Best Healthy Restaurants in Essex

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodSpanishTapas / Small PlatesComfort Food

Regions

Middlesex

Neighborhoods

ChesterClintonOld SaybrookWestbrook

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

7 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2722)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 17 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.

2. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(355)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 6 times today

Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!

3. La Marea

4.9

Exceptional(1837)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 9 times today

Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available

A photo of Rustica Ristorante - Chester restaurant

4. Rustica Ristorante - Chester

4.7

Exceptional(1333)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Chester

Booked 2 times today

Rustica Ristorante in Chester offers a healthy dining experience with their commitment to health and safety precautions. Their menu features nutritious and delicious options like the Insalata Rustica, a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil dressing. As per the reviews, the food is consistently fresh and delicious.

5. The Essex

4.9

Exceptional(1064)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 8 times today

Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag

A photo of Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar - Westbrook restaurant

6. Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar - Westbrook

4.3

Awesome(113)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Westbrook

The Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar of Westbrook, CT has a simple philosophy to provide an exceptional meal with superior service. We hope that every guest at the Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar will enjoy the warm and relaxed Mediterranean-style atmosphere. As in the Spanish and Mediterranean countryside, we provide you a fine dining experience and attentive, leisurely service so you may take the time to enjoy your meal in pleasant surroundings. By using Spanish and Mediterranean influences, we delight in creating innovative dishes, using only the freshest ingredients in the Mediterranean style. Our dishes are not only a treat for your palette but also considered one of the best diets for your health.

A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant

7. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(2465)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Clinton

Booked 8 times today

Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jeffrey
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful dining experience! The food was outstanding! 25% tip level of service! Next time would appreciate the owner(s) coming out to say 'hello.'
More info
La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
•
4.9
L
Linda
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was friendly and attentive. The veal chop special and pork chop scarpiello were delicious and portion size was plentiful. Close by to Goodspeed Opera House. Will definitely return when we're in the area.
More info
Rustica Ristorante - ChesterPrice: Moderate• Italian• Chester
•
4.7
M
marciaVIP
New York City •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Each individual dish was unique and beautifully presented. The portions are appropriate with no leftovers. Salad we ate with our hands and basque cheesecake were particularly memorable.
More info
The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.9
W
WayneVIP
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great experience as always. Food great. Service excellent.
More info
Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
J
Jamie
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had the Brussel sprouts, steak and frites. All delicious! My husband said his brandy old fashioned sweet was the best he’d ever had. Would definitely go back when visiting Old Saybrook.
More info
Penny Lane PubPrice: Moderate• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.5

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