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Essence Restaurant + Bar, Elkhart, IN

Essence Restaurant + Bar

5 (511)
$31 to $50
American
333 Nibco Pkwy, Elkhart, IN 46516-3565

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Innovative
A culinary playground centered around unwavering hospitality and creatively curated cuisine, wine and spirits.

Welcome home.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Juan Rodriguez
  • Neighborhood
    Elkhart
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Public parking lot located across the street from Essence, additional parking on the street and feel free to utilize INOVA for satellite parking space if needed
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 511 people are saying

Essence Restaurant + Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

5.0
5.0 based on recent ratings
  • 5.0Food
  • 5.0Service
  • 5.0Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Indiana

    Best Overall

  • Indiana

    Best Food

  • Indiana

    Best Service

  • Indiana

    Best Ambiance

  • Indiana

    Best Value

  • Indiana

    Innovative

  • Indiana

    American

  • South Bend

    Best Overall

  • South Bend

    Best Food

  • South Bend

    Best Service

  • South Bend

    Best Ambiance

  • South Bend

    Best Value

  • South Bend

    Good for groups

  • South Bend

    Healthy

  • South Bend

    Hot spot

  • South Bend

    Great for fine wines

  • South Bend

    Romantic

  • South Bend

    Good for special occasions

  • South Bend

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Essence Restaurant + Bar offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food, impeccable service, and a welcoming atmosphere." Guests rave about the "exquisite menu" featuring sea bass, bison, and wagyu. Owner Brad and his team ensure every visit feels special with personal touches like handwritten notes and complimentary desserts. A true gem in Elkhart!
511 Reviews
  1. Michael

    San Antonio8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our 2nd time here, this time to celebrate our anniversary. Brad and crew delivered a standout night once again. Wonderful atmosphere, outstanding food, and attentive service (thanks Zach!). We got to spend some time when leaving speaking with Brad, and it's nice to support someone who truly has his priorities in perspective! We will definitely be back, and if you have not been here...you're missing a wonderful experience!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Erica

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best food and atmosphere in northern Indiana. Attention to detail makes for a wonderful experience!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jennifer

    Unspecified2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We sat out on the patio for a different experience than the inside. It was perfect! The weather was beautiful. We had a view of the water and surrounding scenery. They even provided beverage hats to use if you felt the need, which we didn’t. Once again food taste, presentation, service, and ambience were all first rate.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sue

    Indiana1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I went to celebrate his birthday since we love this place. We were not disappointed. Everything from the cocktails to dessert was excellent. The service was outstanding and the ambience is lovely. For every special occasion we choose Essence . Thank you Brad and staff.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jeff

    Indiana2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service and atmosphere were all AMAZING! First time vistor but will become a frequent vistor for sure! Met Brad the owner, he could not have been more hospitable!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Angela

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Do not pass up the opportunity to dine here. The best experience I've had in years. From the approachable, caring and knowledgeable staff to the exquisite food and drinks. This place misses nothing.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Clara

    Indiana7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was our 39th wedding anniversary they seat us in a very nice table gave us champagne and a nice card I had the corn soup and Paella it was amazing my husband had the Australian wagyu his was also amazing we also got a free desert our waitress was fantastic the service is always high end we will definitely be back soon

    Is this helpful?

  8. Donna VIP

    San Diego37 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Essence! The service is always exemplary. Kindness, knowledge, and special care for every guest. The Sea Bass and Bison were beyond! We also ordered the Chocolate + Coffee dessert was extra special. I can’t wait to go back!

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  9. Bob

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrating our wedding anniversary. Everything about the evening was spectacular. From the hostess to our waiter Zach, even the owner Brad coming to the table to ensure our evening was perfect….an incredible experience in every way possible. We will be back for more than just special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Ryan

    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect as always. Brad and Juan knock it out of the park.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Essence Restaurant + Bar is rated 5 stars by 511 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Indiana
  4. South Bend
  5. Elkhart

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Essence Restaurant + Bar

333 Nibco Pkwy, Elkhart, IN 46516-3565

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Elkhart
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Public parking lot located across the street from Essence, additional parking on the street and feel free to utilize INOVA for satellite parking space if needed
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Juan Rodriguez
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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