Eculent

Review №1

Rating: 3

Date: 3 months ago

Review №2

Rating: 5

Date: 4 months ago

Review №3

Rating: 5

Súper excellent great .. nice experiencia!!! Came with for my husband birthday and it was a blast !!!!!!!! Enjoy our time .. if you want a super cool different experience pleas come !!!! Best of the best !!!!my husband love it !!!!enjoy 10000000 times recommended !!!!!!!!

Date: 4 months ago

Review №4

Rating: 5

The Eculent is an intimate dining experience, once in a life time . limited to 10 couples, thats ideal for foodies and wine aficionados . And are paired with wines from around the world ..

Date: 5 months ago

Review №5

Rating: 5

Amazing experience!!!! Going to miss it but I ll be checking out the new concept.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №6

Rating: 5

Unique eating and drinking experience. Every dish was different. Don t think about coming here. Just come!

Date: 5 months ago

Review №7

Rating: 5

Where to start! This was a twenty course meal or so and very decadent. This restaurant is an experience like nothing else you ve experienced. Every course was beautiful and carefully cultivated. We were served, for example, a course meant to resemble a picnic except in small bites. A BLT was served in a baby tomato, french onion soup in a bite the size of a round chocolate. In sum, the food was phenomenal but also it was art. The fruits and vegetables are from the chef s own garden and were the best veggies, fruit you ll ever have. The service was wonderful. The bread was the best I ve had and the dessert was top 2, if not number 1, I have ever tasted (a dried pavlova that we used small wooden mallets to break open revealing a honey dessert that was to die for). Great experience, amazing food!

Date: 5 months ago

Review №8

Rating: 5

An amazing evening. The food was unique and delicious!

Date: 5 months ago

Review №9

Rating: 5

I dont know if I will experience a dinner like this ever again. An experience to behold...

Date: 6 months ago

Review №10

Rating: 5

Everything was delicious and the evening was fantastic. 3 hour service was fenomenal

Date: 6 months ago

Review №11

Rating: 5

Arguably the best food experience in the greater Houston area. Exciting and delicious! An open mind is all you need! What an amazing evening! Chef and the staff are incredible! Do yourself a favor folks. And it s even better with friends!

Date: 6 months ago

Review №12

Rating: 5

This was our second visit. It s a wonderful experience & the food is amazing. Their attention to detail is amazing. Tonight was our 3rd time at Eculent. They never disappoint- it s always a wonderful time & sensory delight. It is our favorite place to celebrate our bday. We look forward to the new concept that s coming. Thank you Chef Skinner & team for all the wonderful times.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №13

Rating: 5

Date: 6 months ago

Review №14

Rating: 5

Such an incredible experience. Chef David was so accommodating and walked us through the courses. 10/10 experience with the casual vibes, innovative takes, and historical context.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №15

Rating: 5

Date: 6 months ago

Review №16

Rating: 5

This was an amazing date night. The staff was so kind and friendly. We really loved the ambiance, it was so pleasant and intimate. All the plates were amazing. But the presentation of each plate was just so beautiful. We will definitely be back. Definitely get the wine pairing.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №17

Rating: 5

This is a foodie experience for anyone who wants to enjoy the best that food science and magic can bring to your palate and mind. The many courses were a beautiful food journey.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №18

Rating: 5

Wonderful and unique experience! Loved the adventure

Date: 7 months ago

Review №19

Rating: 5

30 courses. 3.5 hours. Only 1 seating per night. 16 total diners. What better way to celebrate 20 years together?! Simply amazing and so much fun! Chef Skinner at Eculent in Kemah really knocked it out of the park. Each course was so inventive - butterfly tea with lemon slush ice, a tiny tomato that tastes like a BLT, a cracker that tastes like fried chicken, a mandarin orange that embodies an ambrosia salad, freeze-dried Caesar salad, Julia Child s beef bourguignon in one bite (my FAV), escargot and mushroom salad, pretzels with gooseneck barnacles, duck with wild rice, steak, stained glass pasta (amazing), lobster, and on and on. Plus the staff was so fun to interact with! Thank you for such a memorable evening. Minor details: Skip lunch and come hungry (even though the portions are small, you re eating for 3.5 hours and it s comfortably filling). Parking was easy. If you get there early, you can visit the wine bar behind the restaurant and you re allowed to bring any drinks you get back to Eculent when dinner is about to start.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №20

Rating: 5

Eculent is a culinary experience like no other. The intimate dining experience hosts only 10 couples in a single synchronous serving per night. The 30-course themed dinner, complete with lighting treatment for each course, was delicious, innovative and artistically stunning. Every detail of the experience was considered. The staff was warm and friendly from start to finish. Truly a delight.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №21

Rating: 5

Date: 8 months ago

Review №22

Rating: 5

Wow! We were all blown away by the fabulous chef who was present to explain every one of the 30 courses and answer our many questions. The chef has a wealth of knowledge about everything from foods around the world to engineering a special fork for the salad course, glassblowing specialty drinking aparatusses , and most importantly, making delicious dishes. This was truly a memorable night we ll never forget. The pastry chef explained all of our wine pairings and she and the other assistant were both friendly, helpful and fun!

Date: 8 months ago

Review №23

Rating: 5

The most exquisite dinner of my entire life!! Do not miss this. Best meal of my life of world travels!!

Date: 8 months ago

Review №24

Rating: 5

Dinner was amazing!! Every bite was a delicious experience!! My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary and decided to give Eculent a try after seeing the restaurant featured on tv. It was so worth the trip from San Antonio. We arrived early so we had a glass of wine at the tasting room. The Pinot Grigio was refreshing. For dinner we chose the old world wine pairing and the wines were great! The first entry to the evening was a butterfly peas drink. So cool and refreshing. The first bite came out on a tiny little pedestal and was amazing! The night featured 30ish different pieces/bites and we loved everything!! Thanks so much for making our anniversary one to remember. We look forward to returning soon!

Date: 8 months ago

Review №25

Rating: 5

Amazing experience once in a life time experience, but please note you on the cheap end will not leave there spending no less than $1000 for two people. I didnt mind that I just wished I would have known beforehand. Otherwise, its like walking into Alice and Wonderland/Willy Wonka world. A true out of the world experience.

Date: 8 months ago

Review №26

Rating: 3

So I have wanted to come here for years and my fiance purchased dinner and wine packages. The setup is at 2 bars/2 tables and fits 6-10 couples. The staff is very engaging and there are plenty of eye catching, creative dishes for a pretty unique culinary experience but this dinner is not for anyone impatient/ actually hungry. The main issue is it was absolutely not worth total $810 for 2 people. There were 20+ appitizers, 2 entree dishes and 3 dessert bites. There was not enough protein served (only one steak dish, no chicken) and we were still hungry at the end. We are not heavy into seafood/fish/duck - thus, most of the calories came from bread and alcohol. Also music choices sometimes were bad and didnt match vibe. You can say we were pretty disappointed and we wouldnt do the experience again.

Date: 8 months ago

Review №27

Rating: 5

Amazing experience. Chef Skinner has a talent unmatched and a great personality to back it up. His staff were also extremely nice, communicative, funny, and great and mingling between us all.

Date: 8 months ago

Review №28

Rating: 5

Another (4th) beautiful and delicious culinary adventure at eculent! We enjoyed everything and will be back.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №29

Rating: 5

Best culinary experience I ve ever had

Date: 9 months ago

Review №30

Rating: 5

We had the great opportunity to enjoy a meal at Eculent after having it on the bucket list for several years. This meal will make you think about the importance and weight that can be infused into ONE bite. The creativity and care that is taken from the food to the atmosphere and service are superb. Where the chef has taken inspiration from makes it approachable but flips it on its head. There are so many beautiful examples I could give, but I would hate to give away any of the wonderful surprises that await you! It is a must-do in your lifetime. Cannot wait to go back and to also check out their sister restaurant, the_prsv.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №31

Rating: 5

The eculent experience is truly amazing. The food is extraordinary and the atmosphere is great. This is a foodie dream to get to experience food like this prepared with the love and care of someone who truly appreciates quality ingredients. Will definitely be back!

Date: 9 months ago

Review №32

Rating: 5

What a fun, tasty, memorable, creative, lovely experience. I got to enjoy a lesson in food by a renowned chef, and had a great time learning and tasting so many different things that I never knew about. I can t name a favorite dish because everything was so delicious. We giggled a lot at our table because we were giddy about the presentations. Thank you for such a special and unique evening.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №33

Rating: 5

MUST DO THIS! Its an experience you will not forget. Insanely delicious and magical experience.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №34

Rating: 5

This was the best 3 hours of my life. It transcended my taste buds beyond my wildest dreams to the point where I feel like Ive finally lived. A+ experience and an incredibly kind chef and staff. What an evening.

Date: 9 months ago

Review №35

Rating: 5

Date: 10 months ago

Review №36

Rating: 5

2nd time dining with friends, again, wonderful experience of trying new things and enjoying everything to the fullest. Love the unique dishes and creations once again. Can t wait to come back again.

Date: 10 months ago

Review №37

Rating: 5

It was truly a great culinary adventure full of delicious surprises! Joyous experience.

Date: 10 months ago

Review №38

Rating: 5

Truly world class and worth every penny.

Date: 11 months ago

Review №39

Rating: 5

Everything was fantastic, the food, ambiance and entertainment! Evie did a wonderful job filling in for Chef David! Love the creativity and presentation! Definitely worth our four hour drive! It was a unique and memorable dining experience and we re already planning our next trip. Thank you ~ Thank you

Date: 11 months ago

Review №40

Rating: 5

Date: 11 months ago

Review №41

Rating: 5

Date: 11 months ago

Review №42

Rating: 5

We had best time and thoroughly enjoyed the most amazing dining experience!

Date: 11 months ago

Review №43

Rating: 5

This was, hand s down, the best meal of my life. Not only the unique flavors that the dishes presented, but the actual presentation and multi-sensory experience that went along with the meal, all provided the perfect night out. I can t say enough good things about Chef Skinner or this restaurant. I will absolutely be back and am telling everyone else I know about it in the meantime!

Date: 11 months ago

Review №44

Rating: 5

It s unimaginable, incredible and the sensory effects will blow your mind. The pictures shown were my first two favorite bites. Parking: There were specifically marked parking spots in front of the winery for Eculant. Kid-friendliness: My 16 year old daughter went with me. They said they ve had younger. Wheelchair accessibility: There was a ramp and elevator if you wanted to go wine tasting upstairs.

Date: a year ago

Review №45

Rating: 5

Eculent was such a unique taste adventure with each course taking another turn in the journey to the unexpected. The wine pairings were crisp and smooth and blended well with each course. We enjoyed the chef s take on an ingredient that we have never had prepared in that way before. We were able to experience dishes that seemed normal on a menu but when prepared by Chef Skinner s sous chef were enhanced with a magical twist. We are excited to experience the new menu in the coming months. Hopefully Chef Skinner will be on site for our next culinary adventure.

Date: a year ago

Review №46

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №47

Rating: 5

Food was amazing. Truly a unique experience. Third experience and counting ..

Date: a year ago

Review №48

Rating: 5

Great gastronomic experience that s unlike anything in Texas. The experience takes you to the kitchens in Europe that focus on gastronomy. Ingredients are sourced from France and elsewhere and the flavors really standout and explode. Just a fun experience with great food that s worth making the trip to

Date: a year ago

Review №49

Rating: 5

Love this place. Great prices and one of the best places to get spices and chili s.

Date: a year ago

Review №50

Rating: 5

Eculent was an amazing dining experience. Chef Skinner and the staff was very attentive and engaging throughout the 3 hour dinner.

Date: a year ago

Review №51

Rating: 5

Such a fabulous unique experience. Like no place we ve ever been. Each course was a full visual and taste experience. And the personal attention is second to none.

Date: a year ago

Review №52

Rating: 5

Truly one of the most amazing dining experiences Ive ever had. The preparation was very unique and did not skip on taste. The wine pairing was perfect and the presentation and service was excellent! I would definitely recommend for any special occasion especially for a group.

Date: a year ago

Review №53

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №54

Rating: 5

Everything was perfect. The atmosphere, food, and service were perfectly paired.

Date: a year ago

Review №55

Rating: 5

The best food experience I have had! Combining food science and art. You can tell each dish had so much thought. Can t wait to come back!

Date: a year ago

Review №56

Rating: 5

This was the most amazing food experience. I did not expect this high of standard but David and his staff deserve a Michelin star. I will absolutely be returning.

Date: a year ago

Review №57

Rating: 5

Beautiful food , generous wine pairings, and a fun atmosphere! Every detail was thought out- they have scented forks for one dish! We enjoyed every minute of our ecculent experience!

Date: a year ago

Review №58

Rating: 5

eculent is a great food experience. The chef and team were very engaging and every dish had a tremendous creative flair. Very grateful that Chef David Skinner created vegetarian options for us in this innovative 30 course tasting menu. Vegetarian options: The Chef has an information form asking about dietary restrictions and caters to all diners needs.

Date: a year ago

Review №59

Rating: 5

A truly special experience of incredible tastes, smells, stories, and so much more. An evening with Chef Skinner and team is unforgettable.

Date: a year ago

Review №60

Rating: 5

Gear up your senses for a culinary journey unlike any other. The sights, sounds, smells, and especially tastes of every morsel tops off a Chef guided tour of the imagination. Great attention to detail and even offered a personalized experience for my wife who cannot eat pork. We cant wait to go back, only next time were going to figure out how to sneak out some of the bread!

Date: a year ago

Review №61

Rating: 5

Eculent is a culinary adventure! We had the best experience. Chef Skinner explains each course and advises on how to enjoy each bite. My mind was blown. A ball filled with onion soup, hot mushroom consommé with a tiny bit of dry ice for smoke effect that you drink through a pipe, a cherry tomato made to taste just like a BLT sandwich and on and on and on. 20-30 courses!!! Like, what in the Willy Wonka factory is going on?!? If you re ever in Kemah, please, please try this place. I had to book a month in advance but it was so worth the wait. It was 3 hours of awe. Truly.

Date: a year ago

Review №62

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №63

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №64

Rating: 5

The most amazing dining experience. The food was intriguing, succulent and beautifully presented. Chef David was delightful and informative, with great stories about courses.

Date: a year ago

Review №65

Rating: 5

Thoroughly impressed! The most unique dining experience I have ever had. We went for my husband s birthday and had a wonderful time. The food is epic, indescribable, amazing, we can t wait to go back! Chef and his staff were friendly, delivered top notch service, and described each dish and wine pairing perfectly. Really one of the coolest things we have done!

Date: a year ago

Review №66

Rating: 5

I truly am shocked to read reviews that don t give this place a 5 star rating. It was incredible. The entire experience was something I ve never experienced and was truly one of a kind. The lights changed with courses, the service was impeccable, the food was unique and had a story to each bite and overall it was just a wonderful night. Been waiting years to do this and it was WELL worth the wait!

Date: a year ago

Review №67

Rating: 5

We had an amazing experience at Eculent. The food was out of this world creative and delicious.

Date: a year ago

Review №68

Rating: 5

It was fun and entertaining. He made adjustments to my menu (no seafood) which I appreciated.

Date: a year ago

Review №69

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №70

Rating: 5

Beautifully done, so unique and elegant but approachable.

Date: a year ago

Review №71

Rating: 5

Everything was excellent. The experience is a one of a kind. I tried to get 2 tomatoes Togo. Thanks for the awesome Birthday experience.

Date: a year ago

Review №72

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №73

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №74

Rating: 1

Not worth the money. Service is below average. Cheesy color changing lights. My party and I upgraded to the champagne and wine package and didn t receive a level of service you would think you should get for the price. Too much time between the tiny servings. Food was bland, freeze dried, gamely and didn t have any flavor. Do not recommend

Date: a year ago

Review №75

Rating: 1

Absolutely terrible food for what we paid. I ate here in December 2022 and will steer anyone away from it. Their idea of delicious or fancy food is just incredibly odd freeze dried bites or seemingly deliberately off putting pastry bites. Worst was the mushroom broth that myself and other patrons had to choke down. I ve been to many tasting menus but this was just sad. I nearly walked out halfway through due to how bad the food was.

Date: a year ago

Review №76

Rating: 5

One of the hidden gems of the Houston area. Deserves a Michelin rating!

Date: a year ago

Review №77

Rating: 4

The new set up is beautiful. The new menu has some low points. Some of the best items on the menu are also on the old one. The new mousse- delicious but NOONE knew how to eat it. The lobster and pasta...brilliant. David not being there is a big miss. It felt rushed and uninformed. The dishes werent described well/best ways to eat them. Something was off. Lose the fried chicken in the picnic course. The books at the end were fun! It used to be it looks like one thing but tastes like another. This time it was more straightforward and not nearly as great an experience (having been there several times).

Date: a year ago

Review №78

Rating: 5

Got to go to Eculent for my birthday with friends from out of state Saturday. UNBELIEVABLE! Its exactly what I was expecting. Every bite left me wanting more. Truly mind bending what chef Skinner does here. He really is a gastronomic sorcerer. The reviews that say it was pricey obviously didnt read the very transparent website when they booked. We cant wait to go back and are thrilled to have found one of the best restaurants in the country down in our backyard of Kemah.

Date: a year ago

Review №79

Rating: 5

This is so much more than a restaurant, so much more than a gourmet meal. This is a wonderous, magical, peek behind the curtain of a culinary adventure. You will be left counting your lucky stars to have been included.

Date: a year ago

Review №80

Rating: 5

We love this restaurant. The experience is unlike anything else in the area, and we cant wait until we have the opportunity to return.

Date: a year ago

Review №81

Rating: 5

Best dining experience of our life! David does an amazing job with the flavors, the presentation, the stories behind the food, and all out surprises. Every bite has you wanting more! If you want a true once in a lifetime (we will be coming back) gastronomic experience, come to Eculent, you will not be disappointed!!

Date: a year ago

Review №82

Rating: 5

From beginning to end, this was a food experience that exceeded all of my expectations. The amount of thought, skill, and love put into every dish was something both my wife and I are simply grateful to have been a part of. Although it does seem pricey at first, it became obvious how youre getting every pennys worth taking into account the amount of food, the variety, rarity and quality of the ingredients, time and effort, care and thoughtfulness, as well as the hospitality that is afforded from Chef Skinner and his awesome crew. I was super impressed with Chef Skinners attentiveness to his guests, humble attitude, and interest in serving a genuine experience the whole way through. For a special occasion, I would save up to do this again in a heartbeat and bring along someone who will appreciate the creativity and variety of gastronomic experiences that cant be had anywhere else in the world! If you like trying new things, Eculent should be added to your bucket list. Chef, thank you again for the awesome experience! My wife now has a dozen new favorite dishes that Ill never be able to make on my own.

Date: a year ago

Review №83

Rating: 3

My boyfriend surprised me with dinner at Eculent. While the concept is cool, the price does not match the kind of food and experience (we paid over 750.00). We were very disappointed with the overpriced bites that were given to us. My better half and I have no problem with paying anything for great food and service but this did not meet our expectations especially for that price. We paired our dinner with the wine (which was unlimited) but we were not being served often. After the experience was done, the chef came by for payment and after running our card, the tip question was asked. Of course we left a tip because our bill was high and our servers were so nice however WE WERE NOT TOLD THAT THE TIP (102.00) WAS ALREADY ADDED TO THE BILL. SO WE LEFT MORE NOT KNOWING (TOTAL OF 200.00). Payment was done using an IPAD. When they went to the next couple, he told them that tip was not a requirement. When we got our receipt by email, thats when we found out. I was so very disappointed with that. We felt like we were not given a choice or not let know that the tip was included. I will not go again. We wish we would of read reviews before going.

Date: a year ago

Review №84

Rating: 2

The food with wine pairing was non existent. There was really only one wine and no sommelier. I dont think this is a proper restaurant. Pretty much ANY restaurant in New Orleans beats this hands down. The food was unflavored and over worked. There were too many courses to actually enjoy flavors. Totally not worth the price or experience. I was expecting a very professional experience. That was not the case. You cant even order wine from a restaurant that is actually connected to a wine bar?! It was a very forced meal with no direction.

Date: a year ago

Review №85

Rating: 3

We didn t know the price upfront, but we read that it would be amazing. It was an experience, lots of single bites, lights and wine. For me it lacked value and this is my reasoning: I chose the old vine wine pairing for $129 additional. It consisted of several glasses from bottles ranging from $16-$50. There was a disconnect with the wine and the food and little was paired or educated/informed. It was more like being served ice tea at dinner. The white wine served with the lobster pasta bite was terrible. It collided into a fishy aftertaste that was hard to get off your palate. Most reactions in the room confirmed this. The food was an artful experience. I enjoyed its eclectic diversity. My favorite was the barnacle bite. All in all, the experience was great, but the value is not present. I definitely did not leave with a full stomach. Two portions of meat (ribeye and duck) were served totaling 2, possibly 3 ounces. Delicious but meager. The value is not there for me because the price for my wife and me with 2 wine pairings, ($129/old vine, $59/lesser wines) was $790.02 including a mandatory 20% tip. This is all without being shown pricing before being served. Yikes.

Date: a year ago

Review №86

Rating: 5

Most amazing food experience in the US.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №87

Rating: 5

Tldr - wow We, a party of 9 went for my 50th bday. (And simi my parents 50th anaversy, from the month before) And well.. oh my gods.. dinner was amazing! The tastes, lighting, smells.. it was an experience i hope ill never forget.. It is expensive.. but it was a special occasion and at then end... well all 9 of us agreed it was well worth the cost.. everyone keep commenting what a great choice this was, how glad they were to be invited.. at dang near every course! To think such an amazing place is so close to Houston.. It lives up to the 1st reviews/articles i saw one the worlds best resturants.. youve never heard of. im already nudging my parents maybe we could do this rather then Vegas for their 70ths..next year, year after.. As i signed the guest book, and will hopefully sign again.. Wow Alex McCoy - 9-17-22 *ill save this and add photos. Evidently i was having a good time and misssd a lot of pics... But my mom is trying to gather everyones pics for a scarp book thingy. (My dad did have one complaint about lack of Gin. Seems they more expected wine drinkers, not folks wanting other drinks/cocktails during their meal... But he agrees i just need to make sure before hand, And he is wanting to go again. .

Date: 2 years ago

Review №88

Rating: 5

This was an outstanding experience. This is a must try!!! There is nothing that it can be compared to in the Houston area...

Date: 2 years ago

Review №89

Rating: 4

Extremely interesting but I don t really like the food. Costs $700+ for two people.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №90

Rating: 5

A masterpiece in Texas.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №91

Rating: 3

Edited on 8/10/22: After thinking about my experience here, Ive decided to downgrade it to 3 stars. Not because the food itself wasnt fantastic, it was, but rather because I feel that myself and my partner were treated differently due to our age (24). For example, when served the squid ink cracker with the smoked salmon reduction, out of the entire room, I was served the only broken cracker, with no indication or acknowledgement from the chef that it was broken. Furthermore, at the end of the meal, yet again, my partner and I were the only two people not to be asked what we thought of the food. For a meal that I paid $500 for (and tipped $200 extra on), I really expect not to be treated differently due to my age, with money that Ive made for myself. For anyone else under 30 (or who looks particularly young), I might consider twice before spending my money here for what is expected to be a fantastic experience in its entirety. Picture attached with the cracker in question. This wouldve been forgiven had there even been acknowledgement of the issue by Mr Skinner, upon serving or otherwise. (PS. He does do a great job of accommodating for other diets though) ---------------------------------- Old Review ---------------------- Chef Skinner makes amazing food.. This was an otherworldly experience, and a way of enjoying food that I ve never experienced. Thanks so much for making our 5 year anniversary special. Extremely well accommodated for alternative diets.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №92

Rating: 5

Delicious, and unbelievably exciting. A superbly enjoyable evening with a 30 course meal, every course a tasty surprise.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №93

Rating: 1

Date: 2 years ago

Review №94

Rating: 5

This place is like no other, The food was fantastic the Chef and staff are all very knowledgeable it was quite a dining experience the food was very well prepared and presented with an explanation of the foods and techniques used to create the wonderful dishs. It was a great experience and cant wait to do it again.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №95

Rating: 5

Extremely interesting dinner. Very cool dishes but not sure I would go again. 24 bite size courses $350/head plus tip which i think is important to know before you go. Do not go if you are a picky eater this place certainly goes beyond bounds of normal eatery. Some bites are very amazing while a couple were okay, but most were above average and not to my typical taste. I enjoyed the food presented in ways I had never seen and even trying things I normally would not. Chef and staff were excellent, I dont regret it but put the cost out there so no one else is caught off guard. Oh and the lights change with every meal...all of which are horrible for selfies!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №96

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №97

Rating: 5

So amazing, Ive never had a meal like this bedore

Date: 2 years ago

Review №98

Rating: 5

Ive definitely seen nothing like it. The food was art and unique. The service and staff were great. It was more of an experience than a meal.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №99

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №100

Rating: 5

Wow, an experience like no other. Well worth the price. The cotton candy

Date: 2 years ago

Review №101

Rating: 1

If youve never been to a molecular gastronomy restaurant before, you might find this place interesting. If you have, youll be expecting a little more than what you get at Eculent. Atmosphere: The state-of-the-art changing artwork is a screen showing different paintings on a loop. The supposedly well-chosen scents didnt make an appearance and the choreographed music had no choreography we could detect. Its an average restaurant with some neat gadgets in the kitchen. Food: Disappointing. Some dishes were uniquely presented, but certainly not all, and they were just average in taste. I expected delicious creations in crazy contortions from the other reviews ... we did not get that. Price: Extortionate, with mandatory 20% service fee and extra fees if you expect to drink anything (not just alcohol, anything). For what you spend here, just take a weekend trip to Chicago and go to a restaurant that does it right.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №102

Rating: 5

Fantastic meal and experience, plan to return!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №103

Rating: 4

Very interesting dinner. Very cool, but not sure I would go again. 24 courses, some are very good, a couple were okay, and most were above average. The price is a little steep, but we definitely saw food presented in ways we had never seen. Im also not much into having someone explain what Im eating and how to eat it. To me food is all about flavor. No disrespect though, we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №104

Rating: 5

My mom loved this place. She hates these high end restaurants but this one by far has been her favorite... I hope we are able to go back again

Date: 2 years ago

Review №105

Rating: 5

Wow! Words fail me when trying to describe this place. It is a whole production of sensory ticklers.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №106

Rating: 2

Theres a lot of hype about this place. Maybe it was cool pre-COVID when you could check out the lab and/or pre-renovations. Currently, in 2022, Id say the overall experience is underwhelming, not worth the price and a waste of time. I started the night with a red wine at their winery which was pretty good. When we sat at the table, I tried to order another one and was told by the owner that they were all out. Weird. The first dish was day old bread with jams that were presented on a tree. Not sure the connection there and it was difficult to get the spreads onto the bread. The following dish was cotton candy with 27 spices that made people gag from the spiciness. Maybe it would make sense if they were served together to represent eating around a campfire. This theme seemed to carry through the night. There was no cohesiveness, the music felt strange and the lighting changes for every dish left me feeling confused. Based on the photos over the years it seems the owner hasnt come up with very many new dishes. Which would be OK if they were all stellar, but a majority of the dishes could be improved. If you do end up going, Id avoid the wine-pairing. They only provided 3 different wines (sparkling, rose, port) which didnt seem to tie into the dishes at all. The following night we went to Potente in downtown Houston. Half the price and 10x the quality.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №107

Rating: 3

Not worth the price. Food was interesting, but it was 99% presentation. The flavors did not live up to the $800+ price tag for 2

Date: 2 years ago

Review №108

Rating: 5

Absolutely incredible experience that blends chemistry, gastronomy and ambiance. Truly unique preparations of food and exquisite presentation. A very special occasion for sure. From the freeze dried caesar salad to the chocolate bomb and everything in between it was amazing!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №109

Rating: 5

This place in an anomaly. It is the archetype diamond in the rough (nestled behind T-Bone Toms of all places.) One of the most surreal and entrancing dining experiences you will ever have. The food is equal parts perplexing, entrancing, and delicious. The atmosphere is intimate to the point of feeling like youve snuck your way into a secret club. I guarantee it will be one of the few dinners where every single picture you take of the food will require minutes of context to explain to your friends. If you can get a reservation, go immediately. Bring people to share the story with, you will not regret it.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №110

Rating: 5

Truly the most amazing dinner that I have experienced in a long time.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №111

Rating: 5

First... we have been trying to get into Eculent for a few months. We finally caught the waitlist email as soon as it hit our inbox. This culinary experience is one worth having. Its a 25 course meal, each very prescriptive in in its visual, aromatic and deliciousness all in a perfect setting. We were asked several times by the owner and head chef David what our favorite dish was... impossible to pick as each was excellent in its own right. Truly a 5* experience. If i could give it more stars i would.!!!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №112

Rating: 5

What are an experience

Date: 2 years ago

Review №113

Rating: 5

Best food chemistry in Houston. Actually best food in Houston.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №114

Rating: 5

What an experience!!!!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №115

Rating: 5

Meal of my life! Not enough words to describe it.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №116

Rating: 5

Five stars does this wonderful restaurant no justice 10 out of 5 it was amazing dinner amazing experience!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №117

Rating: 5

One of a kind dinner. Well worth it. I left feeling satisfied and appreciated the overall experience.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №118

Rating: 5

SAVE UP AND GO HERE. fantastic, delicious, creative food. Tiny restaurant, so get your reservations early. Amazing service by the chef himself. This place is the closest thing Houston will have to a Michelin star restaurant (yes, Ive eaten at some). They have wine pairings as well! Go go go here!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №119

Rating: 5

My wife and I enjoyed the amazing experience there last year. We just noticed the new menu and have made reservations for June. We can t wait, last year was a meal and experience we will never forget!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №120

Rating: 5

A very special experience. The food and the staff are beyond anything else youll find. It is not cheap, it is not easy to get a reservation, but it will be an evening you will never forget.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №121

Rating: 5

Literally the most amazing culinary experience.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №122

Rating: 5

An absolute masterpiece of a dining experience. The food is on another level, and this restaurant (if you could even call it that) would have AT LEAST one Michelin star if it wasn t in Texas. My girlfriend and I were lucky enough to get a reservation on our first try, with no regrets at all. The price could be much higher and it would still be worth it, it is an amazing deal and once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are even thinking of coming here, do it. We loved the intimacy of the environment and small crowd. Chef Skinner is truly a creative culinary expert and his concepts are well thought out. It is easy to tell he takes great pleasure in being able to bring his culinary visions to life. This is a truly unique experience that I would recommend to anyone. There is so much effort that goes into creating something like this and I can only hope that we can come again in the future. Thank you again, Chef Skinner, for orchestrating such a wonderful and out of this world dining experience!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №123

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №124

Rating: 5

Completely amazing! A wonderful experience & a great way to celebrate LIFE!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №125

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №126

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №127

Rating: 5

It took us almost 4 months to get a reservation at eculent. We have been looking forward to this reservation for a long time. We were two of only 10 people in the restaurant for dinner. Thanks to COVID it also helped us get the reservation since we were on the waitlist forever. There was an air of excitement in the restaurant and IT DID NOT DISSAPOINT. We got a bonus as we were the first to try new dishes coming up on the next menu in January. The highlight was a new fish and chips course that was probably the best fish and chips I have ever had. But we also had a course called Summer in Parma which was also amazing. Several of the courses featured food that had been freeze dried. I was not sure at first but all of them were excellent. The process changed the texture and accentuated the flavor. The chef was very attentive and was checking to see what our favorite courses were as we went along. It was very hard to choose because they were all so different and every course was simply amazing. We had did research but, It was far better than what we expected, and we had high expectations. We eat at a lot of high-end restaurants and have traveled the world and dined in Michelin restaurants and this was one of the best experiences and tastiest dinners we have experienced. While eculent is not inexpensive, on the fine dining scale compared to other restaurants of the same caliber it is A BARGAIN. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable experience, along with a fantastic meal, and great service We look forward to returning if we can ever get another reservation.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №128

Rating: 5

One of the best dining experiences of my life. Incredible quality of food and a very unique experience to match. There is a reason why this place is hard to get into. I have never met someone more passionate about creating food - that right CREATING - food the way David does. Everyone must experience this in their lifetime. Mind blowing experience!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №129

Rating: 1

I was very excited to visit Eculent. It took me a couple months to even get a reservation. Unfortunately, 26 courses and $500 later I felt disappointed. The restaurant had a few creative and interactive things about it such as changing lights, projectors and perfumes sprayed in the ac vent which changed the smell in the room. The part that left me with a bad taste was mainly the flavor and texture of many of the dishes. There were a few courses that were tasty and well-made but unfortunately the majority were not (In my opinion). The texture and flavor of the forest salad left me feeling like I ate cigaret paper (freeze-dried leafy greens) and seriously tasted like an ash tray. I love smoky flavors but that was just not good. The freeze-dried elements were cool at first but after so many of the courses containing something freeze-dried in them it really started to seem overused and predictable. The main course was a steak that was very average and not memorable in either texture or flavor. A lot of the experience is perceived through the smells and aromas and I just felt like there were too many synthetic or perfumy smells in the dishes and environment. At one point they served a pork skewer inside cotton candy, which was cool until I tasted the meat itself which to me tasted so bad and low quality that I had to discretely spit it out. I could keep going but I don t want to review every single course. Overall, I respect the artistic and unique approach to the cooking and multi-sensory experience but the food, textures and smells left me feeling extremely underwhelmed. I don t usually leave bad reviews but after paying so much money for a bad meal I felt like I had to. I would not recommend this restaurant.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №130

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №131

Rating: 5

Such a fun dining experience with so many thoughtful, bite size courses!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №132

Rating: 5

It s literally out of this world

Date: 4 years ago

Review №133

Rating: 5

This is certainly the Willie Wonka of the area mixed with a food escape room. The food is like nothing youve experienced or even thought of. The price is well worth it. You get 3 hours of food magic and you wont go away hungry. Get ready for bliss!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №134

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №135

Rating: 5

amazing!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №136

Rating: 5

Great experience and meal

Date: 4 years ago

Review №137

Rating: 5

This is not dinner. Its an experience! Its tremendously apparent that Chef puts an insane amount of time & detail into each course. Youll get a surprise right down to the cutlery or the smell of the room. If youre looking for a unique, romantic, dining experience then hit up this gem. The lab tour is a great addition to the evening. Chef also produces his own wine so make sure to try the wine pairing. We have been twice and will be back for the next menu change!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №138

Rating: 4

So this is a restaurant that you visit to have an Experience. So if you are a man who is 65, just worked 12hrs, and hungry...then you may want to go elsewhere...lol. I just wanted to mention that because I know many people may come here expecting a traditional dining experience but it is anything but that. Now lets get on with the review. Needless to say this place is expensive. For 2 people you will pay $500 and if you partake in the wine tasting you are looking at $600. There is a $50 deposit required when you make a reservation that you get back. It takes several months to get in, and you will be placed on a waiting list more than likely. The whole dining experience is 3hrs. The price is one reason why I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5. Honestly, I feel it should be about $200 cheaper, at the end of the day...its a great experience but the actual function of the food is for art and eccentricity not substance. You will be escorted through 27 dishes, each with a theme. My personal favorite was The forest. The worst of the dishes was the Seafood Ceriviche. My boyfriend wouldnt touch it. I took one bite and wanted to spit. Oddly enough, all of the other patrons ate every last bite of it. For me, I just didnt like it and just the look of it wasnt appetizing. But for the exotic people who like to live on the edge...that dish is perfect for you. Overall, the concept was great and I enjoy the idea of only dining with 8 other people at most. This is something I would do once, just to say I did it, or if you have some money and want to switch things up for a day. I must warn you...if you are a meat and potatoes kind of person, this restaurant may not appeal to you. Just wanted to put that out there so people will not leave an unfair review based off the nature of the food items.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №139

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №140

Rating: 5

Amazing experience. Words cannot convey the artistic, unique culinary experience. Your palate will explode with a multitude of flavors. And the wine is good. Pricey but worth the experience and memories made

Date: 4 years ago

Review №141

Rating: 5

A hidden gem; a true experiential restaurant! From the flavors to the textures to the smells, sounds, lights, descriptions and mind blowing chemistry...Wow!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №142

Rating: 5

Quite simply the most amazing dining experience I have ever had! The food was spectacular, and the ambiance was incredible as well. Thank you for the most wonderful evening...we will be back!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №143

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №144

Rating: 5

Great place for food and wine!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №145

Rating: 5

Oly...Wow. what an incredible experience! Thank you, Chef Skinner for sharing your vision with us. Ive never had so much fun eating dinner and its never tasted so damn good!!!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №146

Rating: 5

like one of those restaurants you see on TV the food was amazing and so much work clearly went into the visual prep. it was a work of art on a plate. we will be back

Date: 4 years ago

Review №147

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №148

Rating: 4

Honestly the best dining experience I have ever had. David was excellent in humor,knowledge and timing. The food was amazing and the setting/environment was spot on. I truly cant praise the food experience more. A bit pricey( ) but it is what it is. Overall amazing experience!!!!!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №149

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №150

Rating: 5

The most incredible dining experience ever. This is the only restaurant I have been to that offers such an extreme attention to detail, and I hope to add more to the list.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №151

Rating: 5

Amazing, a total culinary experience. It was like eating a science project.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №152

Rating: 5

My fiance has extensive experience in the culinary industry but no encounter holds a candle to what is experienced at Eculent... I am still astounded by the way Chefs David and Stacy kept us on edge with every course. I have never witnessed such a fusion of cuisine, gastronomy, chemistry, and true art that awakened every possible sense in, literally, every bite. Its obvious that David Skinners creation of eculent was not meant to be ones typical idea of dining at a restaurant, especially as he introduces each dish with such knowledge and passion. Every single aspect from the presentation to tasting, to simply being in the presence of someone so great, was truly an experience we will never forget!

Date: 5 years ago

Review №153

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №154

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №155

Rating: 5

This is a must try place! I cannot wait to go back. This is not for a meat and Potatoes eater. This restaurant is a new experience, for those who love adventure! It is like NOTHING you have ever tried before! If you like new, different, fun, not afraid to try new foods? Then you will love this incredible chef!!!

Date: 5 years ago

Review №156

Rating: 5

The most fun I have had at a restaurant. The in depth experience was unlike anything at comparable restaurants.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №157

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №158

Rating: 5

My husband and I had dinner there last week. Creative exciting cuisine. They take into account all the senses. This dinner was like nothing Ive experienced before. It was 26 courses and only 3 couples. Very intimate. It was spectacular. Neither of us had tried a molecular gastronomy dinner before but we were eager to try it. Eculent did not disappoint. 26 courses with a lovely wine paring. I honestly could not sleep that night because I couldnt stop thinking about the amazing immersive food experience that we had that night. I highly recommend it. We wanted to make another reservation immediately. My husband keeps telling me to stop telling people about it because we will never be able to get a reservation again. Hahaha! He is probably right, but Im too excited about it to shut my trap.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №159

Rating: 5

Amazing food with a great presentation. The meal comes with a welcoming experience and a level of attention and service unmatched in restaurants of this caliber. It was so amazing, I will be thinking about this meal on my deathbed.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №160

Rating: 4

What a meal . Great service. Excellent view of the Bay.prices were fine.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №161

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №162

Rating: 5

This isnt a meal. It is a full-blown sensory rollercoaster. The food is amazing, service attentive, and the experience delightful! The wine pairing is a must also. Cant wait to return!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №163

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №164

Rating: 5

Definitely an experience to remember! So unique and all around a great night. Chef skinner gave us a tour of his food lab as well as some background of the restaurant and his vision prior to the start of the meal. From texture to different cooking and eating methods, each course was different and brought a different aspect to the table. (No pun intended) 20 courses of sheer goodness! Not many people are booked per night due to the intimacy for the experience. We had 10 people on the night we went and that was even more than usual! Keep in mind there is a service charge. Also, plan on coming 15 minutes prior to your reservation to create your own cocktail. Looking forward to coming again to try the chinese puzzle board bar and the new menu!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №165

Rating: 5

Very different and unusual foods. Its also an expensive dining experience.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №166

Rating: 5

Unbelievable experience. Top 10 restaurant from all of my travels!!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №167

Rating: 5

Such an amazing experience! We got a tour of the food lab which was very cool and the meal was one incredible dish after another. From start to finish the whole experience lasted about two hours. Chef David is very friendly and answered all our questions. He wasnt afraid to go in-depth into how they made the dishes. This is by far the most expensive meal my wife and I have ever had, but it was totally worth it. It was a great secret surprise date and is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates food or cooking. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone who can appreciate the science and hard work that goes into crafting a unique meal.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №168

Rating: 5

This was a superb experience.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №169

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №170

Rating: 5

This was an artistic experience that stimulated all of the senses. The presentation was phenomenol and the spectrum of tastes were transitioned well from one course to the next. The food lab was enlightening and fun to see where the magic happens. We are looking forward to next line up of experiences when we visit again!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №171

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №172

Rating: 5

This was the best dining Experience I have ever had, not just great food but a combination of atmosphere, imagination and service that I have not seen before.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №173

Rating: 5

A unique dining experience thoughtfully executed in an intimate and interactive setting. Be prepared to enjoy food in a new and exciting way.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №174

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №175

Rating: 5

Extraordinary food and science. Wonderful host. By all means experience the fantastic restaurant.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №176

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №177

Rating: 5

Amazing dining experience aimed at involving all of the senses.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №178

Rating: 5

We had the best experience here. Definitely one of the only like it in the metro area. Each course was well thought out and delicious. The atmosphere was inviting and highly interactive. Chef Skinner really knows how to deliver.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №179

Rating: 4

Date: 6 years ago

Review №180

Rating: 5

Had an incredible, one of a kind dining experience at Eculent in Kemah as part of Houston Restaurant Week. Only six tables sit in the dining room as each course is delivered together to each guest one after the other. The dishes fusing food with science make it something you will never find elsewhere. The restaurant is designed to interact with all five of your senses with pictures changing on the walls, lights changing color and music changing to reflect the mood of the dish you are about to eat. Such an amazing opportunity to eat at such a unique restaurant. Also, Kudos to their manager Blake who provides such great hospitality and the chef David who visited with each table to ask how everything was. Made everyone feel special even on a limited Restaurant Week Menu.

Date: 7 years ago

Review №181

Rating: 3

Date: 7 years ago

Review №182

Rating: 5

An incredible dining experience! 20 meticulous courses of bliss. Its not dinner, its editable art.

Date: 7 years ago

Review №183

Rating: 5

Wow what a experience! This was definitely one of the best memories Ill ever have. From the very second you walk in your senses are invited with so many wonderful smells and colors. Every course was as delicious as it was beautiful. The owner did not leave a single detail out, the lighting, artwork, and even the scent of the room changes with each plate you are served. Wow im still so blown away. Thank you Eculent for such a wonderful night, I will never forget it!

Date: 7 years ago

Review №184

Rating: 3

This was a special birthday dinner for our daughter. She is a foodie and has watched programs about this type of food exploration and has wanted to experience it. It was a surprise when she saw farm to table and you could tell she was a little concerned but when she realized modern farm to table meant a molecular gastronomy type experience she was beyond excited. She almost knocked her dad down while hugging him in excitement. I was pleased that they did not give us concerned looks bringing a 16-year-old and 13-year-old there. That was a worry for me with a restaurant with such an intimate setting. I think there were only 14 of us for the Saturday dinner.

Date: 7 years ago

Review №185

Rating: 4

Date: 8 years ago

Review №186

Rating: 5

Date: 8 years ago

Review №187

Rating: 5

One one-of-a-kind experience. The Food Lab is awesome. The staff is 3 Guys and they are all so sweet and they love what they do. Definitely a place to eat and an amazing experience

Date: 8 years ago

Review №188

Rating: 5

You see the word AMAZING repeated in these reviews, because everything about this place is truly AMAZING. The food, the people, the wine, the entire property, everything here is, well ...amazing! If you are looking for a memorable dinning experience., you truly need to try Eculent.

Date: 8 years ago

Review №189

Rating: 5

An amazing dining experience. Nothing compares to this in the Greater Houston area. The chef is a true artist who even creates his own wines. Would definitely recommend the wine pairing. I wish Eculent great success!

Date: 8 years ago