Essen Restaurant

"Our experience was extremely poor. I certainly don't understand the hype about this place. We arrived get taken to our table and get told they need the table by a certain time. For $89 I expect to be able to enjoy my meal without being rushed. To meet there time frames they brought three main meals at the same time. This place does not deliver a true degustation experience. I expressed my disappointment and I do now as well. It is ridiculous...we just wanted to enjoy our experience, but nothing of the sort. Don't go there...find somewhere else and enjoy that. Essen offers a very poor experience. They also seem to lack an understanding of dietary requirements. Let me say it again...don't go there, save your money and enjoy somewhere else."

"From the very beginning was not impressed. I have absolutely no idea what the hype is about with this run down establishment. We did take others advice and booked in. I was asked when booked a month earlier was it a special occasion. I replied with my wife's birthday and would love a great table.Not once during our time there was any comments made toward my wife for her birthday. Why make a deal out of asking for special occasions or not when obviously no one cares about it at Essen. We we're sat looking through a wide door into the shelving in the kitchen, it was the worst table in the place and we were the only ones there at the time. I asked to move, the only waiter who had face tattoos "not tribal" was not happy but we did move. The table was not decorated and only had a tiny vase with one flower in it. This was the only table decoration NOT EVEN A CANDLE. The room was loud, fully bright with zero atmosphere. For $89 per head it was terrible. ONLY A SET MENU AVAILABLE. The first plate babaganosh in a bowl and GET THIS on a separate plate raw quarter carrot, raw quarter cucumber, 1 raw snow pea and 1 raw raddish the size on my little finger nail!! RAW VEGETABLES! Never seen or heard of a cook dare serve this let alone a chef! It was terrible. The rest any person could have cooked in their own home, seriously nothing special at all other than the fancy descriptions!! To top it off dessert was cheese cake, well that was dumped in a very small Kmart bowl with a splash of rhubarb sauce at the bottom and small square piece of cheese cake dropped on top. The most average coffee shop serves up much better and far better presented. When I was asked by the only waiter what we thought, I reluctantly told him. He had zero to say in response and visibly annoyed. I think this establishment is caught up in their past hype and now arrogance has slipped through the door and made itself at home. Seriously will not be going back and would love anyone to challenge this review. Just around the corner we ate a VARIAS twice and both times it was absolutely delicious and amazing. Essen you need to take notice."

"A fantastic example of using farm fresh produce from paddock to plate! Could not fault anything. It is a must try for anyone visiting Stanthorpe!"

"This is a special experience in Stanthorpe. The food quality is far above any restaurant you will find anywhere else. Local produce dictates what you will have on your menu and it is fresh and exciting. The service is beautiful and we highly recommend for an exceptional experience in Stanthorpe."

"A set menu from Winter 2022 with the entree, main and dessert all photographed and followed by the vegan gluten free alternatives custom prepared by the amazing head chef, Clarissa Pabst, who happily chatted with us at the end of our dinner. Really good food, well balanced and prepared with some innovation and great service."