San Antonio, December 12, 2025
The historic St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio will debut a new restaurant called Esencia this winter. Led by acclaimed chef Leo Davila, the restaurant will offer a unique fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian cuisines. The opening of Esencia underscores the city’s evolving dining scene and the resilience of local businesses. Davila’s innovative menu includes exciting dishes and creative cocktails that reflect his cultural heritage. As the city continues to support local eateries post-pandemic, the anticipation for Esencia is growing among San Antonio residents.
San Antonio, Texas – The historic St. Anthony Hotel is poised to enhance its culinary offerings with the upcoming debut of Esencia, a new restaurant set to open this winter. With acclaimed chef Leo Davila at the helm, Esencia will feature a unique fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, drawing inspiration from Davila’s rich heritage. This venture highlights the ongoing entrepreneurial spirit in San Antonio, showcasing how local chefs are continually innovating to elevate the city’s dining scene.
As San Antonio—known for its vibrant culinary culture—continues to rebound post-pandemic, the introduction of Esencia emphasizes the potential for local businesses to thrive. Unsurprisingly, the restaurant landscape benefits from a relatively low regulatory burden, which has allowed passionate entrepreneurs like Davila to explore their creativity and cater to a diverse clientele. There is much excitement surrounding Esencia, particularly as the city increasingly recognizes the importance of supporting local ventures that contribute to economic growth.
### A Glimpse into Esencia’s Offerings
Esencia will offer guests a diverse menu featuring exciting dishes such as Carne Asada Frites with Wagyu ribeye, Arroz con Pollo accompanied by Cornish hen ballotine, and Duck & Flower, an Asian-spiced duck breast complemented with hibiscus and Texas pecan mole. The innovative beverage program will include creative cocktails, such as the Smoked Old Fashioned and Cherry Blossom Sour, alongside an impressive selection of wines sourced from Texas, the West Coast, Mexico, and select international vineyards.
### Captivating Design Reflecting Local Heritage
The design of Esencia pays homage to San Antonio’s rich history, weaving in Spanish architectural influences. Features such as a cantera stone fountain and wrought-iron accents add to the character of the dining venue. The inviting atmosphere will be enhanced by a vibrant mural of sunset clouds, crafted by local artist Regina Moya. The main dining area has been thoughtfully designed to evoke a Spanish courtyard, complete with olive trees and warm, inviting lighting.
### Transition from Rebelle to Esencia
Esencia will occupy the space formerly held by Rebelle, which closed earlier this year. The change comes as the St. Anthony Hotel seeks to refresh its dining experience and meet the evolving tastes of San Antonio’s residents and visitors. As the opening date approaches, excitement surrounding Esencia is rapidly building, with locals eagerly anticipating what Davila has prepared for the culinary stage.
### Meet Chef Leo Davila
Chef Leo Davila is no stranger to the culinary world. A James Beard Award nominee, Davila is known for his inspiring approach to cuisine, embracing the flavors and traditions of his Chinese and Mexican heritage. He previously opened Anacacho Coffee & Cantina at the St. Anthony Hotel in May 2025, illustrating his commitment to creating memorable dining experiences in downtown San Antonio.
### Conclusion: Supporting Local Dining Ventures
Esencia represents more than just a new restaurant; it embodies the resilience and innovation found within San Antonio’s small business community. As diners look forward to the opening, this venture serves as a reminder of the vital role that local entrepreneurs play in enriching the cultural and economic fabric of the city. Supporting establishments like Esencia not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to a dynamic culinary landscape that San Antonio can proudly call its own.
### FAQ
What is Esencia?
Esencia is a new restaurant opening this winter at the historic St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. It is led by acclaimed chef Leo Davila and will offer a fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, reflecting Davila’s Chinese and Mexican heritage.
What dishes will be featured on Esencia’s menu?
Esencia’s menu will feature dishes such as Carne Asada Frites with Wagyu ribeye, Arroz con Pollo with Cornish hen ballotine, and Duck & Flower, an Asian-spiced duck breast with hibiscus and Texas pecan mole.
When is Esencia expected to open?
The opening date for Esencia has not been announced yet, but it is expected to occur this winter.
Who is Chef Leo Davila?
Chef Leo Davila is a James Beard Award nominee known for his innovative cuisine that blends his Chinese and Mexican heritage. He previously opened Anacacho Coffee & Cantina at the St. Anthony Hotel in May 2025.
Where is Esencia located?
Esencia is located at the St. Anthony Hotel, a historic property in downtown San Antonio, Texas.
### Key Features of Esencia
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | St. Anthony Hotel, San Antonio, Texas |
| Chef | Leo Davila, James Beard Award nominee |
| Cuisine | Fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Asian flavors |
| Menu Highlights | Carne Asada Frites, Arroz con Pollo, Duck & Flower |
| Design | Spanish influences, cantera stone fountain, wrought-iron details |
| Opening Date | Expected this winter; exact date to be announced |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
