Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut

Best Seasonal Restaurants in Essex

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
1. The Griswold Inn
4.5
Awesome(912)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 34 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 Café Routier restaurant
2. Café Routier
4.8
Exceptional(2156)
Price: Moderate
• American • Westbrook
Booked 14 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 Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant
3. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge
4.6
Exceptional(867)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Westbrook
Booked 9 times today
Located on the expansive grounds of the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa sits a beautiful restaurant with magnificent ocean views, Dattilo Fine Italian, the jewel of the Connecticut shoreline. The cuisine is fresh, creative and bold, with flavors reminiscent of old-world Italy. A rich authentic menu pairs with our extensive wine list features wines from across the globe. In addition to the seasonal menu Dattilo also offers nightly dining specials and themed dinners. Each Sunday we end the weekend with one of the finest Brunches in Connecticut featuring carving, pasta, crepe, and omelet stations. The brunch theme changes each week offering a new variety of fare to experience.
A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
4. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.8
Exceptional(2686)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 12 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 Aspen Restaurant restaurant
5. Aspen Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1697)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 29 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 Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant
6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook
4.5
Awesome(130)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 15 times today
Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
7. Fresh Salt
4.6
Exceptional(1498)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 38 times today
Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • John
    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Aspen Restaurant is a fine place to dine with beautiful ambience. The food is excellent and the service is great! Haley, our waitress was absolutely amazing and was very customer focused. I strongly recommend dining here.
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.7
  • Lee
    Greater Boston •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Each visit to Liv’s has been wonderful. Their local oysters are fantastic, fresh and delicious. Each course is nicely presented by the chefs and well paced by their experienced waiters. We enjoyed the oyster sampler and Cesar salad followed by the Moroccan Cod and Seared Tuna with Wasabi Mashed potatoes. A great destination especially in the off season to enjoy locally sourced cuisine that is curated to perfection. A superb meal and great local dining experience !
    More info
    Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Christine
    Greater Boston •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great night at the Griswold Inn. Love the singers! Thank you for adding a gluten free dessert to the menu - it was delicious!! (You did not have one last year and I was disappointed.) We will be back again next year.
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    •
    4.5
  • SusanVIP
    Greater Boston •149 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Beautiful restaurant on the water. Decorated for Christmas. Food very good. Wait staff excellent. Highly recommend
    More info
    Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s EdgePrice: Expensive• Italian• Westbrook
    •
    4.6
  • Mary
    New York City •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    Café Routier continues to be a special place for us to have dinner. Everything was delicious! Every dessert is delicious as well!
    More info
    Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
    •
    4.8

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo