Essa Restaurant

Name: Essa Restaurant
Address: 181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD, Australia, 4006
Telephone: (07) 3177 1011
Price range: $41 to $100
Rating: 4.7

4.7

557 Reviews

$41 to $100

Wine Bar

Top tags:

ESSA provides a destination to escape the expected.

Just like the raw interiors in which we reside, our work is simple but considered.

The ethos in the kitchen embraces collaboration with local farmers, hunters and providores, promoting an environmentally conscious approach to the menu. Harvest driven dishes provide the creative parameters for our ever evolving dining experience.

ESSA is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm till late and Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunch from 12pm.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 Nov 2023

7:00 pm

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Wine Bar, Modern Australian, Modern European
Hours of Operation
Lunch Fri, Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(07) 3177 1011
Website
http://www.essa.restaurant/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD 4006
Area
Fortitude Valley
Parking Details
None
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Five Chefs, Five Plates
$66.00 per person
Multiple dates available
A new experimental series taking over Wednesday evenings, providing the younger chefs, guest chefs and local producers with a platform to showcase fresh ideas and menu offerings. Every Wednesday night you can sample Five plates from Five chefs from $66pp -or always under $100. Dishes change weekly so no two weeks are the same. Please note on Wednesdays this is the only menu available and dietary requirements cannot be catered for.

What 557 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Brisbane
Innovative
Inner Suburbs
Innovative
Inner Suburbs
Romantic
Inner Suburbs
Most Booked

557 Reviews

s
sharond
Warwickshire
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous food and fabulous service. Had a lovely Sunday lunch with an old friend and we had time to talk and eat.
Is this helpful?
WR
WadeR
Sunshine Coast
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Interesting food and calming ambience. Relaxed and easy going atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
RN
ReginaN
Sunshine Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thanks to Essa for a wonderful birthday dinner last night. We had the set menu which is truly a taste sensation! The staff were really friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a great vibe with cool music and decor.
Is this helpful?
H
Hamish
Brisbane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An exceptional set menu that was refreshing and surprising. Well timed and friendly service. I look forward to going back soon.
Is this helpful?
BM
BMuangsong
Gold Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommend for couple, foods were too good. Will be back x
Is this helpful?
O
nickO
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food generally superb Nick was fantastic .. knowledgeable on wine and food Glad we tried the deserts... blackberry tart and pepper berry ice cream both excellent Highly recommend
Is this helpful?
RH
RickH
Deactivated - Far North Queensland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, nice wine, top service. Would visit again and recommend.
Is this helpful?
AR
AndyR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 12 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for the Sunday school long lunch was delicious and interesting meal. Friendly staff and great wine list.
Is this helpful?
S
Sarahlunchalot
Brisbane
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
We did set menu and wine pairing. I wasn’t a huge fan of any of the wines. The food was good, interesting but not exactly delicious. Will I hurry back? There are many really great restaurants nearby so unlikely.
Is this helpful?
D
David
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 10 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic dining experience! Great service and food. Food (leave it to us) priced well, cocktails were great but a bit on the expensive side.
Is this helpful?
LW
LindaW
London
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 28 October 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The service was great. The food was also good in quantity and most of it was scrumptious. The wine and beer options suited our taste. Overall an enjoyable night out.
Is this helpful?
GL
GeorgeL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The set menu at ESSA was great! I was dining solo at the bar and enjoyed great interactions with the chef's in the open kitchen. The food was very well balanced, portioned, and interesting.
Is this helpful?
S
Shanon
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 26 October 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
Limited menu Unique wine selections Good ambience Too cold inside
Is this helpful?
BD
BreeD
Brisbane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to this amazing restaurant to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The food was amazing, the staff were extremely attentive and the sommelier was very knowledgeable, providing us some great recommendations. Highly recommended!
Is this helpful?
DV
DianneV
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 26 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was exquisite and service impeccable! Wine knowledge was impressive & very creative dishes. Wine pairing worked really well.
Is this helpful?
PM
PaulM
Brisbane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Service was prompt and friendly, very knowledgable on both wine and food. Arrived early and still got seated and served. Would go again
Is this helpful?
KC
KatrinaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 22 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been wanting to get here for ages and we are so glad we did. Beautiful food, fantastic staff and great atmosphere. Sunday school idea was perfect. Thankyou so much
Is this helpful?
JD
JonathanD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was amazing and very much appreciated the guidance from the sommelier. We sat at the kitchen bar- a little warm from the open wood fire but loved chatting to the chef whilst we ate.
Is this helpful?
AB
AdamB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, nice and quiet restaurant with chill music. Service was outstanding. Definitely returning for another enjoyable night out.
Is this helpful?
JS
JodieS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband & I enjoyed a wonderful dinner for our anniversary. Superb service, magnificent food, brilliant wines. Thank you!
Is this helpful?
AD
AdrianD
Canberra
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Essa is one of our favourite date-night haunts. Excellent high end cuisine, consistently changing quality wine list, and the staff are professional. For us, Essa is one of the special restaurants in the Teneriffe/ New Farm dining precinct.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Brisbane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Yes. Everything about Essa was perfect. Every single person of staff that we interacted with was delightful. The 5 chefs, 5 plates experience was superb. Can't wait to go back again! 🤤
Is this helpful?
AF
AmandaF
Gold Coast
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 10 October 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Our meal took a long time to arrive, over one hour. Which was well worth the wait, however waiter could have explained the delay when we ordered or before we asked where our food was....
Is this helpful?
AB
AdamB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 8 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food and service were excellent We accepted the recommendations for wine and both the wines we had were excellent. The pace was not rushed which suited us perfectly for a Sunday lunch.
Is this helpful?
MB
MattB
Brisbane
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 7 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Essa has been on our list of local restaurants for some time. We booked the second seating which we were so glad for, so we didn’t have to rush. Everything we ate was spectacular, and the wine recommendations also perfect. If you’re a foodie like us, do not hesitate to book an experience at Essa!
Is this helpful?
CH
CrishanH
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 6 October 2023
overall2food2service3ambience5
Have been a few times before and was great. This time was disappointing. Main was cold, kitchen forgot dietaries, left feeling hungry and didn’t get asked if we wanted cheese before dessert so ordered right after main then dessert came out five minutes before. Wouldn’t rush back again.
Is this helpful?
TH
TonyH
Brisbane
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 6 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service is great , it's 2nd time I celebrate birthday in here !
Is this helpful?
CC
CourtenayC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely delicious. The classics done well but the black angus duck and honey salami unique!
Is this helpful?
J
Julqld
Brisbane
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 5 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding experience with the tasting menu. Service was also 5 star
Is this helpful?
G
Gazzil1
Gold Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 5 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and good servings. Wine was excellent also
Is this helpful?
CG
CarlyG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for a special birthday dinner. The service was excellent, the food was incredible. The sommelier paired the wines perfectly to the meals. Will definitely visit again. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
KG
KerryG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 29 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent. Wait staff very friendly and a very well selected music set played in the background. Thankyou.
Is this helpful?
E
Evo7
London
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 28 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place with a great team, delish menu and thoughtful drinks Recommend for couples and double dates
Is this helpful?
AC
AnnaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 27 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very attentive friendly & informative staff. Food beyond expectations.. .. eat the kingdom Clean loo’s ✅ Relaxed ambience with little prentensions
Is this helpful?
LH
LeanneH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 26 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service & lovely staff, tasting menu had interesting food that I wouldn’t ever cook or order, so was perfect! Loved the experience. Keen to come back!
Is this helpful?
T
Tracey
Sunshine Coast
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 23 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a seat at the bar and it was fantastic. They good and the service are second to none.
Is this helpful?
BL
BenL
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasting menu was fantastic, staff friendly and knowledgeable. Very nice atmosphere for a date night, seating at the bar was fun to see the chef preparing the starters
Is this helpful?
KB
KatB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service with amazing and memorable food!
Is this helpful?
N
Nikita
Brisbane
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 20 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food soooo different a beautiful experience. Thank you guys!
Is this helpful?
MH
MattH
Brisbane
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 19 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibe in this little place where the staff are all passionate about their work, and this shows in the high quality of the service, the food, and the drinks. The "Leave it to us" menu was innovative and delicious. A highly skilled presentation of the chefs' art. Definitely go!
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Essa Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 557 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

29 Nov 2023

7:00 pm

Booked 21 times today

Experiences are available.

181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD 4006

Additional information

Area
Fortitude Valley
Hours of Operation
Lunch Fri, Sun 12:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Wine Bar, Modern Australian, Modern European
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.essa.restaurant/
Phone number
(07) 3177 1011

Essa Restaurant

Make a booking

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Classic Restaurants to Dine with Your Significant Other

Experiences

Five Chefs, Five Plates

Menu

What 557 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

How is Essa Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Essa Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information

Featured in

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Classic Restaurants to Dine with Your Significant Other