San Antonio, November 22, 2025
Esencia, a new restaurant led by James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila, will open this winter at the historic St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio. The restaurant aims to blend Spanish, Mexican, and Asian culinary traditions, showcasing innovative dishes that reflect the chef’s heritage. With a focus on creativity in both food and cocktails, Esencia promises to deliver a unique dining experience while embodying the spirit of San Antonio.
San Antonio Welcomes Esencia: A Fusion of Culinary Traditions at the St. Anthony Hotel
San Antonio, Texas – This winter, the historic St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio will introduce Esencia, a new restaurant led by James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila. Esencia aims to capture the true essence of San Antonio cuisine by blending Spanish, Mexican, and Asian culinary traditions, reflecting Davila’s Chinese and Mexican heritage.
Innovative Culinary Offerings
Esencia’s menu features a fusion of flavors, including:
- Carne Asada Frites: Wagyu ribeye served with potato pavé, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri, and heirloom corn tortillas.
- Arroz con Pollo: Cornish hen ballotine accompanied by mole amarillo, huitlacoche, squash fried rice, wok-fried vegetables, and miso aioli.
- Duck & Flower: Asian-spiced duck breast paired with hibiscus and Texas pecan mole.
The beverage program will showcase a dynamic mix of Asian spirits, tequilas, mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers, and an extensive selection of wines. Creative cocktails such as the Smoked Old Fashioned and Cherry Blossom Sour will also be featured on the menu.
Atmosphere and Design
Esencia’s interior design reflects San Antonio’s deep historical roots and vibrant culture, mirroring the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. The space will feature Spanish influences, including a large stone fountain in the center of the room, and a mural of clouds during sunset on the ceiling. The dining room aims to recreate the feel of a Spanish courtyard with gentle lighting and verdant olive trees.
Private Dining Experiences
The restaurant will offer private dining experiences in three distinct areas:
- Main Room: Spanish decor with a 14-foot mahogany table for 14-16 guests.
- Shanghai Room: Asian-inspired elements for up to 20 people.
- Mezzanine: Seats up to 40 with access to the balcony patio.
Esencia is set to open this winter at the St. Anthony Hotel, located in the 300 block of East Travis Street. An exact opening date has not been announced yet.
Background
Chef Leo Davila has garnered considerable attention for his offerings in recent years, first at the late Stixs & Stone, and most recently with the opening of Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, also in the St. Anthony. Esencia represents his second venture at the hotel, following the success of Anacacho Coffee & Cantina, which opened in May 2025. The restaurant takes over the space formerly occupied by Rebelle, which closed in January 2025. The move to St. Anthony presented a creative challenge for Davila’s team in naming the restaurant. Eventually, the name “Esencia” was chosen, perfectly encapsulating the concept of embodying the essence of San Antonio.
For more information and updates on Esencia’s opening, visit the St. Anthony Hotel’s official website or follow their social media channels.
Key Features of Esencia
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Anthony Hotel, 300 block of East Travis Street, San Antonio, Texas |
| Opening Date | Winter 2025 (exact date to be announced) |
| Chef | James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila |
| Menu | Fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, including Carne Asada Frites, Arroz con Pollo, and Duck & Flower |
| Beverage Program | Asian spirits, tequilas, mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers, wines, and creative cocktails like Smoked Old Fashioned and Cherry Blossom Sour |
| Design | Spanish influences with a large stone fountain, mural of clouds during sunset, and a dining room resembling a Spanish courtyard with olive trees |
| Private Dining | Main Room, Shanghai Room, and Mezzanine, accommodating 14-40 guests |
What is Esencia?
Esencia is a new restaurant opening this winter at the historic St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio, led by James Beard-nominated chef Leo Davila. The restaurant aims to capture the true essence of San Antonio cuisine by blending Spanish, Mexican, and Asian culinary traditions, reflecting Davila’s Chinese and Mexican heritage.
When is Esencia opening?
Esencia is set to open this winter at the St. Anthony Hotel, located in the 300 block of East Travis Street. An exact opening date has not been announced yet.
What is the menu like at Esencia?
Esencia’s menu features a fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian flavors, including dishes like Carne Asada Frites, Arroz con Pollo, and Duck & Flower. The beverage program will showcase a mix of Asian spirits, tequilas, mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers, and an extensive selection of wines, along with creative cocktails such as the Smoked Old Fashioned and Cherry Blossom Sour.
What is the atmosphere and design of Esencia?
Esencia’s interior design reflects San Antonio’s deep historical roots and vibrant culture, mirroring the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. The space will feature Spanish influences, including a large stone fountain in the center of the room, and a mural of clouds during sunset on the ceiling. The dining room aims to recreate the feel of a Spanish courtyard with gentle lighting and verdant olive trees.
What private dining experiences are available at Esencia?
Esencia will offer private dining experiences in three distinct areas: the Main Room, Shanghai Room, and Mezzanine, accommodating parties ranging from 14 to 40 guests.
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