Fantastic overall experience. Food is some of the best I’ve ever had. Hospitality was immaculate, especially our server Zach. Would definitely recommend this place for a beautiful evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Sweet Potato
Jamie
Wonderful experience, as always. The attention to detail is unmatched. Thoroughly enjoyed the tuna tartar.
Rachel Pedley
This place is AMAZING!! We went here last year for our anniversary and the food, service and atmosphere was perfect! I just made a reservation for my birthday in a couple weeks and I can’t wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wesley
Amazing yet again...the porkbelly donut appetizer was fire and new. Everything was so damn good. Our regular #1 spot.
Annie Mosier
Absolutely beautiful experience. It was my fiances birthday, I thought this would be a nice romance spot. It was! We had the pleasure of having Zach as our waiter. The owner Brad is so sweet. He gave my fiancé a birthday card and a complementary dessert. We had to get one for each of us tho. If you want to dress up and have a romantic dinner this is the place. Can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leah
The food and drinks are always perfection. Unfortunately, the service is odd. Our waitress was incredible. But the lady who brought out each course (not our waitress) insisted on standing at our table, waiting for us to stop our conversation and then announcing each dish as she sat it down. Our waitress filled us in on each dish (when we placed each order). But due to this lady bringing out the apps, salads, entrees, desserts, we had to completely pause so she could spend 3 minutes describing each dish. It was very strange and felt like we couldn't enjoy ourselves and our conversation because she wanted this attention. Not what I expect at a restaurant of this caliber.
Pat McCauley
You pretty much cannot go wrong with this place of you're willing to pay the price. Food is always great, cocktails are always great, staff is always great. I think you get the point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
stacy elverud
We have dined at this restaurant several times, and each visit leaves us with a lasting sense of “wow.” The owner and staff demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and the level of service is truly remarkable. The food has been consistently outstanding.
During our most recent visit, we reserved the table inside the kitchen and were treated to a six-course meal. The experience exceeded our expectations, and we enjoyed it so much that we have already booked it again to celebrate an upcoming birthday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hunting Islife
My wife and I ate here for the first time and this place is awesome! The staff is very friendly and helpful in helping us choose our appetizers and dinner. They did a great job and not many establishments where the owner is taking out dinner and drinks to people he’s a very professional and nice guy we will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pam Krugman
Absolutely loved this restaurant. The food was amazing; dessert was lights out great. Every attention to detail was superb! My server, Carissa, was amazing. Thanks for a great night!
Great food and service! Highly recommend the Japanese sweet potatoes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Albert
Incredible spot for a special night! We have celebrated our anniversary here two years in a row and both dinners have been wonderful. The atmosphere is inviting, the customer service is unparalleled, and the food is always creative and delicious. You are truly treated as someone special here; every staff member we encountered wished us a happy anniversary, there was a hand written card at our table, and the owner treated us to an NA champagne toast. I cannot recommend this restaurant more highly, it is a must try experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
shayla brown
Hands down, best dining experience in Michiana. Chef Juan’s dishes are always inspired and the dining experience is unmatched from Brad and the amazing mixologists and wait staff. 12/10💯💯
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Orr
Excellent dining experience. Exquisite food and service. Evie was the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leah Rife
My husband and I have visited Essence for two of our anniversary dinners and we always feel so valued and cared for when we have been in. The service is absolutely incredible and thoughtful, and the staff not only go above and beyond, but truly enhance the dining experience with their care and service. The food options are so creative and unique, with new items each time we have visited. Downtown Elkhart is so lucky to have such a wonderful restaurant! Definitely worth a visit!
Fantastic overall experience. Food is some of the best I’ve ever had. Hospitality was immaculate, especially our server Zach. Would definitely recommend this place for a beautiful evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japanese Sweet Potato
Wonderful experience, as always. The attention to detail is unmatched. Thoroughly enjoyed the tuna tartar.
This place is AMAZING!! We went here last year for our anniversary and the food, service and atmosphere was perfect! I just made a reservation for my birthday in a couple weeks and I can’t wait!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing yet again...the porkbelly donut appetizer was fire and new. Everything was so damn good. Our regular #1 spot.
Absolutely beautiful experience. It was my fiances birthday, I thought this would be a nice romance spot. It was! We had the pleasure of having Zach as our waiter. The owner Brad is so sweet. He gave my fiancé a birthday card and a complementary dessert. We had to get one for each of us tho. If you want to dress up and have a romantic dinner this is the place. Can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and drinks are always perfection. Unfortunately, the service is odd. Our waitress was incredible. But the lady who brought out each course (not our waitress) insisted on standing at our table, waiting for us to stop our conversation and then announcing each dish as she sat it down. Our waitress filled us in on each dish (when we placed each order). But due to this lady bringing out the apps, salads, entrees, desserts, we had to completely pause so she could spend 3 minutes describing each dish. It was very strange and felt like we couldn't enjoy ourselves and our conversation because she wanted this attention. Not what I expect at a restaurant of this caliber.
You pretty much cannot go wrong with this place of you're willing to pay the price. Food is always great, cocktails are always great, staff is always great. I think you get the point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have dined at this restaurant several times, and each visit leaves us with a lasting sense of “wow.” The owner and staff demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and the level of service is truly remarkable. The food has been consistently outstanding.
During our most recent visit, we reserved the table inside the kitchen and were treated to a six-course meal. The experience exceeded our expectations, and we enjoyed it so much that we have already booked it again to celebrate an upcoming birthday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I ate here for the first time and this place is awesome! The staff is very friendly and helpful in helping us choose our appetizers and dinner. They did a great job and not many establishments where the owner is taking out dinner and drinks to people he’s a very professional and nice guy we will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely loved this restaurant. The food was amazing; dessert was lights out great. Every attention to detail was superb! My server, Carissa, was amazing. Thanks for a great night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and service! Highly recommend the Japanese sweet potatoes!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible spot for a special night! We have celebrated our anniversary here two years in a row and both dinners have been wonderful. The atmosphere is inviting, the customer service is unparalleled, and the food is always creative and delicious. You are truly treated as someone special here; every staff member we encountered wished us a happy anniversary, there was a hand written card at our table, and the owner treated us to an NA champagne toast. I cannot recommend this restaurant more highly, it is a must try experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hands down, best dining experience in Michiana. Chef Juan’s dishes are always inspired and the dining experience is unmatched from Brad and the amazing mixologists and wait staff. 12/10💯💯
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent dining experience. Exquisite food and service. Evie was the best!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I have visited Essence for two of our anniversary dinners and we always feel so valued and cared for when we have been in. The service is absolutely incredible and thoughtful, and the staff not only go above and beyond, but truly enhance the dining experience with their care and service. The food options are so creative and unique, with new items each time we have visited. Downtown Elkhart is so lucky to have such a wonderful restaurant! Definitely worth a visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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