One of my favorite ben poremba restaurants and love their charcoal grilled items. Highly recommend the escalavida and branzino. We also got the zucchini carpaccio which was flavorful and perfectly cooked. They had a corn gnocci special which I thought was alright compared to the other items on the menu. There drinks are unique too , I got the basil gimlet which was refreshing and enjoyed their selection of wines. My husband got the clay pot negroni which was unique! read more

Esca - Branzino - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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All around incredible experience! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Delicious drinks and meals. The cutest space both inside and out. Will definitely be going back again soon. read more

Esca - Esca spritz - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Amazing dishes which change seasonally very fresh ingredients . Everything ,every time I've gone has been excellent. Beautiful ambiance, love the Indoor and covered outdoor seating as well. I would say it's a romantic,cozy hidden little gem with all the rich wood and candelabras burning to the floor ,the Gucci wallpaper and Upholstered bar seating is very classy and unique The service was exceptional also! It's definitely an excellent experience each time I dine here. read more

My favorite of Ben Poremba's places so far....everything from the ambience to the service to the flavors and textures of every single dish was perfection. When I ordered the Amish chicken, I expected it to be juicy and flavorful but I did not expect the cabbage underneath it to SHINE. Pro tip - I also got a side of the creamy potatoes and the jus that comes with the chicken was the perfect addition to them. Instant comfort. Shout out to the grilled Caesar and the polenta ragu, too. Oh, and my hubby loved the shrimp. Our experience was so great, it is one of the few times we have been planning a return visit even as we dined. read more

This place is amazing. Highly recommend everything there. Also, the dairy free gelato with olive oil and sea salt... exquisite! read more

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Tapas restaurant. Three of us sampled about half the items on the menu. They switch the menu out seasonally. Good out of this world, fantastic service. I would say the three best items were the zucchini (garlicky and olive oil), tuna carpaccio (very refreshing, homemade matzo), oat ok gelato with sea salt and olive oil. I am going to visit here each time I visit StL. read more

Esca is the next big thing in STL by Chef Ben in his quest to revitalize the delmar district. The interior is intimate and immaculate from the Gucci wallpaper as you walk in, to the dripping candles throughout the space. The only downside for a yelper like me is that the dim lighting made it hard to take quality photos of the incredible food--but incredible it is! The elevated woodfire concept brings familiar food with a unique flare to STL. You'll start dinner with some warm bread before moving on to appetizers. I recommend the french onion dip with vegetables and the eggplant as starters. The ceasar salad is grilled and delicious- perfect to share as a starter for two people but wouldnt be bad as an entree for one if not that hungry. This is a shareable dish place so it is good to go with people you dont mind splitting some dishes and potentially the check with. For the entrees, you really can't go wrong. The Chicken with jus is delicious as are the steaks and the various specials like the gnocchi I most recently had. End your meal with grandma's cookies served with a sweet cream dip--DO IT. They are made by the mother of the family and brought in as an assortment of italian cookies with a fun tableside service. The service by the way, is immaculate with often having 2-3 staff members helping ensure quick refills, timely service, and great recommendations as needed. read more

Last night's dinner at Esca was fantastic in every way. The Al fresco ambiance was delightful on the patio where we dined. Of course, last night was one of St. Louis' most perfect. Jeff, Bronwyn and I enjoyed our delicious and perfectly prepared meal. The Escargot was swimming in a garlicky sauce that we soaked up with crusty French bread. The Artichoke Bagna Cauda was a savory delight. Jeff ordered the Speck with Melon. We went all out and ordered the Steak with Chimichimuri, Pork with Hot Peppers and Fire Roasted Eggplant with Tunata. The sommelier assisted in the selection or a perfectly blended Rhône red wine. We took some Truffles to go since we had tickets for a comedy show at the Pageant. Highly recommend Esca! It was a special occasion priced evening for sure. read more

We had a good meal on a Friday night . Reservations were hard to come by but we got an 8.30 pm slot . Service was friendly and efficient and the ambience was beautiful but it was loud in there. The old fashioned was great but my almond rose mock tail was tasty and refreshing as well . There is decent amount of street parking . The covered patio had fans and looked cozy and comfortable. read more

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This is on the list for the best food I've put in my mouth! Cocktails were fun and very boozy and the blistered cherry tomato bruschetta was so delicious that I forgot to take a picture first. The star of the evening was the steak! It was the softest most luxurious cut of beef I have eaten. We sat on the covered patio and it was so cute. Our server was kind and very helpful walking us through the menu. This place is a must go! read more

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Came here for my birthday and loved it! A great addition to the Bengelina group and happy to see them try to redesign and rejuvenate the area. If you've been to other restaurants in the group, when walking in, the decor and ambiance will feel very familiar to you- it kind of feels like home! We got a fee starters, snacks and appetizers including the crudo and escargots. They were very good! We then went with their daily special as the main which was also delicious. Loved the decor. Made a reservation. They also have patio seating which could be so nice during the summer evenings! Can't wait to come back! read more

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Welcome Esca! We are delighted to have you in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is delightful. We started with masterful cocktails. My favorite was the almond old fashioned but the basil gimlet was flavorful. The waiter recommended 2-4 snacks for our group of four. We landed on the cod dip and the onion dip, both wonderful. As well as the roasted vegetables and cheese platter - must gets! Next we picked a variety of entrees - fish, steak and vegetable lasagna. Each were good in their own right. We snagged a bottle of wine for the main course and with the help of the sommelier it was a delightful treat. We didn't have room for dessert but will make room for that next time. Don't miss this new place! read more

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The restaurant is pretty new but overall wasn't super impressed. The environment is VERY loud given how small the place is and it made it really difficult to have a conversation with people at my table. The servers were very nice and friendly but seemed like they had a little too much in their plate. The food itself was quite average. The dip was very unique with the fire roasted strawberries but the chicken was quite average and overpriced in my opinion. They do give complimentary fresh bread though much was nice. Prob wouldn't come again to be honest. read more

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We had a reservation on the covered patio, the service was wonderful, our waiter was attentive and extremely knowledgeable. The cocktail menu was extensive and while a little pricey the drinks were tasty and a good pour. The shared plates were wonderful and we started with the onion dip and anchovies on pita with roasted tomatoes and garlic, both were delicious and enjoyed very much, we then had the Esca salad which was large enough to share and the different lettuces were wonderful and tasty. We then moved to entrees were I had grilled octopus, which was grilled to perfection and very succulent, my wife ordered the steak special which was with a bearnaise and bone marrow sauce, the steak was cooked medium rare as requested but was less than tender as we would have expected. Overall I would give this evening 8/10. We will return! read more

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Went with a group of co workers. We decided to share everything. My favorite was the bruschetta. The tomatoes were perfectly marinated and charred. We also had the grilled Caesar salad and Esca salad. Both were wonderful. Salmon crudo was my least favorite, but I do not love grapefruit. Lamb meatballs and grilled eggplant were wonderful. I was disappointed with my dirty martini. Too much vermouth for my taste, but the wine I ordered after was fantastic. Would definitely recommend and looking to go back with my husband to try more! read more

Esca - Gelato with Olive oil and sea salt. SO AMAZING! Tiramisu was also very good. - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

This place is absolutely stunning. Does not feel like a standard restaurant in St. Louis! Drinks were absolutely amazing- especially the Bellini. As far as food, we ordered a bunch of different things including the steak and gnocchi (special) which were very memorable. Service was top notch per usual. Would absolutely go back again! read more

Esca - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Our dinner was incredible. We had a party of 6 and tried as many things as we could on the menu and shared them all. It was absolutely one of the best meals we have had in St Louis. The olive oil sorbetto with sea salt . Service also impeccable. Highly recommend this place and will be back. read more

Ben Poremba just absolutely never misses. I was super excited to be able to snag a reservation for the soft opening of Esca last night. Walking up to catch my first glimpse of the restaurant, I knew we were in for a treat. Everything about the space is absolutely beautiful, and let's you know you're at an upscale establishment. We were seated and greeted promptly by our server Trey, who was fantastic all evening. We were checked on frequently by several members of staff that were all super friendly and attentive. Absolutely the level of service you look for at a high-end spot like Esca. The food was all absolutely incredible. The Denver strip, possibly the best steak I've ever had in my entire life. My girlfriend and I both also loved the shaved veal and the roasted vegetables. I was elated to see Tiramisu coming out to other tables, as it is my absolute favorite dessert. Then found out they also had a lemon tiramisu as well. Of course, we had to have both! The entire night was made very special by the staff, wishing me a happy birthday as I had booked this for an upcoming birthday. It was awesome they even put a candle in my lemon tiramisu. Thank you to everyone at Esca for making this an absolutely amazing evening, and first experience at Esca. It will most definitely not be my last. I can't wait for warmer weather to go back and dine on the beautiful patio! read more

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The best restaurant we have been in a long time! First class all around, great service, atmosphere and delicious food!! We are so lucky to have Ben Poremba in St. Louis! read more

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I went here with my friend to celebrate our recent job offers and Esca didn't disappoint. The aesthetic of the restaurant is to die for. There was an open patio vibe throughout the entire restaurant thanks to some huge sliding doors! We were seated inside but still felt like we were on a patio. The food was so good. I had the Bellini and split the cherry tomato bruschetta with my friend as an appetizer. Needless to say, it was so full of flavor. I highly recommend as a starter with any meal. Then I had the Amish Chicken. I was initially nervous because fancy restaurants often have small portion sizes but the chicken was so filling. It not only paired well with the bruschetta but was a great stand alone entree - as it was both juicy and flavorful. I'd recommend Esca for a date night, business lunch, or evening out with the girls. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Amazing service, beautiful decor, great service! You should definitely try Grappa. If you don't know what it is ask and you shall receive. read more

Esca - Bar and flowers! - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Really outstanding. Service is on point like the chef's other restaurants, and the food was outstanding. Interior design is compelling, and there's a terrific patio as well. Wine list is mostly south European but very well curated, and the som is extremely knowledgeable and I believe a 3rd level one, which is rare. The food had a lot of Chef Poremba's usual influences, so Moroccan definitely came through. We ordered some charcuterie options, followed by a the market vegetable main (was a blistered eggplant), a wagyu steak, a chicken lasagna presented in an individual roll style, and some sweet potatoes with tahini. Everything we ordered was great, and some was truly outstanding - for me the lasagna, steak and the eggplant were among the best I've had ever. Ingredients were across the board fresh and high quality. I live in, and frequently dine in, Los Angeles which is a larger population market with a very competitive restaurant scene. St Louis bats above it's size on all sorts of things, and Esca was no exception - I would put Esca on my short list if it was in my neighborhood, definitely would be in my top 3 and a frequent visit. Highly recommend! read more

Esca - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

just another amazing spot for STL. anytime Ben Poremba opens up a new spot, everyone's talking about it. I came here little after they intially opened, for a dinner outside the patio while the weather was great. very nice selection of snacks, sharables, main dishes. flavors were amazing and service was ok. I think it was so new that staff were little under trained. I think something they can definitely work on and I'm sure will improve over time as it gets established. I can't wait to come back to try few other dishes next time! read more

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Esca has a great interior and feel. Highly recommend the bread service. We shared some appetizers a grilled Caesar salad and branzino. Everything was very good but we thought the grilled Caesar salad was exceptional. We had outstanding service...Kevin, on top of things and very personable! Overall a very good experience. read more

Nice ambience; personable, competent, and attentive staff. Food was delicious - showing thoughtfulness in the ingredients of the dishes so that the were complementary for a full taste. Food was also beautifully presented. Shrub drinks (mocktails) were also well thought out for nice flavor profiles. It was a relaxing evening with good food and staff. read more

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Snagged a bar reservation on a busy night and didn't mind not having a table one bit. Such a great meal and wonderful service. Luckily, my friend was up for sharing because I wanted to try everything. We settled on the cod dip, bruschetta, octopus, branzino, and potato puree. Everything was absolutely delicious except the cod dip, which we both felt didn't have much flavor. The cocktails were strong but tasty. I can't wait to go back! read more

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It tries hard to be authentic and the prices tell you they think they're already there. I guess it can work in St. Louis. Maybe a St. Louis 3 stars if your standards are low. read more

Oh. My . God . I loved everything about it . The decor the service and the food . All top notch . We had the onion dip to start then the roasted chicken and a delicious pasta dish . Lastly they came by with a cute desert cart and we had lemon tiramisu . Perfectly done!! read more

This is definitely my new favorite of Ben Poremba's restaurants (RIP Olio). From the moment we walked in the door, we loved it. The vibe is perfect. Lively, relaxed, comfortable, trendy. Staff were all friendly and perfectly attentive without being overbearing. We were booked for the bar but when that was full we asked if we could go to a table instead and they gladly obliged. Everything we ordered was delicious. The complementary bread and butter was amazing. Soft, stretchy, pillowy and with a nice crust (Ben knows how to do bread). The octopus appetizer was a winner. For mains, I went with the branzino, my husband the day's steak cut + the peppercorn sauce. We shared the "lettuces" as a side. Prices are high but portions are generous. We were tempted by desert but opted for another round of drinks instead. The wine list is unique, the cocktails are creative, and the after dinner drink selection nicely complements the menu. We will read more

Esca - Esca spritz - very refreshing! - Mediterranean Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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One of the best restaurants we've been to! The service, food, and ambiance are top notch read more

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A new Ben Poremba venue and it's terrific. The menu is not extensive and it is reasonably expensive but the food we got during a recent meal here was exceptional, everything from the starters to the main course was just a cut above what you might find anywhere else. Everything is ala carte FYI.The service was also excellent without hovering. A few minor issues that warrant a heads up, first, it's a noisy place, like hard to carry on a conversation when the place is full. Secondly, and this is for sure not keeping me from returning is the espresso, its served in what could best be described as a full size cup and honestly tasted more like coffee than espresso. Reservations strongly recommended, and they seem to get booked way out. read more

I wish I could give 4.5 stars, which is really what our experience was. The atmosphere is welcoming and feels almost European in its layout. The staff was attentive and friendly, giving us time to enjoy each course at a leisurely pace. I usually don't like most mocktails, but these were exceptional - not too sweet, and really well balanced. The tangerine vanilla concoction was especially delicious! We started with the special - a beet and carrot salad, which was rich, earthy and flavorful. We also ordered the cervelle de canut, which was a little bland. For entrees, my companion had the gnocci special, and I had the Amish chicken. Those gnocci - pillowy and light - some of the best I've ever tasted. The chicken was very well prepared and seasoned, and the jus had a lush texture. I'm delighted to have it here in the neighborhood. read more

So happy we came here for early dinner on a calm Friday evening. Sat in covered patio. Served kindly by so many. Menu is phenomenal of Mediterranean style dishes, as always when Ben Pemba is involved. Brazino is excellent. Esthetics is casually beautiful and calming. Excellent wine menu. Will be back for more! Thank you for a great experience. read more

This place was horrible. I was really disgusted with my visit to Esca. They were out of the chicken and then out of the scallops. There was literally nothing to eat. I ended up pushing around a grilled salad that was wilted and gross. Then, they tired to make up for it by serving free desserts after we already ordered desserts. Additionally, we waited a month and then risked our lives to go there due to the undesirable neighborhood. This experience really ruined my whole evening. I hope I never have to go back to this loud scary place. read more

Esca has the atmosphere nailed down. It's beautiful both inside and out. The cocktails were fantastic and the tapas were presented beautifully. I had the chicken dish for my main and I was very happy. I'll be back! read more

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Our first time dining at Esca. A great experience. Food and cocktails were excellent. Superb service. We will be back. read more

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Unique atmosphere, great food, and the best service I've ever had. Everything was well timed and the staff was friendly, organized, and felt like they were working as a team. read more

Esca is special. Not only is it kicking off a bright future for the area it's in, the food, service, and ambiance are wonderful. The space is gorgeous and one of the most beautifully designed restaurants in STL. One downside is its pretty loud but I still had no issues hearing anyone. As far as service, it's attentive even when insanely busy and the waitstaff are friendly and knowledgable about the menu. Ben is also around and serving customers, he explained the dish my partner ordered (Escalivada) and prepped it at the table. From the free bread and butter to the dessert, each dish was delicious and exciting. My favorite had to be the salad and lemon tiramisu. Highly recommend this spot.. can't wait to go back! read more

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Very good atmosphere, on top of quite a convenient location and parking options. The food was very good. Very well prepared. Highly recommend. read more

Well, me and #MyBoo @ellenmstl left our bubble tonight and dined at @escaondelmar We were blown away by the food, energy, and ambiance of this new restaurant We started with a couple of martinis (I got the Vesper ) Then moved to the appetizers...Onion dip with fresh veggies - - bruschetta with charred tomatoes-- Then wine service that the master Somm chose (Austrian producer ‍). Solid vino Onto the entrées... Gnocchi with street corn purée and the salsiccia with a chimichurri. Both were simultaneously shareable and delicious In the middle of those plates was a nice, big bake potato with cheese sauce placed on top (What the What???) And last but not least, the cannolis. But not just any cannolis - they were lemon flavored . Couple that with a tasty limoncello to round out the culinary experience. #MoriartyParty approved Can't wait to come back soon! read more

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