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Best restaurants near me in Essex, CT

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18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
1. The Griswold Inn
4.5
Awesome(910)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 21 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 The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant
2. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn
4.9
Exceptional(83)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Essex
Booked 3 times today
The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.
A photo of La Marea restaurant
3. La Marea
4.8
Exceptional(1776)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 10 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
A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant
4. Surfridge Brewing Company
4.8
Exceptional(40)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Centerbrook
Booked 6 times today
Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.
A photo of The Essex restaurant
5. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1009)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 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
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
6. Aspen Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1696)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 19 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.
A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
7. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.5
Awesome(567)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 8 times today
The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.
A photo of Café Routier restaurant
8. Café Routier
4.8
Exceptional(2156)
Price: Moderate
• American • Westbrook
Booked 16 times today
Please go to www.caferoutier.com for all current menus and important postings!"Constantly evolving, Seasonally driven and Globally inspired menus"Cafe Routier, Bistro and Lounge, serving a three paneled menu format; Regional (a different region of the world every 8 weeks), Seasonal (locally sourced seasonal ingredients) and a specialty menu of classic Bistro fare. A 40 seat lounge serving 'small plates' and tapas adjoins the bar area. Ethos is important to us.Reservations made online are for our dining room only. Our lounge does not require reservations and works on a first come/first serve approach, so please do not make a reservation if your intent is to sit in the lounge!
A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
9. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.8
Exceptional(2685)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 4 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.
A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
10. Scotch Plains Tavern
4.5
Awesome(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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SheilaVIP
    New York City •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    La Marea is our special occasion go-to spot. We had a delightful dinner tonight celebrating my husband's retirement. As always, the food was outstanding, only surpassed by the exceptional service by ALL of the many staff taking care of us. Karen is particularly amazing and always makes our experience wonderful. We can't say say enough about how truly first class La Marea is. Cheers to all of you!!
    More info
    La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Lisa
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Festive and fun and delicious! Great food and ambience!
    More info
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Essex
    •
    4.9
  • Mary
    Washington, D.C. Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The Griswold Inn is such a special place during the holidays. It was decorated beautifully, and the singers really made the evening very special. The service was excellent, and the food particularly good. I note that because the restaurant was definitely full, so clearly there was a lot going on in the kitchen. We come every year during the holidays, and will continue to follow this tradition. Of course we enjoy it at other times of the year as well. It is a great asset to our community. 
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    •
    4.5
  • Meridith
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    Great place to eat before Essex Steam Train. Accommodating servers (we had many children). Good food/beer. We also were able to park at the brewery and leave our car there while taking the train. It was easy to get out following the train. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Surfridge Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Pub• Centerbrook
    •
    4.8
  • megan
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 13, 2024
    The best food and service! Wish there were some light live music playing :)
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.7

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most popular cuisines: American, Italian, Contemporary American, Steakhouse, Seafood and many more.

There are 535 restaurants on OpenTable in Connecticut.

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