Essenza

Name: Essenza
Address: 210 Kensington Park Road Notting Hill Gate, London, United Kingdom, W11 1NR
Telephone: 020 7792 1066
Price range: £26 to £40
Rating: 4.6

4.6

189 Reviews

£26 to £40

Italian

Top tags:

It’s no great leap to surmise that Essenza means 'essence' in Italian. What you get in this smart, intimate neighbourhood trattoria is the essence of fresh, seasonal, Italian cooking. This boxy little spot is simply trendy, with persimmon banquettes, white table cloths, wood chairs, a smart little bar, and it is packed to the gills with similarly smart and trendy Notting Hill locals who all seem to know the waiters and each other. The menu roams the regions, featuring excellent standards like starter of caprese or beef carpaccio, home made pastas like fettuccine with porcini mushrooms and bacon sauce, main course of grilled selection of shellfish, and dessert of chocolate and coffee tiramisu. The mostly Italian wine list features a couple of nice grappas, too. Express Business Lunch and thoughtful Children’s Menu are welcome extras.

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No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

27 Jun 2022

June 2022

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

19:00

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

020 7792 1066

Delivery

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:45–22:30
Phone number
020 7792 1066
Website
http://www.essenza.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual

Location
210 Kensington Park Road Notting Hill Gate London, W11 1NR
Area
Notting Hill
Cross Street
Located between Elging Crescent and Westbourne Park Road
Parking Details
Parking Meters coin operated or pay by phone from: Controlled Hours Mon to Fri 8.30 to 18.30 SAT 8.30 TO 13.30 Single yellow lines.Resident parking for Kensington and Chelsea residents free at all time and free to all from: From 22.30 Mon to Friday Sat 13.30 to Sunday inclusive
Public Transit
Notting Hill Gate 15 min walkLadbroke Grove 10 min walkBus 52, 7, 23
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wine

What 189 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Energetic

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DA
DanielA
London
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall2food2service1ambience4
Food was standard but the service was not great. It seems to be they could not handle the amount of people. The staff were just rude. Food was okay but the price is actually too high for what it actually is.
D
David
London
129 reviews
vip
2.0
129 reviews
Dined on 30 May 2022
overall2food2service3ambience2
The food is average. The tagliatelle with fresh black shaved truffle was disappointing for the price of the dish. It would have been better if the truffle was shaved at the table. It was nothing special. Had better elsewhere.
AJ
AJ0013
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 17 April 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall great experience, excellent food and top notch service.
R
Roberto
London
22 reviews
vip
3.0
22 reviews
Dined on 15 April 2022
overall3food3service5ambience3
Good appetisers. The pasta was average. Probably because the restaurant was busy
S
Seaweed
London
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 12 March 2022
overall5food4service5ambience2
Nice Italian restaurant, but no musicso was very quiet. Clam pasta and calamari was delicious
f
fooodee
Vancouver
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 10 January 2022
overall3food3service1ambience2
I booked on opentable for 10:30pm and arrived on time for my reservation strong, and was treated like dirt by the staff. "Order quick" One of the staff members took out his broom to clean the restaurant up before close... at my feet. Paid 27 gbp for frozen raviolis. Not ideal
EssenzaResponded on 4 February 2022
Dear Sir, I thank you for taking time to review our restaurant. I am extremely sorry you did not enjoy your visit. We close at 10.30 and last order is 10.30, this is not an excuse as service should be right all the times. I hope you will try us again and if you ask for me i will make sure i will make up for it. Yours Faithfully Stefano
SR
SasR
London
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 7 January 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Yummy food. Always reliably good. It’s definitely cosier when full but that aside, worth the visit. Friendly Italian staff.
I
Iknowmysteaks
London
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on 2 December 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Warm welcome, nice atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff. Food was delicious.
DT
DavidT
London
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on 13 November 2021
overall3food2service3ambience4
Some tasty food but overpriced.
NR
NicoleR
Phoenix
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 9 October 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
We selected Essenza for our last meal in London. It did not let down. We arrived for our reservation and were promptly seated. The drinks and food were fantastic and they were very accommodating with my request to add chicken to my pasta dish. I would highly recommend the spaghetti olio and this restaurant!
P
Pluto
London
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 28 July 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food; great kitchen; very pleasant, competent W aiter
e
elisab
London
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 20 June 2021
overall2food1service3ambience3
Essenza is a very cute restaurant in a very trendy area in Notting Hill. We sat outside. There were 5 of us on a Sunday lunch and I had: parmigiana, very very poor, not fresh. It seemed reheated over and over Arancini, poor, rice overcooked and they seemed old prosciutto, good penne all arrabbiata, overcooked pasta quality and full of sauce (definitely not fresh). Being Italian, II can tell. It was one of the worst pasta I have ever tried and none of us at th table could eat. Terrible Cotoletta Milanese, average roasted potatoes, good We spent £190, super expensive! I wouldn't have minded if the food would have been good. It's a pity as the space is really lovely
M
Michel
London
7 reviews
vip
1.0
7 reviews
Dined on 16 June 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
Food is so disappointing, had to re order three times because they kept forgetting my order. Buratta wasn’t as good as some from Waitrose, ravioli are clearly not handmade, one of my orders wasn’t served. Will never return
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 16 June 2021
overall4food5service2ambience3
We were seated outside but it was pouring with rain and we weren’t offered indoor seating. Service indifferent and brusque. Food reliably good though.
NB
NiklasvB
London
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 4 November 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday Dinner at this long-standing Notting Hill gem was once again outstanding. Can’t wait to return once the restrictions are lifted. Perfect for family dinners and casual dining. Perhaps a little pricey but worth it.
JP
JonP
London
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 26 September 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect for that casual evening meet with a few friends. Food great, service perfect. We dined during Covid restrictions and they struck the right balance between looking after us and hitting that ‘home by ten’ deadline without making us feel rushed or uncomfortable. Thank you.
k
klvinci
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 September 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Essenza is always our first choice in the neighborhood. There food is top notch, and the service is great.
MP
MarkP
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 18 September 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Generally very good food, fair portions and decent service ... when you can get their attention. Having said that, there are only a few wait staff and they are very busy. They did forget my coffee but got it too me quickly once I reminded them.
SK
ScottK
London
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 12 September 2020
overall4food5service4ambience4
Really good authentic Italian. Service was first rate and the food is consistently good. There was a larger group that made the noise levels higher but normally mainly couples and smaller groups. In my view the best Italian in Notting Hill.
d
dianam
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 23 August 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I’m looking for an Italian local that is a bit cheaper so I can go once or twice a week. Essenza is lovely but quite expensive.
S
Shana
London
83 reviews
vip
1.0
83 reviews
Dined on 19 August 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
Not impressed by the arrogant attitude of staff and management of Essenza. In these difficult time for restaurants, their attitude was that of doing us a favour with a surly welcome when we arrived and being totally uncaring about my seat right next to the front door with all and sundry passing by. Followed by seating other diners further inside who arrived after us.
C
Chawton
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 4 August 2020
overall3food3service4ambience4
Our first "date night" after lock-down on a Tuesday evening. Classic Italian menu, the salads were good and fresh while the tuna tartar was very good and a generous portion, although a little more seasoning wouldn't have gone amiss. Our service was excellent, attentive but not overwhelming. My partner's veal masala was excellent, rich and tasty, served with fresh peas. My grilled mixed seafood was a bit disappointing: the squid was good and well cooked but the prawns were mixed, some good but some mushy, while the monkfish was just thumb sized. A reasonable wine list although it starts to get pricey quickly, for what is really a neighbourhood Italian. All in all we'll be back but will be very cautious about the seafood.
PM
PatrickM
Chicago
59 reviews
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on 18 February 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this restaurant! Only a block off the really busy portobello road and a fun and tasty location. Well worth the lunchtime visit. The food was delicious and the service experience was great with just the right amount of attention! Gem in this area!
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 February 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love it. The food is incredible as is the service
c
christinah
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 25 January 2020
overall5food3service4ambience5
Food is amazing !
DP
DanielP
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 January 2020
overall5food5service5ambience3
Everytthing authentically Italian and delicious.
P
Paul
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 December 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really good restaurant with great quality food and very big portion sizes. All 11 of us were very happy with our food. Even the hosue red was amazing. Would recommend and go again. We went for a Christmas dinner and per head came to £45 all in including tip and we didn't skimp on the menu. Very happy and highly recommend. Staff are very friendly and all have that Italian flair. A great evening was had by all.
EL
ELENAG
London
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
Good food, cosy place, nice service and price in line with the overall quality. We have a new favourite italian resturant in the neightbourdhood.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always looking forward to next visit on New Years Eve
PH
PeterH
Nashville
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on 18 October 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
All you would expect from a well established Italian restaurant. Lunch for five old friends was fine.
A
Alfonso
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 6 August 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Comida en familia muy agradable, destacar la atención de Juan Carlos el camarero
C
Cybermenou74
London
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 5 July 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian near home
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 23 June 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Even though we had a late reservation, they accommodated all of our requests and were very pleasant and friendly. The food was excellent! Would definitely eat here again.
s
saram
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 22 June 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service! They prepared a nice birthday song with dessert for my husbands birthday.
SB
SouthBeach
Chicago
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 13 June 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as usual A favorite when in London
A
Anna
Los Angeles
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 17 April 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
Wonderful meal in a cozy spot in Notting Hill. The staff was very friendly, and they even re-made a pasta for me to cater to my dietary needs! Both the pasta and the fish were fresh and delicious. We will definitely try to get back soon - thank you all so much!
N
Nafez
London
21 reviews
vip
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on 28 February 2019
overall3food4service2ambience3
Service greatly fluctuates - pretty disappointing this time
m
mirandad
London
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 23 February 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent fresh ingredients expertly prepared. Intimate small bistro ambiance, quiet enough for our whole party to be able to chat together without shouting — overall wonderful place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 14 February 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing!!
NB
NiklasvB
London
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 10 February 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect Sunday Night Dinner, the service was great, the meal excellent. A true Neighbourhood gem and always a reliable Italian with a solid wine list and excellent specials.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waiting staff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Essenza using the Order Online button. Essenza also offers delivery in partnership with Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Essenza also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 020 7792 1066.

Essenza is rated 4.6 stars by 189 OpenTable diners.

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