Esencia is a new concept born from acclaimed local Chef Leo Davila and will live at the St. Anthony Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. According to a recent press release, it will be located at 300 E Travis St and is expected to open this Winter.
Esencia will be a 130-seat two-level dining room experience and is expected to offer elevated cuisine with exceptional service. Chef Leo, who has made a name for himself with multiple award wins, celebrated concepts, and a James Beard Award nomination, will take the helm of the latest restaurant to grace the halls of the St. Anthony Hotel.
What Now Houston reached out to Chef Leo for comment and received the press release about the new opening.
“Esencia is more than a name – it’s a philosophy,” Chef Leo said in the press release.
“In Spanish, Esencia means ‘essence,’ and our mission is to capture the true essence of San Antonio cuisine. This city has a story to tell, and food is my way of sharing it. Bringing Esencia to life has been a dream come true – every detail, every guest, and every dining experience matters. For too long, San Antonio has been overlooked in the Texas culinary landscape. That changes now. My team and I are proud to be part of a new wave of chefs highlighting the depth, heritage, and creativity that make this city extraordinary – and to help put San Antonio firmly on the ‘new Tejano’ culinary map.”
The menu at Esencia includes thoughtful nods to Chef Leo’s upbringing featuring specialties such as Carne Asada Frites served with Wagyu ribeye, potato pave, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri and heirloom corn tortillas and a reimagined Arroz con Pollo with cornish hen ballotine, mole amarillo, huitlacoche and squash fried rice, wok fried vegetable medley and miso aioli, just to name a few.
Esencia’s will also offer a host of a dynamic mix of Asian spirits, tequilas and mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers, and an extensive selection of wines.
“We are thrilled to unveil Esencia to the public soon,” St. Anthony General Manager Maria Martinez said in the press release.
“The restaurant is a natural extension of our hotel’s legacy and of San Antonio’s vibrant culinary culture. Esencia is not only an exceptional amenity for our hotel guests, but also a gathering place for our San Antonio community. We can’t wait to open our doors and share it with everyone.”
Esencia is expected to open in the St. Anthony Hotel at 300 E Travis St by January 2026.
