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Essex Restaurants

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Award winning restaurants in Essex

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Check out diners' favourite restaurants in Essex

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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Caesar@Dolphin
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Expensive
•
European
•
4.7
(239)
A traditional restaurant complete with low ceilings, beams, real fires and a cosy bar still frequented by the locals, it’s the pride of place pizza oven that makes Caesar @ Dolphin stand out from many village inns. That and the seasonal menu of big-flavoured dishes underpinned by strong technical skill
A photo of Black Rock Restaurant restaurant
Black Rock Restaurant
Price: Expensive
•
Steak
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4.8
(706)
Embark on a culinary adventure at Black Rock, where we offer a unique dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Our menu is a global fusion of flavours, showcasing the best of international cuisine.
Our signature "Steak on the Stone" is a must-try, allowing you to customize your steak to your desired level of doneness. This innovative cooking method ensures a truly personalized and flavourful experience.
Beyond our exceptional steaks, our menu features a diverse range of dishes to satisfy every craving. From succulent seafood to hearty vegetarian options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Our commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients guarantees exceptional quality and taste in every bite.
A photo of The Punch Bowl restaurant
The Punch Bowl
Price: Moderate
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Gastro Pub
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4.8
(31)
The Punchbowl is a 17th century gastro pub, located in the heart of rural Essex and the Crouch Valley and the South Essex Salt marshes.
We offer nose-to-tail style menu, with unpretentious dishes that focus on flavour. Everything is made in house - from bread to mayonnaise, and we use local, seasonal and organic ingredients. Our menu changes daily, as the season's best comes in, and always features day boat fish, meat, offal, rare breed steaks and excellent vegetarian cookery.
Our beautiful garden bar has a lawn and york-stone patio looking out across the farmland of Paglesham and the River Crouch. Throughout the summer we offer BBQ dining from our hand-cranked Asado and Rotisserie Grills.
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Smiths Restaurant Ongar
Top-rated food
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Price: Very Expensive
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Seafood
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4.8
(4,812)
Priding ourselves on our motto ‘Famous for fish’ Smiths Restaurants is a name that has become synonymous with fine dining and quality, attentive service. Our restaurants are located in Ongar Essex (just off the A414) and Wapping in central London (near Tower Bridge). Both restaurants boast an extensive menu of fresh fish that we offer to cook in a variety of ways to suit every palette. We also offer locally sourced meat dishes to accommodate those who prefer their food terra firma. To compliment the quality of our food we have worked closely with well renowned independent wine merchants to ensure we have a selection of wines that are the perfect accompaniment to every meal. The only problem you may have a Smith’s is being spoilt for choice.
A photo of STARK restaurant
STARK
Price: Very Expensive
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Modern European
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4.8
(42)
Stark is located in East Mersea, Essex and is owned and run by Ben and Sophie Crittenden, who opened their first site in Broadstairs back in December 2016 with the aim of securing a better work/life balance and enabling Ben to enjoy more time with their three young children, Ivy, Rosa and Arlo. Before relocating to Mersea Island, Stark was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Thanet and one of five in the whole of Kent.
At Stark, only one, set tasting menu is served with no options or alternatives available. Because of this, Stark is unable to cater for any allergies or dietary requirements, for any reason as all guests eat the exact same meal each night. Ben creates a menu from high quality, seasonal ingredients, using his creativity and passion to create delicious food and provide a unique and exciting eating experience for customers.
​
Stark is a very intimate, relaxed restaurant, whose only demand of you is that you sit back, trust us with your dinner and enjoy the experience.
A photo of The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green restaurant
The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green
Price: Moderate
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Gastro Pub
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4.7
(580)
RESTAURANT NOTE: Our outside tables are not bookable, they are available on a first come first served basis. Should you wish to reserve a table in our pergola, you must contact us directly please by phone 01799 619260 or email info@thecricketersarmspub.co.uk
Whether you’re after a comforting home - cooked meal after a long day at work or fabulous fine dining for a special celebration, we’ve got something for every occasion. Choose from our locally sourced, innovative menu and excellent wine list in our oak beamed bar or stylish restaurant.
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Hasturk
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Moderate
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Turkish
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4.8
(695)
Here at Hasturk, we have over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry. We are well versed in good hospitality and serving fresh, handmade food.
We’ve used experiences from our own heritage and traditional food back home to create our menu for the much loved Turkish which is now widely known.
With an array of meat dishes to freshly caught seafood and wide selection of authentic appetisers, you can be assured everything at Hasturk is carefully sourced and deliciously prepared and meets our standards.
Hasturk is a family run, Turkish restaurant with a modern twist. We aim to serve our customers the very best of Turkish cuisine, welcoming everyone in with open arms. We’re ready to offer you a dining experience that you’ll remember!
A photo of Carluccio's - Fenwick Colchester restaurant
Carluccio's - Fenwick Colchester
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.7
(397)
Here at Carluccio's, we’ve always been true to our Italian heritage and what food really means to us. The best ingredients, from the best regions, cooked with love.
A photo of The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie restaurant
The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie
Price: Expensive
•
European
•
4.6
(327)
The Historical Old Siege House in Colchester is the ideal venue for a small intimate meal or a large family get together ! Owned and run by Husband and wife team since 2014 it has a warm atmosphere and relaxed vibe.
We can provide extensive menus depending on your events, ranging from Afternoon teas to Hog roasts.
Our main menu changes seasonally and we also run a set lunch menu which is great value and changes every two weeks.
The restaurant can accomodate up to 160 covers inside and a further 50 outside so you will not be cramped for space. We have a private dining room for hire and a large bar and lounge area where you can enjoy some lovely made to order cocktails or a chilled bottle of wine.
Live music and events are regularly held and details will be posted on our various social media outlets.
We are proud holders of an elite 5 star food hygiene award for 3 consecutive 5 star visits in a row from the local council and pride ourselves on our hygiene levels.
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Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Great vibe
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Price: Expensive
•
Afternoon Tea
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4.8
(2,811)
Here at Mad Dogs & Englishmen we have become renowned for our themed Afternoon Tea’s and wonderful cocktails. Enjoy the eclectic surroundings of this unique venue. We offer an immersive experience, a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
The Parlour Tea Room at Mad Dogs and Englishmen provides a vintage setting to enjoy Afternoon tea. We’ve become renowned for our themed teas which offer an unforgettable experience.
The Botanical Rooms is upstairs and hosts our cocktail bar and also hosts our themed afternoon teas.
EVENTS
THE PARLOUR TEAROOM seatings at 12, 2.30 & 5 pm
Running till 5/1/25 - THE NUTCRACKER
17/1/25 - 28/3/2025 - DIAMOND OF THE SEASON
THE BOTANICAL ROOMS (upstairs) seatings at 12.30 & 3pm
Running till 5/1/25 - A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS
17/1/25 - 28/3/2025 - SNOW WHITE
Please ensure you select the correct time, venue and event when booking.
A photo of The Eyna restaurant
The Eyna
Price: Expensive
•
Turkish
•
4.7
(799)
The Eyna is a new, refreshing, traditional Turkish cuisine coming to the heart of Basildon. With a open-plan dining experience, open kitchen & central bar, we're sure this will be your perfect location for all types of events or casual dining.
A photo of Le Bouchon Brasserie & Hotel restaurant
Le Bouchon Brasserie & Hotel
Price: Very Expensive
•
French
•
4.7
(1,162)
Please note that Afternoon Tea cannot be booked online. This must be booked through the Hotel directly.
Le Bouchon Brasserie and Hotel is a grade II listed, 300 year old Georgian building which has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme restoring the building to its former glory. The renovation period was used to combine some of the original period features of the building with furnishings and classically styled decoration that complements the original style of this house.
Le Bouchon Brasserie offers a blend of both French and British cuisine, set in a relaxed and intimate environment. Enjoy a meal from our A la carte menu or choose from our wide selection of set menus available at different times during the week.
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Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Colchester
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
•
Contemporary British
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4.6
(644)
Whether it’s a bite to eat after a morning at Colchester Castle or private dining for 28 people (can we come?), we’ve got a spot for you. Find us where West Stockwell Street meets the High Street, or just follow the sound of people having a good time.
A photo of Lot Bar & Restaurant restaurant
Lot Bar & Restaurant
Price: Expensive
•
Contemporary European
•
4.7
(1,362)

Lot Bar and Restaurant is a family run business offering freshly prepared food from 8am until 10pm daily. Whether you are looking for an informal breakfast or light lunch with friends or a 3 course celebration dinner in the evening or simply a drink in the bar after work, we have the best to offer locally.
We at Lot Bar and Restaurant take pride the quality of our ingredients, the high standard of presentation and excellent service. A seasonally changing breakfast and lunch menu offers everything you could want from a kitchen and our evening A la carte menu includes restaurant favourites as well as daily changing specials. On Sunday afternoons we offer the best Roast available. Our wine list, available from 11am, is curated by us to include the faithful, the unusual and the interesting.
A photo of The Anchor Danbury restaurant
The Anchor Danbury
Price: Moderate
•
British
•
4.7
(1,464)
*Christmas Parties 2024* Please call to book on 01245 222457.
Our Christmas Menu MUST be pre-ordered, it cannot be order on the day of booking.
The Anchor in Danbury is the epitome of an English Country Inn, boasting beautiful traditional beams, quaint shining brass and a warm welcoming atmosphere which has made this pub a firm favourite for many years.
We have a lovely large garden with a fun children's play area, great for keeping the kids entertained while you catch up with friends and family over a relaxing drink or with some great food.
- Four legged friends are welcome at the pub, please ask our friendly staff for confirmation on which areas can accommodate you as we do require that dogs are kept out of the main dinning areas.
- Please note reservations with a dog are necessary, and can only be taken over the phone on 01245 222457 stating you have a dog.
- If you have a pushchair/buggy we ask that you call to make reservation, due to limited space.

Outdoor dining in Essex

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See what locals rave about in Essex

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • debbie
    London •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were originally put on a table that wasn’t in the main area of the pub. We asked if we could be moved to the main area of the pub which they were able to do really quickly. We were so pleased that we asked as the ambiance was lovely. All the staff were attentive and the food was delicious and plentiful. We had the Christmas festive menu. We have eaten here a couple of times previous to this and are never disappointed. Thank you again.
    More info
    The Ship StockPrice: Moderate• Pub• Chelmsford
    •
    4.6
  • Alice
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We absolutely love coming to this rural pub! The atmosphere is great, it is dog friendly, the food is lovely and it feels really cosy. You'd think you were in the heart of the northern countryside - not essex. Will keep coming back!
    More info
    The Cricketers Mill GreenPrice: Expensive• British• Brentwood
    •
    4.3
  • Clare
    Houston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food and cocktails in a lovely location away from the busy city centre, nice friendly atmosphere, the perfect spot for a family pre Xmas celebration.
    More info
    The New London Restaurant and LoungePrice: Expensive• British• Chelmsford
    •
    4.7
  • Tim
    Essex •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 8 Dec 2024
    A warm welcome and excellent food was provided, without all the pretentiousness that some places like to charge you for. There was no rushing us to get finished and the staff enjoyed talking to the 7 month old in our party. We picked the Red Lion as a central meeting point for the family gettogether and we may well do so again as our time there was time well spent on top of the good value for money food. The wide range of foods on the menu meant our fussy family could find something they wanted and enjoy it.
    More info
    The Red Lion - MargarettingPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Margaretting
    •
    4.6
  • Ola
    Essex •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 18 Sept 2024
    The food was amazing and the servers were great. Would recommend as the portion of the food is worth every penny.
    More info
    Mosaic Restaurant - ChelmsfordPrice: Expensive• Turkish• Chelmsford
    •
    5

Trending dishes in Essex

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Porterhouse
Porterhouse
Hawksmoor Air Street
•
4.4
LAMB SHANK PRE
LAMB SHANK PRE
Paro Indian - Covent Garden & Strand
•
4.6
Porterhouse
Porterhouse
Blacklock Soho
•
4.7
Tomahawk Steak
Tomahawk Steak
The Orange Tree - Sawbridgeworth
•
4.7
Pepperoni & Hot Honey
Pepperoni & Hot Honey
67 Sourdough
•
4.5
Salmon
Salmon
Estiatorio Milos – London
•
4.7

Restaurant experiences trending in Essex

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Frequently asked questions

Healthy restaurants located in Essex include The Eyna, Lot Bar & Restaurant and Banquet Chinese

Restaurants with gluten-free options in Essex are The House by Hilly Gant, Banquet Chinese and The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie

Bottomless brunch in Essex is available at The Eyna, Lot Bar & Restaurant and Kara Lounge & Grill

The most romantic restaurant in Essex is The Eyna

Restaurants in Essex with a great view include The Eyna, The Anchor Inn - Nayland and Minoa

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