First look: The St. Anthony's new romantic restaurant
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Romance hits as soon as you step inside Esencia. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios
Esencia opens Wednesday at The St. Anthony Hotel, blending multiple cuisines and cultures into a luxe downtown dining experience.
The latest: Reservations for the city's newest restaurant are live on OpenTable, just in time for Valentine's Day.
The vibe: Esencia hosted a preview Thursday, offering a look at the two-level space that exudes romance.
- Lantern-style chandeliers cast a warm glow over cozy corners, a dramatic central fountain and a winding staircase.
- A full bar anchors the space.
What to try: The seafood crudo ($19) is a standout starter. The fruit-forward ponzu beautifully balances the smoky seafood medley.
- The pan-seared redfish ($38) was perfectly flaky and finished with a savory garlic-herb butter. The side of crisp potatoes added texture and comfort.
- The memorable wagyu carne asada ($85) was torched table-side. It's served with an Asian chimichurri layered with fish sauce, and it delivers a deep umami punch.
The intrigue: While Esencia leans into luxury, the menu includes playful, deeply local nods — like a Big Red and barbacoa appetizer ($16) and a Big Red Fizz cocktail ($16) — paying homage to chef Leo Davila's West Side upbringing.
The big picture: That cultural confluence is intentional, reflecting Davila's Mexican and Chinese heritage.
What they're saying: "For too long, San Antonio has been overlooked in the Texas culinary landscape. That changes now," Davila said in a statement.