Absolutely phenomenal dinner. I would die happy after this meal. Beautiful beautiful food. Extremely thoughtful wine pairing. I cannot speak highly enough. Elegant and so delicious. Incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Monica Kasper
We had a delicious, fresh, and unique meal at Quiessence. The service was impeccable with high attention to our experience and dietary needs. One person in my party was vegan and gluten free which we confirmed ahead of time. Upon being seated, the menu provided was standard and looked difficult to accommodate which made us worried at first but they assured us that everything could be modified which was true and done so very thoughtfully. I will note we did the 4 course meal which was expected to be 2-2.5 hours and we were there for over 3, probably due to the modifications required. It wasn’t a problem but we were feeling antsy by the end, so just be aware and perhaps plan to eat a little earlier if you will need mods! Overall, a very enjoyable and special experience for absolutely anyone to attend, would highly recommend!
Vegetarian options: Everything can be modified to accommodate diet.
Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating to any diet - including vegan and gluten free (in one) diet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Merrick
My wife has been wanting to go for quite awhile and we finally had the opportunity. It’s not cheap or fast, but it’s definitely worth it and don’t be in a hurry. The dining experience will take most of the evening but that just makes the whole evening even better. With the menu always changing we can’t wait to go back and have a completely different meal. The servers are excellent and so knowledgeable about the menu and where the food is being sourced from. This was a great date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
MAYAS WORLD
This is my second time reviewing this incredible hidden gem, and it deserves every bit of praise. The food was absolutely spectacular, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Chef Dustin, you are a true culinary genius. Every element on the plate was purposeful and flawlessly executed, elevating each dish to an art form. Also every time I go I just keep think about those amazing apple cannoli's. Highly recommend that dessert. If you’re looking for a spot to really enjoy your meal and spend some quality time with good company, this is the place. It’s such a nice change from the fast paced vibe of most restaurants these days, here you can relax, savor your food, and enjoy meaningful conversations with your loved ones. Big thanks to our awesome server, Zach, who kept us laughing and made everything run smoothly. Shoutout to Lindsey and Jess for the beautiful presentation of each dish. And a huge thank you to the entire team for making the night so special and memorable. This place is truly one of a kind. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Apple Mascarpone Cannolis
Michael Hofstetter
While the food was good, it was certainly not worth the high price tag. The waitress was excellent—attentive and professional—and the ambience was pleasant, providing a nice atmosphere for the evening. However, waitress quoted us the wrong price for wine it was overcharged by $40 , and the chef would not correct, big mistake.
That said, there are some downsides. The restaurant has a dressy expectation, which isn’t an issue in itself, but the parking lot and walkway are poorly suited for anyone wearing high heels, which was quite inconvenient.
Overall, the cost far outweighs the quality of the meal. For these reasons, I wouldn’t return, as the value just isn’t there for me.
Would you like to adjust or add anything further?
Parking: Not well, taken care of parking lot for a restaurant who expects their patrons to dress up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Shawn Lasker
Just amazing from the staff to the atmosphere to the food. Great experience, definitely will be going back!
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free and cilantro
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
john flores
I Had the absolute worst experience here. I proposed to my wife here 3 years ago and decided to take here back for our 2 year anniversary so I called to book the table outside by the fireplace it wasn’t available so they offered me the chefs table. After hearing how great it would be I booked it. We arrived and were sat at some table in a corner so I informed the hostess that we had the chefs table and she laughed at me and said she thought I was kidding. She was a young kid so not a big deal for her to act like one. After telling her over and over I wansnt kidding I finally asked for the manger who was zero help said they must of made a mistake and never offered an apology or any other options absolutly nothing except an attitude. So sad to see how this place has become in 3 years. The level of service we had 3 years ago was amazing and what one would expect from a resturant you will be spending 500+ on a dinner. Will never recommend this place to anyone again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jon Berry
A fun, farm to table experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pam Shircel
The area and surroundings beautiful. The food presentation was appealing. However, the service was poor. There was 4 or 5 tables filled, and the rest of the place was empty. There were 4 of us, friends. We dine and experience top notch restaurants twice a month. They had plenty of wait staff, but they couldn't keep the water glasses filled. They offer, 3,4, or 5 course dinners, but the entire party of 4, MUST all have the same number of courses which we did not like. Portions are tiny! We paid an up charge for ribeye, but only received 4 bite size pieces. They gave us individual checks, and automatically charged us 20 percent. What started at $129 for 4 courses, ended up at $249 EACH! only 1 glass of wine, nothing else. (Other than a ridiculous price for bread) This was not worth $1000. Over priced, poor service. We will never return.
Parking: Parking on dirt, don't wear heals, stones will get into your shoes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Siobhan Waitzman
We visited this restaurant during our visit to Phoenix and had the best time. We sat outside and had the four course dinner. The ambiance was so peaceful and we felt like we had so much privacy. The service was incredible and the food was all delicious. I am a pescatarian and they were able to customize my meal and keep me informed about the ingredients of each dish. The servers even gave us a tour of the kitchen and we were able to meet the chefs and see all the food stations. This was a very elevated dining experience and we left very full and satisfied. The drinks were delicious and strong! Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert but really wish that we could have tried it. I strongly recommend eating at this restaurant while in Phoenix!
The food was exquisite all but the pie crust. It was hard and chewy. The sugar on top didn't do anything for it either. We were all still hungry after we left. My son had pasta so he was fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
David Kaufman
My wife and I decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary with a special dinner at Quiessence, a renowned restaurant we had heard about from friends and food critics over the years. Given the hype, our expectations were high. Regrettably, by the end of the night, we felt a bit let down. Here’s a summary of our experience:
The Good: -Food Quality: The food was exceptional. We opted for the Brick Oven table, featuring an eight-course prix-fixe menu. Each course was beautifully presented and flavorful. Unlike some multi-course dinners, we didn't leave hungry; in fact, we had to box up most of the final courses as we couldn't finish everything. One neutral point to mention—there was an abundance of guinea hen, included in three or four courses. While this was fine for me, a bit more variety would have been appreciated.
-Service: The waitstaff service was top-notch. Our server was exceptionally attentive and well-versed with the menu. She kept us informed about what to expect before and during our meal, and even took us on a guided tour of the restaurant’s stunning new kitchen.
-Ambiance: The atmosphere was romantic. The restaurant is tucked away at the back of The Farm at South Mountain, housed in a quaint old home converted into an intimate dining space. Initially, we had some issues with our outdoor Brick Oven table, but we were then relocated indoors to the fireplace room, which we had to ourselves. The farm grounds are beautiful, especially after sunset, with strings of lights lining the drive path leading up to the restaurant. It would make a gorgeous wedding venue.
The Not-so-Good:
-Length of Dinner: The 4.5-hour dinner service was excessively long. When making the booking, the host had told me to expect the meal to take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Instead, it took two additional hours. There were often 20-minute waits between courses, leading to significant downtime. Having dined at Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, some with more courses than the eight we had here, no meal has ever stretched this long. It felt as though the kitchen waited for us to complete one course before starting the next. Better coordination could have significantly enhanced our experience, making it more enjoyable if it had ended around 9 PM rather than 11 PM.
-Pricing Issues: The next morning, I reviewed the receipt and noticed several discrepancies: 1. We were charged $185 per person for the Brick Oven 8-course menu, despite being told it was $175 per person when making the reservation; the website also lists the price at $175 2. The receipt mentioned “Brick Oven Spread & Macaron,” yet we were charged an extra $15 for the foie gras macaron enhancement. Given the receipt's wording, I would have expected the macaron to be included in the price, especially if we were overcharged compared to the advertised rate. Additionally, there should have been one macaron per person, rather than the single one we shared. 3. Although the website states the meal is $175 plus an automatic 20% gratuity, it should also mention “plus tax.” Many fine dining restaurants advertise an all-inclusive price, inclusive of gratuity and tax. Misinterpreting this, I was surprised by the final bill of $579.99 for the two of us.
-Accessibility: While the grounds are a selling point, the dark, romantic setting made it difficult for our Uber driver to find the way back to the restaurant. This resulted in us, my wife in heels, having to walk a quarter-mile along a dirt road from the restaurant to the main entrance, laden with leftovers. This isn't the restaurant's fault, but a heads-up for future visitors using ride-shares after dark.
Overall, we enjoyed our anniversary and the delicious food, but the rest of the experience left us wanting a redo. Given another chance, we would avoid the Brick Oven table, opting instead for a standard table and the 4 or 5-course m
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
Ann-Marie
This was the most well rounded culinary experience my husband and I have ever had. It was expensive but very much worth the money and our time. The service was impeccable. The attention to detail was unparalleled. The unpretentious excellence made our experience unforgettable. Thank you to EVERYONE that was part of our experience last night. Don't pass on a chance to dine at Quiessence
Becky
What an amazing experience from start to finish. When we arrived, it was dark, but we could still experience some of the farm environment. The service was impeccable, the food sublime. And the staff was just perfect. We even got a tour of the kitchen and got to meet the chef! 
The night was pleasant. The weather was perfect so made everything special. Very cute restaurant, romantic, good wine selections, service was impeccable, the food was very good and unique. First time eating foie gras macaron. Amazing! Thank you. We'll be back to do the chef table experience 100%
Absolutely phenomenal dinner. I would die happy after this meal. Beautiful beautiful food. Extremely thoughtful wine pairing. I cannot speak highly enough. Elegant and so delicious. Incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a delicious, fresh, and unique meal at Quiessence. The service was impeccable with high attention to our experience and dietary needs. One person in my party was vegan and gluten free which we confirmed ahead of time. Upon being seated, the menu provided was standard and looked difficult to accommodate which made us worried at first but they assured us that everything could be modified which was true and done so very thoughtfully. I will note we did the 4 course meal which was expected to be 2-2.5 hours and we were there for over 3, probably due to the modifications required. It wasn’t a problem but we were feeling antsy by the end, so just be aware and perhaps plan to eat a little earlier if you will need mods! Overall, a very enjoyable and special experience for absolutely anyone to attend, would highly recommend!
Vegetarian options: Everything can be modified to accommodate diet.
Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating to any diet - including vegan and gluten free (in one) diet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife has been wanting to go for quite awhile and we finally had the opportunity. It’s not cheap or fast, but it’s definitely worth it and don’t be in a hurry. The dining experience will take most of the evening but that just makes the whole evening even better. With the menu always changing we can’t wait to go back and have a completely different meal. The servers are excellent and so knowledgeable about the menu and where the food is being sourced from. This was a great date night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
This is my second time reviewing this incredible hidden gem, and it deserves every bit of praise. The food was absolutely spectacular, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Chef Dustin, you are a true culinary genius. Every element on the plate was purposeful and flawlessly executed, elevating each dish to an art form. Also every time I go I just keep think about those amazing apple cannoli's. Highly recommend that dessert.
If you’re looking for a spot to really enjoy your meal and spend some quality time with good company, this is the place. It’s such a nice change from the fast paced vibe of most restaurants these days, here you can relax, savor your food, and enjoy meaningful conversations with your loved ones.
Big thanks to our awesome server, Zach, who kept us laughing and made everything run smoothly. Shoutout to Lindsey and Jess for the beautiful presentation of each dish. And a huge thank you to the entire team for making the night so special and memorable. This place is truly one of a kind. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Apple Mascarpone Cannolis
While the food was good, it was certainly not worth the high price tag. The waitress was excellent—attentive and professional—and the ambience was pleasant, providing a nice atmosphere for the evening. However, waitress quoted us the wrong price for wine it was overcharged by $40
, and the chef would not correct, big mistake.
That said, there are some downsides. The restaurant has a dressy expectation, which isn’t an issue in itself, but the parking lot and walkway are poorly suited for anyone wearing high heels, which was quite inconvenient.
Overall, the cost far outweighs the quality of the meal. For these reasons, I wouldn’t return, as the value just isn’t there for me.
Would you like to adjust or add anything further?
Parking: Not well, taken care of parking lot for a restaurant who expects their patrons to dress up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Just amazing from the staff to the atmosphere to the food. Great experience, definitely will be going back!
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free and cilantro
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I Had the absolute worst experience here. I proposed to my wife here 3 years ago and decided to take here back for our 2 year anniversary so I called to book the table outside by the fireplace it wasn’t available so they offered me the chefs table. After hearing how great it would be I booked it. We arrived and were sat at some table in a corner so I informed the hostess that we had the chefs table and she laughed at me and said she thought I was kidding. She was a young kid so not a big deal for her to act like one. After telling her over and over I wansnt kidding I finally asked for the manger who was zero help said they must of made a mistake and never offered an apology or any other options absolutly nothing except an attitude. So sad to see how this place has become in 3 years. The level of service we had 3 years ago was amazing and what one would expect from a resturant you will be spending 500+ on a dinner. Will never recommend this place to anyone again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A fun, farm to table experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The area and surroundings beautiful. The food presentation was appealing. However, the service was poor. There was 4 or 5 tables filled, and the rest of the place was empty. There were 4 of us, friends. We dine and experience top notch restaurants twice a month. They had plenty of wait staff, but they couldn't keep the water glasses filled. They offer, 3,4, or 5 course dinners, but the entire party of 4, MUST all have the same number of courses which we did not like. Portions are tiny! We paid an up charge for ribeye, but only received 4 bite size pieces. They gave us individual checks, and automatically charged us 20 percent. What started at $129 for 4 courses, ended up at $249 EACH! only 1 glass of wine, nothing else. (Other than a ridiculous price for bread) This was not worth $1000. Over priced, poor service. We will never return.
Parking: Parking on dirt, don't wear heals, stones will get into your shoes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
We visited this restaurant during our visit to Phoenix and had the best time. We sat outside and had the four course dinner. The ambiance was so peaceful and we felt like we had so much privacy. The service was incredible and the food was all delicious. I am a pescatarian and they were able to customize my meal and keep me informed about the ingredients of each dish.
The servers even gave us a tour of the kitchen and we were able to meet the chefs and see all the food stations. This was a very elevated dining experience and we left very full and satisfied. The drinks were delicious and strong! Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert but really wish that we could have tried it.
I strongly recommend eating at this restaurant while in Phoenix!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gazpacho
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was exquisite all but the pie crust. It was hard and chewy. The sugar on top didn't do anything for it either.
We were all still hungry after we left.
My son had pasta so he was fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
My wife and I decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary with a special dinner at Quiessence, a renowned restaurant we had heard about from friends and food critics over the years. Given the hype, our expectations were high. Regrettably, by the end of the night, we felt a bit let down. Here’s a summary of our experience:
The Good:
-Food Quality: The food was exceptional. We opted for the Brick Oven table, featuring an eight-course prix-fixe menu. Each course was beautifully presented and flavorful. Unlike some multi-course dinners, we didn't leave hungry; in fact, we had to box up most of the final courses as we couldn't finish everything. One neutral point to mention—there was an abundance of guinea hen, included in three or four courses. While this was fine for me, a bit more variety would have been appreciated.
-Service: The waitstaff service was top-notch. Our server was exceptionally attentive and well-versed with the menu. She kept us informed about what to expect before and during our meal, and even took us on a guided tour of the restaurant’s stunning new kitchen.
-Ambiance: The atmosphere was romantic. The restaurant is tucked away at the back of The Farm at South Mountain, housed in a quaint old home converted into an intimate dining space. Initially, we had some issues with our outdoor Brick Oven table, but we were then relocated indoors to the fireplace room, which we had to ourselves. The farm grounds are beautiful, especially after sunset, with strings of lights lining the drive path leading up to the restaurant. It would make a gorgeous wedding venue.
The Not-so-Good:
-Length of Dinner: The 4.5-hour dinner service was excessively long. When making the booking, the host had told me to expect the meal to take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Instead, it took two additional hours. There were often 20-minute waits between courses, leading to significant downtime. Having dined at Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, some with more courses than the eight we had here, no meal has ever stretched this long. It felt as though the kitchen waited for us to complete one course before starting the next. Better coordination could have significantly enhanced our experience, making it more enjoyable if it had ended around 9 PM rather than 11 PM.
-Pricing Issues: The next morning, I reviewed the receipt and noticed several discrepancies:
1. We were charged $185 per person for the Brick Oven 8-course menu, despite being told it was $175 per person when making the reservation; the website also lists the price at $175
2. The receipt mentioned “Brick Oven Spread & Macaron,” yet we were charged an extra $15 for the foie gras macaron enhancement. Given the receipt's wording, I would have expected the macaron to be included in the price, especially if we were overcharged compared to the advertised rate. Additionally, there should have been one macaron per person, rather than the single one we shared.
3. Although the website states the meal is $175 plus an automatic 20% gratuity, it should also mention “plus tax.” Many fine dining restaurants advertise an all-inclusive price, inclusive of gratuity and tax. Misinterpreting this, I was surprised by the final bill of $579.99 for the two of us.
-Accessibility: While the grounds are a selling point, the dark, romantic setting made it difficult for our Uber driver to find the way back to the restaurant. This resulted in us, my wife in heels, having to walk a quarter-mile along a dirt road from the restaurant to the main entrance, laden with leftovers. This isn't the restaurant's fault, but a heads-up for future visitors using ride-shares after dark.
Overall, we enjoyed our anniversary and the delicious food, but the rest of the experience left us wanting a redo. Given another chance, we would avoid the Brick Oven table, opting instead for a standard table and the 4 or 5-course m
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Charcuterie Board
This was the most well rounded culinary experience my husband and I have ever had. It was expensive but very much worth the money and our time. The service was impeccable. The attention to detail was unparalleled. The unpretentious excellence made our experience unforgettable. Thank you to EVERYONE that was part of our experience last night. Don't pass on a chance to dine at Quiessence
What an amazing experience from start to finish. When we arrived, it was dark, but we could still experience some of the farm environment. The service was impeccable, the food sublime. And the staff was just perfect. We even got a tour of the kitchen and got to meet the chef! 
The night was pleasant. The weather was perfect so made everything special. Very cute restaurant, romantic, good wine selections, service was impeccable, the food was very good and unique. First time eating foie gras macaron. Amazing! Thank you. We'll be back to do the chef table experience 100%
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