02/26/2024
The Hotel Palms is really a hidden gem in the ocean side of Miami Beach. Dinner in their restaurant Essensia was an amazing experience, truly.
As Miami’s Oceanside restaurants are not particularly known for their food and service, but more for the vibe and fun, this was a refreshing experience.
The moment you walk in, it has some island atmosphere, but very low key and romantic ambience. Especially the patio.
Once seated, our waitress, an Argentinian lady ( forgot the name, sorry), was having a very warm attitude.
It was surprisingly, the only experience in a while, where you would not feel like a cash bag. Not one time you could feel that she was trying to explain the menu to upsell you on the most expensive stuff.
Now let’s get to the good stuff and explain a bit about the food. The restaurant claims that all ingredients are sourced locally from Florida.
We did try the following:
1. Octopus was probably one of the best you could try in the city. Grilled to perfections and spiced subtlety, so it’s not over powering. Pure perfection.
2. Ceviche was great as well. Not the best one you will try in the city, but still, would order it again and anytime.
3. Lamb shank was delicious and it was tasting as some grandma from the Mediterranean made it in a pit oven.
It didn’t have the lamb flavor at all. You know the one that most people don’t like, which means it was properly marinated and set down.
4. The Churrasco Steak was melting in the mouth. Paired with the truffle and Parmesan fries, it’s a must try.
5. The citrus olive oil cake was just not my thing. Nothing wrong with it, but just not for my taste buds. It was very subtle, and light. Everyone else loved it. But, on the other end the apple tart was to die for. Unreal.