Lovely location - we truly are impressed with the food and service as well as the ambiance.
Shannon
The ambiance is significantly better outside then in. Inside really needs an upgrade, especially the back room. We got the four course meal, two drinks and a couple of small add ons. Total with tip was $420. We thought that was too much for what we got. While the food was very good, it wasn't outstanding. Paired with the ambiance of the inside (or lack thereof) we weren't wowed this time. All of the staff really pushed the five course meal. I'm glad we didn't get it because we really don't think it would have been worth it, considering the four courses wasn't worth the price.
Sophia
If you are planning to come here for dinner, make sure you cancel before or will be charged a $50 cancellation fee…despite becoming sick from covid and calling over 10+ times to try and get a refund, we never did. We have dined here before and are disappointed as we live out of state.
James Lee
My partner and I have never experienced a multi course dining experience before last night. It was a celebration for her graduation and I wanted it to be special. However, it was underwhelming and disappointing.
We arrived 10 minutes early, as one always should. The hostesses let us know that we were too early and they were doing their pre shift meeting but because it was hot she would “make an exception” and seat us anyway.
There were multiple fly’s buzzing around the table the entire evening. I understand this is on a farm, but that is not acceptable. Due to the type of experience this is supposed to be, everything should be outstanding.
During the dining experience, the staff seemed unenthusiastic and drab. Merely regurgitating the explanations of the dishes. When we asked questions about the dishes we were told by the server that he’s a simple meat and potatoes kind of guy so really could not give much advice on what to choose.
We needed refills on our water and tea’s and sat for 10+ minutes a few times to get that done. At one point we had asked 2 separate wait staff during a roughly 15 minute window for refills, to no avail. The 2nd lady, who was a busser, actually rolled her eyes when I mentioned I needed a refill and that I already asked someone else who never came back. She also never came back and we had to wait for the server to finally get those. I assume the server was too busy since he had at least 4 other tables other than ours. 4+ tables is a lot for a regular restaurant server to handle and give great service, much less one that proclaims exceptional service and an unparalleled experience.
The busser that seemed dissatisfied with us also would clear dishes from other tables and leave ours.
The overall experience was subpar at best. A multi course fine dining experience should be flawless. I understand that sometimes there are small hiccups, however, for the cost of the dinner and what the website describes the evening experience to be, we should have been blown away. This definitely was an unforgettable experience.
Rebecca
The ambiance, atmosphere, service and intimacy of the establishment were amazing. The food however was not up to par. The soup was bland, the pork was extremely fatty. The pairing of foods did not mesh well. The serving sizes were very minimal. The cost of the meal did not match the food we were provided with
Jaime
This was the ultimate dining experience! A group of six best girlfriends enjoyed the experience at Quiessence and we had the most amazing dishes. The presentation of the dishes was spectacular as was the flavor of every bite. Definitely I will be back again!!
Neil
Presentation and food quality — just average and extremely overpriced. We left the restaurant hungry; as the portions for each course were very small. The restaurant charged us for a Cosmo drink; and no one ordered drinks. The staff was generally indignant; and it took a while for the restaurant to eliminate the charge. Would not return. neil — dinner June 6-2025.
Concerned Citizen
They hire illegal aliens using other peoples' identities.
Samuel Jr
Food was fabulous. Served was great. Took a tour of the kitchen and staff were wonderful. My favorite part was the atmosphere, quiet and relaxing. No rush at all. Just a nice night.
Absolutely phenomenal experience. And that's what it is. A dining experience! If you're looking to eat and be out in an hour, this is not for you. First, I want to say thanks for accommodating a vegetarian menu. Their offerings were outstanding. So creative and fresh! You select the number of courses and the culinary adventure begins! Service is top-notch and I love that they all help each other. A server from another table will always check on you when they walk by, or bus your plates, etc. We sat outside but it's almost too hot to do so now that it is becoming summer but it was quaint and serene and quite lovely as the sun went down and the breeze picked up. They allowed us a tour of the kitchen and to meet all of the chefs. A very nice touch. This is not an inexpensive meal and you will get what you pay for. An amazing meal at an amazing location from amazing staff. We will be back!
Brian
Great experience. Jordan was an excellent server, well versed on all items that came from the Farm itself and how non- Farm items were sourced. It's an experience, not just a meal.
Michele Chinichian
I recently dined at Quiessence for restaurant week after not eating there for a long time. The food and ambience were as good as ever but we were surprised by the service. It took over 2.5 hours to get our 3 courses. I saw other people come and go who started eating around the same time as us. It was as if maybe someone forgot about us? And the worst part? There was no acknowledgement or apology of the gross negligence. I had things I wanted to get done that evening that were derailed, I was starving by the time I got my main course, and just exasperated and frustrated by the time dessert came. Really frustrating and surprising experience given the price point of this restaurant.
Rick Gonzalez
We’ve been wanting to sample Quiessence at the Farm at South Mountain for ten years, since moving to Phoenix… it’s not always easy to find availability, but we finally made it. And boy are we so glad we were able to experience this masterpiece of a resto. It is by all means one of THE finest restaurants in Phoenix - Arizona actually. Congratulations are in order to Chef/Owner Dustin Christofolo and his exceptionally extraordinary staff both in the kitchen and out. Quiessence is one of the true examples of farm-to-table and ever-changing seasonal cuisine located right in a farm. Their pastoral lure and relaxed country vibe offer an exceptional setting in which to both enjoy a remarkable atmosphere, with a serene and rustic décor and savor the exquisite feasts Chef Christofolo artistically creates, changing and adjusting constantly. From the Chef’s Wine Spectator magazine recognition to studies at La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina and Italian Culinary Academy in NYC York City to the extraordinary, experienced background culminating in Quiescence’s masterful offerings – there can be no question only superb comes out of his kitchen. To accompany our upcoming meal, we ordered a remarkable American Northwestern Left Coast Chardonnay and I the Guaname of Guanajuato Mexico Red – a fab Spanish-style red, with a relaxingingly smooth palate. We started our evening dinner with the Quiessence Chef’s spread of local cheeses, seasonal jams, Artisan loaves and delish cured meats – an incredible array of perfectly conjured flavors and elements, a perfect Euro-style appetizer to get us started in what was to be a just short of miraculous tasting sensations throughout the meal. I had the wood fire grilled Wild Oyster – as an oyster lover, I must say, I’ve never experienced anything like it! I had to have two. My main course was comprised of the Chef’s Potato Gnocchi Bolognese, which combined turnips, beets, parmesan and ricotta, and with fennel exhibited his incredible artistry to make a traditional dish into a magnum opus of unbelievable flavors and textures and aromas. My Wife’s choice of the Wood Fired Grilled Salmon was superb in every way. The combo of chives, pea shoots, roasted quinoa and red onion made it a work of art. As a wrap up to dinner, our desert features were beyond comparison. My desert of the Apple Mascarpone Cannoli was to die for… I have never, ever had a Cannoli of such category with an incredible sorbet, hazelnuts, and Caramel Sauce – and was that celery? Wow! My wife ordered and adored the once in a lifetime taste of the bread pudding with its intense and unique cranberry/cherry/bourbon finishes! My wife finished with Ruby Port and I with an intricate Brandy – I wish I could remember what it was. Overall, both of us walked away very ecstatic… amazed at the service, attention to detail, and the simply incredible perfection in preparation, presentation and tastes that we were able to experience. By far one of the most incredibly enjoyable culinary experiences we’ve embark on since becoming Phoenicians over ten years ago. Chef Christofolo and staff – congratulations and may you honor your guests forever with your artistic genius and love for the profession and the bounty of nature of which you present. We will be back. Grandi avventure… live long and prosper.
Karen
The food exceeded our expectations. They made a simple charcuterie board into a work of art with delicate offerings of unusual tastes that were delicious and memorable. Smoked olives were a hit and an unexpected delight. Salmon and pork dinners were cooked perfectly...tender, moist. It was so nice to have food cooked exactly to the point of perfection. Made us think of all the times that we ate food that we thought was good, but this gave us a new barometer of how extraordinary food can be when done expertly. We loved every course. In regard to ambience and ease of getting to the restaurant, we found both lacking. Arriving at night, we had difficulty finding the parking area and restaurant. The lighting and signage were poor. The restaurant itself lacked the charm we expected with a farmhouse setting. The only thing that made it fancy was the table linens. Otherwise, it was shabby....and not chic. Regardless of the setting, we had a lovely time, delicious dinner and enjoyed our waitstaff. They offered a tour of the kitchen which was fun. Still recommend definitely!
Great vibe. Music was too loud.
Lovely location - we truly are impressed with the food and service as well as the ambiance.
The ambiance is significantly better outside then in. Inside really needs an upgrade, especially the back room. We got the four course meal, two drinks and a couple of small add ons. Total with tip was $420. We thought that was too much for what we got. While the food was very good, it wasn't outstanding. Paired with the ambiance of the inside (or lack thereof) we weren't wowed this time. All of the staff really pushed the five course meal. I'm glad we didn't get it because we really don't think it would have been worth it, considering the four courses wasn't worth the price.
If you are planning to come here for dinner, make sure you cancel before or will be charged a $50 cancellation fee…despite becoming sick from covid and calling over 10+ times to try and get a refund, we never did. We have dined here before and are disappointed as we live out of state.
My partner and I have never experienced a multi course dining experience before last night. It was a celebration for her graduation and I wanted it to be special. However, it was underwhelming and disappointing.
We arrived 10 minutes early, as one always should. The hostesses let us know that we were too early and they were doing their pre shift meeting but because it was hot she would “make an exception” and seat us anyway.
There were multiple fly’s buzzing around the table the entire evening. I understand this is on a farm, but that is not acceptable. Due to the type of experience this is supposed to be, everything should be outstanding.
During the dining experience, the staff seemed unenthusiastic and drab. Merely regurgitating the explanations of the dishes. When we asked questions about the dishes we were told by the server that he’s a simple meat and potatoes kind of guy so really could not give much advice on what to choose.
We needed refills on our water and tea’s and sat for 10+ minutes a few times to get that done. At one point we had asked 2 separate wait staff during a roughly 15 minute window for refills, to no avail. The 2nd lady, who was a busser, actually rolled her eyes when I mentioned I needed a refill and that I already asked someone else who never came back. She also never came back and we had to wait for the server to finally get those. I assume the server was too busy since he had at least 4 other tables other than ours. 4+ tables is a lot for a regular restaurant server to handle and give great service, much less one that proclaims exceptional service and an unparalleled experience.
The busser that seemed dissatisfied with us also would clear dishes from other tables and leave ours.
The overall experience was subpar at best. A multi course fine dining experience should be flawless. I understand that sometimes there are small hiccups, however, for the cost of the dinner and what the website describes the evening experience to be, we should have been blown away. This definitely was an unforgettable experience.
The ambiance, atmosphere, service and intimacy of the establishment were amazing. The food however was not up to par. The soup was bland, the pork was extremely fatty. The pairing of foods did not mesh well. The serving sizes were very minimal. The cost of the meal did not match the food we were provided with
This was the ultimate dining experience! A group of six best girlfriends enjoyed the experience at Quiessence and we had the most amazing dishes. The presentation of the dishes was spectacular as was the flavor of every bite. Definitely I will be back again!!
Presentation and food quality — just average and extremely overpriced. We left the restaurant hungry; as the portions for each course were very small. The restaurant charged us for a Cosmo drink; and no one ordered drinks. The staff was generally indignant; and it took a while for the restaurant to eliminate the charge. Would not return. neil — dinner June 6-2025.
They hire illegal aliens using other peoples' identities.
Food was fabulous. Served was great. Took a tour of the kitchen and staff were wonderful. My favorite part was the atmosphere, quiet and relaxing. No rush at all. Just a nice night.
Restaurantji Recommends
Absolutely phenomenal experience. And that's what it is. A dining experience! If you're looking to eat and be out in an hour, this is not for you. First, I want to say thanks for accommodating a vegetarian menu. Their offerings were outstanding. So creative and fresh! You select the number of courses and the culinary adventure begins! Service is top-notch and I love that they all help each other. A server from another table will always check on you when they walk by, or bus your plates, etc. We sat outside but it's almost too hot to do so now that it is becoming summer but it was quaint and serene and quite lovely as the sun went down and the breeze picked up. They allowed us a tour of the kitchen and to meet all of the chefs. A very nice touch. This is not an inexpensive meal and you will get what you pay for. An amazing meal at an amazing location from amazing staff. We will be back!
Great experience. Jordan was an excellent server, well versed on all items that came from the Farm itself and how non- Farm items were sourced. It's an experience, not just a meal.
I recently dined at Quiessence for restaurant week after not eating there for a long time. The food and ambience were as good as ever but we were surprised by the service. It took over 2.5 hours to get our 3 courses. I saw other people come and go who started eating around the same time as us. It was as if maybe someone forgot about us? And the worst part? There was no acknowledgement or apology of the gross negligence. I had things I wanted to get done that evening that were derailed, I was starving by the time I got my main course, and just exasperated and frustrated by the time dessert came. Really frustrating and surprising experience given the price point of this restaurant.
We’ve been wanting to sample Quiessence at the Farm at South Mountain for ten years, since moving to Phoenix… it’s not always easy to find availability, but we finally made it. And boy are we so glad we were able to experience this masterpiece of a resto. It is by all means one of THE finest restaurants in Phoenix - Arizona actually. Congratulations are in order to Chef/Owner Dustin Christofolo and his exceptionally extraordinary staff both in the kitchen and out. Quiessence is one of the true examples of farm-to-table and ever-changing seasonal cuisine located right in a farm. Their pastoral lure and relaxed country vibe offer an exceptional setting in which to both enjoy a remarkable atmosphere, with a serene and rustic décor and savor the exquisite feasts Chef Christofolo artistically creates, changing and adjusting constantly. From the Chef’s Wine Spectator magazine recognition to studies at La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina and Italian Culinary Academy in NYC York City to the extraordinary, experienced background culminating in Quiescence’s masterful offerings – there can be no question only superb comes out of his kitchen. To accompany our upcoming meal, we ordered a remarkable American Northwestern Left Coast Chardonnay and I the Guaname of Guanajuato Mexico Red – a fab Spanish-style red, with a relaxingingly smooth palate. We started our evening dinner with the Quiessence Chef’s spread of local cheeses, seasonal jams, Artisan loaves and delish cured meats – an incredible array of perfectly conjured flavors and elements, a perfect Euro-style appetizer to get us started in what was to be a just short of miraculous tasting sensations throughout the meal. I had the wood fire grilled Wild Oyster – as an oyster lover, I must say, I’ve never experienced anything like it! I had to have two. My main course was comprised of the Chef’s Potato Gnocchi Bolognese, which combined turnips, beets, parmesan and ricotta, and with fennel exhibited his incredible artistry to make a traditional dish into a magnum opus of unbelievable flavors and textures and aromas. My Wife’s choice of the Wood Fired Grilled Salmon was superb in every way. The combo of chives, pea shoots, roasted quinoa and red onion made it a work of art. As a wrap up to dinner, our desert features were beyond comparison. My desert of the Apple Mascarpone Cannoli was to die for… I have never, ever had a Cannoli of such category with an incredible sorbet, hazelnuts, and Caramel Sauce – and was that celery? Wow! My wife ordered and adored the once in a lifetime taste of the bread pudding with its intense and unique cranberry/cherry/bourbon finishes! My wife finished with Ruby Port and I with an intricate Brandy – I wish I could remember what it was. Overall, both of us walked away very ecstatic… amazed at the service, attention to detail, and the simply incredible perfection in preparation, presentation and tastes that we were able to experience. By far one of the most incredibly enjoyable culinary experiences we’ve embark on since becoming Phoenicians over ten years ago. Chef Christofolo and staff – congratulations and may you honor your guests forever with your artistic genius and love for the profession and the bounty of nature of which you present. We will be back. Grandi avventure… live long and prosper.
The food exceeded our expectations. They made a simple charcuterie board into a work of art with delicate offerings of unusual tastes that were delicious and memorable. Smoked olives were a hit and an unexpected delight. Salmon and pork dinners were cooked perfectly...tender, moist. It was so nice to have food cooked exactly to the point of perfection. Made us think of all the times that we ate food that we thought was good, but this gave us a new barometer of how extraordinary food can be when done expertly. We loved every course. In regard to ambience and ease of getting to the restaurant, we found both lacking. Arriving at night, we had difficulty finding the parking area and restaurant. The lighting and signage were poor. The restaurant itself lacked the charm we expected with a farmhouse setting. The only thing that made it fancy was the table linens. Otherwise, it was shabby....and not chic. Regardless of the setting, we had a lovely time, delicious dinner and enjoyed our waitstaff. They offered a tour of the kitchen which was fun. Still recommend definitely!
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