The Essential Menu
Introducing The Essential - a New American bistro located in Birmingham, AL. This trendy and upscale spot offers a wide range of menu options, including vegan and vegetarian choices. With features like outdoor seating, valet parking, and a full bar, it's the perfect place for a group gathering or a cozy date night. Customers rave about the attentive service and high-quality ingredients used in their dishes. From marinated olives to mushroom toast, the menu is a blend of flavors that is sure to impress. Don't miss out on their famous Rainbow Trout with beurre blanc sauce or the mouthwatering carrot cake for dessert. Whether you're looking for a casual brunch or an intimate dinner, The Essential is a must-visit spot for food lovers.
Lunch and Dinner
Sourdough Bread
From Bandit Patisserie, butter.
Marinated Olives
Orange, coriander, olive oil.
Chicken Liver Mousse
Buttermilk sage crackers.
Shrimp Dip
Gulf shrimp with remoulade, potato chips
Mushroom Toast
Beurre blanc, fresh thyme on Bandit sourdough
Local Lettuces
Lemon cashew vinaigrette, beets, red onion, pecorino.
5 Grain Salad
Freekeh, wheat berries, barley, quinoa, greens,avocado, walnuts, whipped feta.
Florida Clams
Brothy and warming with soffrito, vinho verde, fennel salsa, baguette.
Essential Burger
8 oz. grass-fed beef, American cheese, Russian, Dijonaise,lettuce, charred onion, dill pickles, brioche bun, fries.
Fish Sandwich
Paprika mayo, fennel slaw, brioche bun, chips.
1/2 Chicken Piri Piri
Peanuts from next door, lime gremolata, fries.
Crispy Oyster Sandwich
Gulf oysters, kimchi mayo, gem lettuce, on Bandit brioche with chips
Canestri
house made pasta with cauliflower sauce, raclette, garlicky breadcrumbs
Bucatini
house made pasta with all'amatriciana, Benton's Ham, tomato, pecorino
Spaghetti
house made pasta with Louisiana crawfish, white wine, garlic, dill
Rigatoni
house made pasta with chorizo bolognese, cultured cream, Manchego
Ham Sandwich
Smoked ham, gruyere cheese, onion jam, dijonaise, Bandit sourdough with chips
Side Salad
Local greens, radishes, cider vinaigrette
Fries Garlic Mayo
Hand cut fries with garlic mayo and ketchup
