We were warmly welcomed at this restaurant, and immediately felt thoughtfully pampered. The menu is quite varied, though in my opinion it leans toward seafood, but as the website clearly shows, there's more. I started with the egg in yolk and found it very good and well-balanced. When the next course changed, they replaced my glass to avoid tainting the egg flavor—a rare touch in service. I continued with the cacio e pepe with red shrimp, and was also satisfied, though for my taste, the cacio e pepe would pair better with the tonnarelli. The freshness of the shrimp contrasts beautifully with the intense flavor of the cacio e pepe. The pasta is generous, but in addition to the standard portion, you can also purchase a larger portion that can be shared, and it's served in a striking stainless steel grater. For my second course, I chose a tuna steak, and again, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients and the quantity. I happily concluded my experience with the warm apple, cinnamon, and walnut cake with crunchy ice cream. I also had the opportunity to try other dishes on the menu and can confirm that the quality of the ingredients is always very high, as is the respect shown in the dishes. Among my favorites: pot & tartare, the vegetable-sea fry, the seafood course, and the dragon's eye. The staff was always attentive and kind, table service was quite fast, and the atmosphere was quiet. The restrooms were always clean and well-stocked, as well as the very tidy open kitchen. We really enjoyed our stay, and I definitely recommend trying this experience.
Pasquale Carbonara
.
15 Gennaio 2026
10,0
A pleasant lunch with delicious, beautifully presented dishes. The service was very well organized and attentive. Thanks to Enza and her entire staff. I recommend trying it.
Stefano
.
06 Gennaio 2026
10,0
An excellent experience at Essenza in Policoro.
We ate truly deliciously: the freshest ingredients, treated with great respect and enhanced by original and never boring combinations. Each dish was meticulously prepared and perfectly balanced.
The service was professional yet friendly, making you feel immediately at ease. All this was accompanied by excellent sparkling wines, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
The open kitchen was beautiful, impeccably clean, and a special mention goes to the chef: friendly, cheerful, and a true hostess, always smiling.
A restaurant definitely worth a visit. We'll be back!
Roberta Samarelli
.
05 Gennaio 2026
10,0
Everything was really excellent. The wine list was extensive.
Mimmo Palmieri
.
20 Ottobre 2025
10,0
My husband and I went to Essenza in Policoro. Everything was perfect! It's always a pleasure to return. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service impeccable, everyone extremely kind and professional, and the food is excellent in terms of quality and preparation! Spending a lovely Sunday lunch at Essenza is something everyone should try! We'll definitely be back! We can't wait! Thank you. Patrizia Rogolino
Patrizia Rogolino
.
19 Ottobre 2025
10,0
Essence in name, emotion in action!
Essence Restaurant, under the guidance of chef Enza Crucinio, is an experience that goes beyond simple cuisine: it is a meeting of elegance, authenticity, and passion.
The menu fully reflects the restaurant's name: each dish is designed to enhance the essence of the ingredients, with technique and great sensitivity.
Among the dishes we sampled, the "Uovo in giallo" (Yellow Egg) was memorable: creamy pumpkin soup, gorgonzola, crispy bread, hazelnuts, and a soft-centered egg that created an intense and enveloping harmony of flavors.
We also had the opportunity to savor several first courses, each with its own distinct character, prepared with care and respect for tradition, but always with a personal touch: flavorful dishes that excite without artifice.
To conclude the experience, the "Occhio del Drago" (Dragon's Eye) dessert: a perfect combination of the rusticity of Matera bread, the delicacy of sweet ricotta, and the richness of chocolate. A finale that leaves a lasting impression, like the entire meal.
The service is highly professional and attentive, the wine list is well-curated, and the atmosphere is welcoming and refined.
Here, every dish has a soul, and every bite tells a story. To be experienced, and relived again.
Rosa Anna Conte
.
22 Settembre 2025
10,0
Excellent seafood menu.
Room service also available.
Ileana Muffato
.
19 Settembre 2025
8,0
Tob food, an incredible experience. Definitely the best in Policoro.
Gianni Basilio
.
14 Settembre 2025
10,0
While on vacation in Policoro, we dined at this restaurant.
A well-kept restaurant with professional staff.
The à la carte options are not predictable and certainly superior in quality to other experiences in the area.
Prices are in line with the quality of the dishes.
Roberto Villa
.
05 Settembre 2025
10,0
There were two of us, and I had a great time. I had the chef's appetizer tasting, which was very good (just one tip: the sauce under the tuna sashimi covers the flavor), then the tuna with crumbled capocollo on top, which was exceptional, both for the quality of the ingredients and the flavor. The service was good, although perhaps a little room for improvement—we often had to call waiters for small things they didn't notice. Overall, however, I have to give the restaurant a very positive review and the ingredients they use, which are well-cooked and beautifully presented.
mail info
.
31 Agosto 2025
10,0