St. Anthony Hotel’s highly Anticipated New Restaurant Esencia is Now Open
St. Anthony Hotel and James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila Announce New Restaurant Esencia is Now Open.
Esencia’s new concept will celebrate the merging of cultures, mirroring San Antonio’s diverse makeup.
WHAT:
James Beard-nominated Chef Leo Davila and the St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel – a AAA Four Diamond historic hotel located in the heart of downtown San Antonio – are pleased to announce the opening date for its new restaurant concept, Esencia. The 130-seat restaurant is now open,inside the luxurious St. Anthony Hotel. The restaurant is now taking online reservations via Open Table.
Esencia will reflect the culinary spirit of modern-day San Antonio – diverse, dynamic and deeply rooted in history, creating an experience that feels unmistakably local, yet globally inspired. The approach blends the flavors and traditions of Spanish, Mexican and Asian cultures – all rooted in Chef Leo’s Chinese and Mexican heritage – with a New American sensibility celebrating innovation, local ingredients and the art of cultural storytelling through cuisine.
Award Winning Chef
Chef Leo, who has made a name for himself with multiple award wins, celebrated concepts and another recent James Beard Award nomination, is thrilled to take the helm of the latest restaurant to grace the halls of the St. Anthony Hotel. Under his direction, the menu at Esencia will be a vibrant celebration of the state’s rich culinary landscape, showcasing prime Texas beef, wild game, Gulf seafood and fresh heirloom vegetables.
The menu will feature specialties including, but not limited to:
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Carne Asada served with Wagyu flank steak, potato pavé, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri and multi-colored heirloom corn tortillas.
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Pork & Apple made with apple and pasilla mole, signature house cured pork belly, pickled Honeycrisp apple, apple compote, wok fried veggies and leafy lettuce.
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Beef & Broccoli featuring tartare-style Asian-spiced Wagyu beef, broccoli mole, miso aioli, pickled red onion and rice paper.
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Duck & Flower served with hibiscus & Texas pecan mole, Asian spiced sous vide duck breast, wok fried veggies, spiced pecans and jasmine steamed rice.
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Smoked Seafood Crudo with a jasmine tea smoked seafood medley, seasonal fruit, ponzu, candied jalapeño, pickled fruit, roasted walnuts, salsa macha and rice paper.
Beverages:
Esencia’s beverage program will showcase a dynamic mix of Asian spirits, tequilas and mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers and an extensive selection of wines. Guests can explore inventive cocktails such as, but not limited to:
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Steal My Soul – Herradura Reposado, House Gochujang Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple, Peychaud’s Bitters
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Lychee Me-Tini – Empress Gin, J.F. Haden’s Lychee Liqueur, Lychee Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, House Rose Water Simple
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The Chairman – Garrison Brothers x Anacacho Coffee & Cantina Single Barrel Bourbon, House Roasted Corn Cobb Syrup, Mole Bitters, Smoke
A thoughtfully curated and diverse wine program will pair with the unique flavor profiles of Chef Leo’s menu. The wine program spotlights four key regions – Texas, the West Coast, Mexico and select Worldwide producers – highlighting the unique qualities and flavors each region offers.
WHEN:
Esencia now open to the public.
Hours of operation for Esencia are:
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Tuesday – Thursday: 5 p.m. – Last Seating at 10 p.m.
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Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – Last Seating at 11 p.m.
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Closed Sundays and Mondays
Reservations
Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
WHERE:
Esencia is located at the St. Anthony Hotel
300 E Travis St., San Antonio, TX 78205
MORE:
Esencia’s interior design is a thoughtful reflection of San Antonio’s deep historical roots and its vibrant, multifaceted culture, mirroring the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Spanish influences, from the cantera stone fountain in the center of the restaurant, to wrought-iron detailing and more can be seen throughout the space, paying homage to the Canary Islanders that settled in San Antonio more than 300 years ago.
The space will be adorned with a carefully curated color palette, featuring warm yet muted shades such as terracotta, sage green, various teals and creamy off-whites, among others. Local artist Regina Moya was commissioned to create sunset clouds on the ceiling, giving the space an atmospheric aesthetic. Esencia’s main dining room brings back the original intended design which mimics the appearance of a Spanish courtyard, with warm lighting and olive trees placed throughout to help create a sense of place.
