Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Essex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mad Dogs & Englishmen

4.8

4.8 (2830)

£26 to £40

Afternoon Tea

Leigh-On-Sea

About the restaurant

Here at Mad Dogs & Englishmen we have become renowned for our themed Afternoon Tea’s and wonderful cocktails. Enjoy the eclectic surroundings of this unique venue. We offer an immersive experience, a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
The Parlour Tea Room at Mad Dogs and Englishmen provides a vintage setting to enjoy Afternoon tea. We’ve become renowned for our themed teas which offer an unforgettable experience.
The Botanical Rooms is upstairs and hosts our cocktail bar and also hosts our themed afternoon teas.

EVENTS

THE PARLOUR TEAROOM seatings at 12, 2.30 & 5 pm

Running till 5/1/25 - THE NUTCRACKER
17/1/25 - 28/3/2025 - DIAMOND OF THE SEASON

THE BOTANICAL ROOMS (upstairs) seatings at 12.30 & 3pm

Running till 5/1/25 - A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS
17/1/25 - 28/3/2025 - SNOW WHITE

Please ensure you select the correct time, venue and event when booking.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 4 days ago

We absolutely love this quirky and quaint restaurant/bar/themed, venue. It's not cheap but not over priced either, the quality of food is good, the ambience is excellent ,service is always good. I have been to cheaper cream teas,but I think you get what you pay for when it comes to a cream tea. Definitely recommend it, there's something about this restaurant that works

Discover more

Experience

The Nutcracker - Weekends £55pp (£15pp deposit)

Experience

VIP The Nutcracker Weekdays £55pp (£15pp deposit)

Experience

The Nutcracker - Weekdays £50pp (£15pp deposit)

Hasturk

4.8

4.8 (695)

£25 and under

Turkish

Braintree

About the restaurant

Here at Hasturk, we have over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry. We are well versed in good hospitality and serving fresh, handmade food.

We’ve used experiences from our own heritage and traditional food back home to create our menu for the much loved Turkish which is now widely known.

With an array of meat dishes to freshly caught seafood and wide selection of authentic appetisers, you can be assured everything at Hasturk is carefully sourced and deliciously prepared and meets our standards.

Hasturk is a family run, Turkish restaurant with a modern twist. We aim to serve our customers the very best of Turkish cuisine, welcoming everyone in with open arms. We’re ready to offer you a dining experience that you’ll remember!

Top review

Iva

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

I like my fish and seafood so I have chosen king prawns in garlic butter for starters and it was divine. Sizzling butter , mouth watering prawns. Really good. For main I had an octopus which was very good too. Can't fault. Finished my meal with a very strong turkish coffee Definitely would return

Lot Bar & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1367)

£26 to £40

Contemporary European

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Lot Bar and Restaurant is a family run business offering freshly prepared food from 8am until 10pm daily. Whether you are looking for an informal breakfast or light lunch with friends or a 3 course celebration dinner in the evening or simply a drink in the bar after work, we have the best to offer locally.
We at Lot Bar and Restaurant take pride the quality of our ingredients, the high standard of presentation and excellent service. A seasonally changing breakfast and lunch menu offers everything you could want from a kitchen and our evening A la carte menu includes restaurant favourites as well as daily changing specials. On Sunday afternoons we offer the best Roast available. Our wine list, available from 11am, is curated by us to include the faithful, the unusual and the interesting.

Top review

VikiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

great atmosphere, service and food as usual from the Lot

Discover more

Popular dish

Paella

Carluccio's - Fenwick Colchester

4.7

4.7 (397)

£26 to £40

Italian

Colchester

About the restaurant

Here at Carluccio's, we’ve always been true to our Italian heritage and what food really means to us. The best ingredients, from the best regions, cooked with love.

Top review

David

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

Friendly and attentive staff. Only reason to not give top marks was that there was quite a delay to receiving our order (possibly because of peak Christmas shopping time). We couldn't relax as had to leave earlier than intended due to other appointment). Staff very apologetic. We would still go back.

Discover more

Experience

Christmas Menu (Groups 6+ guests)

Kara Lounge & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1209)

£25 and under

Turkish

Grays

About the restaurant

We are proud to serve you one of the healthiest and most well-balanced Turkish and Mediterranean food in Essex.

Our dishes are prepared freshly upon order, using authentic recipes, traditional cooking methods with finest ingredients.

Our focus is to provide the highest quality of service available.

Top review

Anita

Dined 6 days ago

First time at the Kara would definitely recommend it. There was 4 of us and all our meals were perfect staff friendly and helpful didn’t wait long for our meals, will definitely come back again.

The Eyna

4.7

4.7 (805)

£26 to £40

Turkish

Basildon

About the restaurant

The Eyna is a new, refreshing, traditional Turkish cuisine coming to the heart of Basildon. With a open-plan dining experience, open kitchen & central bar, we're sure this will be your perfect location for all types of events or casual dining.

Top review

Carly

Dined 4 days ago

Been twice now and had the best experience both times

Sevine Brasserie

4.6

4.6 (126)

£25 and under

Mediterranean

Harlow

About the restaurant

Treat yourself to a culinary adventure at our delightful restaurant, where we offer a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine. We are pleased to accommodate group bookings and look forward to welcoming you.

Our restaurant is conveniently located in Harlow within the Water Gardens. Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch or dinner, book a table now and experience a wonderful dining experience with us.

Top review

Alan

Dined 6 days ago

A very warm welcome from the friendly staff. Service was very attentive and not rushed, which was great. Food (steak) was absolutely beautiful; perfectly cooked, well presented and delicious.

Zebrano Brentwood

4.5

4.5 (213)

£26 to £40

Seafood

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Zebrano Brentwood offers a refined dining experience in the heart of Brentwood, specialising in seafood and steaks. Its contemporary and inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for various occasions, from intimate meals to large group celebrations. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Zebrano Brentwood is known for its attention to detail in every dish. The venue also features a cocktail bar and offers private hire options. Perfect for food lovers who enjoy a sophisticated setting.

Infants and children under 8yrs are welcome till 8pm, Opening times vary on Bank holidays & Special days.

Top review

SOPHIA

Dined 6 days ago

Fun atmosphere friendly stuff we had the best time, thank you

Discover more

Experience

New Year's Eve

Funky Monk

4.2

4.2 (168)

£26 to £40

British

Epping

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Funky Monk, nestled in the heart of Epping, where the spirit of classic hospitality runs deep in our veins. Our passion lies in curating delectable seasonal British fare using time-honoured culinary methods. We proudly present an extensive array of distinctive boutique and traditional wines that continually spark conversations and intrigue among our guests.

Join us for a delightful evening with your friends or that special someone. On Fridays and Saturdays, we amp up the excitement with live entertainment in our restaurant, creating the perfect atmosphere for you to groove, though we kindly request you keep your dancing feet off the tables!

For an even more enchanting experience, consider reserving one of our Suites, allowing you to savour the magic just a bit longer. The Funky Monk is where cherished memories are made, so come and dine with us soon!

Top review

Emma

Dined on Nov 28, 2024

We had a fantastic time for my step daughter’s 19th birthday. The 7 of us enjoyed our food very much and it was served by attentive and pleasant staff. We had a lovely night, thank you.

Discover more

Experience

Midweek Lunch Set Menu

Minoa

4.2

4.2 (64)

£26 to £40

Pan-Asian

Marks Gates

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 8 people on Fridays and Saturdays, please contact the restaurant directly.

Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavours of Asia at our exquisite pan-Asian fine dining establishment in Essex. Indulge in meticulously crafted dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of China, Japan, Thailand, and beyond, all expertly prepared with the finest ingredients and presented with artistic flair. From delicate sushi creations to aromatic stir-fries and tantalising curries, each dish promises a symphony of taste sensations that will transport you to the heart of Asia.

Top review

Amit

Dined 6 days ago

We had a fantastic night, everything was perfect we was a group of 8 and everyone said how great everything was!!! Well done all!!!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Essex

Explore more Diners' Choice lists