Essenza Restaurant — Restaurant in Muscat

During our visit to the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Muscat, we had the pleasure of dining at Essenza, the hotel’s exquisite Italian restaurant. We hadn’t made a reservation, but were warmly greeted as soon as we arrived and promptly escorted to our table. The restaurant’s décor is beautifully done, with a modern and stylish design paired with ambient lighting that creates a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

What truly stood out during our meal was the open kitchen, where we could watch the talented chefs, including the head chef Davide Borin, working their culinary masterpieces. It was a pleasure to see the dedication and skill that went into every dish. Davide himself made a point to come out and speak with us, which added a personal touch that made the experience even more memorable.

As for the food, it was exceptional. The pizza was a standout—perfectly crispy with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The homemade tiramisu was, without a doubt, the best we’ve ever had. The dessert is prepared right in front of you, which adds to the experience. The pasta was equally delicious, cooked to perfection with just the right balance of flavors.

If you’re looking for an outstanding Italian meal in Muscat, Essenza at the Mandarin Oriental is the place to be. From the impeccable service to the top-quality ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, it’s an experience that’s well worth the visit. A must-try for...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fine-dining Italian gem in Muscat.

We had dinner at Essenza, located inside the stunning Mandarin Oriental Muscat, and it was a truly memorable experience. The restaurant has a warm, modern Italian ambiance with beautiful lighting and an open kitchen that adds to the overall atmosphere.

The food was top-notch. We started with the burrata – fresh, creamy, and paired perfectly with tomatoes and basil. For mains, we had the Margherita pizza. Portions were satisfying without being overwhelming. The tiramisu dessert was one of the best we’ve had in Muscat – rich, classic, and not overly sweet.

Service was impeccable – the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and timed everything perfectly. The sommelier recommended a lovely Italian red that matched our meal beautifully.

Yes, it’s on the higher end in terms of pricing, but you’re paying for quality, setting, and an overall experience. Definitely a go-to for special occasions or a classy night out. Highly recommended.

📍 Location: Ground floor, Mandarin Oriental Muscat 🍽️ Must-try: Burrata, Veal Milanese, Tiramisu 💸 Price: Premium 🥂 Bonus: Excellent wine list and pairings 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family- and couple-friendly,...

Our visit to Essenza Restaurant was absolutely delightful, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, and the entire team ensured we felt comfortable and valued throughout the evening.

A special mention goes to our server, Manuel, whose professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor truly stood out. He went above and beyond to make our experience enjoyable, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring every detail was perfect. Manuel’s exceptional service added a personal touch that made our dinner truly memorable.

The food was exquisite – from the perfectly crafted Pizza 5 Formaggi to the flavorful Tagliata Ribeye al Pepe Verde, every dish showcased the chef’s expertise and attention to detail. The drinks and ambiance complemented the meal beautifully, making it a complete fine dining experience.

Kudos to the entire staff for their teamwork and dedication to excellence. It’s clear that the Essenza team takes great pride in creating a top-notch dining experience. We highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to visiting again. Thank you, Manuel, and the rest of the team for a...