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Essex Restaurants

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New restaurants to OpenTable in Essex

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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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STARK
Diners’ top pick
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Price: Very Expensive
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Modern European
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4.9
(22)
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 Hasturk restaurant
Hasturk
Price: Moderate
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Turkish
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4.8
(680)
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 Smiths Restaurant Ongar restaurant
Smiths Restaurant Ongar
Price: Very Expensive
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Seafood
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4.8
(4614)
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.
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The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green
Top-rated food
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Price: Moderate
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Gastro Pub
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4.7
(570)
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 marquee, 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.
A photo of The House by Hilly Gant restaurant
The House by Hilly Gant
Price: Very Expensive
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British
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4.8
(1160)
We've been serving the people of Braintree and beyond since 2015 and in that time have humbly become ‘one of Essex’s best restaurants.’ We have received recognition from the AA, having been awarded an AA Rosette for ‘culinary excellence’ for five consecutive years, and then in 2023 we received our second rosette, putting the restaurant amongst the top 10 restaurants in Essex. Our food is of course one of our main focuses, but we don’t just stop there. Attentive, relaxed and friendly service is as important as the food and our objective is to make your visit an enjoyably memorable one. Our exceptional wine supplier, Peter Watts Wines (based up the road in Coggeshall) allows us to offer you delicious wines of an exceptional quality. Then add some cocktails, jazz, personality, creativity, a few hidden quirks and we like to think this all culminates to create a truly wonderful experience. Life is about memories; we want to be part of your best ones.
A photo of The Eyna restaurant
The Eyna
Price: Expensive
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Turkish
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4.7
(690)
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.
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The New London Restaurant and Lounge
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Expensive
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British
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4.7
(932)
The award-winning New London restaurant has been on Chelmsford’s dining and social scene since October 2013 and it still is a relaxed yet sophisticated dining venue. The venue is full of elegance and glamour – now more than ever after an incredible redesign in March 2018.
We have a reputation for seasonally inspired menus with a unique approach to homemade food which makes the New London restaurant a special place to visit.
We pride ourselves on our excellent service with a personal touch. All our staff are proud of, and knowledgeable about, our dishes, wines and cocktails.
We offer only the best locally sourced and seasonal British produce including fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients and foraged herbs. All our dishes are served in the inimitable style that has helped it garner so many compliments and awards since opening.
A photo of The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie restaurant
The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie
Price: Expensive
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European
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4.5
(303)
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.
A photo of The Green Man at Lindsell restaurant
The Green Man at Lindsell
Price: Moderate
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Gastro Pub
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4.5
(106)
Welcome back to the Green Man at Lindsell. Now currently under new management and direction!
In our cosy bar we have retained the buildings original features and given it a fresh contemporary edge where we welcome both drinkers and diners alike and our tables are available on a ‘first come’ basis offering an extensive range of dishes from salads, sharing planks to wholesome pub classics.
Our 70 seat a la carte restaurant to the rear of the property is also not to be missed, with crisp white linen, delicious food and an extensive wine list making it the ideal place for lunch, dinner or any other special occasions. Bookings are welcome and recommended. Please visit our website for restaurant opening hours.
We also have a large terrace area and extensive garden to dine alfresco or enjoy a champagne cocktail. We welcome families and have plenty of area for children to play. So come on in and take a look around and we hope to see you soon!
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Mad Dogs & Englishmen
Great vibe
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Price: Expensive
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Afternoon Tea
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4.8
(2680)
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. Enjoy the eclectic surroundings of this unique venue.
The Botanical Rooms is upstairs and hosts our cocktail bar. Here you can experience Afternoon Tea from Wednesday to Sunday during the day and enjoy the fairy-lit bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. We host live Jazz and soul on some evenings.
The Piano Lounge with it's vintage leather sofas and a mixture of eclectic styled furnishings is situated on the ground floor alongside our Whisky Bar. You can enjoy an Afternoon Tea with Piano accompaniment on Sunday afternoons or sample some of our extensive Whisky cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings. We have live Jazz performances on selected evenings.
Please ensure you select the correct venue and experience for your visit with us.
A photo of Kara Lounge & Grill restaurant
Kara Lounge & Grill
Price: Moderate
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Turkish
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4.7
(1139)
We are proud to serve you one of the healthiest and most well-balanced Turkish and Mediterranean food in Essex.
Our dishes are prepared freshly upon order, using authentic recipes, traditional cooking methods with finest ingredients.
Our focus is to provide the highest quality of service available.
A photo of The Grove restaurant
The Grove
Price: Moderate
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Bistro
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4.2
(17)
Delicious food, retro funky, luxurious interiors, relaxed atmosphere and an incredible location!
Our refreshed menus have new dishes such as Burrata, Keema Spiced Scotch Eggs and Cauliflower Wings plus the dishes that our customers love. You'll still be able to enjoy our famous Fish Tacos and Chop Salad. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to share with drinks and cocktails.
We have a brand-new coffee bar, drop by for a hot drink and a catch-up with friends. Bar stool window seats and charging points are ideal for working remotely. Located for easy pre-work coffee if you're commuting too!
Walk through to the dining area, where you will find a luxurious space, with beautiful textures and an amazing, illuminated elevated ceiling. The perfect dinner setting with velvet bench-style seats, paired with white marble tables and stunning vintage print walls.
Our outdoor terrace area boasts a fantastic view of the Estuary, we like to think it's th
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Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Colchester
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Moderate
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Contemporary British
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4.5
(638)
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 Caesar@Dolphin restaurant
Caesar@Dolphin
Price: Expensive
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European
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4.6
(220)
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 The Anchor Danbury restaurant
The Anchor Danbury
Price: Moderate
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British
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4.7
(1418)
*MOTHERS DAY 2024* Please call to book on 01245 222457.
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.
- We only take reservations for our INDOOR tables.

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

Trending dishes in Essex

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Porterhouse
Porterhouse
Hawksmoor Air Street
•
4.5
Porterhouse
Porterhouse
Blacklock Soho
•
4.7
Pepperoni & Hot Honey
Pepperoni & Hot Honey
67 Sourdough
•
4.4
Red Dragon Roll
Red Dragon Roll
Inamo - Soho
•
4.3
Salmon
Salmon
Estiatorio Milos – London
•
4.7
Crispy Soft Shell Crab Burger
Crispy Soft Shell Crab Burger
Fish Market
•
4.6

Restaurant experiences trending in Essex

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Frequently asked questions

Healthy restaurants located in Essex include The Eyna, The Anchor Danbury and Banquet Chinese

Restaurants with gluten-free options in Essex are The Eyna, The Bull Brentwood and The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green

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 The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green

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