5 Best Contemporary American Restaurants In Essex

5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant

1. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Chester

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the scenic town of Chester, Connecticut, The Brushmill by the Waterfall epitomizes the charm and quality of American cuisine. This gem not only offers a picturesque backdrop with its romantic waterfall but also impresses with its hallmark of contemporary American dishes. Patrons rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth amazing" ribeye and the "perfectly seasoned" salmon, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. The atmosphere is consistently described as "romantic" and "inviting," making it a perfect spot for both special occasions and casual dining. With glowing testimonials about its "exceptional" service and "fabulous farm-to-table" offerings, The Brushmill by the Waterfall stands out as a beacon of delightful American dining experiences.

2. Aspen Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1687)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook

Booked 11 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.

3. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1003)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Saybrook, The Essex shines as a beacon of modern American cuisine, celebrated by Yankee Magazine as the "Best New Restaurant in New England." Praised for its innovative dishes that draw inspiration from the Connecticut River Valley, The Essex offers a menu that eloquently speaks to the authenticity and quality of American dining. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, highlighting the "imaginative and delicious" offerings and "top-notch" service. Whether it's the chef's tasting menu or the locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh products, every dish is crafted to perfection. As one diner put it, "The food was fresh, using what appeared to be local vegetables and the seafood, steak and chicken were phenomenal." The Essex is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey steeped in American tradition and local flavor.

4. Old Lyme Inn

4.5

Awesome(653)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Old Lyme

Booked 3 times today

At the Old Lyme Inn in quaint Old Lyme, the bar and lounge experience is truly unmatched, providing a perfect blend of sophisticated ambiance and exceptional bottle service. Known for its "contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere," the Inn offers a grand eight-seat bar where patrons can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a well-curated selection of wines and spirits. Reviewers rave about the ambiance, with one noting the "great live jazz" that enhances the bar's vibrant yet relaxing setting. The Old Lyme Inn is not just a place to dine; it's a destination where every drink served is a toast to quality and craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier bar and lounge experience.

5. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1482)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook

Booked 20 times today

Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a culinary experience that delights with its authenticity and quality. Nestled where the Long Island Sound meets the Connecticut River, Fresh Salt serves dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to regional farmers and artisans. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" Lobster Roll and "delicious" Clam Chowder, showcasing the restaurant's mastery in elevating simple dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. With glowing reviews noting the "beautifully presented" meals and "amazing customer service," Fresh Salt stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking the best in Contemporary American dining. The perfect blend of scenic views and impeccable cuisine ensures every meal is memorable, making it "definitely a 5-star restaurant."

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Essex

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5 restaurants available nearby

1. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

2. Aspen Restaurant

3. The Essex

4. Old Lyme Inn

5. Fresh Salt

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