New Restaurant, Esencia, Opens Soon at The St. Anthony Hotel in Downtown San Antonio       The St. Anthony Hotel Unveils new restaurant, Esencia, showcasing Chef Leo Davila’s San Antonio roots and Asian heritage. Acclaimed local Chef Leo Davila and the St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hot el – a AAA Four Diamond historic hotel located in the heart of downtown San Antonio – are pleased to unveil details for its new restaurant concept, Esencia, opening this coming winter. Esencia will feature 130 seats, a two-level dining room, elevated cuisine, exceptional service, craft cocktails, private dining experiences and more, all located inside the luxurious St. Anthony Hotel.       A Distinctive Culinary Blend Esencia will reflect the culinary spirit of modern-day San Antonio – diverse, dynamic and deeply rooted in history, creating an experience that feels unmistakably local, yet globally inspired. The approach blends the flavors and traditions of Spanish, Mexican and Asian cultures – all rooted in Chef Leo’s Chinese and Mexican heritage – with a New American sensibility celebrating innovation, local ingredients and the art of cultural storytelling through cuisine. Awarding Winning Chef Chef Leo, who has made a name for himself with multiple award wins, celebrated concepts and a James Beard Award nomination, is thrilled to take the helm of the latest restaurant to grace the halls of the St. Anthony Hotel. Under his direction, the menu at Esencia will be a vibrant celebration of the state’s rich culinary landscape, showcasing prime Texas beef, wild game, Gulf seafood and fresh heirloom vegetables. The Food The menu will feature specialties such as Carne Asada Frites served with Wagyu ribeye, potato pave, avocado salad, Asian chimichurri and heirloom corn tortillas; a reimagined Arroz con Pollo with cornish hen ballotine, mole amarillo, huitlacoche and squash fried rice, wok fried vegetable medley and miso aioli; a modern interpretation on Beef and Broccoli featuring tartare-style Asian-spiced Wagyu beef and beets, lemongrass aioli, broccoli mole and pickled red onion; as well as the Duck Flower, an Asian-spiced duck breast with a hibiscus and Texas pecan mole. The Drinks Esencia’s beverage program will showcase a dynamic mix of Asian spirits, tequilas and mezcals, Texas whiskeys, beers and an extensive selection of wines. Guests can explore inventive cocktails such as the Smoked Old Fashioned, crafted with an exclusive bourbon from Anacacho Coffee Cantina’s Barrel Program in partnership with Garrison Brothers, as well as the Cherry Blossom Sour featuring sake, gin, lemon, cherry blossom honey and egg white. The Wine A thoughtfully curated and diverse wine program will pair with the unique flavor profiles of Chef Leo’s menu. The wine program spotlights four key regions – Texas, the West Coast, Mexico and select Worldwide producers – highlighting the unique qualities and flavors each region offers. The menu at Esencia includes thoughtful nods to Chef Leo’s upbringing. His dishes pay homage to impactful people and moments in his life, like his signature Barbacoa Big Red Tacos – a staple of the west side of San Antonio where he grew up, but enhanced with a pickled watermelon rind that honors his grandfather’s love of the fruit. All of Chef Leo’s dishes marry tradition with inventive, contemporary twists, offering guests a memorable journey of flavor, culture and personal connection. “Esencia is more than a name – it’s a philosophy,” said Chef Leo Davila. “In Spanish, Esencia means ‘essence,’ and our mission is to capture the true essence of San Antonio cuisine. This city has a story to tell, and food is my way of sharing it. Bringing Esencia to life has been a dream come true – every detail, every guest, and every dining experience matters. For too long, San Antonio has been overlooked in the Texas culinary landscape. That changes now. My team and I are proud to be part of a new wave of chefs highlighting the depth, heritage and creativity that make this city extraordinary – and to help put San Antonio firmly on the ‘new Tejano’ culinary map.” A Design Forward Experience   Esencia’s interior design is a thoughtful reflection of San Antonio’s deep historical roots and its vibrant, multifaceted culture, mirroring the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Spanish influences, from the cantera stone fountain in the center of the restaurant, to wrought-iron detailing and more can be seen throughout the space, paying homage to the Canary Islanders that settled in San Antonio more than 300 years ago. The space will be adorned with a carefully curated color palette, featuring warm yet muted shades such as terracotta, sage green, various teals and creamy off-whites, among others. Local artist Regina Moya was commissioned to create sunset clouds on the ceiling, giving the space an atmospheric aesthetic. Esencia’s main dining room brings back the original intended design which mimics the appearance of a Spanish courtyard, with warm lighting and olive trees placed throughout to help create a sense of place. Esencia will be a place for casual gatherings and major celebrations alike. The restaurant is pleased to offer guests a variety of private dining options, including the Main Room with Spanish decor and a 14 foot mahogany table that seats 14-16; the Shanghai Room with Asian inspired elements that can accommodate up to 20 guests; and the Mezzanine, which seats 30-40 people in a comfortable and intimate setting with drapes for privacy and access to the balcony patio. “We are thrilled to unveil Esencia to the public soon,” said St. Anthony General Manager Maria Martinez. “The restaurant is a natural extension of our hotel’s legacy and of San Antonio’s vibrant culinary culture. Esencia is not only an exceptional amenity for our hotel guests, but also a gathering place for our San Antonio community. We can’t wait to open our doors and share it with everyone.” Our Local Partners  Esencia’s creation is made possible with the expertise of several key local partners, including Richard Garcia with Reasonable Remodelers, Stan Gluza with Doortex, Alan Petlin Gourmet Floors, Chris Greer with Saylee-Greer Landscape Architecture, artist Regina Moya and Nicole Pulley with Interior Affairs. Esencia is located at 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205 at the St. Anthony Hotel. Additional details, including its opening date will be revealed in the weeks to come. For more information about the St. Anthony Hotel, visit www.thestanthonyhotel.com.     ABOUT THE ST. ANTHONY, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL Established in 1909, The St. Anthony Hotel is a historic luxury destination located in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Known as the “Queen of San Antonio,” the hotel has long been a gathering place for royalty, celebrities and global tastemakers.  A proud member of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, The St. Anthony seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication, featuring beautifully adorned rooms, award-winning culinary experiences, and over 30,000 square feet of distinctive indoor and outdoor event space. Just steps from the River Walk and the Alamo, the hotel provides a refined gateway to timeless luxury and the cultural soul of San Antonio. For more information, visit www.thestanthonyhotel.com or follow along on Instagram at @thestanthonyhotel. ABOUT CHEF LEO DAVILA Proudly born and raised in San Antonio, Chef Leo Davila brings a deep understanding of the city’s culinary heritage to his work. Drawing from his Mexican and Chinese roots, Leo has developed a distinctive style that blends sweet and savory elements, creating a vibrant fusion of both cuisines. His innovative approach to San Antonio regional fare has earned widespread recognition, including a James Beard Award nomination, becoming a Food Network Chef alumnus, ranking #3 on the San Antonio Express-News’ Top 25 Mexican Restaurants in 2024 and securing the #8 spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Best Tacos list. Leo has served as a Chef Ambassador for San Antonio’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, representing the city on a global stage. In spring 2024, he traveled to Shunde, China, participating in a Guinness World Record event while showcasing San Antonio cuisine to more than 1,000 festival attendees. Chef Leo now proudly leads the culinary programs at Esencia and Anacacho Coffee Cantina at the historic St. Anthony Hotel in downtown San Antonio, TX. ...read more read less