Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Chester

9 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 10 times today

The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776. The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

2. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(703)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Essex

If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.

3. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1500)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 37 times today

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

4. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1016)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 14 times today

Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag

5. La Marea

4.8

Exceptional(1783)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 14 times today

Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available

6. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2159)

Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 27 times today

Cafe Routier is a perfect choice for special occasions. Reviews rave about its romantic ambiance, superior service, and outstanding food. One reviewer said, 'If you are celebrating a special event this is it. Great every time.' Another mentioned it's their 'family favorite for all special occasions.' The restaurant's globally inspired, constantly evolving menu and attentive service make every visit a memorable one.

A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant

7. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(2440)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Clinton

Booked 18 times today

Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.

8. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2689)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 26 times today

Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.

9. Aspen Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1700)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 20 times today

Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine. A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents. Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kathleen
Connecticut •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food options and specials available were outstanding. But the main reason for the high reviews was our server Drew who made the experience exceptional. His knowledge of the menu helped picked the perfect meal. We will be back to see Drew! Thanks Drew
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Tuscany - Mohegan SunPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Uncasville
•
4.4
B
BrandonVIP
Orlando / Central Florida East •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had an excellent dinner at Michael Jordans. Our waitress Sarah was incredible. Great recommendations, excellent food and perfect atmosphere.
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Michael Jordan's Steak House - Mohegan SunPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Uncasville
•
4.7
M
MarnaVIP
New York City •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We have dined frequently at the Griswold Inn but last night was the first time we dined there with the strolling carolers. It was really quite special such a beautiful historic location to have a holiday meal with the people you love and a little bit of Christmas spirit! The short ribs, as always, were on point and delicious and I don't know you did something extra good to the mashed potatoes last night too! We also loved the oysters and the baked cod was so fresh and yummy.
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The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Although in a Casino, Ballo's is definitely a refined, lovely respite from the gambling areas. Never rushed, no hustle bustle - even in busiest (Holiday) times. We are seniors and use points and perks and save them just for the purpose of using them at Ballo for all of our special occasions - birthdays, holidays and our anniversary!! The servers are always well versed, friendly, social and attentive to one's needs/wants. My husband must use a walker and everyone has always been so accommodating and helpful. And, most important, of course, is the food - which is always wonderful. Never, ever have we been disappointed. Thank you.
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Ballo Italian - Mohegan SunPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Uncasville
•
4.6
J
Joseph
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
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Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
•
4.6

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Chester

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Chester

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. Scotch Plains Tavern

3. Fresh Salt

4. The Essex

5. La Marea

6. Café Routier

7. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

8. Liv's Oyster Bar

9. Aspen Restaurant

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable