Essenza- Italian restaurant close to Portabello Market
Portobello Road on a Friday night is not the easiest place to find a table if you haven’t pre-booked, especially if you’re hoping to take your time. Yet even without a reservation, Essenza welcomed us and told us we could have the table for a good hour and a half’.
The tables are organized very close to each other so there is no choice but to overhear the conversations of those around you and to have them overhear yours…
Our waiter had a tough night, managing to spill water on me and bring us one wrong dish.
We were not that hungry and got starters only:
Cappesante -Char-grilled Scottish King scallops served with marinated courgettes.
This dish was cooked to perfection. The courgettes and red peppers which came with it were delicious.
Calamari Char-grilled squid with fresh red chilli, rocket and cherry tomatoes.
The squid was soft and not chewy at all.
We had 2 types of wine:
le Volte, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Igt
From Toscana: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
It was the most expensive wine per glass but definitely worth it.
Sangiovese di Romagna, Riserva, Umberto dei Cesari, Doc 6.50
From Emilia Romagna :100% Sangiovese
Avoid this option!
For dessert we had:
Chocolate and coffee tiramisu- The sweetness was so accurate! It made me very happy!
Panna cotta- I’ve had better…
The espresso was very good and came with some fantastic biscotti. The uneaten ones were taken home with me…
A meal with a starter, a glass of wine, water, dessert and coffee cost around £25. Not cheap but the food was mostly amazing.
Unlike me, better to book on Friday evening…
Address:
210 Kensington Park Road
Notting Hill Gate
London
W11 1NR
Phone:
Tel: 020 7792 1066
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