The Essex Brasserie

4.4

43 Reviews

$30 and under

French

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 1, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Innovative

Chef Colt Taylor, celebrated for his culinary gem, The Essex in Old Saybrook, is proud to announce the opening of The Essex Brasserie in Branford, Connecticut, This is comfort food at its finest.

The Essex Brasserie showcases Chef Taylor’s innovative approach to French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and bold flavors. The menu features classic French dishes, including many of the favorites at The Essex. Among the highlights:

Lobster Bisque, Clam Chowders & French Onion Soup

The Wagyu Burger

Beef Wellington served with pomme purée, haricot verts, and bordelaise

Fluke Meunière: A zesty and flavorful dish with peanut chile crisp

Moules Frites: Fresh mussels offered in three unique styles

The famous Essex Lobster & Beet Fusilli

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
French, American, Contemporary French
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(860) 237-4266
Website
https://theessexbrasserie.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Colt Taylor

Location
120 N Main St, Branford, CT 06405
Neighborhood
Branford
Cross street
Cedar Street
Parking details
Park in the Rear and enter through the back door!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

A Very French Christmas: Reveillon
$89.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 18, 2024 only
6:30 PM
The Essex Brasserie proudly presents our take on a traditional French Christmas! Join us for a family style French Christmas dinner, featuring pork cassoulet, chateaubriand, cheese, oysters and dessert. $89 dollars per person includes all family style food and wine. Regular menu will be available in the bar area only during this special evening. Reserve your spots now!
A Very French Christmas: Reveillon
$89.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 24, 2024 only
6:30 PM
The Essex Brasserie proudly presents our take on a traditional French Christmas! Join us for a family style French Christmas dinner, featuring pork cassoulet, chateaubriand, cheese, oysters and dessert. $89 dollars per person includes all family style food and wine. Regular menu will be available in the bar area only during this special evening. Reserve your spots now!

What 43 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Connecticut
Innovative
New Haven
Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Essex Brasserie offers a delightful French-inspired dining experience in Branford, featuring "outstanding and delicious food" and "impeccable service." Guests rave about the "amazing" menu, including unique options like lobster and beet pasta. While some reviews mention service inconsistencies, the overall ambiance and culinary excellence make it "a must-try in Branford."

43 Reviews

E
Eva
New York City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Drinks, food, service, and ambiance were all very good. This was our second visit and we'll most certainly be back.
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m
michele
New York City
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent; great flavors and cooked perfectly. I had the fluke and highly recommend it. The service was very good; the waiter was very knowledgeable.
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S
Suzanne
New York City
250 reviews
vip
4.0
250 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our waiter was very good, pleasant and attentive. Our cocktails were excellent as was our wine selection for dinner. The fluke was a bit spicy but good, definitively not traditional meunière style. One person like their butternut risotto but the other thought there was too much sage yo overwhelm the dish. The last person like his short rib. The pot au feu was good as was the crème brulee. I was disappointed that there were no ports or sweet wines available to accompany or compliment dessert.
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C
C
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service. Welcoming atmosphere and fun and delicious food! This will become a frequent rotation restaurant!
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C
Chris
Connecticut
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Don’t miss the tuna toast or steak tartare. Chowder best I’ve ever had! Steak frites on point. Great food. Great drinks. Casual but nice enough for a date night with class.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Connecticut
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The background music was unappealing. Service was great. The physical setting was good. The food was what one would expect at a French restaurant at the prices one would expect at a French restaurant.
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D
David
Las Vegas
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Food is fantastic. Restaurant still getting its feet underneath and service was erratic. I wish the space was a bit warmer, not temperature but vibe. We'll be back because of the food, the bread/butter is excellent.
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A
Anthony
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home. The food was delicious, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
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D
Deborah
New York City
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Very good food, but it took a long time to be served
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s
steven
Connecticut
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
High cost wasn’t justified. Food was ok. But very slow bar service and equally slow kitchen put a damper on the evening. Server was spectacular. It wasn’t her fault!
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FAQs

The Essex Brasserie is rated 4.4 stars by 43 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 1, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Experiences are available.

120 N Main St, Branford, CT 06405

Additional information

Cross street
Cedar Street
Neighborhood
Branford
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
French, American, Contemporary French
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Park in the Rear and enter through the back door!
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Colt Taylor
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://theessexbrasserie.com/
Phone number
(860) 237-4266

The Essex Brasserie

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

A Very French Christmas: Reveillon

A Very French Christmas: Reveillon

Menu

What 43 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Essex Brasserie restaurant rated?

Is The Essex Brasserie currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information