Essential Hotpot

1260 Lake Blvd # 111, Davis
(530) 298-1526

Recent Reviews

Angelica H.

Yelp elite who lost access to her old account so I'm starting fresh! Gave this new chengdu style hot pot place a try & here are my first impressions: Broth: their beef broth is very spicy (even the medium was spicy). We initially asked for the spiciest level (level 3) but the waiter was very persistent on getting a medium. The Tom yum broth was a bit spicy but mild enough for me to enjoy as a non-spice person. The broth had good flavor! Sides: the veggies and meat are a bit expensive for the potions. If your are ordering the veggie platter it comes with 3 pieces of corn (something to note if you don't want excess corn) The service was really good & the workers were very nice. I would come back again!

Nathan N.

I was super excited to try this place since it's the first Chengdu-style hot pot in Davis. It lived up to my expectations! I am a fan of Haidilao and this place is a great alternative if you don't want to make the drive to the Bay Area. We ordered the small spicy beef oil soup base, medium spice level. It was plenty of soup for two people, and the spice level was perfect, although I have a higher spice tolerance than the average. They have high quality beef cuts and a build-your-own sauce bar. Service was attentive and very friendly. They were happy to answer any questions we had about the menu. It's great to finally have a Chengdu-style hot pot in Davis. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting to experience the spicy flavors of Chengdu!

Mickayla Southard

Just had dinner here. The traditional spicy soup is SPICY. We like extra spicy food, but only ordered the medium level spice and nearly died. I would definitely recommend going for mild. The taste is immaculate either way though. We also ordered the pepper chicken soup. Super rich, very flavorful and there’s no spice to it. Also really really enjoyed it ◡̈Service was great! My partner and I had never done hot pot before and the waitress was happy to walk us through it, and was very chipper and funny. Give that lady a raise

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amelia Waldron

For the love of god please do yourself a favor and do not eat here. I was traveling through out of town and hot pot sounded good so I found this on Google and it looked new but the menu looked ok so I went in. The broths were flavorful, the meat and veggies were fresh although I did think the pricing was a bit odd, the beef and lamb seemed fresh but the calamari had a bit off an off flavor so I only had one bite and the shrimp was frozen solid when they put it on the table (I didn’t eat any of that). I ordered a soda and they brought it our room temp in a can. I asked for a cup with ice and they said they didn’t have any? What type of restaurant doesn’t have ice?? Then I had to use the bathroom and they didn’t have one either so I had to go to the pizza place next door which was bizarre and inconvenient.Anyways we spent over $250 (including tip) for a party of 4. We ate most of the food and took a bit to go. Still pretty pricey for hotpot IMO.As we are signing our check a woman from the county comes in and says they aren’t even cleared to be open yet?? So no health inspections, etc. and tells them they can’t legally not have a bathroom. They finished the conversation outside so I don’t know what else was said besides that she would be returning to do a full inspection. Really wish she came like 1 hour earlier before we ordered and ate there.Now…I had to drive an hour back to work since I was only in town for a training and I barely made it back to my office before I was sick as a dog. Then I had a 45 minute commute home from the office. Once again barely made it home.It’s now been over 8 hours since I ate there and I am STILL sick. My one coworker wasn’t feeling super great either but not as bad as me. The other two work at a different branch so I don’t know how they faired but I hope it’s not as bad as me. And when I tell you I have a stomach of steel I mean it. I’ve literally never left a review let alone a bad one at a restaurant before but I this place needs to be inspected and until then probably closed. If our lunch wasn’t paid for by the company I would literally file a charge back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Stephen ou

Both the vegetables and meat are very fresh, and the food is served very quickly. The waiters and ladies are super enthusiastic and warm. I will come back next time at Davis Hot Pot Restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

yixuan wang

What a satisfying hotpot restaurant! The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are excellent, and the service is warm and attentive. The cozy dining environment and first class hygienic kitchen make you feel at home. The price is reasonable and value for money. Highly recommended for those who love hotpot and will be back next time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shuo Hou

davis The best hot pot. Finally no need to go to the Bay Area! ! !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

唐斯昊

It's the only hot pot restaurant in ucdavis. There is a great variety of food here. Here is the menu of the store for your reference. The service in the store is good, and the food is served quickly. I had a great time here.

Evelyn Wang

I've eaten there four times in the six days since it opened. Hahaha. It's really delicious! davis can finally eat Chongqing hot pot! ???

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

William Ou

I am very satisfied with this newly opened hot pot restaurant. The ingredients are fresh and diverse, and the service is excellent. Finally we had hot pot in Davis.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Yiwei Yao

Very delicious, the only Chongqing hotpot in Davis, I will come again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Barrymore Li

First ever chongqing hotpot in Davis! Fresh food, fast service, with really clean environment. I have tried this twice in a week!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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