Restaurante Essência (Essência)

The restaurant is located in a more residential area of Porto, away from the city center. My partner is Omni, so we usually want to find a place that will make us both happy. I am used to Omni restaurants having a few vegan options. This is a vegetarian restaurant with a few Omni options. Most of the items are vegan or can be made vegan. I had risotto with a port wine sauce, with capers and pomegranate. The flavor combination was so delightful. For dessert we shared an apple tart with black vanilla ice cream. They also had an extensive menu of organic wines. This is a great date night option. All allergens are clearly marked.

The stuff were super friendly with their glowing smiles. Wonderful atmosphere and food. Thank you for making my night :-) !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We got a table on short notice and loved everything we’ve ordered. The desert was a perfect finish!

Vegetarian options: It’s labeled as vegetarian restaurant, but also offers a few non vegetarian options.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

With each bite an explosion of knowledge.
I only ate vegetarian dishes, from starters to dessert. They also have non-vegetarian options.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is a neighbourhood gem that definitely deserves a special trip out of the city. The food was excellent - we couldn’t resist trying the port risotto; also had the pesto tagliatelle which were both exceptional. we were very well looked after with blankets for the chilly evening and very attentive service.

Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options are the priority, loads of choice. Some meat options available.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Vegetarian options: Creme de cogumelos muito bom, um crepe de legumes maravilhoso. Tudo excelente!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Panacota Frutos Rojos

They have different vegan options with seitan or tempeh or risotto if you fancy it. Also a selection of different local wines. The sauce of the tempeh dish is really good.

A very welcoming space with excellent service and great friendliness. Affordable prices and very tasty food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pleasant lunch. Cozy outdoor area and friendly service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Spectacular restaurant!

Very pleasant atmosphere and extremely friendly staff.

The food deserves a separate highlight. Dishes with impeccable presentation and unique flavor.

Beautiful, unimaginable discovery in Porto.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bland food, terribly overpriced, way too far out of the city centre. We went to this restaurant because the menu looked promising and because of the high rating. I've never had worse food. After one bite I couldn't continue to eat because my body felt repulsed by the food. The menu was just pretentious and while the plates looked good, they tasted of absolutely nothing. The drinks were okay, but you can get them for half the price anywhere else in Porto. The waiters were charming though and tried their best. But I'd rather stay hungry than eat there. Don't waste your money and time there.

Vegetarian options: There's a broad choice of vegetarian dishes but is not a vegetarian restaurant! You can also order meat or fish / seafood. The dishes we had (seafood, meat, vegetarian) were all terrible and as a vegetarian you will be better off ordering a plate of french fries at Gazela Entreparedes (and pay a fraction) !

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Amazing they let us I last minute and the food was unbelievable and catered for everyone. Thank you so much.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent waitstaff. Many options. Was the most expensive restaurant we ate in during our stay in Portugal and prices were still very reasonable. We were a big party and it’s really nice to go to a restaurant where we have a lot of choices and there are still good options for those who don’t follow our way of eating. All food was beautifully presented too. 4 of the five vegan dishes we ordered were WOW. A little disappointed in the seitan in Madeira sauce. It just didn’t do it for me. The non vegans in our party all thought there food was very good as well Updated from previous review on 2024-05-16

Insufficient quantity, food with a burnt taste and bland tofu

€16.50 for 3 pieces of tofu and not even 1 spoonful of puree. Nothing prepared me for this incredible amount.

The vegetables were on the verge of burnt, there was a piece of tofu that I had to scrape off that was burnt and the taste of the 3 pieces of tofu was... none. It looked almost like it had been taken out of the tofu package, toasted in a frying pan and put in the take-away box.

It’s impossible to be satiated with a dose like this! The only thing that lived up to this restaurant's good name was the purée, which despite being little, was actually excellent. Unfortunately, I won't be returning to your restaurant anytime soon.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Excellent food, very tasty and well prepared. Quiet and welcoming environment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5