LAWRENCE — With white tabletops, glistening stemware and aquamarine velvet seating, a new downtown restaurant is not the place you’d go to catch the big game or listen to loud music.
Eleven Kitchen & Bar wants its clientele to enjoy a relaxing, upscale, fine dining experience without having to make the trip into Boston.
The restaurant’s husband and wife managers, Yoel Herrera and Nathalia Vasquez, said they’ve ventured to the Seaport and Back Bay for impeccable food, drinks and service. Their dream of bringing fine dining to Lawrence is now realized at 226 Essex St. where Eleven Kitchen & Bar opened on Oct. 1.
With 180 seats, Eleven features “fusion international” cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, Benito Escudero fine wines from Spain and exceptional service, they said.
“Prepare to be amazed … Eleven is not just a restaurant; it’s a journey into a world of exquisite flavors and impeccable service. We set a new standard in upscale dining. Whether for a special occasion or an evening of indulgence, our meticulously crafted menu and curated atmosphere promise an unforgettable experience,” reads the hype in a recent social media post.
During a recent weeknight visit, a group of eight came to Eleven to celebrate a wedding. Vasquez said their hope is Eleven is the venue of choice for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and holiday celebrations along with business meetings and relaxing night outs.
The restaurant is named after the eleventh kilometer. an area in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic where Herrera was born and raised.
A Lawrence resident for the past 24 years, Herrera said he dreamed of opening the restaurant, which was several years in the making. His cellphone video includes images of what the unit previously looked like — a warehouse space where bags of supplies were stacked up on dusty floors and insulation tubing hung from the ceiling.
“It’s always been in my mind,” he said of Eleven.
The menu features steaks, salmon, scallops and chicken as well as the signature Eleven Salad and a flaming oxtail entree, “Rabo Encedido,” which is popular with diners. Crab cake, shrimp lollipops and lobster Mac and Cheese are also favorites, they said.
Melissa Nova Rosario, a culinary arts teacher at Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, is Eleven’s consulting chef.
Vasquez said all servers completed a month-long training process prior to opening. Server Michelle Concha said she’s enjoying working at Eleven because she likes the restaurant and the ambiance.
“I like the vibe here,” she said.
“It’s just nice, not too loud,” said Concha, adding with a smile “we get to try all the food.”
Valet parking is available on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday brunch, which features Eggs Benedict, homestyle eggs and more, runs from noon to 3 p.m. Reservations are available through the Open Table platform.
The couple said they look forward to seeing both new and repeat customers.
“A place to get a good meal with a good cocktail and good company,” Herrera said.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/@EagleTribJill and Threads at jillyharma.