The Essex

French Restaurant $$$ 4.5 (280)


The Essex is celebrated for its exceptional dining experience featuring a creative and frequently changing menu. Customers highly praise the authenticity of the food, with many dishes showcasing fresh, local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and attentive service further enhance the overall dining experience, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Overall:

4.5

(236 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.7

Service:

4.2


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (860) 237-4189

Address: 247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA

Opening hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Live Music
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Really adorable place with such a creative menu! Our group ordered a variety of small plates, and each had a lovely twist. The staff was welcoming, while the chef going table-to-table added a personal touch. Definitely left happy and full! I can't wait to go back and try their seasonal menu when it changes. " (*Curated Review*)

" You hear about this place, and for good reasons! The food is exceptional, and you can tell the staff is passionate about their work. The lobster risotto was a standout! It was light but full of flavor, and the service was just as fantastic. Even with so much praise, I hope they maintain their focus on authenticity moving forward. " (*Curated Review*)

" An unforgettable culinary experience! The Essex boasts an inviting atmosphere and a friendly team. The tasting menu was a showcase of creativity and flavor—the lobster dish was my favorite! I loved interacting with the chefs as they served our courses. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for high-quality dining. " (*Curated Review*)

" A memorable place to dine, The Essex offers a unique atmosphere and a creative menu. What impressed us most was the freshness of ingredients, which you can taste in every course. The dessert menu was a perfect way to finish a great meal, and the cocktails were also quite delightful. It's a small venue, so definitely recommend getting a reservation beforehand. " (*Curated Review*)

" I went with my family for a special occasion and we opted for the chef's tasting. The creativity in the dishes blew us away! There were a couple of flavors that didn’t resonate with us, but overall, everything was fresh and well-executed. The service was attentive, and we really appreciated the personal touch from Chef Colt who checked in on our table. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (226)

" Great dining experience, but I felt some dishes could use more authenticity. The steak was good, but on our trip, a couple of plates seemed to lack depth of flavor. However, the ambiance and service were top-notch, making it easy to overlook the few missteps. Would recommend. " (*Curated Review*)

" It was a charming dining experience. The food had a creative flair, and although the tasting options could be a tad expensive, the quality was undeniable. The service staff was friendly and full of recommendations. I enjoyed it overall, but a couple of dishes could have been more authentic flavor-wise. " (*Curated Review*)

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