Esca Restaurant

Following the closure of Evida, Esca has become a cycling coffee pit stop for those Sundays that take us down the beachfront. ‘US’ being Bastardi Gruppetto, just another group of middle aged men in lycra getting around in an orange/​black/​white jersey… registered to race too… come and ride… seriously.
Previous stops at Glenelg have included Cibo and La Musette Siphon coffee bar but with a group it becomes a bit of a majority rules and Esca seems to be the current majority flavour. Left at the Colley Reserve roundabout, past the shops and it’s straight ahead by the marina alongside other dining venues.
It’s a nice looking restaurant and I’m likely to return for dinner at some point. You can sit by the marina, or inside, or on the opposite (ocean) side. The menu seems interesting although nothing stands out and the dessert bar displays typical offerings found in many other places. Staff are friendly but the service speed a little hit and miss. Sometimes the difference between the 1^st and last coffee served can be 10 minutes (total might be say 8 coffees…).

Totally amazing, impeccable food. Had the pork belly, lamb rack and warm carrot salad. Great staff to boot!

Favourite restaurant in Adelaide. Elegant and near the beach on a strip of beautiful restaurants. Been here three times to try the steak risotto and seafood pasta. Each of them couldn’t have been made any better. sooo good! Their tirumisu is to die for as well!

*The best steak (beef fillet) I have ever had the pleasure of devouring.*
I have been to Esca on the Marina for dinner about 5 times now, and I just absolutely love it. I have taken my parents there when they are visiting twice now and they have been impressed by the quality of the food and the beautiful setting. This fancy restaurant looks out over the ocean and if you go at the right time, you can watch the sun setting, which looks amazing…
The first I went I was with a bachelorette party and the staff were very accommodating and attentive. I got an eggplant and tomato based dish and I wish I could remember what it was called because I would recommend it to you, yes you, reading my review, but you will have to settle for me saying «ORDER THE FANCY BAKED EGGPLANT TOMATOEY DISH, IT IS AMAZING».
On another occaision, I ordered the arancini balls for entrée and the beef fillet with polenta and onion jus for main. Both dishes quickly became my favourites as well!
The arancini balls are just balls of cheesy delicious served with a napoletana sauce — errr what’s not to love? The beef fillet was ordered to be medium rare, a little rarer is fine, and it was served to that request perfectly. The most tender steak I have had, hands down. The little cube of polenta was a perfect accompaniment, I just wish I had a little bit more.
One of the times I went with my parents and partner, we had a very snobby waitress looking after us who did not like the fact we hadn’t made a reservation (it was a Tuesday night, people!) which kinda ruined the experience but the food was still delicious. Who knows, the girl might have been having a horrible day/​night and took it out on us!
Since then however, we have had very polite and cheery waiters/​waitressers who act as though nothing is too much trouble.
They have a great selection of wines — my favourite was a d’arenberg shiraz from McLaren Vale and it went perfectly with the beef fillet.
I will have to try Esca out for breakfast soon!

Nice dinning environment at the Glenelg marina. However, staff don’t seem to pay much attention to us. We are a 10 people group, yet service was pretty slow. Disappointed in their food as well. I know it’s hard to serve 10 dishes at the same time, but I don’t like paying good money for cold food. One pasta dish was under cooked. Steak was so tough, the plate moved when friend tried to cut into it. Wish you luck in that restaurant, the fish replacement of the steak was fantastic. The slow cooked duck had a good feedback from friend too.

It is always hard to pick an absolute favourite but when it comes to coffee I think this is mine. It is a tough call but I think the fact that I usually have two coffees here and nowhere else gives it away. The coffee is consistently amazing, rich, creamy, strong but never bitter. One of my favourite baristas, Fred makes these wonderful creations. He is also great to chat to, flirtacious, friendly and very efficient. He often has my coffee ready by the time I have ordered.
Another great thing about Esca is its location. As you order your coffee you can look through the restaurant to the sea, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Then, if you look to your left you have a view of Marina and all the luxury boats. Sitting outside is glorious on a sunny day.
Esca also does my favourite breakfast in Adelaide: goats cheese and field mushroom omelette served with rocket salad — absolutely delicious!
Wonderful staff, wonderful food and the best coffee in Adelaide (Yes I said It!)