Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Old Lyme

Filet mignon was cooked perfectly and was extremely tender and delicious, especially with the black garlic and tomato butter. Loaded baked potato was huge and delicious. We also got the creamed spinach that was topped with panko bread crumbs, which was fantastic. The rolls that they bring at the beginning of the meal are definitely habit forming, so save room for your entree.

We love this resturant year-round! Never disappoints! We have several servers who are outstanding but Kevin is our favorite. Always welcoming & knowledgeable about the menu. And we enjoy his interaction with us and his humor. The menu is perfect & changes with the seasons. The chef is very consistent. The dishes are always on point. The atmosphere in the dining area is comfortable, and the deck is outstanding in the summer with the sunsets. The bar is large and the bartenders are very friendly. It’s a full bar and I’m sure they can make any drink you would desire. Love that it’s so close to my home. I try not to go too much!

The food and service were phenomenal! The atmosphere depends on what you like and where they seat you. We were by the waterfall, which is pretty, but also right where everyone was walking by so it’s not very private or quiet. Not bad at all, just depends what you like. Can’t recommend the food enough. Despite being very busy they were timely and extremely tasty with everything cooked perfectly.

We were there on Taco Tuesday. I ordered the double guacamole and my wife got beef tacos. The food was ample and very good, the service prompt and cheerful. We'll be back.

Our dinner with friends at The Essex was beyond expectations. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and well paced. We opted for the three course price fixe and were pleasantly surprised by the appetizer course we were served before the salad course. At $79 per person the dinner was very reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. Our first and main courses were outstanding. My strip steak perfectly cooked to medium rare and the whole table enjoyed the frites. The halibut and scallops along with the sauces and vegetables were excellent. Dessert choices were very generous although I hit my limit after a few bites of the baked Alaska. The menu was heavy on seafood which restricted our friend who has a fish and shellfish allergy. But once aware of that and a nut allergy, every dish was carefully adjusted for nuts. Dining at the Essex is a wonderful treat. We will be back.