About This Pub
Ah, Essenza, what a gem in Harrogate! From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, this place really shines with its delicious tapas and mains that leave you wanting more – think fresh, quality grub that's spot on for sharing with friends over a few drinks. The staff are an absolute delight, always friendly and on point, which makes the whole experience feel warm and inviting, like you're catching up with old pals. Prices are fair too, so you won't feel short-changed after indulging in their wines or sangria. On the flip side, though, it's not all perfect; there was that one tale of a long wait and underwhelming food on a busy night, which is a shame for something like a birthday do. Still, with such high praise overall, I'd say it's worth a punt – just maybe book ahead and go on a quieter evening to make the most of it. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for a good feed and a laugh in a cosy setting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely spot on – fresh, hot, and packed with flavour, with plenty of options for meat lovers and veggies alike, making it perfect for a group outing.
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Staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, always going the extra mile to make your visit memorable, just like chatting with mates behind the bar.
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Prices are reasonable, especially for the quality and portions – you can enjoy beers, sangria, and more without breaking the bank.
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The atmosphere is wonderful, with a great vibe that makes it ideal for celebrations or casual dinners, and the wine selection pairs brilliantly with the tapas.
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It's got an impressive variety on the menu, from traditional tapas to mains and pizzas, so there's something for everyone to tuck into.
Cons
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Service can be a bit hit-or-miss on busy evenings, like that disappointing wait for food that one reviewer had, which might put a dampener on special occasions.
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Portions are generous, but sometimes the quality doesn't quite live up to the hype, as mentioned in a review where the wait wasn't worth it.
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The operating hours seem a tad confusing from what's listed, so it's worth double-checking before heading out to avoid any surprises.
Contact Information
34a Oxford St, Harrogate HG1 1PP
+441423505300
Tapas
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Friday (Today) | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Recent Reviews
What a disappointing Saturday night birthday celebrations meal. A table for 5 booked for 7 30pm. Our food arrived at 845pm. I'm really happy to wait (quality time with loved ones is a bonus) especially if it's worth the wait. Sadly this was not. Yes, the portions were very large but the quality was well below average. The pizza was lovely but the 4 meat dishes were not a delight. Over cooked and poor tasting. A real shame as friends made a big effort to join us.
What a wonderful place with amazing food and atmosphere ❤️❤️❤️❤️ best staff and reasonable prices. Ordered way too much food even tho we been warned 🤣🙈 drank beer, sangria, shots, soft drinks and spent less then expected!!! Would 💯 recommend ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amazing food, fresh, hot and great quality. Lots of meat free options, really great for a large group with different tastes. We enjoyed our dinner so much we went back for lunch during our stay nearby!
I had a wonderful experience at Essenza restaurant! The staff was attentive, friendly, and professional, with great attention to detail. A special thanks to the chef for the delicious food. The manager ensured everything ran smoothly, making the visit memorable. Highly recommend for excellent service and atmosphere!
We ate off the tapas menu where the choices were impressive, some traditional and some of the chefs creations.
Good nice food with no disappointments 👍
The wine choices really work with food, and there’s plenty of other drinks to enjoy as well.
Staff were excellent, friendly, attentive and entertaining with two birthday songs for separate guests which raised a few laughs.
We were lucky enough as a walk in to get a table for two so I’d recommend booking.
Highly recommend and we’ll definitely be going back.
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