I had an experience that pampered my palate, and the kindness and expertise of the staff provided the backdrop to a wonderful evening.
France Ok
.
03 Marzo 2026
10,0
The cuisine is undeniably top-notch, but what made our evening truly special was the hospitality. Kudos to the maître d', the true soul of the room. He didn't just take our order, but also guided us on a tailor-made gastronomic journey.
Masterfully executed dishes, where the freshness of the ingredients speaks for itself, we'll definitely be back.
Gianfranco Corrado
.
01 Marzo 2026
10,0
I had dinner with friends. I think Essenza is one of the most unique places in the area, offering unique, colorful, and special dishes.
Excellent food, a top-notch wine cellar, and fine wines served with professionalism, courtesy, and kindness. Congratulations!
Bernardino Rinaldi
.
28 Febbraio 2026
10,0
Essenza Restaurant in Policoro is a testament to how passion and expertise can create an unforgettable experience. It wasn't just a simple dinner, but a true journey of taste.
All credit goes to the great Chef Enza, whose skill in the kitchen is simply extraordinary. I particularly appreciated the quality of the first courses: expertly crafted pasta, with sauces that exploded with flavor and balance. The second courses also confirmed the high standard: top-quality ingredients, treated with respect and cooked to perfection, bringing out every nuance.
The sommelier made everything perfect. His presence in the dining room was essential: with great courtesy and professionalism, he guided us in choosing wines, suggesting pairings that magnificently enhanced both the first and second courses, creating a perfect harmony with the food.
Attentive service, elegant ambiance, and substance on the plate. Highly recommended for those seeking excellence.
Antony Di Carlo
.
27 Gennaio 2026
10,0
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