Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Brisbane
  4. Inner Suburbs
  5. Fortitude Valley
Essa Restaurant, Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD

Essa Restaurant

4.7
4.7
561 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 reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 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

Featured in

Experiences

  • Five Chefs, Five Plates

    A$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 561 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

561 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was amazing, service and food amazing. Can't wait to come back.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Gold Coast

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service - enjoyed it all. Love going to Essa

    Is this helpful?

  3. Michael

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Normally would be an evening event but lunch turned out to be an even better experience. The restaurant was quiet (in term of numbers) but three tables at the front including us were very much enjoying themselves! The degustation menu was fantastic and we enjoyed ourselves over a leisurely 2 1/2 hours. A very very french focused wine menu would have been a challenge to navigate but chief waiter/sommelier was on point and knew his stuff - thanks for some nice recommendations. As Arnie might have said - we'll be back.....

    Is this helpful?

  4. ChristineA

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The $66 pp deal on a Wednesday is an absolute steal! The food is exquisite and the service is excellent. The wine list is beautiful and well thought out. You can't go wrong.

    Is this helpful?

  5. sharond

    Warwickshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 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?

  6. WadeR

    Sunshine Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Interesting food and calming ambience. Relaxed and easy going atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  7. ReginaN

    Sunshine Coast

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    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?

  8. Hamish

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 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?

  9. BMuangsong

    Gold Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend for couple, foods were too good. Will be back x

    Is this helpful?

  10. nickO

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 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?

  11. RickH

    Deactivated - Far North Queensland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, nice wine, top service. Would visit again and recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  12. AndyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for the Sunday school long lunch was delicious and interesting meal. Friendly staff and great wine list.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Sarahlunchalot

    Brisbane

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 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?

  14. David

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 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?

  15. LindaW

    London

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 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?

  16. GeorgeL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 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?

  17. BreeD

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 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?

  18. Shanon

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Limited menu Unique wine selections Good ambience Too cold inside

    Is this helpful?

  19. DianneV

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was exquisite and service impeccable! Wine knowledge was impressive & very creative dishes. Wine pairing worked really well.

    Is this helpful?

  20. PaulM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 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?

  21. KatrinaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 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?

  22. JonathanD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 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?

  23. AdamB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, nice and quiet restaurant with chill music. Service was outstanding. Definitely returning for another enjoyable night out.

    Is this helpful?

  24. JodieS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband & I enjoyed a wonderful dinner for our anniversary. Superb service, magnificent food, brilliant wines. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  25. AdrianD

    Canberra

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 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?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 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?

  27. AmandaF

    Gold Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 10, 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?

  28. AdamB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 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?

  29. MattB

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 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?

  30. CrishanH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 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?

  31. TonyH

    Brisbane

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service is great , it's 2nd time I celebrate birthday in here !

    Is this helpful?

  32. CourtenayC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely delicious. The classics done well but the black angus duck and honey salami unique!

    Is this helpful?

  33. Julqld

    Brisbane

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding experience with the tasting menu. Service was also 5 star

    Is this helpful?

  34. Gazzil1

    Gold Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and good servings. Wine was excellent also

    Is this helpful?

  35. CarlyG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 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?

  36. KerryG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent. Wait staff very friendly and a very well selected music set played in the background. Thankyou.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Evo7

    London

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place with a great team, delish menu and thoughtful drinks Recommend for couples and double dates

    Is this helpful?

  38. AnnaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very attentive friendly & informative staff. Food beyond expectations.. .. eat the kingdom Clean loo’s ✅ Relaxed ambience with little prentensions

    Is this helpful?

  39. LeanneH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 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?

  40. Tracey

    Sunshine Coast

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 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?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer 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 561 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Essa Restaurant

181 Robertson St, Fortitude Valley, AU-QLD 4006

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    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

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo