Best Seasonal Restaurants in Essex

7 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.4

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 11 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. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2147)

Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 19 times today

Please go to www.caferoutier.com for all current menus and important postings!"Constantly evolving, Seasonally driven and Globally inspired menus"Cafe Routier, Bistro and Lounge, serving a three paneled menu format; Regional (a different region of the world every 8 weeks), Seasonal (locally sourced seasonal ingredients) and a specialty menu of classic Bistro fare. A 40 seat lounge serving 'small plates' and tapas adjoins the bar area. Ethos is important to us.Reservations made online are for our dining room only. Our lounge does not require reservations and works on a first come/first serve approach, so please do not make a reservation if your intent is to sit in the lounge!

A photo of Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant

3. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge

4.5

Awesome(860)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Westbrook

Booked 10 times today

Located on the expansive grounds of the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa sits a beautiful restaurant with magnificent ocean views, Dattilo Fine Italian, the jewel of the Connecticut shoreline. The cuisine is fresh, creative and bold, with flavors reminiscent of old-world Italy. A rich authentic menu pairs with our extensive wine list features wines from across the globe. In addition to the seasonal menu Dattilo also offers nightly dining specials and themed dinners. Each Sunday we end the weekend with one of the finest Brunches in Connecticut featuring carving, pasta, crepe, and omelet stations. The brunch theme changes each week offering a new variety of fare to experience.

4. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2666)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 21 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.

5. Aspen Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1686)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 17 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.

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 11 times today

Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.

7. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1481)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 29 times today

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

GH
GaryH
New York City •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Aspen is back on our "go to" list! We enjoyed our dinner and he service. I found the lobster bolognese unique and delicious, while my wife enjoyed the Lamb Stew entre. It's a great place to enjoy a fine dinner!
More info
Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.7
A
Albert
Connecticut •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional service. Food was tasty and beautifully presented. It was a pleasure dining here as it always have been in the past.
More info
Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
A
Adarevip
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had a lovely family dinner here before the Polar Express. The NICEST waiter, quick service, good food, wonderful live music (Sunday night, he was so talented and kind to our kids) and an awesome table.
More info
The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.4
B
Bill
Greater Boston •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Good food, great service. New autumn menu has some real winners!
More info
Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
•
4.8
H
Hamon
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Nov 2024
Good service, good people and nice views. We will return soon
More info
Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s EdgePrice: Expensive• Italian• Westbrook
•
4.5

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Essex

Best Seasonal Restaurants in Essex

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. Café Routier

3. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge

4. Liv's Oyster Bar

5. Aspen Restaurant

6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

7. Fresh Salt

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable