdays or gathering with close friends, the multi-level layout and comfortable acoustics allow effortless group conversation over shared feasts.
Atmosphere was perfect too, I loved the decorations, ambience, and most importantly the noise level was great! Unlike other places where you have to shout to have a convo
Bron Woolbank
Most popular items
Signature savoury highlights and chef tasting favourites
Salmon ceviche taco
Don’t leave without trying the salmon ceviche taco!!
Monica F Pork belly
Another great piece of food was the pork belly, so cooked to perfection.
Thiago Baldim Flathead ceviche
A must try is the flathead cervicheis a must try along with the duck.
Derek Day Kilo Wagyu ribeye
We had preordered the kilo Wagyu ribeye and it did not disappoint. Marbled beautifully, seasoned perfectly, and a balanced flavour profile meant this was the best steak I have had this year.
Ethan
Other favorites
Distinctive agave cocktails, desserts, and sides completing the experience
Brussels sprouts
the winner was the brussels sprouts
Thiago Baldim Pan de elote
We toped the night off with pan de elote and it didnt disapoint.
Derek Day There Will Be Blood
We tried There Will Be Blood, Lychee Conspiracy, and 2 mezcal cocktails recommended by the staff (still kicking myself for forgetting the name!), and every single one was outstanding.
Aurora Erika Tromba tequila
Our tequila expert was absolutely fabulous - recommended the tromba tequila.
Felicity Lodge
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality details that elevate contemporary Mexican dining in Sydney
Tailored Dietary Substitutions
The kitchen accommodates coeliac, gluten-free, and lactose-free requirements effortlessly, offering seamless substitutions on multi-course tasting menus where almost the entire menu is naturally safe from cross-contamination.
Guided Tequila & Agave Tasting
Staff share passionate agave guidance, introducing guests to boutique tequila bottles, curated pairings like tromba tequila, and off-menu monthly cocktails.
Complimentary Post-Dinner Drinks
Guests pre-ordering the large-format kilo Wagyu ribeye steak are treated to complimentary celebratory drinks at the conclusion of their meal.
Kitchen Counter Experience
Counter seating on the upstairs level provides an interactive, front-row view of the chefs in action as each dish is plated with precision.
Before you head over
Practical advice on reservations, seating levels, and dietary accommodations
Reserve Ahead for Prime Indoor Seating
Esteban fills up quickly even on weeknights. Book online in advance to guarantee an indoor table, as walk-ins often find only limited laneway outdoor seating or counter stools available.
Select Upstairs Seating for Intimate Dates
If you are planning an intimate date night, consider reserving a table in the upstairs dining room; the lively downstairs long bar can get noticeably energetic and noisy for conversation.
Dining with Dietary Restrictions
Almost the entire savoury menu is naturally gluten-free and coeliac-safe with minimal cross-contamination risk, and the kitchen team readily adapts set menus for lactose-free or meat preferences.
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