Downtown San Antonio’s grand dame of hospitality is getting a brand new eating room. James Beard–nominated chef Leo Davila will open Esencia on February 4, bringing his globally influenced fare to the historic St. Anthony Resort, 300 E Travis St.
As with all of Davila’s ideas, Esencia is deeply private. The chef attracts on his Chinese language and Mexican heritage to create dishes, generally playfully riffing on his San Antonio dwelling. His well-known Large Pink and barbacoa tacos not solely nod to an Alamo Metropolis custom but additionally to household historical past. Throughout a mushy opening service, a server stated he included watermelon radish due to his grandmother’s aversion to onions.
Different signature dishes embody a Wagyu flank steak carne asada with potato pavé, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri, and heirloom corn tortillas; pork stomach layered with apple and pasilla mole; and a tartare-style tackle takeout beef and broccoli completed with miso aioli and rice paper.
The bar has a number of surprises like this smoked Bourbon sipper.Picture by Clint Walker, Charlie Walker Inventive
Esencia’s beverage program mirrors the menu’s cross-cultural focus, that includes Asian spirits, tequilas and mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers, and an intensive wine record. The cocktails are made with sudden flavors like reposado tequila and gochujang syrup, lychee liqueur and rose water, and a smoked bourbon cocktail utilizing a Garrison Brothers single barrel.
Inside, the decor couldn’t look extra totally different from the area’s former occupant, Rebelle. Anchored by a stone fountain, the area has some Las Vegas sleight of hand with fake wrought iron terraces, olive bushes , and a sunset-inspired ceiling mural by native artist Regina Moya. In direction of the again, the inside echoes the east-meets-west menu with Chinoiserie dragon wallpaper and fretwork.
Esencia is Davila’s second idea within the historic St. Anthony Resort. In April 2025, the property opened Anacacho Espresso & Cantina within the former dwelling of Hang-out. The bar and occasional store just lately made it to the James Beard Awards long-list of Greatest New Restaurant nominees.
Following the February 4 debut, Esencia will probably be open Tuesday by way of Thursday from 5-10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 pm. Reservations are actually obtainable by way of OpenTable.
