Essentia Café, San Isidro

In San Isidro, new cafés keep appearing, and Essentia Café is one that stands out as soon as you walk in. The space is large, with a modern style that still feels warm and comfortable. There’s plenty of natural light, good seating, and an atmosphere that makes it easy to stay for a while—whether that means catching up with friends, getting a bit of work done, or just enjoying a coffee without rushing. The idea behind the place revolves around balanced food and well-being, something that shows clearly once you look at the menu.

The project was created by Solange Martínez-Gonzales and Diana Silva, two partners who wanted to build a space where healthy food could also feel satisfying and varied. Because of that, the menu includes many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. It doesn’t feel like a typical “light food” spot, but rather a place where different kinds of eaters can find something they’ll actually want to order.

This time, the table had vegan pancakes with pistachio sauce, raspberries, and chantilly. The pancakes were soft, with the creamy pistachio and the fresh touch of raspberries working really well together. It’s a sweet plate, but it doesn’t feel overly sugary, so it’s easy to enjoy without feeling heavy.

To drink, there was an iced caramel latte that also had an interesting detail: it comes in a transparent can. It’s a different presentation that catches your attention right away. The coffee was good, and the caramel added sweetness without covering the flavor of the coffee.

Essentia feels like one of those places where you can go for a quiet breakfast, meet friends for brunch, or even have a casual meeting. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, and it’s also pet friendly, so it’s common to see people arriving with their dogs. It’s a space that brings together coffee, balanced food, and an environment that makes it easy to spend some time there.

Location

C. Sacsayhuaman 170, San Isidro 15073, Peru

Reference Opening Hours

Monday – Saturday

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.