Update Oct 26, 2023

I had the pleasure of revisiting Essence after their recent remodel. As expected, the food, atmosphere, and service were phenomenal. It’s refreshing to see a restaurant keeping things fresh. Sometimes “familiar” is comfortable – but “new” doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. The owners at Essence seem to understand that.

The new decor is a nice touch (I LOVE the green/yellow theme they have going on). It’s enough for me to bump them up to a “4” for atmosphere. The changes weren’t drastic, but they were enough to breathe new life into the restaurant.

Another welcome change was the revamped menu. Again, the changes weren’t too drastic – but the new options were an exciting addition. They greatly expanded their salad options (Jason’s micro greens salad is a favorite!), and added some excellent new small plates.

Essence continues to impress year after year. The quad cities are much better off with them here. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

Original Review:

Food

I’ve been to Essence several times now, and I’ve never been disappointed. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the menu offers a wide variety of options to choose from. I’ve tried everything from the seared scallops to the filet mignon, and everything has been delicious.

Service

The service at Essence is also excellent. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and they go above and beyond to make sure you have a great dining experience. Our water is always topped off and I rarely have to even ask for a second round. It’s clear that the owners really care about their business. They put a lot of effort into every detail.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Essence is one of my favorite things about the restaurant. It’s warm and inviting, without being too stuffy. The decor is gorgeous, and the lighting is perfect. It’s the perfect place to go for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Price

The prices at Essence are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and service. I’ve never felt like I’ve overpaid for my meal. Often, I find myself amazed at how low the bill is when it comes!

Conclusion

Overall, Essence Kitchen + Bar is a fantastic restaurant. It’s the perfect place to go for a delicious meal, great service, and a relaxed atmosphere. If you haven’t been to Essence Kitchen + Bar before, you’ll want to make a reservation for your next date night.

Some additional side notes and recommendations:

• It’s best to make a reservation, especially if you plan on eating there on the weekend
• The bacon wrapped dates and wild mushroom salad are a few of my personal favorites