Reviews of The Essex (Restaurant)

Jillene Bertolini

Great menu, cocktails and ambiance.

mike gaudio

Great food great atmosphere. Loved both times I've been there. Can't go wrong with burger night.

Michael Brown

Exceptional restaurant! Creative menu, outstanding food and an amazing chef. Service staff is one of the best I've experienced. The bisque is amazing and unlike any I have had before (it has noodles!). The rest of the menu is an amazing collection of innovative dishes with a Japanese/Asian fusion. We will definitely be returning!

Nancy Hayden

Excellent brunch, truly delicious food beautifully presented. Service was outstanding, and the restaurant has a hip but comfortable vibe. Our new favorite place!

Johnna White

Excellent!

James Thomas

Great drinks and can't say anything about the food

Edwin Bartlett

Excellent food, and think the open kitchen design adds to the experience. This is a destination restaurant. The best thing about it is Essex is a great place to visit. Check out Main street, or start with an amazing dinner at The Essex and finish with a great show at the Ivoryton Playhouse

Sophie Maleri

Great service, great food-loved Wed. Nights, dinner and wine and the juiciest burgers on Tues. Owner, Colt, is the friendliest guy around. If you want to try awesome drinks, this is the place!

Nancy Trippconey

The drinks are amazing fresh fruit juices!

Kirstin Hallden

I had the most amazing Sea Scallop appetizer with coconut milk...the taste was incredible and the dish looked so beautiful with heart shaped rose petals and nasturtiums.

Jerry Lipchus

The decor is outstanding, the drinks are fantastic, especially the Manhattans. Happy hour drink and food specials from 4:30 - 6:00pm. We had the happy hour tacos specials. My wife is a vegetarian and they made her a special veggie tacos and I had fish and chicken. Nice experience.

vivienne gorra

Great restaurant, beautiful, sleek ambiance, needs broader lunch menu- but excellent regardless !

jonah dibrutza

We dined at The Essex last night and fell in love with the space on our way to Ivoryton Playhouse. The menu is fun, creative, and yet comforting with seriously approachable dishes. The Clam Chowder was the best I ever had, and the lobster roll was indulgent. The wine and cocktails were on point, and some of the more adventurous things like the coconut pappardelle with scallops blew us away. Their fish is some of the freshest I ever tasted, and the $1 oysters are worth the trip ever single day

Eva Wilford

We waited till the holiday busy season was over before trying it. We went on a Wednesday, it was quiet but the menu was interesting and the food delicious. I had a mousse de foie gras with brioche, which was very tasty, delicately fried smelts, and sinfully good truffle fries. I am a decent cook, but when I go to a restaurant, I want to eat the kind of food a real chef can prepare, as opposed to a home cook. This is definitely what I got there. Now I am looking forward to going back with friends to try the tasting menu.

krissy rockland

we loved everything about discovering The Essex. It is intimate, and lively and absolutely gorgeous upon stepping into the foyer. The food, which is asian inspired modern American, is worth a drive and a half! we had an incredibly inexpensive but delicious wine to begin our evening, I believe it was called dog point. The raw fish dishes highlight what I would imagine REAL sushi and sashimi is supposed to be like, starting with some of the freshest most delicious fish I have ever tasted from bluefin tuna to walu. (to top it off the kind and knowledgable chef/owner came out and spoke to us about their fully sustainable fish program that is so detail oriented!). we then had some of the best ramen I've ever tasted and finished with the miso black cod and short rib that were both to die for. overall, I strongly advise running to the Essex. and don't sleep on the yuzu curd! (just a next level key lime pie !)

Dana Scott

99/100... the only point off came with us being there on a night when the new coco club was closed! I strongly recommend both, the food is incomparable in the area, and underpriced at that! Fresh, creative, sustainable, AND consistently delicious .

Deborah Mandel

Excellent food, service, and atmosphere.

Marcus Casfikis

Exceptional fine dining experience. The lobster and pork ramen was sensational. There is a more causal relaxed area in the back with an incredible open kitchen. It would be a great area to hang out on a Friday night. With both areas it caters to all tastes. Great flavours and the chef made everyone feel so welcome. Will certainly be coming back.

Miriam Antunez

Exelent atención love

Brenda Davis-Matz

Overpriced and food mediocre.

Diana Sarkosi

We had the pleasure of dining at The Essex Restaurant with friends & were delighted yet again with the creativity of the exotic ingredients. The venison pineapple dish was most delectable- What an amazing combination !!! Our server, Peter, was excellent & the atmosphere was cozy & inviting. This is one of our favorite special occasion places !!

Roger Ross

Best food in Connecticut hands down

Stephen Murcko

Menu is continuously changing - very unusual and eclectic. Owner said they were imminently incorporating a Mexican theme in part of the restaurant. Not a place for usual fare.

Dave Reed

The wait staff are pleasant. The food is good. The kitchen staff is slow to get the food to the table. You are waiting a while in between courses. The food can be a little over complicated. The prices are higher than average. It seems like they are trying a little too hard to be more than what they are.

Lynn Giroux

Great vibe! The salmon was to die for--like velvet! Kudos to Colt Taylor!

San Man

$$$Great staff. Good food. Good time. Check it out.$$$

leslie tanner

if there was ever a restaurant the cared about the quality of food they put in front of their guest, this is it. The Essex is our go to date night restaurant, and it is hard to imagine ANY other restaurants in the area live up the consistency and quality Chef Taylor and his team put forth. I am reviewing after 5 visits in 2 months and this Asian menu is so freakin addicting! Sushi lovers to steak lovers, this is worth the drive and deserves all the attention it can get!

Brendan Cunningham

This is one of the top restaurants I've eaten in in the past five years. Outstanding food. Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly service. Creative and well executed cocktails. Our favorites: hamachi, foie gras, green salad with goat cheese, salmon poke. Deserts and bread very very good. Go eat at this restaurant it is a treasure.

Frank L

Had the Lobster Fusilli with beets and mascarpone tonight and it was absolutely amazing. Next time I am faithfully ordering the tasting. For cocktails, the Hibiscus and the Jack Rose were on point. Love the open kitchen. Staff was as happy to be there as I was it seemed, looking foreward to returning.

Senora Plascencia

Dinner at the new restaurant-the Essex: interesting menu, our party enjoyed a variety of incredible dishes such as coq au vin. My favorite was Black Pearl Salmon; perfectly served by our waiter, who not only keep the amazing cocktails flowing, but also filled us in on the local produce and farm table program. The open concept, and ambiance made the night.

michael masalski

A little pricy but the food is terrific and the bar tenders are fantastic

Sinco Steendam

Nice place great chef

Gather for Wellness

The Essex is the place to go!!! It’s perfect for a “date night”...insane cocktails created by their staff of mixologists...and beautifully crafted dishes by Chef Colt Taylor! But don’t hesitate taking the family...the kids will enjoy the burger n truffle fries while you indulge on lobster ramen, foie gras and roasted veggies!! Save room for their signature desserts and coffee!! Not to be missed!!

Bob Stosse

I walked in the restaurant at 11:50, ordered a steak panini, walked out at 12:25, couldn't wait any longer. Lunch menu is very limited.

MyLan Bui Sarner

Absolutely incredible. Finally, a restaurant that is NYC level. Delicious, and exceptionally plated, high end without the pretension. Been here for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Excellent service.

Victor Matz

Food was very good. Server tried but with a restaurant of this caliber service should be impecable. Pricey too

David Peterson

Great burger night. $19.99 including a glass of wine or beer.

Walker Potts

Phenomenal food and great staff. The Essex is a breath of fresh air in the local restaurant scene, with a great vibe for more casual happy hour bites and drinks or a full-on fine dining experience at The Hearth. New and creative dishes daily made with fresh ingredients from local farms, top-shelf dry aged cuts and unique drinks with hand squeezed juices and infused spirits. Colt and the rest of the staff have done a really great job from top to bottom. Keep up the good work!

Leslie Strauss

We we to Los Charros at The Essex. Great taco menu, atmosphere and drinks.

Joe Polio

Good food. Presented well. We will return.

julia whalen

Great pretzel bread...steak fritos ok

Audrey H

Who knew you could order a split margarita and each half could be flavored differently? At The Essex they did just that for us last weekend. We'd had a nice dinner and margarita already and were waffling about dessert when our server suggested splitting another margarita instead. We jumped on the idea and each got 1/2 of the flavor we'd already had Genius!

Scott Blum

Best. Meal. Ever. I had the lobster and beets, which are two of my favorite foods. The dish looks great, smells great, and tastes delicious. Who the heck makes their own fusilli? The Essex does and they are perfectly prepared using beet juice! The beets were local and perfect. The lobster - mostly claw and tail meat - was from a lobsterman in Saybrook and was tender and sweet.

Bill Nelson

Good drinks, but on the pricy side.

Tom Levine

Fantastic food & service! The very best the shore has to offer, and probably the state. 10 stars every time... we love all of the iterations and growth of the restaurant, but the past 6 months they just keep getting better and better!

Peter Herrmann

Very nice place! Good food, good staff, good owner! He came to our table to make sure we were satisfied and even gave us a free dessert! The place was well organized and the bathrooms were clean...that tells me that the whole place is clean! I would go back...

Mick Bar

The man hostess was THE rudest person we've ever met in the restaurant business, so much that we walked right out 60 seconds after walking in. Will not be coming back. Not many cars in the parking lot when we walked in at dinner time and if this is the way he treats all guests coming in, we can see why

Iain Menzies-Runciman

A fantastic evening. The food was fantastic and the service was brilliant.

ben wetmore

The chef is obviously very passionate about his food. Everything I had was delicious . Prices are a touch expensive , but if you go by , you pay for what you get , it's very close to worth it. Worth a visit , open kitchen is neat, but I've never been super impressed with the idea. I would recommend to anyone

Christian Rollins

Amazing food and service

Keith Russell

Another disappointing meal. Bit into a soft taco and it was like biting a salt lick. Guacamole was horrific!

Anne Wyllie

Gorgeous setting, delicious food, good wine, wonderful service

Chris Lastrina

This restaurant was the best surprise I've had in a dining experience. They have something for everyone. First they change their menu every 3 months. Spending 3 months creating the menu. Currently their menu is Brazilian. The traditional Brazilian foods were amazing. The chef does an outstanding job of taking traditional food and putting a twist on it to make it his own. From what i noticed, the chef did a great job of stopping by and seeing all the guests. After a quick conversation with him, it was apparent he took great pride in his work and he had tons of passion for food. The chicken stew had more flavor than could be processed in one bite. And the chef did an amazing job at tying everything together. We tried his feijoada and it was honestly one of the best things I've ever tasted. The spirits list was extensive. And had quite a wide range every spirit imaginable. Definitely amazing new restaurant that is a must try. If you're willing to step out of your comfort zone you will definitely be rewarded with amazing meal that you would have never seen coming!

Elizabeth Byrne

EPIC barrel-aged boulevardier. Excellent dollar oysters. Lots of clean, fresh fish dishes and a lobster roll that should make Essex (the town) proud. Also great date-night vibes. We look forward to coming back soon!

Mark Vecchitto

This is a place where Chefs eat. Cutting edge modern American. From one Chef to another, you knocked it out of the park.

colin asby

Very good food...staff is on their game...the seating is amazing enjoyed watching the working kitchen...not to loud...kid friendly if your child likes real food...not to pricey...

Kat Jones

Amazing dinner!! And the drinks weren't too shabby either. Great experience. We will be back....often.

Melissa Camarota

Great food!!!!

John Sim

From the handcrafted cocktails and incredibly price friendly and carefully selected wine list... this place is a deal for anyone living in the 21st century. They make EVERYTHING in house from bitters to vinegars, bread and ice cubes... and they only source sustainably! Yes the “old Yankees” may shout at the bill because they don’t see how much prices have raised from labor to product, but The Essex is a deal for anyone who wants incredible in all facets! The food blew me away as did the cleanliness of the kitchen and the market. This is our new go to since relocating from Boston!

Johnny Bourbon

Excellent. Perfect execution and flavors.

Jill Bowen

Great food but VERY small servings. Pricey for the amount of food.

Andrew Cusson

Food was excellent and the menu is always changing. I recommend the sweet omakase if you have a sweet tooth it's like a four or five course dessert!

AG Cilantro

Wonderful, creative menu. Great service, excellent wine and cocktail list.

Dan White

Upon walking in my first impression was this is a top notch place and was looking forward to a great meal, but not the case for either one of us,for our entree's we ordered the blacken salmon and the clam chowder done a very unique way, with no cream sauce and it had no clam flavor at ALL just tasted like roasted potatoes with bacon and both dishes were extremely salty, I'm sure the chef didn't taste it or the dishes would of never left the kitchen, very disappointed,on the positive side the atmosphere and Waite staff along with the fresh drinks we're excellent.but as everyone knows the food is what brings people back..

Chris D

What an amazing meal! We just stumbled on The Essex two weeks ago from Mystic, it’s our third time back in that short of a time! oyster Club attention to sourcing, fun energetic gorgeous ambiance, and creative energy and passion like nothing else I’ve been to in Connecticut! This place is THE quintessential hidden gem of our nutmeg state! Go... now... often!

Karen Taylor

Excellent Caesar salad, and service at the bar. Very interested in going back. Chef Colt spent time talking with us about food and wine, which only enhanced our experience.

justin halpburn

Do NOT miss this 20 oz wagyu steak! it is absolutely the best I have ever had! the pork and shrimp gyoza is addicting and the alaskan king crab rangoon should not be missed. I have found my new go to Friday night spot with incredible drinks and underpriced rockstar cuisine.

Tony Bolduc

I didn't realize 4 stars was substandard. However since you asked, when the three of us asked if there were available seats we were told "there are no tables available, we've had over 100 bookings. Your welcome to sit at the bar" so we did and then watched the 3 tables that were open remain open while we ate. The food is fantastic and has been every time we've been. This time the service was lacking.

adam charbonnier

Wasn't really impressed with the food bartenders we're nice though. I will give it another shot one day

Matthew Norman

I can not speak highly enough of our experience at the Essex. We had the chefs large tasting menu with paired wines and everything was exquisite. The chef came out to explain a few courses and simply check on us ( and the other tables) throughout the evening. The beet fusilli pasta with lobster was amazing, as was the shortrib with foie gras sauce. We simply couldn't pass up the Manhattan they offer and don't recommend you do either. We will be going back without question. It was so good we forgot to take pictures, which is the best sign this day in age.

Jeanne O'Brien

I hosted a rehearsal dinner for my son's wedding with 36 guests at The Essex. The surroundings, food and service was absolutely wonderful. The staff was well prepared and attentive. We had several meal selections and all were excellent. My guests loved the Misty Knoll chicken with biscuits and gravy, the steaks were perfectly done with the tasty frites. The bisque was phenomenal. Appetisers, and desserts and drinks were equally good. This very happy event took place in a separate room at the front of the building. Chef Colt Taylor promised a great experience and we got it! I highly recommend The Essex for small and large parties!