Esca

Edit-Feb 14, 2025: The Elaia x Esca Valentine’s Prefix collab exceeded our expectations at every level. Each item we tried was delectable and packed with flavor. Personal favorites included coal roasted carrots & fire baked polenta with mushroom ragu. Chef Ben and his team were firing on all cylinders, as usual. Very pleased with our decision for Valentine’s dinner and already planning our next trip to Esca. Original Review: Esca is a truly incredible dining experience. You will be impressed by the service, quality of food, and vibe of the restaurant. Our server provided helpful suggestions on what dishes are popular among patrons and staff. Each of the summer dishes served with peaches were an absolute delight. The blistered cherry tomato bruschetta will also change your life. Each cocktail was tasty and well built as well. We look forward to returning for another meal at Esca!

Wonderful. Nothing short of a great dining experience. Delicious yet not typical dishes served in a beautiful space (indoor and patio) by some very thoughtful staff. This is the spot to bring friends from out of town when you want to impress them with an example of what St. Louis can deliver. I will be back, often.

The whole thing was lovely. Our server was friendly without being intrusive. The food was delicious and so were the mocktails. The atmosphere was great too: lots of guests there but it wasn't terribly loud. No distracting screens. Interesting note: The bathroom was really well decorated. They have this side room attached to it that is filled with records and a record player. It's a strange sort of decor but I thought whoever put it together did a great job.

Went with a group of co workers. We decided to share everything. My favorite was the bruschetta. The tomatoes were perfectly marinated and charred. We also had the grilled Caesar salad and Esca salad. Both were wonderful. Salmon crudo was my least favorite, but I do not love grapefruit. Lamb meatballs and grilled eggplant were wonderful. I was disappointed with my dirty martini. Too much vermouth for my taste, but the wine I ordered after was fantastic. Would definitely recommend and looking to go back with my husband to try more

Had an amazing dinner there. Tuna crudo was very fresh. I really like grapefruit dressing in there. Gnocchi with mushroom was one of the best gnocchi I ever had. Branzino skin was crispy. They also have great wine choices.

The atmosphere is superb - lively, cozy, and sexy without being stuffy, perfect for an epicure like me. I appreciate the thoughtful details in the interior design, service, and execution of the dishes. The hostess was sweet and accommodating. Some of the waitresses could improve their friendliness and enthusiasm, as they seemed inexperienced and unconvincing about the restaurant's offerings. The cocktails are refreshing and well-balanced; bar manager Noah knows his craft. The wine selection is excellent, and sommelier Luciano is extremely knowledgeable, always helping me choose the perfect wine at all Bengelina establishments. All food offerings were on point. I was impressed by the fire roasted beet salad; the creaminess of the labneh perfectly complements the fresh herbs, smokiness of the beets and zest of the dish. The escargot was tender, savory, and excellently seasoned, though it needed more bread to soak up the bubbly melted butter goodness. While the shrimp was tender and cooked to perfection, it lacked the expected flavor and oomph I was hoping for. Each bite of the fire-baked eggplant Parmesan was meltingly delicious. The branzino was juicy and bursting with flavor. GM Jonathan is the ultimate friendly face, bringing life to the service and offering scrumptious, homemade-looking desserts from a vintage dessert cart. What a vibe! I will be back for more!

Snacks and appetizer plates were AMAZING! Not pictured are entrees that were just okay. Would not recommend the eggplant dish. Drinks were delicious and service was even better. Enjoyed my experience here and will recommend to others!

The perfect package of Amazing Food, Great Service and an Atmosphere that grabs you as you approach the front door and gives you a BIG hug once you cross the threshold. It is clear the staff are well trained and work together as a team. This is driven by the very talented Ben Poremba who is hands-on working the floor. Ben was personally managing the dessert cart and served the most amazing cookies with zabaglione. The cocktails were impeccable; Old Fashion, Washed Negroni and Vesper. We could see the bartender creating cocktails with such care. Everything on the menu is cooked over an open flame. Our party of 4 are all foodies so we shared everything thank goodness as it was hard to choose. We started with the Straciatella - DO NOT miss this, amazing flavors and textures - imagine a burrata-like cheese with roasted fruits and almonds - YUM! We then had the Fire Roasted beet salad - another winner of taste & texture. We then moved onto the La Escalivada - roasted vegetables and we added the special tuna. They suggested scraping the flesh out of the perfectly roasted eggplant but we enjoyed the eggplant skin as well. We then moved onto Mains and had the Branzino and Steak. Both Mains were good but the appetizers offered much more variety in flavors and textures. We ended the meal with the cookies which I highly recommend and the dairy-free ice cream. Service was impeccable and the atmosphere is simply delightful. Cannot wait to go back.

Came into Esca for the Elaia pop up dinner and enjoyed an amazing meal! Service was great between the bartender (shout out to Noah!) and serving staff. It was our first night in and loved the feel of the restaurant, very warm and inviting and the heated patio looks great for when it isn't quite so cold out. This was four course menu with some optional add ons and I don't think there was one course we didn't love. That said, the short rib lasagna was the star of the show! Excited to come back for the regular Esca menu!

Esca is a beautiful Italian restaurant at Delmar Blvd. 4 of us enjoyed sharing 4 small plates, 1 salad family style and 3 desserts on a Sunday evening. They got a nice variety on the dinner and dessert menu. Our server provided nice guidance on our orders and refilled water regularly. Items top on our list include: Lamb meatballs, whipped mash potatoes and the roasted eggplant (to eat with bread). The desserts are not to be missed. They were rolled to our table in a beautiful cart. There are different options catered for all dietary needs. The most special dessert item is their cookies, hand made in house by the chef and his mother daily. It's to be eaten by dunking into custard. Bravo!

Great midweek dinner here, we had the grilled grapes to start, wife had gniocchi and I had octopus for our mains, which were tasty. Did not care for the merengue dessert which was slathered in whipped cream; but they were gracious enough not to charge us for it. Half a bottle of the house champagne made the meal go down even smoother!

Ben Poremba does it again! Esca is phenomenal. First off, the space is stunning. Sit inside and watch the bustle of the kitchen from your table (everything is wood/charcoal grilled!) or sit on their beautiful patio (heated in the winter!). The cocktails are wonderful- I love the sage gimlet and my husband loves a splurge on the Mexitalian champagne cocktail (worth it!!). We've been twice now, and have enjoyed every dish we've had! If I had to give some must orders, I would say go for the pasta special if they have one. We had an incredible butternut squash gnocchi & a homey ragu polenta dish on our last visit. Also, their signature dish La Escalivada is a must (add the tuna)! I'm also a big fan of their house salad, the vinaigrette is amazing. To top it all off, their service is spectacular. Make this your next date night destination, or if you're a Fox Theatre goer like us, it's only a 7 minute drive so it's the perfect pre-Fox dinner!

Went with a group of co workers. We decided to share everything. My favorite was the bruschetta. The tomatoes were perfectly marinated and charred. We also had the grilled Caesar salad and Esca salad. Both were wonderful. Salmon crudo was my least favorite, but I do not love grapefruit. Lamb meatballs and grilled eggplant were wonderful. I was disappointed with my dirty martini. Too much vermouth for my taste, but the wine I ordered after was fantastic. Would definitely recommend and looking to go back with my husband to try more!

When you enter the Mediterranean-inspired Esca, it feels like you've been transported to a larger, more cosmopolitan city. The open, airy space with ample patio seating is perfect for a pleasantly warm, fall evening. I appreciate the efforts of the Bengelina Team to develop this area, now known as the St. Louis Delmar Maker's District. We celebrated three birthdays by ordering a bottle of prosecco, the cervelle de canut (an onion dip with chive oil and crudités that lacked flavor), and the delightfully blistered cherry tomato bruschetta, whose tomatoes were sweet and delicious. I had the Amish chicken, which paired nicely with the potato puree. Others ordered steak, octopus, a Caesar wedge salad, shrimp, and two desserts, all of which were decent, somewhat unremarkable. While the food was nothing extraordinary, the wonderful ambiance of the space made up for it, perfect for celebrating special occasions. The service and cocktails were a bit slow, but our server was attentive and easygoing. The owner circulated among the other tables to converse with patrons, yet did not approach our table.

Came here with a friend and it was soo good. Exceeded my expectations. Love most of the restaurants in this group and esca is no exception. Ordered several food items to share including the tomato bruschetta, octopus, branzino and brandade. Not a fan of the brandade, but everything else was wonderful. Also enjoyed a few great drinks here. Servers were great and gave great suggestions. We were seated at the bar and the decor was adorable. Def plan to eat here again.

This place is absolutely stunning. Does not feel like a standard restaurant in St. Louis! Drinks were absolutely amazing- especially the Bellini. As far as food, we ordered a bunch of different things including the steak and gnocchi (special) which were very memorable. Service was top notch per usual. Would absolutely go back again!

This the first restaurant we've been to from Ben Poremba and the Bengelina Team. We had a 5:45 reservation on a Friday night. The service was great. Our server knew the menu and that evenings specials. There were a number of server assistants that were attentive for pre bussing and waiting on the guests. I really loved the ambiance and decor. Once you enter the restaurant it doesn't feel like you're in St. Louis. We want to sit on the covered patio next time. Everything we ate, we enjoyed. The bruschetta is amazing, so fresh. I've never had tomatoes that fresh and flavorful and the basil was full leaf but didn't overpower the tomatoes. It was my favorite thing we ordered. The salad and table bread were delicious also. My boyfriend loves shrimp and thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp dish. I also ordered 2 sides: the rice polenta and broccoli. Both were good, especially the broccoli. I was a little disappointed with lack of meatless entrees. There was one and it was gnocchi. I like gnocchi but it is so filling. Maybe next time now that I've gotten to try a number of items on the menu. We got a bottle of Chardonnay and I ordered a cocktail, the Bellini. No complaints about the drinks. The vanilla sorbet/ ice cream was great way to end the meal. We don't regularly order dessert but it was light and delicious! Overall, we have a great night. I would recommend this restaurant and I would return.

One of my favorite ben poremba restaurants and love their charcoal grilled items. Highly recommend the escalavida and branzino. We also got the zucchini carpaccio which was flavorful and perfectly cooked. They had a corn gnocci special which I thought was alright compared to the other items on the menu. There drinks are unique too , I got the basil gimlet which was refreshing and enjoyed their selection of wines. My husband got the clay pot negroni which was unique!

Ben Poremba's lastest venture, Esca on Delmar, is a cozy and intimate spot. The restaurant offers a mix of small plates and entrées, reminiscent of Bar Moro's style, yet distinct enough to warrant its own spotlight. We started the evening with a great Manhattan, followed by a well-paired bottle of red wine. The sommelier's recommendation was spot on. The menu is well curated, and we enjoyed several small plates to share among the three of us: the stracciatella, octopus, veal tartare, and zucchini carpaccio. Each dish was beautifully presented -you eat with your eyes first--and bursting with flavor. The quality and creativity truly stood out. We could only grab a reservation for the patio, which is simply gorgeous. Despite a cool, rainy evening, the outdoor heaters made it a warm and pleasant experience. It's easy to imagine how incredible this space will be in the spring or fall. Service was impeccable--attentive and friendly without being overbearing. We can't wait to return!

Esca is the next big thing in STL by Chef Ben in his quest to revitalize the delmar district. The interior is intimate and immaculate from the Gucci wallpaper as you walk in, to the dripping candles throughout the space. The only downside for a yelper like me is that the dim lighting made it hard to take quality photos of the incredible food--but incredible it is! The elevated woodfire concept brings familiar food with a unique flare to STL. You'll start dinner with some warm bread before moving on to appetizers. I recommend the french onion dip with vegetables and the eggplant as starters. The ceasar salad is grilled and delicious- perfect to share as a starter for two people but wouldnt be bad as an entree for one if not that hungry. This is a shareable dish place so it is good to go with people you dont mind splitting some dishes and potentially the check with. For the entrees, you really can't go wrong. The Chicken with jus is delicious as are the steaks and the various specials like the gnocchi I most recently had. End your meal with grandma's cookies served with a sweet cream dip--DO IT. They are made by the mother of the family and brought in as an assortment of italian cookies with a fun tableside service. The service by the way, is immaculate with often having 2-3 staff members helping ensure quick refills, timely service, and great recommendations as needed.

just another amazing spot for STL. anytime Ben Poremba opens up a new spot, everyone's talking about it. I came here little after they intially opened, for a dinner outside the patio while the weather was great. very nice selection of snacks, sharables, main dishes. flavors were amazing and service was ok. I think it was so new that staff were little under trained. I think something they can definitely work on and I'm sure will improve over time as it gets established. I can't wait to come back to try few other dishes next time!

Snagged a bar reservation on a busy night and didn't mind not having a table one bit. Such a great meal and wonderful service. Luckily, my friend was up for sharing because I wanted to try everything. We settled on the cod dip, bruschetta, octopus, branzino, and potato puree. Everything was absolutely delicious except the cod dip, which we both felt didn't have much flavor. The cocktails were strong but tasty. I can't wait to go back!

Esca is another gem from the Bengelina Group, offering a Mediterranean-style dining experience with a focus on French and Italian cuisine. The staff is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also welcoming, which made for a fantastic evening from start to finish. We were seated on the patio, which is thoughtfully designed with fans, heaters, and cozy fur wraps to keep guests comfortable. Even on a cool fall evening, the outdoor atmosphere was perfect. Our evening began with a bottle of champagne and the tuna crudo, followed by the octopus and a highly recommended shaved veal. Each appetizer was beautifully prepared, setting the stage for the main courses. We selected a crisp Italian white wine, with the sommelier providing helpful guidance throughout the meal. I opted for the branzino, while my wife chose the seasonal special, a delightful butternut squash gnocchi. Both dishes were so flavorful that we cleaned our plates without hesitation. To end the meal, we enjoyed a perfectly executed cannoli and truffle dessert. The night was so memorable that we purchased two bottles of wine to take home. We'll be back soon to relive this outstanding dining experience!

Esca in the Delmar Maker District is a total vibe! The food is a mashup of Mediterranean and Italian flavors. We had four small dishes and everyone got an entrée. The service was warm and welcoming however, I did tell them that we are celebrating a birthday and nothing was acknowledged to the birthday girl. A plus - it's nice to see how Esca is helping to build up the neighborhood. Hopefully others move in!

The brand new restaurant from local chef, Ben Poremba, is one of my favorite new restaurants. The food, decor, and service are perfectly on point. You NEED to try the onion dip, stracciatella, branzino, and Be sure to save room for dessert!

Came here for girls' night and we all had such high expectations but we were not impressed. The decor was cute and we loved the vibes. We started out with drinks which were great. The waitress was really nice. The bread and butter was fresh. We ordered the shrimp, octopus, and roasted eggplant to share. All came out with the same seasonings and tasted the same. We also ordered the corn gnocchi and that was the only dish we liked. Willing to give it another shot as I am a huge fan of Ben Poremba.

Absolutely loved!!! The food was incredible and the vibe is so great inside. Incredible decor!!

Mind blown! This is the only way to describe Esca, Ben Poremba's new restaurant in the Delmar District! Thanks Ben! We love and appreciate everything you do for St. Louis! 11ish years ago, Ben changed the game in the Tower Grove neighborhood with his Olio and Elaia concepts. He'll do it again on Delmar we have zero doubt. First, the company, my dates were incredible. They are lovers and advocates of everything St. Louis! The food needs no explanation. It's all delicious and beautifully presented. The crudo melted in my mouth and the branzino was juicy and flavorful! Everything was absolutely delightful. The vibe is adorably artistic and creative. Chic old world accented in light baby pink. BenP are you an interior designer in all that free time you have? This is a life requirement! Hurry in!

All around incredible experience! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Delicious drinks and meals. The cutest space both inside and out. Will definitely be going back again soon.

Upscale dining brought to Delmar. Needs better execution. Make sure your food is clean. Also, PLEASE keep your receipts and check your final bills. Environment: The restaurant oozes Mediterranean charm through the neutral colors accented by pink pastels, large windows, a small lounge area, an attractive bar, and an open kitchen. There is a subtle buzz throughout the restaurant which made us excited to see other patron's dishes come out and talk further about all the options on the menu. The staff started out very friendly, but we felt the service attentiveness decreased, until we found an issue with our meal (see below). They were also very knowledgeable about the menu and were able to answer all of our questions and tailor suggestions to our preferences. We were seated next to a large table that had all of their fresh cutlery, plates, and glasses, so we unfortunately saw high traffic of waiters near our table. Food/Drink: Our meal started out spectacular. To drink we had the Basil Gimlet and Gibson Martini. Both drinks were strong and despite being simple, were made exceptionally well. The Basil Gimlet is a must try. As for our meal, we tried the cervelle de canut (onion dip), fire roasted beets, and the daily garden special (roasted eggplant dressed with chimichurri). They also bring a few slices of fresh bread and whipped butter to start. The bread was good, but the highlight was the salted, whipped butter which was light yet creamy. The Onion Dip on its own was fantastic with a surprisingly rich onion flavor, but when paired with vegetables with high water content, all flavor from the onion dip was lost. The Fire Roasted Beets was probably our favorite of the night, which showcased a dance of earthy flavors from the beets, freshness from fennel and herbs, and acid from pickled watercress, tamed by a cool labne underneath. Would highly recommend this dish. Lastly, we tried the roasted eggplant daily special. This was absolutely bland and lacked salt. The chimichurri helped season the dish a bit, but still needed lots of help. The eggplant was also over-charred which overwhelmed the eggplant, clearing any eggplant flavor you could get from the dish. As we started eating the eggplant, we noticed a HAIR IN THE DISH. The staff took the dish after examining it themselves. After this, we noticed our service get more attentive (seeming to be as a way to make up for their mistake and also maybe noticing that they weren't as attentive to our table). We saw a variety of people consistently checking our table. We were offered a replacement dish (truffle and mushroom lasagna), but were later told that they no longer had that dish, and were told to choose another item. We went with their vegetable lasanga, which was also unremarkable. The red sauce was made very well and balanced herbs and sweetness very well, but the sheets of pasta were uneven and there was barely any filling. It was a very small dish for $22. After checking our bill a few days later, we also notice an UPCHARGE FROM WHAT WE PAID. We left a respectable 18% tip, but were upcharged an extra $4 on the tab after the meal. ***Bengelina/Ben Poremba group is known for this, as it has happened to us at Bar Moro and at Olio (now closed).*** I refrained from highlighting this in my reviews of those restaruants, but this is the third strike. It took time to get my money back from those other experiences, but I don't have the time to get my money back from my time at Esca. Rating: 2/5 overall. Some of the dishes were made exceptionally well. Some needed better execution. Some need to be re-conceptualized. Also, for their opening weeks, finding a hair in our dish is in-excusable. Still, the food quality was good and we would give it 3/5. As for the declining service quality and issue with our credit card statement, we cannot give the experience more than a 1. We chose this restaurant for a Birthday celebration, and left disappointed. Please save your checks and look at your credit card statement after you visit any of the Bengelina/Ben Poremba group restaruants.

The best restaurant we have been in a long time! First class all around, great service, atmosphere and delicious food!! We are so lucky to have Ben Poremba in St. Louis!

Ben Poremba just absolutely never misses. I was super excited to be able to snag a reservation for the soft opening of Esca last night. Walking up to catch my first glimpse of the restaurant, I knew we were in for a treat. Everything about the space is absolutely beautiful, and let's you know you're at an upscale establishment. We were seated and greeted promptly by our server Trey, who was fantastic all evening. We were checked on frequently by several members of staff that were all super friendly and attentive. Absolutely the level of service you look for at a high-end spot like Esca. The food was all absolutely incredible. The Denver strip, possibly the best steak I've ever had in my entire life. My girlfriend and I both also loved the shaved veal and the roasted vegetables. I was elated to see Tiramisu coming out to other tables, as it is my absolute favorite dessert. Then found out they also had a lemon tiramisu as well. Of course, we had to have both! The entire night was made very special by the staff, wishing me a happy birthday as I had booked this for an upcoming birthday. It was awesome they even put a candle in my lemon tiramisu. Thank you to everyone at Esca for making this an absolutely amazing evening, and first experience at Esca. It will most definitely not be my last. I can't wait for warmer weather to go back and dine on the beautiful patio!

Nice ambience; personable, competent, and attentive staff. Food was delicious - showing thoughtfulness in the ingredients of the dishes so that the were complementary for a full taste. Food was also beautifully presented. Shrub drinks (mocktails) were also well thought out for nice flavor profiles. It was a relaxing evening with good food and staff.

We had a good meal on a Friday night . Reservations were hard to come by but we got an 8.30 pm slot . Service was friendly and efficient and the ambience was beautiful but it was loud in there. The old fashioned was great but my almond rose mock tail was tasty and refreshing as well . There is decent amount of street parking . The covered patio had fans and looked cozy and comfortable.

Overall, we had a fantastic experience at Esca. We were seated a bit late for our reservation but it gave us a great opportunity to sit on their heated patio and enjoy a cocktail before being seated. I had the milk punch to start and it was delicious. We ended up ordering the zucchini, bruschetta, vitello tonnato, mortadella and stracciatella apps to start once we were seated. There wasn't a slouch in the bunch. If I had to pick a favorite, I'd probably have to lean to the mortadella or bruschetta, but you can't go wrong. As an entree, I ordered the octopus and it was perfectly cooked and had great wood fired flavor. The rest of table either had the steak or branzino. I tried both and they were both nicely done. Between the food, the beverages and the vibe, I can't recommend Esca enough.

This is on the list for the best food I've put in my mouth! Cocktails were fun and very boozy and the blistered cherry tomato bruschetta was so delicious that I forgot to take a picture first. The star of the evening was the steak! It was the softest most luxurious cut of beef I have eaten. We sat on the covered patio and it was so cute. Our server was kind and very helpful walking us through the menu. This place is a must go!

Had an amazing time at Esca - when in doubt order the espresso martini - it was to die for! The ambiance is very cozy - perfect for a rainy day or cold night in. The service was spot on with helpful recommendations from the waiter.

Very good atmosphere, on top of quite a convenient location and parking options. The food was very good. Very well prepared. Highly recommend.

Last night's dinner at Esca was fantastic in every way. The Al fresco ambiance was delightful on the patio where we dined. Of course, last night was one of St. Louis' most perfect. Jeff, Bronwyn and I enjoyed our delicious and perfectly prepared meal. The Escargot was swimming in a garlicky sauce that we soaked up with crusty French bread. The Artichoke Bagna Cauda was a savory delight. Jeff ordered the Speck with Melon. We went all out and ordered the Steak with Chimichimuri, Pork with Hot Peppers and Fire Roasted Eggplant with Tunata. The sommelier assisted in the selection or a perfectly blended Rhône red wine. We took some Truffles to go since we had tickets for a comedy show at the Pageant. Highly recommend Esca! It was a special occasion priced evening for sure.

Came here for my birthday and loved it! A great addition to the Bengelina group and happy to see them try to redesign and rejuvenate the area. If you've been to other restaurants in the group, when walking in, the decor and ambiance will feel very familiar to you- it kind of feels like home! We got a fee starters, snacks and appetizers including the crudo and escargots. They were very good! We then went with their daily special as the main which was also delicious. Loved the decor. Made a reservation. They also have patio seating which could be so nice during the summer evenings! Can't wait to come back!

Esca is special. Not only is it kicking off a bright future for the area it's in, the food, service, and ambiance are wonderful. The space is gorgeous and one of the most beautifully designed restaurants in STL. One downside is its pretty loud but I still had no issues hearing anyone. As far as service, it's attentive even when insanely busy and the waitstaff are friendly and knowledgable about the menu. Ben is also around and serving customers, he explained the dish my partner ordered (Escalivada) and prepped it at the table. From the free bread and butter to the dessert, each dish was delicious and exciting. My favorite had to be the salad and lemon tiramisu. Highly recommend this spot.. can't wait to go back!

Welcome Esca! We are delighted to have you in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is inviting and the staff is delightful. We started with masterful cocktails. My favorite was the almond old fashioned but the basil gimlet was flavorful. The waiter recommended 2-4 snacks for our group of four. We landed on the cod dip and the onion dip, both wonderful. As well as the roasted vegetables and cheese platter - must gets! Next we picked a variety of entrees - fish, steak and vegetable lasagna. Each were good in their own right. We snagged a bottle of wine for the main course and with the help of the sommelier it was a delightful treat. We didn't have room for dessert but will make room for that next time. Don't miss this new place!

I went here with my friend to celebrate our recent job offers and Esca didn't disappoint. The aesthetic of the restaurant is to die for. There was an open patio vibe throughout the entire restaurant thanks to some huge sliding doors! We were seated inside but still felt like we were on a patio. The food was so good. I had the Bellini and split the cherry tomato bruschetta with my friend as an appetizer. Needless to say, it was so full of flavor. I highly recommend as a starter with any meal. Then I had the Amish Chicken. I was initially nervous because fancy restaurants often have small portion sizes but the chicken was so filling. It not only paired well with the bruschetta but was a great stand alone entree - as it was both juicy and flavorful. I'd recommend Esca for a date night, business lunch, or evening out with the girls. You won't be disappointed.

The restaurant is pretty new but overall wasn't super impressed. The environment is VERY loud given how small the place is and it made it really difficult to have a conversation with people at my table. The servers were very nice and friendly but seemed like they had a little too much in their plate. The food itself was quite average. The dip was very unique with the fire roasted strawberries but the chicken was quite average and overpriced in my opinion. They do give complimentary fresh bread though much was nice. Prob wouldn't come again to be honest.

One of the best restaurants we've been to! The service, food, and ambiance are top notch

Amazing service, beautiful decor, great service! You should definitely try Grappa. If you don't know what it is ask and you shall receive.

I wish I could give 4.5 stars, which is really what our experience was. The atmosphere is welcoming and feels almost European in its layout. The staff was attentive and friendly, giving us time to enjoy each course at a leisurely pace. I usually don't like most mocktails, but these were exceptional - not too sweet, and really well balanced. The tangerine vanilla concoction was especially delicious! We started with the special - a beet and carrot salad, which was rich, earthy and flavorful. We also ordered the cervelle de canut, which was a little bland. For entrees, my companion had the gnocci special, and I had the Amish chicken. Those gnocci - pillowy and light - some of the best I've ever tasted. The chicken was very well prepared and seasoned, and the jus had a lush texture. I'm delighted to have it here in the neighborhood.

Oh. My . God . I loved everything about it . The decor the service and the food . All top notch . We had the onion dip to start then the roasted chicken and a delicious pasta dish . Lastly they came by with a cute desert cart and we had lemon tiramisu . Perfectly done!!

Really outstanding. Service is on point like the chef's other restaurants, and the food was outstanding. Interior design is compelling, and there's a terrific patio as well. Wine list is mostly south European but very well curated, and the som is extremely knowledgeable and I believe a 3rd level one, which is rare. The food had a lot of Chef Poremba's usual influences, so Moroccan definitely came through. We ordered some charcuterie options, followed by a the market vegetable main (was a blistered eggplant), a wagyu steak, a chicken lasagna presented in an individual roll style, and some sweet potatoes with tahini. Everything we ordered was great, and some was truly outstanding - for me the lasagna, steak and the eggplant were among the best I've had ever. Ingredients were across the board fresh and high quality. I live in, and frequently dine in, Los Angeles which is a larger population market with a very competitive restaurant scene. St Louis bats above it's size on all sorts of things, and Esca was no exception - I would put Esca on my short list if it was in my neighborhood, definitely would be in my top 3 and a frequent visit. Highly recommend!

Esca has the atmosphere nailed down. It's beautiful both inside and out. The cocktails were fantastic and the tapas were presented beautifully. I had the chicken dish for my main and I was very happy. I'll be back!

This is definitely my new favorite of Ben Poremba's restaurants (RIP Olio). From the moment we walked in the door, we loved it. The vibe is perfect. Lively, relaxed, comfortable, trendy. Staff were all friendly and perfectly attentive without being overbearing. We were booked for the bar but when that was full we asked if we could go to a table instead and they gladly obliged. Everything we ordered was delicious. The complementary bread and butter was amazing. Soft, stretchy, pillowy and with a nice crust (Ben knows how to do bread). The octopus appetizer was a winner. For mains, I went with the branzino, my husband the day's steak cut + the peppercorn sauce. We shared the "lettuces" as a side. Prices are high but portions are generous. We were tempted by desert but opted for another round of drinks instead. The wine list is unique, the cocktails are creative, and the after dinner drink selection nicely complements the menu. We will

A new Ben Poremba venue and it's terrific. The menu is not extensive and it is reasonably expensive but the food we got during a recent meal here was exceptional, everything from the starters to the main course was just a cut above what you might find anywhere else. Everything is ala carte FYI.The service was also excellent without hovering. A few minor issues that warrant a heads up, first, it's a noisy place, like hard to carry on a conversation when the place is full. Secondly, and this is for sure not keeping me from returning is the espresso, its served in what could best be described as a full size cup and honestly tasted more like coffee than espresso. Reservations strongly recommended, and they seem to get booked way out.

Such an amazing addition to St. Louis. The food is so delicious with all of the flavors coming from the wood burning grill. The vibe is moody and perfect. The service is next level with Luciano guiding you through the wine list. Can't wait to get back.

Another great restaurant from Ben and team. Fantastic service food and ambience! We will be back.

Our first time dining at Esca. A great experience. Food and cocktails were excellent. Superb service. We will be back.

A long hair string was found between lasagna layers. Waiters tried to cover the fact and let it go. Racist arrogant manager. :)

This place is amazing. Highly recommend everything there. Also, the dairy free gelato with olive oil and sea salt... exquisite!