Phone: +442077921066,+34966940657
Address: 210 Kensington Park Road Notting Hill Gate London, W11 1NR, 03710, United Kingdom
City: London
Dishes: 35
Reviews: 3125
Website: http://www.essenza.co.uk/
"Service, service, service.... The treatment we received was efficient, bordering on surley. No time to crack a smile or answer a question. Some of the food was good. The tunna carpaccio was on point, though wanting for a drizzle of oil. A second course of lobster ravioli served as a main, rather than the second starter I asked for, my companion called “school canteen” food, tough packets of lobster flavoured gunk, more in common with packet ravioli from tesco’s than the lose, silky, self evidently hand made parcels of fresh crustacean I was hoping for. The butter and sage sauce was nowhere to be seen, I believe there were chopped tomatoes instead. The veal was good, sadly not to be had, as promised on line, with capers. The side of beans was as confronting as our server it was so al dente. A bowl of freshly grated parmisan left on our table by another server was a benediction. The bill: £82 change our drinks were a smallish a bottle of sparking water at nearly £5. I had worked out the costing of this meal based on the menu posted online at around £55 60 for actual food drink items. Apparently the new post Brexit/covid/war prices haven't made it on line yet the ravioli main course has gone up from £20 to £26. Even with the 15% service charge we could not have anticipated spending £82 on three plates, a side a bottle of water. Though I specified I wanted the plates in succession making the ravioli a second course before the main as pasta should be in Italy, the two plates were brought together as two mains, not what I had hoped for fair enough, it was after nine by the time we walked in, however it would have been nice to be asked before the chef/server took the executive role for us. With £90 in cash on the table the prevalent attitude was the balance would be a tip on top of the service charge. 25% for service? Possibly ok, if it was pleasant: that we had to ask for our change tells you about the service put a sour note on top of an already kinda dismal meal. I rarely eat out, this was my special treat place, I live around the corner. I thought I was so clever bringing a guest here, the experience was significantly different from the last few times (incidentally, I’ve always sat outside in the past and it’s cramped inside I ended up feeling embarrassed sad. I don't think I’ll be back soon. Here’s to cooking at home. :"
Menu - 35 options
All prices are estimates.
Minestrone
A hearty Italian soup with mixed vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth.
Fried Calamari
Crispy fried calamari served with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.
Noel
Very relaxed and pleasant service serving Italian classics. The osso buco was delicious, as was the tiramisu.
Address
Reviews
John
Great staff, we got stuck on Dog Sitters and after calling them up they were happy for us to bring her. Everyone enjoyed their food and the staff were very attentive!
JARO
Absolutely perfect! We travel often to London and always visit Essenza. We love everything there. Their Bruschetta is the best ever! We cannot wait to be there again! Fans from Prague
Wei
Very nostalgic and home style to me. It was quiet during lunch, everything was at relaxed pace. Staff was very friendly. And I was very happy with my plate that came with generous beans and salad.
I
The other day I had the most flavourless carbonara I have ever had. I ordered one 3 weeks ago and wasn’t what I got in my last order. Not worth my money and will never order back here in uber eats or deliveroo.
Mo
One of the best Italian restaurants I have been so far. Convenient location, knowable and courteous staff, great selection of pasta and speciality Italian cuisines. Most of important of all no music so you can have a comprehensible conversation.
Steven
We traveled from Canada and have never tasted Italian food this good. The staff are very welcoming including Stefano who took time from his busy kitchen to say hello. The atmosphere is part of the overall great experience. You got to eat here! Recommend reservations as it books up quickly.
Charley
I’ve never been more impressed with a restaurant. The service, food, and wine was amazing. We made a reservation super last minute and they were very accommodating and professional. If I didn’t live in the states, I’d be a regular. If you’re in London and like Italian food, this place is a MUST.
Jepp
We ordered bread as a starter to nibble on however after waiting 20 30 mins; and requesting the bread from the waitress we was finally served what your could hardly call a basket of rustic bread. It was a brunt slice of sourdough cut up into multiple pieces. After pointing this out to the waiter, we was given two slices of sourdough this time, good thing it wasn’t burnt. Spaghetti alla marianana pasta was al dente, can’t complain on that part. But majority of the clams were empty and wasn’t that many mussels. Fettuccine Porcini E Pancetta was too salty and lacked in taste. I was craving pasta a lot and looking forward to a good Italian meal however left feeling disappointed and still craving...
The
Service, service, service.... The treatment we received was efficient, bordering on surley. No time to crack a smile or answer a question. Some of the food was good. The tunna carpaccio was on point, though wanting for a drizzle of oil. A second course of lobster ravioli served as a main, rather than the second starter I asked for, my companion called “school canteen” food, tough packets of lobster flavoured gunk, more in common with packet ravioli from tesco’s than the lose, silky, self evidently hand made parcels of fresh crustacean I was hoping for. The butter and sage sauce was nowhere to be seen, I believe there were chopped tomatoes instead. The veal was good, sadly not to be had, as p...
Categories
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Pasta Delight in our selection of classic and contemporary pasta dishes, each crafted with fresh, quality ingredients and flavorful sauces that capture the essence of Italian cuisine in every bite.
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Pizza Delve into our perfectly baked pizzas, crafted with hand-tossed dough, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of gourmet cheeses. Each slice bursts with fresh toppings, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
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Italian Savor the rich and diverse flavors of Italy with our menu, offering classic pasta, savory risottos, and traditional meat and seafood dishes, all crafted with authentic ingredients and passion. Buon appetito!
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Seafood Dive into the freshest catches of the sea with our seafood selection, featuring exquisite dishes prepared with high-quality fish and shellfish. Savor the flavors of the ocean in every bite!
Amenities
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Beer
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Wine
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Cafe
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Amex
