"San Antonio's dining scene just got a whole lot more exciting. On February 4, 2026, James Beard-nominated Chef Leo Davila officially opens the doors to Esencia, a 130-seat culinary destination nestled inside the legendary St. Anthony Hotel. This isn't just another hotel restaurant: it's a deeply personal love letter to San Antonio's multicultural soul, wrapped in Wagyu beef and drizzled with Asian chimichurri."
"What makes Chef Leo's approach stand out in the crowded food service industry? It's biographical cooking at its finest. Drawing from his Mexican and Chinese heritage, he's created a menu that tells his family's story through every dish. In an era where authenticity drives consumer loyalty, this kind of cultural storytelling resonates deeply with diners seeking more than just a meal."
Esencia opens February 4, 2026, as a 130-seat culinary destination inside the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio. Chef Leo Davila, born and raised in the city and a 2026 James Beard Award semi-finalist, leads the kitchen. The menu fuses Spanish, Mexican, and Asian traditions with New American sensibilities, showcasing Wagyu and prime Texas beef, wild game, Gulf seafood, and heirloom vegetables. The concept draws directly from the chef's Mexican and Chinese heritage and family memories, emphasizing cultural storytelling through bold, heritage-rooted flavors aimed at locals, industry professionals, and adventurous diners.
Read at Food & Beverage Magazine
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