Top 30 best restaurants in Essex
Here are 30 of the best restaurants in Essex, ranging from the well-known to the hidden gems. Some have won prestigious awards, others have become famous for their specific dishes, and all have a unique atmosphere and offering. A few of my friends live in Essex and some of these are my personal recommendations and some of them are my friends’ recommendations.
Delicious roasts, perfect pasta, winning wellingtons or even some scrumptious sarnies, they’ve got something for everyone! If you’re after fine dining or casual eats with some live music in Essex County, then this is a great place to start for some of the best restaurants in Essex.
If you’re a first time veteran to Essex, or a long time frequenter of dining here, you’ll find some excellent Essex restaurants listed here. Next time you’re out and about, make sure you check out the below restaurants and cafes.
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Top 30 best restaurants in Essex
n30 of the best restaurants in Essex
Square 1, Dunmow
Starting in Dunmow, there’s Square 1, which became known when MasterChef The Professionals winner, Alex Webb, worked there. Head Chef & Owner, Spencer Hewitt, now leads the way with his passion for locally sourced produce. Square 1 offers a relaxed but formal dining experience with modern, fresh, and locally-sourced cuisine, definitely one of the best restaurants in Essex.
The Coast Inn, Mersea
On Mersea Island, you can find The Coast Inn, a cosy and traditional bar and restaurant which has some hearty, good food.
The menu includes fresh, locally caught seafood and even the “best fish and chips on the island”. It’s an excellent place to relax after exploring Old Mersea.
The Flitch of Bacon, Dunmow
Well, this one does what it says on the tin, with is fine dining, and for good reason. This one actually features on the Michelin guide for their Michelin star restaurant; it has great food and great service. Their seasonal menu changes with the times and they use local foods on their menu that have been grown right here in Essex.
Their tripadvisor review is pretty outstanding, with a solid rating of 4.5/5. And if you’re anything like me and have a sweet tooth, then check out their dessert menu for some of the best food; they have their own homemade ice cream (or sorbet, I should say): strawberry and prosecco sorbet, and an interestingly unusual birch sap tart definitely one of the best restaurants in Essex!
Le Talbooth, Deadham
Next, we have Le Talbooth in Dedham, with its idyllic riverside location in the Constable countryside and is definitely one of the most iconic restaurants in Essex. The restaurant has a long history of serving locally sourced food from local British farmers, and they prepare it pretty meticulously, if I might say so myself. You can dine with a view of the River Stour too, which always adds to the ambience in my opinion and you can admire the restaurant’s beautiful garden.
The Bell Inn, Stanford-le-Hope
The Bell inn comes with a smashing rating of 4.6/5 on over 1000 reviews on google, so it’s clearly doing something right. It’s one of those wonderful places with comfort food and creative cocktails. It’s been run by the same family for over 75 years and was originally a 15 century coaching in, the history goes way back. It comes with a warm, friendly atmosphere, welcoming environment and they call it ‘a proper pub’, which, to be fair, it is. The Sunday Times awarded this place one of the Top 10 best gastropubs in the UK!
Haywards Restaurant, Epping
Haywards Restaurant in Epping is where you can find Head Chef Jahdre’s elegant and delicious dishes, which he creates using the freshest ingredients grown in the restaurant’s very own garden, you won’t find fresher ingredients than this!. You can even try their locally sourced honey from the on-site bee colonies. Adorable. It’ll set your taste buds alight
Aspera , Benfleet
Aspera in Benfleet is a taste of the Mediterranean, with a relaxing atmosphere and an extensive menu of locally sourced ingredients, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
You can find a wide variety of dishes on offer, such as chicken shish, whole sea bass, and seafood gratine. You can also enjoy their signature cocktails after your meal and decide for yourself if it is indeed definitely one of the best restaurants in Essex.
Church Street Tavern, Colchester
Another one of the Michelin starred restaurants in Essex, this tavern serves super simple, freshly prepared, wholesome food. And if that wasn’t enough, a large proportion of their ingredients come from local farmers, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex, and local seafood and fish from the day boats on the Essex, Suffolk and South coast.
They are known for their great seafood – it doesn’t come any fresher than this!
Olio, Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, there’s Olio, a family-run restaurant bringing traditional Italian tastes to Essex. Which makes me happy, because Italian is one of my all time favourites and one of the best restaurants in Essex.
All the common classics are here and my personal favourite menu highlights include: spaghetti, linguine, pizza, risotto, and penne, all prepared with deliciously yummy, fresh ingredients, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
The food is perfectly complemented by Olio’s fine wine list, make sure you ask the waiter what the food is best paired with, their white wine is good!
Lek’s Thai Food, Chelmsford
Lek’s is another highly rated, inexpensive Thai restaurant, with a rating of 4.7/5, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have great service and a delicious meal, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex. Try their spring rolls to start, followed by their Pad Thai (my favourite Thai dish which I usually have at least 2-3 times a week).
They have indoor and outdoor dining available – great for those rare occasions where its not actually raining in England. One of the best eateries around and one of the best restaurants in Essex!
Smith’s of Ongar, Wapping
It has locations in Ongar and Wapping, London, is a well-known fish restaurant established back in 1958 and their friendly service continues to this day, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
They serve a smashing menu of meat and fish dishes, and all of their food is sustainably sourced and cooked fresh in-house, what more could you want? Thinking about it has my mouth watering again… And obviously, check out their wine list that complements their dishes perfectly.
The Bildeston Crown, Suffolk
The Bildeston Crown in Suffolk, (OK, not quite in Essex; it’s just over the Essex border), has a Michelin star for its innovative British cuisine, such as slow-cooked duck with carrot and star anise. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with your mates, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
John Lawson, Leigh on Sea
John Lawson runs one of the michelin star restaurants in Essex in the kitchens of Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay ! He has an incredibly inspiring story; he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015, he used food to support his recovery and it’s this healthy-eating ethos that underpins the cooking here. As a nutritionist, I totally approve of healthy food and this ethos; love the story.
Maison Bleue, Chelmsford
Maison Bleue serves French-inspired cuisine with a British twist. The menu changes monthly and seasonally, but the dishes are always beautifully presented and expertly cooked, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a unique atmosphere.
Tara Thai Restaurant, Southend
Google reviews say it’s ‘still probably the best Thai restaurants in Southend’ and I can’t agree with them more. As one of my favourite cuisines, I love having some spring rolls, Green Thai Curry, Pad Thai… you know what you’re getting in a place like this. The decor is super modern and chic, worth a visit, definitely one of the best restaurants in Essex!
The Magic Mushroom, Billericay
Yes, this amusingly named restaurant comes highly rated with a smashing score of 4.6/5. Expect fine dining here, with their a la carte menu, chic decor and a price tag to match. But, it’s filled with good food, situated in a great place with pretty views of nature nearby.
The Galvin Green Man, Chelmsofrd
A short distance from Chelmsford, The Galvin Green Man in Howe Street is one of those super cosy pubs which has been restored in the not too long ago history. The restaurant’s owners, Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, have put their touch on the menu, with dishes such as roast duck breast with celeriac puree and blackberry sauce, definitely one of the best dishes and best restaurants in Essex..
If you’re after something fancy, then look no further. They will serve a delicious meal in one of the best michelin star restaurants in Essex County, with an excellent service to boot.
The Chophouse, Chelmsford
The Chophouse in Chelmsford is a contemporary British restaurant that specialises in meat.
The menu includes those extra decadent dishes that makes your mouth water; slow-roasted pork belly and dry-aged steaks, and the restaurant offers a pretty casual dining experience in contrast with the top quality food.
The Lion Inn, Boreham, Chelmsford
The Lion Inn is a traditional pub located in the village of Boreham and is one of the best restaurants in Essex.. The pub offers a menu of all the classic British dishes you can possibly think of. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Absolutely. And if you’re veggie, then they got that covered too, with their vegetarian and vegan menu earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
The pub also has a smashingly large beer garden, perfect for enjoying a drink in the sunshine, or in the rain, as one might expect with the British weather. A great place with good food to delight the taste buds, what more could you want?
Love Thy Burger, Colchester
Looking for a rustic dining experience? Look no further than Love Thy Burger, with locations in Colchester and Southend. The casual, laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends. And the burgers? They’re unbeatable.
Try the Greedy Burger for an epic combination of beef patty, red onion marmalade, cheese, pickle, onion rings, bacon, house slaw, and throw in some extra pzazz with a fried egg.
Or add some heat to your meal with the Scorchio, a juicy beef burger with chilli jam, streaky bacon, cheese, jalapenos, and their spicy sauce.
The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey
The Barn Brasserie is a picturesque venue nestled in the Essex countryside. The restaurant offers a great selection of traditional British cuisine with a yummy, modern twist; slow-cooked lamb shoulder and grilled sea bass are a good shout. Choose to dine in the in the charming converted barn (it’s all about the aesthetics… or vibes!) or outside on the spacious terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens.
La Bicicletta, Saffron Walden
La Bicicletta is an Italian restaurant (my fave) with one of those charming rustic interiors, right by Saffron Walden and is one of the best pizza places in Essex, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex. The menu includes wood-fired pizzas, need I say more? Well, yes, because they also serve fresh handmade pasta, another one of my favourites. They also have some banging Italian wines so you’ll have a fab night out.
The Windmill Inn, Chatham Green
The Windmill Inn is a cosy, family-friendly village restaurant in Chatham Green with a friendly service and is one of the best restaurants in Essex County.
The menu has all of the classic pub food your heart could possibly desire and they of course, have great options as usual: fish and chips? Yes. Burgers and steak?
Of course. And if you’re veggie or vegan, they have a good selection for you to choose from too. And if you like to drink, there’s a range of real ales, craft beers and fine wines.
The Boathouse, Dedham
The Boathouse is a stunning riverside restaurant located in the heart of Dedham. Try the pork belly with black pudding and apple puree, or the sea bass with crab risotto.
They have a super elegant dining room, or choose to site outside on the spacious terrace overlooking the River Stour, definitely one of the best restaurants in Essex.
The Essex Rose Tea Room, Burnham-on-Crouch
The Essex Rose Tea Room is a delightful little cafe in the beautifully small town of Burnham-on-Crouch (incidentally, a lovely little market town). I kind of prefer cafes sometimes, because they are a little more casual, have a relaxed atmosphere, they have reasonable prices and the food is usually pretty quick, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
They are one of the best places for some super delicious homemade cakes, pastries and sandwiches, all made using locally sourced ingredients. They have an adorably charming little tea room, or outside in the pretty courtyard garden.
The Coach House, Potten End
The Coach House is a charming restaurant located in the village of Potten End. The restaurant serves classic English dishes: slow-cooked lamb shank and pan-fried sea bream, yum! Order one of their real ales, fine wines or, if you’re anything like me, try the cocktails.
North Hill Noodle Bar, Colchester
Colchester’s North Hill Noodle Bar offers a contemporary Asian dining experience with fast-paced service and delicious, freshly cooked food. Watch as the expert chefs prepare your noodle, rice or soup noodle dish with your choice of sides and extras.
Perfect for a weekday lunch or a quick weekend bite, the bright and vibrant atmosphere will leave you feeling energized and satisfied, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
Padrino Ristorante and Pizzeria, Southend-on-Sea
Overlooking the beautiful Southend-on-Sea seafront, Padrino Ristorante and Pizzeria offers a delicious decadent Italian dining experience, earning it a top spot on our list for best restaurants in Essex.
. One of the best pizza places in town, their menu features a diverse range of dishes inspired by different regions of Italy, from pasta and pizza to various meat and local seafood dishes. Don’t miss their weekday special of a two-course set menu for only £11.95.
Vita Bella, East Hanningfield
Experience authentic Italian dining at Vita Bella, located in the heart of East Hanningfield. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family night out. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Vita Bella offers a range of classic Italian dishes such as Lasagne Casareccia, Penne Arrabiata, and Risotto al Funghi. And don’t forget to complement your meal with a glass of authentic Italian wine.
Definitely one of the best restaurants in Essex!
Pasta Pia, Westcliff-on-Sea
If you’re in the mood for Italian street food, head to Pasta Pia in Westcliff-on-Sea. The healthier and simpler alternative to fast food, Pasta Pia offers a variety of fresh pastas and sauces as well as piadinas, Italian flatbreads. Choose from 13 different types of pasta such as penne, gnocchi, or fusilli, and top it off with your favourite sauce from their menu. Dine in or take away and enjoy fast and friendly service.
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
You might be interested in my other fun stays and things to do in the UK:
25 unique, quirky & unusual places to stay in Kent
21 Best hot tub cottages, lodges & hotels in Kent 2023
Top 30 best restaurants in Essex
That’s it! I hope you find it useful!
