The Essex

The Essex reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. S

   Samantha

   Greater Boston1 review

   2.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   The owner runs the cooking line like a diner- calling out orders. His predecessor had more class, it was quieter, a nicer scene. The speakers were pumping 80’s music…in a fine dining restaurant??? When I asked if it could be turned down or changed to jazz or a non-lyrical variety- something more befitting the experience, and so I didn’t have to shout the person right next to me, I was told by the bartender that owner was in back managing the music. Refused to change it because he likes it. Most of The food was all masked with Asian sauces. Duck confit in Asian sauce- huh? Burnt octopus, burnt chocolate sauce, burnt bits of monkfish as an appetizer. Total rip-off. Two drinks each and the tasting menu- $330 including tip for lying bartender. Was a favorite of mine but no more- never going back.
   

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2. B

   Brian

   New York City2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Chefs tasting menu dis not disappoint! Everything was amazing. Highly recommend to all the true food lovers out there.
   

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3. C

   Chris VIP

   Connecticut92 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Taking with Chef Colt at the chef’s table is always the highlight of our visit! He has an amazing staff, and we really appreciated the service as well as the amazing food! 
   

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4. R

   Robin VIP

   New York City6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Attention food lovers: The Essex in Old Saybrook is doing a tacos and tequila happy hour all April—Tuesday to Thursday (sometimes Friday), 4–6pm. It’s such a sweet little surprise. Each bite was delicious. Scrumptious tacos, house-made everything, and innovative, tasty margaritas. Planning on being there a lot this April!
   

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5. H

   Hannah

   Greater Boston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing!!! Such a perfect dinner to celebrate our anniversary
   

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6. P

   Patricia VIP

   Connecticut28 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We have been here many times. The service is outstanding. The food is a fun experience for your taste buds. Always creative and beautifully executed. So glad we live close and can keep experiencing the innovative chef.
   

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7. B

   Bill

   Greater Boston3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolutely delicious! Everything was amazing. Do the tasting you will not be disappointed! So many great and unique dishes.
   

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8. r

   robin VIP

   Greater Boston11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Again we had a wonderful dinner. Food and service were excellent. Dylan always makes our experience a great one. Can’t wait to come back!!
   

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9. S

   Steven VIP

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Several weeks ago, I had the best meal I ever had in CT at The Essex. Last night was even better. Excellent service, Excellent presentation, Excellent food. Please don't read this; I want to still be available to get a reservation.
   

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10. J

    Jill VIP

    New York City9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Dinner was amazing. We ate from the fixe prix menu. The included amuse and canapés were delicious. It was difficult to choose between the course options because we wanted to try everything. Each plate was delicious! I highly recommend The Essex. It’s a dining experience!
    

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