Restaurants near Essex Square

79 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 23 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.

2. La Marea

4.8

Exceptional(1776)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 10 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 Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant

3. Surfridge Brewing Company

4.8

Exceptional(40)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Centerbrook

Booked 7 times today

Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.

A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant

4. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9

Exceptional(83)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Essex

Booked 5 times today

The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.

5. Aspen Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1696)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 18 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.

6. The Essex

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

7. Old Lyme Inn

4.5

Awesome(666)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

Booked 9 times today

The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus that change weekly. Since it's opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous 'Jazzy' brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

8. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2685)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 3 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.

9. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(327)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 3 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!

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

10. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.5

Awesome(703)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Essex

If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SheilaVIP
New York City •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
La Marea is our special occasion go-to spot. We had a delightful dinner tonight celebrating my husband's retirement. As always, the food was outstanding, only surpassed by the exceptional service by ALL of the many staff taking care of us. Karen is particularly amazing and always makes our experience wonderful. We can't say say enough about how truly first class La Marea is. Cheers to all of you!!
More info
La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
L
Lisa
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Festive and fun and delicious! Great food and ambience!
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The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Essex
•
4.9
M
Mary
Washington, D.C. Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The Griswold Inn is such a special place during the holidays. It was decorated beautifully, and the singers really made the evening very special. The service was excellent, and the food particularly good. I note that because the restaurant was definitely full, so clearly there was a lot going on in the kitchen. We come every year during the holidays, and will continue to follow this tradition. Of course we enjoy it at other times of the year as well. It is a great asset to our community.
More info
The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.5
M
Meridith
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
Great place to eat before Essex Steam Train. Accommodating servers (we had many children). Good food/beer. We also were able to park at the brewery and leave our car there while taking the train. It was easy to get out following the train. Highly recommend!
More info
Surfridge Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Pub• Centerbrook
•
4.8
M
megan
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
The best food and service! Wish there were some light live music playing :)
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Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.7

Restaurants near Essex Square

Price

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Top Rated

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79 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. La Marea

3. Surfridge Brewing Company

4. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

5. Aspen Restaurant

6. The Essex

7. Old Lyme Inn

8. Liv's Oyster Bar

9. Penny Lane Pub

10. Scotch Plains Tavern

See what locals rave about

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