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The Essex, Old Saybrook, CT

The Essex

4.8
4.8
1002 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 12 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 16:00–22:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00
  • 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
  • Area
    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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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

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 Ambience

  • 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

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. robin

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 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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  4. LorenC

    New York City

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 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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  5. Bruno

    Greater Boston

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 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!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Thomas

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 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.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Christine

    New York City

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 7 November 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 8 November 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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  8. Russell

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 29 October 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.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jason

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 26 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a delightful culinary experience. We love the Essex.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Patricia

    Connecticut

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on 26 October 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.

    Is this helpful?

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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for The Essex

247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Across From Town Hall and The Katharine Hepburn Theatre
  • Area
    Old Saybrook
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 16:00–22:00 Dinner Tue–Thu 16:00–21:00
  • 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
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