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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Essex

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2 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
4.5
Awesome(703)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Essex
Scotch Plains Tavern is a hotspot for its authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance. Guests praise the excellent food and service, noting that it's a favorite place for dinner. Reviews highlight the great atmosphere, efficient service, and outdoor seating with fire pits. The place is also appreciated for its music and lively vibe, making it a great place for special occasions and casual dining.
A photo of The Essex restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1009)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 7 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

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • David
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Filet mignon was cooked perfectly and was extremely tender and delicious, especially with the black garlic and tomato butter. Loaded baked potato was huge and delicious. We also got the creamed spinach that was topped with panko bread crumbs, which was fantastic. The rolls that they bring at the beginning of the meal are definitely habit forming, so save room for your entree.
    More info
    Michael Jordan's Steak House - Mohegan SunPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Uncasville
    4.7
  • Christine
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We love this resturant year-round! Never disappoints! We have several servers who are outstanding but Kevin is our favorite. Always welcoming & knowledgeable about the menu. And we enjoy his interaction with us and his humor. The menu is perfect & changes with the seasons. The chef is very consistent. The dishes are always on point. The atmosphere in the dining area is comfortable, and the deck is outstanding in the summer with the sunsets. The bar is large and the bartenders are very friendly. It’s a full bar and I’m sure they can make any drink you would desire. Love that it’s so close to my home. I try not to go too much!
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    The Wharf-Madison Beach HotelPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Madison
    4.7
  • Steve
    Greater Boston •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food and service were phenomenal! The atmosphere depends on what you like and where they seat you. We were by the waterfall, which is pretty, but also right where everyone was walking by so it’s not very private or quiet. Not bad at all, just depends what you like. Can’t recommend the food enough. Despite being very busy they were timely and extremely tasty with everything cooked perfectly.
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    Tuscany - Mohegan SunPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Uncasville
    4.4
  • Susan
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 12, 2024
    Our dinner with friends at The Essex was beyond expectations. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and well paced. We opted for the three course price fixe and were pleasantly surprised by the appetizer course we were served before the salad course. At $79 per person the dinner was very reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. Our first and main courses were outstanding. My strip steak perfectly cooked to medium rare and the whole table enjoyed the frites. The halibut and scallops along with the sauces and vegetables were excellent. Dessert choices were very generous although I hit my limit after a few bites of the baked Alaska. The menu was heavy on seafood which restricted our friend who has a fish and shellfish allergy. But once aware of that and a nut allergy, every dish was carefully adjusted for nuts. Dining at the Essex is a wonderful treat. We will be back.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    4.8
  • Joseph
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
    More info
    Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
    4.5

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Essex

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Essex, Connecticut, where each restaurant serves as a unique "hot spot" blending culinary excellence with a welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Middlesex County, Essex's eateries offer an array of dining experiences from cozy, rustic settings to elegant, contemporary environments. Patrons can expect to find menus rich with variety, featuring both local and international cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for an intimate dinner, a casual meal, or a lively gathering spot, Essex's dining scene promises an exceptional experience. These restaurants are celebrated for their commitment to quality, showcasing skilled chefs and hospitable staff, ensuring a memorable meal every visit. The overall ambiance of these hot spots is perfect for both special occasions and relaxed outings, making Essex a must-visit destination for food lovers.

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