Essence Kitchen + Bar, Chino Valley AZ

Food and service was wonderful. Never had an empty water glass steak cook as requested. Shrimp delicious. Herb crusted chicken was so good

A terrific, professionally run restaurant with great food and service. Meticulous quality and cleanliness. A great place for lunch or dinner.

We walked in being asked if we had a reservation. We stuck out like a sore thumb as we were from out of town stopping by to grab a bite. Luckily, they were able to sit and serve us at the bar.

The service was excellent, and the team was very friendly. We seemed to be treated no differently than those at tables. My brother & I ordered the burgers, and we were highly content. Some may say we were simply hungry, but as someone who’s creative in the kitchen at home, I definitely respect their craft and efforts that takes others years to achieve.

Our experience occurred nearly 6 months ago, but I still think about this restaurant. We live 1,343 miles away. If we ever had to drive from Vegas to Deep South Texas, we would consider making the detour to visit again.

Great food, great service, friendly and professional atmosphere. We went to Essence for my birthday. I was welcomed with a hug and a warm smile. Everything was great from start to finish. We are always pleased with our visit to Essence. Thank you

Everything about Essence is great. The food, the service, the atmosphere. I had the rainbow trout my first visit and sea bass on my second and neither disappointed. Will be back soon for our anniversary dinner.

Fabulous! Not much else needs to be said. Fabulous food, Fabulous service, Fabulous experience. 10/10

P. S. Try the pablano mule.so good

Our first time. Wow what a hidden gem in Chino Valley. We had the salmon and the trout entrees. 5 star quality all the way. Service and atmosphere are perfect. We can't wait to find a reason to go back to Chino so we can eat again at Essence.

Back for Bday lunch today, the steelhead trout dish is unbelievably good. Can't recommend this place enough!

Very friendly, very hippy dippy but in a good way. For example cucumber water at your table vs normal water. It was good fyi.

The owner is wonderful and you can tell she really cares about her place. Definitely a hidden gem and all places found in Chino valley.

Recommend ordering the French bread appetizer it’s was very good.

Only issues were the $12 old fashioned (did not taste right and way to much ice)

Hot shot burger was ok (middle of the road).

I will be back to try other food for sure

My wife and I were in Chino Valley for the week. We saw Essence near the hotel and decided to give it a try.

All we can say is, "Wow. "

It's a tad small, but the food, service, and background music were wonderful. We wound up eating there 3 of the 5 days we were in town.

I had the herb crusted chicken every time and was not disappointed. I also had the bread pudding after each meal and it was probably the best I've ever had.

The owners (Jason and Julia) and staff are topnotch!

We were in town visiting my fiancé's aunt. Researched a couple of restaurants and decided to try Essence on night one for dinner. We loved it so much that we ended up coming back for lunch the next day and getting takeout for dinner. Here's what we really liked from the menu: Seafood pasta, lamb burger, linguine w/clams, parmesan crusted trout almondine and don't forget to save room for their bread pudding which is made in house! Julia and Jason have trained the staff/family so well that you can tell each person takes ownership and pride in what they do. It's definitely a gem in Chino Valley. The best restaurant in town!

Consistent quality, service. Now, if they could open an Essence II in our hometown Prescott. Pretty Please Gotta LOE the Scallops and everything on the menu. Superb

Absolutely love this elegant dining experience! We have been here a couple of times and certainly will be back. The food is excellent, service excellent and the dining experience was excellent as well. What more could you ask for? Definitely a must try!

First dining here with my my sister as I'm visiting from PA. Excellent all around. Definitely stop in if visiting or a local. Thank you for a memorable dinner.

A must try. Perfectly prepared, creative, flavorful and exceptional service. This was a treat!

We have been in for lunch 3 times and the food and staff have been excellent. Had chicken sandwich the first time and Hamburger the other times. Very good. A little chilly inside. I suggest bringing a jacket or sweater.

Comfortable seats, amazing meal. Easy parking. Relaxed vibe, with style. Great place to bring a date you'd like to impress. The food, service and vibe here was superior to places where I paid twice the bill. Best meal by far in the last 12 months.

Love this restaurant on so many levels.fresh, healthy and decadent options, lovely presentation. The chairs are very comfortable. Servers are always professional and excellent service.

Enjoyed a fantastic birthday dinner with my husband at Essence in Chino Valley. Julia the owner greeted and seated us and I told her that we loved the remodel.
I have heard so much about their bacon wrapped stuffed dates and we were not disappointed. A practically melted in my mouth. I had one of their specialty sangrias and loved it. I ordered the scallops (Julia's favorite) and after so many recommendations hubby had the sea bass wrapped in banana leaf. Everything was delicious. Julia came by many times to check on us as did our server, Nicole. We were surprised with a complementary sundae to finish off our gourmet meal. Service was on point and since I drink a lot of water was glad that a carafe is left at the table. I can wait for another chance to try something else next time.

Enjoyed a fantastic birthday dinner with my husband at Essence in Chino Valley. Julia the owner greeted and seated us and I told her that we loved the remodel.
I have heard so much about their bacon wrapped stuffed dates and we were not disappointed. A practically melted in my mouth. I had one of their specialty sangrias and loved it. I ordered the scallops (Julia's favorite) and after so many recommendations hubby had the sea bass wrapped in banana leaf. Everything was delicious. Julia came by many times to check on us as did our server, Nicole. We were surprised with a complementary sundae to finish off our gourmet meal. Service was on point and since I drink a lot of water was glad that a carafe is left at the table. I can wait for another chance to try something else next time.
I have photos to post but don't see how to do it.

Was taken there for my birthday by my son Kevin and his girlfriend Lory, boy was I surprised. I did not know this place exisited or that we had such a fine dining experience available so near. I loved Julia and Jason as well as all the staff, was an excellent evening and will definitely return often. Just hope this remains a local secret.