La Esencia Review

A LITTLE CORNER OF AUSTRIA

This restaurant is tucked away down a little, rather neglected walkway beside the Compostelana Resaurant in the Calle Uruguay (the leading to the Café de Paris). In keeping with the neglected walkway, the sign for the restaurant is also burnt out and not readable so first impression really would be why would you do to this restaurant at all? The answer though is because it is a little gem tucked away at the end of the walkway, a little bit of unexpected elegance.

We arrived without a reservation so were unable sit on the outside patio area which was already full so we sat indoors.  Our first impression was of quiet elegance, with the tables being decorated with little seashells, a floral display and a candle.

There was little wait before we were attended but the whole ambience suggested that this would not be a meal taking place in a rushed environment and quality of the service and food was of utmost importance.

Choices from the menu included tapas, soup, meat and fish dishes with their surprise menu – which I quote says “Our team of creative cooks offer you a special surprise menu.  Let yourself be inspired and choose meat, fish, vegetarian or mixed menu”

I decided to have the entrecot in stroganoff sauce with rice and vegetables and my partner had the Goulash stew with red pepper sauce and potatoes.   Both arrived piping hot and nicely presented.   The entrecot was cooked just as I liked it, and the sauce was very tasty.   My partner said the Goulash was great although he wasn’t so sure about it being served with a fried egg.

We didn’t opt for any dessert but with a bottle of wine and a small bottle of water the total cost of our meal was 50 euros.

We had a relaxing dining experience in an elegant setting served calmly and professionally and would highly recommend this little hidden gem!

 

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