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What to order
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Mousaka
Recommended because it was specifically called delicious, and the reviewer said the meals are consistently made incredibly well with fresh, tasty ingredients.
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Pulled Pork Burger
Highly recommended because one reviewer called it "the best ever," making it one of the strongest specific food endorsements in the reviews.
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🥉
Margarita
Recommended because it was described as amazing and yummy, standing out as a praised drink item in the reviews.
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4
Spicey Beef Strips Tramezzini
Recommended because it was singled out as really filling, suggesting a satisfying and substantial meal.
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5
Krushers
Recommended because they were described as "to die for," indicating a very enthusiastic positive reaction.
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6
Gourmet Burger With Mushroom And Feta
Recommended because the reviewer specifically mentioned enjoying this customized burger combination, implying it was a strong choice.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM to 5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM to 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM to 8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM to 8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM to 5 PM |
About Essence.
Essence. is a restaurant, grill, and cafe in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Reviewers consistently praise the cozy fireplace setting, friendly and attentive service, and the food, especially desserts, drinks, and generous portions. The menu is described as varied, with dishes like chicken, steaks, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, moussaka, and burgers. It is also noted for outdoor seating, live music, and a mix of casual, cozy, romantic, and upscale atmosphere.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Essence. known for?
Essence. is especially known for its cozy fireplace setting and its food and drinks, with reviewers repeatedly highlighting the carrot cake, chocolate brownie, margarita, and pulled pork burger. People also mention the generous portions and the variety of sandwiches, wraps, pastas, chicken, and steaks.
What dishes are most recommended at Essence.?
Reviewers most often recommend the carrot cake, chocolate brownie, butternut pasta, moussaka, and the pulled pork burger. The food is described as fresh, tasty, and well made, with portions that are large enough that some guests mention taking leftovers home.
Is Essence. good value, and what is the price range?
There is no exact menu price listed, but reviewers say the food is "well worth the price" and that the portions are generous. That suggests solid value for a restaurant in Pietermaritzburg, especially if you want a full meal, dessert, and drinks in one visit.
When is the best time to visit Essence.?
Brunch and lunch reservations are recommended, so those are the times when the restaurant appears to be busiest. Reviews also mention Social Sundays and live music, which suggests those visits may be especially lively but also more crowded.
Is parking available at Essence.?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Essence. have vegetarian options?
Yes, Essence. offers vegan options.
Is Essence. kid-friendly?
Yes, Essence. is good for kids.
