La Estufa (CLOSED)

I've eaten at La Estufa several times in the last two months and have never been disappointed. This little place stands out uptown! As other reviewers have noted, the food is delicious and fresh, and preparations are simple but bring out the best of the quality ingredients. The fish dishes are cooked to the exact temp that the diner requests; a friend asked for rare tuna and got "sushi in the middle" just the way she wanted, while my other dining companion asked for -- and got -- perfectly moist "medium" salmon cooked all the way through. The portions are somewhat smaller than regular "going out" portions, which I see as a reason to eat there -- guilt free -- as often as I like!

Went here with my best friend to have a little pre-Christmas celebration on a Sunday night. Wonderful atmosphere and VERY affordable. We ordered the rigatoni a la siciliana with the mixed greens salad and the organic roasted chicken with the minestrone soup. Pasta was lovely with the fresh mozzarella on top along with some fresh basil! the salad was also very yummy with an awesome vingerette dressing! nice to see a restaurant that does a lot of oraganics -- my best friend loved his chicken and they both came out piping hot, timed perfectly after we had finished our soup and salad respectively! Excellent service and I will definitely be back!

As a Washington Heights resident, I'm always excited when I hear a positive buzz about a new restaurant. Finally tried this place for brunch. The food was tasty, the prices were right, the service was good but the portions were rather small. I think I'd rather pay a little more & get a tad more food than stick w/ the bargain prices & end up hungry a couple hours later! Not that we left starving, but the 2 big guys in our group may have been close. Still it was yummy enough to want to come back to see how they do dinner.

This out-of-the way restaurant is adorable and perfect. The food is delicious, organic, and soooo good considering the compeition in the area. Great take out too!!!

It looks like they stole the menu from the Kuhinya (which was on off of 168th and is now Plum Pomidor), brought it to Inwood and improved upon it, even adding way better decor and atmosphere. I just wish La Estufa were closer to my home (in Washington Heights)! The food appears to be prepared in a health-conscious way which in no way compromises the delicious flavors. So many menu items looked yummy that is was hard to choose, but we finally opted for the salmon in caper sauce, the organic grilled chicken and the tuna in thyme sauce. The fish portions are somwhat small, however the salmon is wild (not farmed) and the prices are fair. Plus, it's hard not to fill up on the fresh-baked bread, which is served with a tomato-based dipping sauce. Also, the salads were tossed in the perfect amount of dressing. The place is pretty small and it was packed when I went there, so you may have to wait for a table; but, I was told that they do take reservations.

This is my favorite restaurant. Period. The food is all organic, hearty and pretty reasonably priced. The wait staff is particularly gracious and the setting is warm and inviting. Although they have so many wonderful dishes to offer, I highly recommend the butternut squash soup, chicken and beef skewers, organic chicken breast, brunch omelets, and brunch banana crepe. They now have their liquor license and serve everything from wine and beer to mimosas! I sincerely give this restaurant an A+. Try it for yourself and I feel confident you'll be very happy you did.

The food was really good. I've gone about three times and the grilled stuff is always perfectly cooked. The lamb skewers were oh so tender! And they have organic dishes, for the organic lovers. The staff was friendly and prompt. A very welcome addition to the neighborhood! At the time of this review they don't have a liquor license yet, but promise to get one very soon.