Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Essex

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant
1. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn
4.9
Exceptional(83)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Essex
Booked 3 times today
The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.
A photo of Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant
2. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge
4.6
Exceptional(866)
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.
A photo of Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant
3. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook
4.8
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 3 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of The Essex restaurant
4. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1009)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 16 times today
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
A photo of Café Routier restaurant
5. Café Routier
4.8
Exceptional(2156)
Price: Moderate
• American • Westbrook
Booked 12 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 The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
6. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.5
Awesome(566)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 7 times today
The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
7. Aspen Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1696)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 23 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 Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
8. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.8
Exceptional(2685)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 5 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rosemary
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent food. Fast and Friendly server. Love coming here for a wonderful nite out
    More info
    Luigi's Restaurant - Old SaybrookPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Lisa
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Festive and fun and delicious! Great food and ambience!
    More info
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Essex
    •
    4.9
  • Mary
    New York City •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Café Routier continues to be a special place for us to have dinner. Everything was delicious! Every dessert is delicious as well!
    More info
    Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
    •
    4.8
  • Dr. JohnVIP
    New York City •88 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Dinner and drinks were delicious. The service was great. It's always a nice time at Waters Edge and and having a great restaurant in the resort is wonderful!
    More info
    Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s EdgePrice: Expensive• Italian• Westbrook
    •
    4.6
  • Susan
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 12, 2024
    Our dinner with friends at The Essex was beyond expectations. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and well paced. We opted for the three course price fixe and were pleasantly surprised by the appetizer course we were served before the salad course. At $79 per person the dinner was very reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. Our first and main courses were outstanding. My strip steak perfectly cooked to medium rare and the whole table enjoyed the frites. The halibut and scallops along with the sauces and vegetables were excellent. Dessert choices were very generous although I hit my limit after a few bites of the baked Alaska. The menu was heavy on seafood which restricted our friend who has a fish and shellfish allergy. But once aware of that and a nut allergy, every dish was carefully adjusted for nuts. Dining at the Essex is a wonderful treat. We will be back.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo