The Essex

4.8

1002 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Charming

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Contemporary French / American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(860) 237-4189
Website
http://www.theessex.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Colt Taylor
Private party facilities
Your Special Events Destination: Elevating the Dining Experience on the Shoreline.Contact Colt@TheEssex.com

Location
247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
Neighborhood
Old Saybrook
Cross street
Across From Town Hall and The Katharine Hepburn Theatre
Parking details
Parking in Rear
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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What 1,002 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.9Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Connecticut
Innovative
Connecticut
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Middlesex
Best Overall
Middlesex
Best Food
Middlesex
Best Service
Middlesex
Best Ambiance
Middlesex
Innovative
Middlesex
Hot spot
Middlesex
Great for outdoor dining
Middlesex
Romantic
Middlesex
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Essex offers a delightful dining experience with "beautifully prepared" dishes and "excellent service." Guests are consistently impressed by the creative menu and the warm, engaging staff. The restaurant excels in offering unique culinary experiences, such as the chef's tasting menu, and is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and "outstanding" food quality.

1,002 Reviews

A
Andrea
Greater Boston
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service experience at The Essex is amazing. Always above and beyond. Bartender Dylan is the best! We love the entire experience!
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B
Brian
Atlantic City
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful night celebrating my wife’s birthday. The food, service and atmosphere were terrific. Loved it!
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r
robin
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our absolute favorite place to dine on the shoreline. We are never disappointed. Dylan is fabulous. He always makes our experience the best . And I love that I have my corner seats every time!
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LC
LorenC
New York City
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved everything about this meal and experience.
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B
Bruno
Greater Boston
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely amazing tasting menu. Each course was on point, flavorful and creative!
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T
Thomas
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful dinner. Very creative and delicious. Absolutely loved the clam chowder. Can’t wait to go back.
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C
Christine
New York City
8 reviews
vip
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
We went to The Essex for the first time on the recommendation of friends who go there often. Unfortunately it did not meet our expectations and we will not be back. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't exceptional. We were seated next to doors that used to be the entrance. It was drafty and did not feel cozy at all. The bread offered was warm but cold in some spots. Food was good but not exceptional for the price. In the same dish, some items were hot and others lukewarm which may have been how it was supposed to be. Not sure. Also we ordered sparkling wine that did not come in flutes but thin glasses. You will not have a bad meal at The Essex but other restaurants near by are better and a better value.
The EssexResponded on November 8, 2024
I myself, the Chef and Owner remember you. I really wish you would have spoken up about your dissatisfaction while i was standing in front of you. The rest of the guests at your table, especially the gentleman sitting next to you seemed VERY happy. There was no draft, it was a warm night and two tables asked that we turn on the ac. had you voiced your isse we could have moved you early on in the meal or simply turn off the AC. It is sad that one experience would prevent you from returning considering we have launched countless menus you have never had the chance to enjoy. We do hope you will reconsider and understand if you speak up while youre with us we have a fair chance to rectify the issues rather than a negative response in a public review setting once you have left.
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R
Russell
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This has become our go-to place. The food , service, and staff are outstanding. Yes, it's a bit pricey but well worth it.
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J
Jason
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a delightful culinary experience. We love the Essex.
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P
Patricia
Connecticut
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have eaten there many times. The dishes are always innovative and extremely well prepared. The staff is fantastic. A real gem.
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FAQs

The Essex is rated 4.8 stars by 1002 OpenTable diners.

The Essex does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Across From Town Hall and The Katharine Hepburn Theatre
Neighborhood
Old Saybrook
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Contemporary French / American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking in Rear
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Colt Taylor
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.theessex.com/
Phone number
(860) 237-4189
Private party facilities
Your Special Events Destination: Elevating the Dining Experience on the Shoreline.Contact Colt@TheEssex.com

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

The Essex

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Menu

What 1,002 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Essex restaurant rated?

Does The Essex offer gift cards?

Is The Essex currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card