Essenza Ristorante Italiano 210 Kensington Park Road, London W11 1NR

"Service, service, service.... The treatment we received was efficient, & perfunctory, there was a kind of bravado about being too busy crack a smile or answer a question. Some of the food was good. The tunna carpaccio was on point, though wanting a drizzle of oil. A second course of lobster ravioli served as a main, rather than the first course requested my companion called “school canteen” food, tough packets of lobster flavoured gunk, more in common with packet ravioli than the lose, silky, self evidently homemade parcels of fresh crustacean I was hoping for. The butter and sage sauce was nowhere to be seen, there were chopped tomatoes instead. The veal was good, sadly not to be had with capers. The side of beans was as confronting as our server it was so al dente. A bowl of freshly grated parmisan left on our table by another server was a benediction. The bill: £82 & change - our drinks were a smallish a bottle of sparking water at nearly £5. I had worked out the costing of this meal based on the menu posted online at around £55 - 60 for actual food & drink items. Apparently the new post Brexit/covid/war prices haven't made it on line yet - the ravioli main course has gone up from £20 to £26. Even with the 15% service charge we could not have anticipated spending £82 on three plates, a side & a bottle of water. Though I specified I wanted the plates in succession making the ravioli a second course before the main as pasta should be in Italy, the two plates were brought together as two mains, not what I had hoped for - fair enough, it was after nine by the time we walked in, however it would have been nice to be asked before the chef/server took the executive role for us. With £90 in cash on the table the prevalent attitude was the balance would be a tip on top of the service charge. 25% for service? Possibly ok, if it was pleasant: that we had to ask for our change tells you about the service & put a sour note on top of an already kinda dismal meal. I rarely eat out, this was my special treat place, I live around the corner. I thought I was so clever bringing a guest here, the experience was significantly different from the last few times (incidentally, I’ve always sat outside in the past and it’s cramped inside) I ended up feeling embarrassed & sad. I don't think I’ll be back soon. Here’s to cooking at home. :)"

"I’ve never been more impressed with a restaurant. The service, food, and wine was amazing. We made a reservation super last minute and they were very accommodating and professional. If I didn’t live in the states, I’d be a regular. If you’re in London and like Italian food, this place is a MUST."

"We ordered bread as a starter to nibble on however after waiting 20 - 30 mins; and requesting the bread from the waitress we was finally served what your could hardly call a basket of rustic bread. It was a brunt slice of sourdough cut up into multiple pieces. After pointing this out to the waiter, we was given two slices of sourdough this time, good thing it wasn’t burnt. Spaghetti alla marianana - pasta was al dente, can’t complain on that part. But majority of the clams were empty and wasn’t that many mussels. Fettuccine Porcini E Pancetta - was too salty and lacked in taste. I was craving pasta a lot and looking forward to a good Italian meal however left feeling disappointed and still craving pasta. Staff and atmosphere however was lovely. Shame the food was a let down, won’t be in a rush to come back."

"Good Italian restaurant although they don't do pizzas. But pasta was nice. Mine (the one with the seafood) was a bit "dry" but the rest were tasty. Prices are ok and the staff is friendly."