The name Phil Marchant has become synonymous with refined dining in Brisbane’s ever-growing restaurant scene – his reputation for producing sophisticated dishes is known by both diners and hospitality professionals. Having earnt his stripes working under Shane Osbourne at Michelin-starred Pied à Terre in London, Rick Stein in Padstow and in the kitchen of New Zealand’s renowned The French Café, Phil has more recently been knocking the socks off patrons at Brisbane’s Gauge as Head Chef. 

Now, together with design-savvy mastermind and co-owner Angela Sclavos, Phil will open the doors to ESSA in Fortitude Valley this week.

Tucked into Robertson Street (just off the James Street restaurant strip), ESSA is set to present a striking, multi-level architecturally designed space. Industrial yet warm, brass, zinc, and greenstone accents compliment leather-line banquettes, low lighting, and open brickwork. Beyond the open kitchen, an upper dining level features a flourishing garden. 

But, of course, the centrepiece will be formed by the dishes that arrive on diners’ tables.

A combination of raw, smoked, pickled and wood-fired dishes are showcased on the ESSA menu, and Phil has collaborated with farmers, hunters, and world-class providores to bring high-quality produce to the plate. Simplicity and an environmentally minded conscientiousness drives the ethos behind the dishes, allowing ethically sourced produce to shine. 

Diners can expect to see the likes of fire-scorched Kohlrabi pickled and served alongside wild venison tartare with bergamot, toasted buckwheat, and hibiscus; then there’s the spatchcock quail with brown butter, caper leaves and salt bush; and organic pork chops served on the bone. A surprising yet harmonious Jerusalem artichoke cream bun is set to delight in its unexpected coupling. 

A creative cocktail list – The Love Bird sees rose, strawberries and white chocolate mingle in the glass – and a carefully curated wine list will accompany the starring dishes. 

ESSA will open on Friday 27 August 2021 at 181 Robertson Road, Fortitude Valley. The restaurant will be open from 4pm Tuesday to Saturday. For more details or to make a booking, head to: essa.restaurant.