Essenza Italian Eatery & Market is located at 2831 E. Commercial Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.
Call 754-328-1818 or visit essenzaitalian.com for more information.
Email them at info@essenzaitalian.com.
The luscious, slow-roasted veal shank osso bucco is a customer favorite at Essenza. [Food photos by Malcolm McClintock/New Pelican]
By Malcolm McClintock | New Pelican Writer
South Florida is hardly short on Italian restaurants, ranging from casual neighborhood haunts to polished fine-dining destinations. However, finding a gem that delivers the true essence of modern-day Italy is a much rarer proposition.
At Essenza, visitors will discover exactly that – a thoughtfully crafted celebration of regional Italian cuisine, scratch-made delights, and heartfelt conviviality reminiscent of a modern family-run eatery.
The recently-opened restaurant and food market is the vision of Calabrian native Maria Avallone and her Argentine husband, Roberto Junco, who draw on years of hospitality experience, pastry expertise, and a shared passion for Italian gastronomy to create a culinary enclave built on quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and genuine warmth.
The popular lasagna is always a sure bet.
The beautifully-appointed space impresses with a contemporary décor that is cheerful and aesthetically inviting. Displays of pastries, gelato, imported Mediterranean products and fine wines invite exploration, while the friendly staff greet guests with courteous familiarity.
“We believe in the purity of natural ingredients, traditional recipes and the ‘Essenza‘ of real Italian cuisine,” says Maria. “Everything is made fresh in-house including pasta, sauces, breads, pastries, desserts, and gelato.”
In an industry increasingly reliant on shortcuts, that level of craftsmanship is both rare and refreshing. Committed to authenticity, Maria even brought her mother from Calabria to help train the kitchen staff and share family recipes passed down through generations.
Open from breakfast through dinner, Essenza blurs the line between dining out and feeling at home. Mornings feature croissants filled with hazelnut cream, pistachio cream, or dulce de leche, alongside savory favorites like smoked salmon croissants, fully loaded four-egg omelettes, and truffle burrata avocado toast.
Essenza owners Maria Avallone and Roberto Junco. [Courtesy]
The espresso machine hums merrily as the barista crafts everything from rich espressos and velvety café au lait to cappuccinos and lattes, while fresh-squeezed juices provide a refreshing finish to a breakfast that alone justifies the visit.
“We’ve curated every detail of Essenza to honor Italian heritage – from old-world cooking techniques to elegant presentation, even down to the imported, hand-painted plates,” says Roberto. “And people have noticed that attention to detail. We are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the community.”
Lunch sandwiches feature homemade artisan rosemary focaccia stuffed with imported meats and cheeses, including prosciutto with fresh mozzarella and arugula, porchetta with smoked scamorza and broccoli rabe, and salami with pecorino fondue and olive paste.
Guests can also enjoy Pinsa Romana, the airy yet crispy Roman-style pizza that offers a light, modern expression of Italy’s ancient baking tradition. Classic toppers include San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, soppressata, basil pesto, grilled eggplant, wild mushrooms and sausage.
The decadent crème brûlée is just one of many must-try desserts.
Must-try appetizers include thin-sliced beef carpaccio with shaved parmesan, handcrafted meatballs with tomato sauce and ricotta, Italian omelette with caramelized red onions and mint leaves, sweet and savory caponata, and an antipasto Calabrese charcuterie board featuring ’nduja, imported cheeses, olives, and cured vegetables.
Fresh pasta is a centerpiece of the menu, with house-made tagliatelle, pappardelle, rigatoni, gnocchi, ravioli, tortellini, and lobster ravioli paired with sauces such as ragù alla Genovese, Calabrian pork and ’nduja ragù, carbonara with guanciale and pecorino, wild mushroom truffle sauce, and pistachio pesto with shrimp.
Across the menu, value remains a noteworthy attribute. Appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, and Pinsas start at around $15, while larger entrées such as mouthwatering ossobuco, tender lamb shank, fresh swordfish, braised rabbit, and sliced New York strip are priced from about $27.
The braised rabbit with olives, spices, and white wine pairs perfectly with chilled pinot grigio.
Desserts showcase Maria’s roots as the founder of Passion Tiramisu, along with her experience as a pastry chef and Italian wine sommelier. The selection includes classic tiramisu, bonet, cassatina Siciliana, ricotta cheesecake, crème caramel, triple chocolate mousse, artisan gelato, and affogato.
The wine program focuses on Italy’s key regions, with an upcoming wine club offering curated selections and discounts. The experience is rounded out by an Italian market, catering services, private dining, online ordering, delivery through popular apps and ample parking.
With its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and unwavering commitment to quality and tradition, Essenza offers something increasingly rare: a taste of Italy that remains pure, genuine, and refreshingly authentic. Enjoy!
Essenza Italian Eatery & Market is a New Pelican advertiser.
The gorgeous Essenza dining room welcomes all to discover its Italian delights.