One of San Antonio’s most celebrated chefs is breathing new life into the St. Anthony Hotel. James Beard Award nominee Leo Davila will open his new downtown restaurant, Esencia, at the historic 300 E Travis St property this winter, serving an innovative menu that blends Spanish, Mexican, Asian, and New American cuisines.
The 130-seat, two-level restaurant is nestled in the former home of Rebelle, which shuttered in January. Davila, most known for Stix & Stone, made his debut at the St. Anthony in May, converting Haunt bar into Anacacho Coffee & Cantina.
At its root, Esencia’s menu is biographical, drawing inspiration from Davila’s dual Chinese and Mexican heritage while using Texas-sourced ingredients like prime beef, wild game, heirloom vegetables, and Gulf seafood.
Longtime fans of the chef will be happy to know that his signature Barbacoa & Big Red tacos still anchor the menu. The famed dish pays homage to his grandfather’s love of watermelon and Davila’s West Side youth, adding pickled rind to the familiar soda and meat combo.
Esencia's menu combines Spanish, Mexican, Asian, and New American cuisines.Photo by Clint Walker, Charlie Walker Creative
“Esencia is more than a name – it’s a philosophy,” explains Davila in a release. “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.
Other menu standouts include carne asada frites with wagyu ribeye and potato pavé and a riff on arroz con pollo built around cornish hen ballotine (stuffed meat rolled into a log) and mole amarillo. Asian influences are seen in dishes like Duck and Flower, a spiced duck breast with hibiscus and pecan mole, and a playful take on takeout beef and broccoli with tartare and broccoli mole.
The beverage program tells the same cross-cultural story, highlighting tequilas, mezcals, Texas whiskeys, Asian spirits, craft beers, and a curated wine list that includes Texas, West Coast, Mexico, and global bottles. The cocktails range from a boozy smoked old fashioned to the Cherry Blossom Sour, a lighter sip with sake, gin honey, and egg white.
A smoked old fashioned is one of the highlights of the cocktail menu.Photo by Clint Walker, Charlie Walker Creative
Photo by Clint Walker, Charlie Walker Creative
This is no takeout beef and broccoli.
The interiors bring in another nod to the past. Details like cantera stone, wrought iron accents, and a terracotta and sage color palette pay tribute to San Antonio’s early Canary Island settlers. Alamo City artist Regina Moya painted cloud-like murals overhead to evoke the languorous feel of a Spanish courtyard.
Esencia will reveal its exact opening date in the coming weeks, Once open, private dining for parties of 14-40 will be available in the three private spaces: the Main Room, Shanghai Room, and the Mezzanine.
“We are thrilled to unveil Esencia to the public soon,” says St. Anthony General Manager Maria Martinez in a statement. “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.”
