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Welcome to The Essex

Welcome to The Essex, where culinary artistry meets an intimate ambiance. Nestled in Old Saybrook, our New American steakhouse and seafood haven is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. With an impressive menu featuring diverse vegetarian options alongside expertly crafted meat dishes, every meal is a celebration of flavor. Our acclaimed seven-course omakase, paired with fine wines, promises a memorable taste journey. Guests rave about our cozy, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, perfect for date nights and special occasions. Embrace warm service, innovative cocktails, and the vibrant energy of our culinary brigade. At The Essex, every dish tells a story, and we invite you to savor it.

The Essex: Reviews & Ratings

Makayla Rioux
Makayla Rioux

Truly the most amazing food experience i have ever had. The valentines day tasting menu flipped my world upside down. i will NEVER look at food the same, if i could shout from the rooftops about this restaurant and tell everyone in the ...

Heather Wirth
Heather Wirth

This is a great place to dine for a date night or occasion. We celebrated our anniversary here and we were extremely impressed. The ambience is wonderful, reminiscent of a speakeasy and 5 star restaurant at the same time. The service was ...

John Hennessey
John Hennessey

We really enjoyed the experience! New location looks great, cozy and fun. The staff were great and chef checked in on us. The cocktails were crafted, not just thrown together, and were great. We went with the five course chefs menu and ...

Ronald B
Ronald B

My wife and I tried the 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing. Its SO fun trying exciting culinary creations youd never have normally. Did i love them all, no, but we had so much fun. The wines paired were great and they have a nice pour. Service was exceptional. I love being able to see the chefs in action as well.

Rebecca Jennings
Rebecca Jennings

I wish I could give 10 stars. We arrived in Essex at 1130 PM last meeting as we are house hunting. Today, after many miles and getting in out of the car all day, we stopped in to the Essex Restaurant for a cocktail, not ...

M
M

I went to the restaurant last night with my friends to celebrate my friend of over 10 years 28th birthday! we had an otherworldly exquisite experience. Every single dish was exceptional, and the service that the chefs, server, and every single person there was wonderful! It was quaint and perfect. I highly recommend this restaurant! ...

Nick Palmer
Nick Palmer

Just had the best experience ever. We did their special valentines Chef Tasting Menu to try something new and it was fantastic. Every single thing served in the 9 course experience made my taste buds do a line dance. ...

Brandon Prioreschi
Brandon Prioreschi

If youre looking for a unique experience on the shoreline, this is it. Its not a fancy restaurant for the sake of being fancy, but rather, its presented like a true Michelin Star service. Pete presenting an amazing menu but did so with ...

Location

  • The Essex
    247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Hotline: (860) 237-4189

Welcome to The Essex, a culinary gem located in the heart of Old Saybrook, CT. This exquisite establishment, nestled at 247 Main St, expertly fuses elements from New American cuisine, steakhouses, and seafood, crafting a dining experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. With a commitment to quality and innovation, The Essex is not just a restaurant; it's an adventure for your taste buds.

At The Essex, guests can indulge in a variety of enticing dishes. From the 29 Butter Chicken served with mango coconut rice to the elegantly plated 30 Seared Ora King Salmon accompanied by parsnip and carrot, each entree offers a unique combination of flavors sure to tantalize your palate. For something a bit more adventurous, try the 32 Spiced Steamed Fluke or the 33 Lobster Beet Fusilli, highlighting local ingredients with a sophisticated twist.

The ambiance sets the stage for intimacy with its classy decor, reminiscent of a trendy speakeasy. It’s a perfect setting for date nights, special occasions, or even a cozy brunch with friends. Many guests have noted the wonderful ambiance, likening it to that of a five-star restaurant, complemented by exceptionally crafted cocktails that elevate the dining experience. As one diner expressed, the venue’s atmosphere is both cozy and fun, with attentive service that makes you feel like a valued guest.

The Essex goes beyond just a standard dining experience. It offers numerous conveniences including reservation options, vegetarian-friendly selections, and a full bar to cater to diverse preferences. Plus, the restaurant is equipped with wheelchair access, outdoor seating, and even accommodates your furry friends, making it an inclusive choice for everyone.

Customer reviews echo the extraordinary culinary journey that awaits you. One excited patron remarked that a tasting menu turned their perception of food upside down. Another rave highlighted the exceptional service and the fun of trying a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to guest satisfaction and quality dining experiences.

In summary, if you're looking for a delightful escape filled with exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere, The Essex awaits. With a diverse menu, excellent service, and a warm, trendy environment, it's a must-visit destination for any food lover in Old Saybrook.

For reservations, call (860) 237-4189, and prepare to embark on a remarkable gastronomic adventure.