My favorite celebration restaurant in the Prescott Quad Cities area Thank you Julia and Josh for an amazing dinner! From ambiance, adorable tables and comfortable chairs, terrific and affordable wine list, charming and talented service staff to the amazing culinary dishes. From the BBQ Shrimp to the perfectly cooked Sea Bass, everything was delicious. LOVED the perfect birthday desserts too Visiting y'all made gaining yet another birthday fun! See you again ... soon, before the next birthday read more

What can I say-simply the best! We had our first meal there two months ago and have been back five times since. The food is amazing! The service spot on and the staff friendly, professional, attentive and well informed. The menu choices are wonderful and I had the best Filet Mignon I have had in my 80 years on the planet! If you are looking for an amazing dining experience, this is it! read more

We finally celebrated Fathers Day! And Essence does not ever disappoint! We started with those delicious bacon wrapped dates ( my husband doesn't care for dates nor blue cheese, but guess what? He loves these) The filet mignon is perfection plain and simple. Beyond delish - one of the best steaks I've had !!!! Garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus were out of this world. I also asked for a side of the maple glazed carrots and beets, and let me tell you this dish is absolutely terrific. The entire meal was perfection. In previous visits, we've also had the linguine with clams, linguine Alfredo, fresh spinach salad, n'awlins bbq shrimp, pear and Brie flatbread ==== all superb! All excellent! I just cannot wait to go back! Love you Essence! Keep up the stellar work. We appreciate you. Ps: Julia, Gabby & Summer always make us feel so welcome. And special. And those cool young men (sorry! Don't know their names) who greet us and take our reservations are just the sweetest smartest guys! Thank you! And of course a huge shout out to Jason - the genius behind the scenes. Thanks again! read more

After an afternoon of sightseeing and a short hike, we met two of our friends for dinner. My wife and her teaching buddy from the past got the portabella mushroom stack, I had Jason's angel hair pasta dish and our other friend got the 12 oz. Black Angus ribeye. Everything was well presented and was very tasty. Service was outstanding. read more

Essence has really good food; however, we had a very concerning issue arise. I made a reservation for six of us as we were celebrating our 49th 50th and 52nd anniversaries. When I called to make reservations, I was not informed that there would be a limited menu available that night (apparently special for Valentine's Day but this was not Valentine's Day). It was the day after. When we were seated, we were presented with the menu and out of the entrées, seven of them were fish dishes and they were all $20-$65. It was a concern for me because I had asked people to look at the menu and choose their meals ... and now these meals were not available. The other thing that happened is that because it was our anniversaries, they were going to be giving each of us couples a complimentary dessert to share but they neglected to tell us this as we ordered three desserts. Because of this, we ended up with six desserts for six people. It was too much. I am so disappointed that this happened and hope that the communication will be better if we ever decide to dine again at this restaurant. read more

The best food in the area. I had perfect sea bass wrapped in banana leaves. My husband had the perfectly cooked fillet. Our girlfriend from CO had the trout almandine and said it was fabulous. We bring all our guests here. read more

Perfect place to eat. Great food nice house staff affordable. Just make reservations because it's popular.

Super amazing food! I love it !!!! Service was phenomenal Definitely worth the 3 hour drive read more

If you have traveled to this area you know how hard it can be to find really good food. Well here you have it. Recently came to Chino to Visit family. I was only in town for 3 days. We ate here 4 times. This restaurant was absolutely incredible. The couple who own and run this place are some of the nicest people you will ever encounter. The service is hands down one of the best crews I've ever dealt with. Everyone working here takes an owners approach in the way they cater to every customer. They even let us take a menu to my Aunt so she could see what she wanted for the next days lunch. Everything we had was great. A gem. Thank you all for your kindness and delicious food. read more

Generally since Essence opened my wife and I have frequented this restaurant and supported it. We believe quality restaurants are few and far between in this area. However, yesterday I was less than impressed with the quality of food I received at lunch. I ordered the teriyaki salmon. It was supposed to be grilled with a teriyaki glaze. I also requested it to be cooked to a medium temperature. I received a dried out well done piece of fish and it did not have any teriyaki glaze or flavor whatsoever. I did not send it back. Unfortunately most cooks (not chefs) can't cook fish without overcooking it because they are instructed to err on the side of overcooking. Also the presentation was lacking and the rice with the dish resembled uncle bens wild rice mix. Not sure what's going on here but when you wait 30 minute to get your lunch it should at least be edible. read more

An incredible hidden gem!! Nestled in the Safeway plaza, everything from the young, professional staff to the owners, Jason & Julia, screams 'big city'! The busers are well trained in fine dining technique (serve on the right, clear on the left). Our waiter, Daren, was very friendly and rightfully so, mentioned the desserts several times! Julia sat us and told us the specials and later, Jason stopped by to see how everything tasted. It was very sincere and authentic! We had the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and BBQ Pork Sliders. The Fettuccine sauce was perfect. Lots of garlic, thick and creamy. Chicken cooked perfect! The pork was tender with a sweet BBQ sauce. Highly recommend!! read more

We had a reservation for a party of four and were given a table next to the front door after requesting a nice table because it was special occasion. I was nearly knocked flat to the ground while entering the place when a server flung a door open for a party leaving. While the service was good, the food came in ridiculously small portions, was mediocre, and overpriced. The angel hair combo seafood bowl I received was a glob of pasta with tiny pieces of fish and 2 shrimp, 2 scallops on top, for $32. The caesar salad was awful with a few leaves of colorless romain lettuce, 3 tiny anchovies and dressing drizzled on top, requiring a knife and fork to eat. Our tab with 3 ice teas was close to $200 and there was not more than 20-30 dollars worth of food served. read more

Good service good food good margarita good ribeye steak Nice environment fine dining in Pv this is the only restaurant in pv to offer a fine dining experience read more

Essence Kitchen + Bar - Inside the restaurant nice place it's hard to find good food in PV but this is a good one - New American Near Me - Chino Valley, Arizona

Went here on the middle of the week and thankfully had a reservation. It was packed, but we seated when we arrived. They have a good wine selection and drinks list was great. The poke appetizer was amazing. Entrees were amazing and full of flavor. Will definitely be back this place is a hidden gem in Chino Valley. read more

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A chic space, superb customer service, and mouth-watering entree and small plate options mean a triple delight with every visit. The pulled pork sliders are the best I've ever eaten. Make reservations as the restaurant is very popular. Raspberry margarita and pulled pork sliders. read more

I drove from here to San Diego to visit some of my favorite seafood restaurants and brought back lobster bisque, only to realize Essence has the best I've ever tasted read more

Been a few times, just myself & my husband, with friends, and with a large group of ladies, always a wonderful experience. Love the small cozy atmosphere, the food (I try something different each visit) is always so good and service of waitstaff couldn't be better. Specialty drinks are tasty and selection of wines is adequate. Our next visit is already planned with our neighbors who've heard of Essence but never been. So looking forward to sharing this great restaurant. read more

Chino valley is bad so the food must be bad! This place uses sea food from Safeway, that's where they catch there fish. Crappy sea food in chino, might was well go the fish and chips in chino, just as bad, or Taco Bell is right in front read more

This place has always been amazing I'm related to the owners and they are such amazing people and they put all their love into their restaurant and even a single bite of their food makes you feel loved and appreciated.The servers are so sweet and caring they put so much effort and love into their words and actions. read more

Very Noisy, good food, and is pricey, doesn't always respect reservations. The service was respectful and timely. Little tight quarters as it is a small restaurant. read more

Wow.. what a hidden gem! The "Hot Shot Burger" will wake-up your taste buds. The balance of heat and flavor was on point. The entire meal was excellent and well priced. Service was friendly and welcoming. The decor and music sets the tone of what to expect. It's always great to hear that locally grown produce is being used. read more

We went to the new and improved Essence last night, wow! We started with the clams and omg they were the best clams I've ever had!!!!! The sauce!! Then we both had the scallops with greens ( with their to die for buerre blanc) spicy creamed corn and mushroom arborio. I also highly recommend the kiwi mojito, delicious. read more

This is a nice restaurant. The food was very good and so was service. Cute interior but make sure to make a reservation as they are small and always busy! read more

Now I know what everyone is raving about! Had a wonderful lunch today and experienced the great food, drinks and service. This is exactly the type of restaurant we love and don't mind driving the 30 minutes to get there. Normally don't have dessert after lunch but the bread pudding with salted caramel bourbon sauce and ice cream was a perfect end to a great meal. The drinks from the bar were top notch and very reasonably priced! Will be a regular here! read more

Essence Kitchen + Bar - Bread pudding with salted caramel bourbon sauce and ice cream - New American Near Me - Chino Valley, Arizona

Enjoyed a New Years meal. Jason and Julia really outdid themselves. The food was fresh and delicious, and exceptional service. Bacon wrapped dates and pear and brie flatbread appetizers, followed by spicy chicken sandwich ( shared) and key lime pie for dessert. Support local... read more

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Wonderful food. Nice atmosphere. A lovely place to bring guests yhat appreciate fine dining.

I've only been there a few times but I must say that their service is excellent and so is their food. I was pleasantly surprised. The owners definitely care out their customers and their attention was super. read more

Who new such an amazing place in a shopping center! Great staff delicious fresh food. read more

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One of the absolute best restaurants in the quad cities! I've been for a food and cocktail tasting and several meals, lunch and dinner. The creations were amazing! Seriously delectable fish options that you just don't get anywhere in the area. Everything is made with love and incredible creative talents! Service is happy, great and friendly! Nice ambiance comfortable and chic! read more

The food was fantastic. The atmosphere was ok, not bad but also not fantastic. There is an older lady that worked the door and was the hostess, she was a bit over the top and had a need to micromanage. Service was a little slow too. Normally I would not mention that but this place is so hyped up about how amazing it is. I wanted to be realistic. read more

We love Essence! It's our go-to place whenever we have guests in town or just want to treat ourselves. The food and desserts are always top notch. The owners take pride in their restaurant and are always hands on. read more

Great restaurant! Staff (summer) was helpful and amazing. Food was excellent!! The temperature and the way the fish was cooked was delicious. Can't wait to go back! read more

Quaint, conveniently, upscale foodie destination. Food is freshly prepared, ambience is average and staff are very helpful with ordering and explaining menu which has occasional specials. Fish is delicious. Best place in the Prescott, PV, Chino area. Reservation is recommended, even for lunch. read more

I have eaten here many times. Great food and service. The owners are both chefs very welcoming.

I'm writing this review because it's the third time the owner has come across as aggressive and frustrated, not only with her staff but also with her customers. The tipping point was a recent birthday dinner where we felt judged and shamed for being a few minutes late. The owner rushed us to order drinks as soon as we sat down and then hurriedly took our order shortly after. She seemed tense and had an odd demeanor. During the meal, she aggressively cleared our plates without any courtesy. Her constant presence behind us made my elderly parents uncomfortable. It feels like she might be experiencing burnout, which is understandable for a small business owner, but if she can't maintain a calm and welcoming atmosphere for guests, she should consider hiring someone to help manage that load. While yes she appears friendly to most she falls short every time. Her behavior is just so odd to me. People don't want their waters filled up a million times or utensils changed out like this is Chris Ruth steakhouse. Sometimes people want to be left alone. Check in casually but this is excessive. The food quality is inconsistent, and any feedback is met with defensiveness and more aggression. It's reminiscent of being scolded by parents when you've done something wrong. Unfortunately, two of us experienced upset stomachs on separate occasions due to the uncooked steak. This is our fault for not speaking up but the chef should be able to temp filet or ribeyes correctly... Given the recurring issues, I hope Julia takes this review and others seriously, and finds a way to relax and provide every table with the professionalism and grace they deserve without overworking herself. It's such a shame. read more

Great Service and Excellent Food. You are treated very well from the time you get the text about your reservation, until you leave when your meal is over. The menu is Great with awesome choices and selections...My wife's Lobster Ravioli was delicious, my Blackened Catfish was cooked perfect, and Steam Clams were awesome. read more

4 of us enjoyed lunch here today. Two had mahi-mahi,, one had rainbow trout and I had the fiery burger. Everyone was happy with their meal. The fish dishes were outstanding. The fish comes in from San Diego twice a week and was fresh and flavorful. The burger was as advertised-Hot! I loved every bite!! The raspberry iced tea complemented everything nicely. Make sure you try it. Service was absolutely first rate. Never hurried or imposing but always there when you needed them. It wasn't cheap but it was a great value. We will be going back! read more

We had heard good things about this place & stopped in for Happy Hour We were not disappointed. Sequoia was our server she was very pleasant & attentive. It is fairly small maybe 10 tables. We ordered the bbq pork sliders, sweet potatoe fries, glass of wine & a Long Island Iced Tea. The food was delicious & plentiful. The couple next to us said this is their goto place for special occasions. We can see why & will definitely be back. read more

had the steelhead trout. soooo good as was the service. We have also had fillet mignon that melts in your mouth. If you haven't tried Essence Kitchen in Chino Valley you are missing out! read more

Great new addition to out local "better " restaurants. Great tasty food with innovative menu. Surprising atmosphere for shopping plaza place. Fooled me. Trained staff, not usual here. Open & airy. Well worth the ride. Be back sooner read more