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 – announced the opening date for its new restaurant concept, Esencia. The 130-seat restaurant will have its grand opening on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, inside the 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 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.
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:
- Carne Asada served with Wagyu flank steak, potato pavé, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri and multi-colored heirloom corn tortillas.
- Pork & Apple made with apple and pasilla mole, signature house cured pork belly, pickled Honeycrisp apple, apple compote, wok fried veggies and leafy lettuce.
- Beef & Broccoli featuring tartare-style Asian-spiced Wagyu beef, broccoli mole, miso aioli, pickled red onion and rice paper.
- Duck & Flower served with hibiscus & Texas pecan mole, Asian spiced sous vide duck breast, wok fried veggies, spiced pecans and jasmine steamed rice.
- Smoked Seafood Crudo with a jasmine tea smoked seafood medley, seasonal fruit, ponzu, candied jalapeño, pickled fruit, roasted walnuts, salsa macha and rice paper.
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:
- Steal My Soul – Herradura Reposado, House Gochujang Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple, Peychaud’s Bitters
- Lychee Me-Tini – Empress Gin, J.F. Haden’s Lychee Liqueur, Lychee Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, House Rose Water Simple
- The Chairman – Garrison Brothers x Anacacho Coffee & Cantina Single Barrel Bourbon, House Roasted Corn Cobb Syrup, Mole Bitters, Smoke
A 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.
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.
Esencia’s creation is made possible with the expertise of several key local partners, including Richard Garcia with Reasonable Remodelers, Stan Gluza with Doortex, Alan Petlin Gourmet Floors, Chris Greer with Saylee-Greer Landscape Architecture, artist Regina Moya and Nicole Pulley with Interior Affairs.
Esencia will open to the public on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Hours of operation for Esencia are:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 5 p.m. – Last Seating at 10 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – Last Seating at 11 p.m.
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
WHERE:
Esencia is located at the St. Anthony Hotel at 300 E Travis St. San Antonio, TX 78205.
For additional updates about Esencia, follow the restaurant on Instagram. For more information about the St. Anthony Hotel, visit www.thestanthonyhotel.com.
