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

Best Romantic Restaurants in Essex

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
1. The Griswold Inn
4.5
Awesome(933)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 10 times today
The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776. The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.
A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant
2. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn
4.8
Exceptional(85)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Essex
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 La Marea restaurant
3. La Marea
4.8
Exceptional(1802)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 9 times today
Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available
A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
4. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.5
Awesome(601)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 10 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 Café Routier restaurant
5. Café Routier
4.7
Exceptional(2171)
Price: Moderate
• American • Westbrook
Booked 11 times today
Cafe Routier is described as a 'beautiful, welcoming restaurant' with a 'romantic ambience' in multiple reviews. With its seasonally driven menus and cozy atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for a romantic evening. One reviewer even noted that it's 'perfect for a special occasion'. The restaurant's attention to detail, including a 'wide range of prices' for their wine list, further adds to the romantic experience.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
6. Aspen Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1708)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 10 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 The Essex restaurant
7. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1034)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 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 Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant
8. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge
4.4
Awesome(873)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Westbrook
Booked 11 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 Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
9. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.9
Exceptional(2703)
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.
A photo of Rustica Ristorante - Chester restaurant
10. Rustica Ristorante - Chester
4.7
Exceptional(1313)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Chester
Booked 2 times today
Authentic Italian Food!!!UNDER THE STATE LAW DUE TO COVID-19, RUSTICA RISTORANTE HAS IMPLEMENTED HEALTHY AND SAFE PRECAUTIONS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. OUR OUTDOOR SEATING ALLOWS YOU TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER SAFELY

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JeffVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great location and property. Excellent ambiance and vibe. Piano music in the pub before dinner. Decorated beautifully. Popcorn for early snack. Dinner in the timeless Steamboat room. Excellent and diverse menu. Food was very good. After dinner had a classic 60s trio band playing. Great sound. Was a great Valentine’s Day dinner. Only draw back was the service. Specifically the bar. Took forever to get a drink. Bar tender was surly with limited sense of urgency and lots of attitude. This was when the bar crowd was small. As the evening progressed it become significantly worse. I can’t imagine how much revenue was lost by the establishment due to these inefficiencies. Overall our experience was very positive.
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    •
    4.5
  • Richard
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Absolutely fantastic! We will be back soon! First class staff.. and the food? All 10’s! Thanks for a wonderful evening! Cheers
    More info
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Essex
    •
    4.8
  • kimVIP
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The restaurant is very nice inside with a rustic comfortable dining room and bar area. We were there for the special Valentine’s Day menu. The food was very good and well presented. Service was excellent. Would definitely return for regular lunch/dinner meal and would recommend to others.
    More info
    The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
    •
    4.5
  • John
    New York City •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always a great experience. Magnificent food, fresh and well prepared. Pleasant, attentive but not overweening service. Nino (the owner) always on site, on point, and warm and welcoming.
    More info
    La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Megan
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    Wonderful as always!! Consistent and never disappoints!
    More info
    Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
    •
    4.7

Discover best romantic restaurants in Essex

Discover the charm of Essex, Connecticut, a picturesque town that offers a uniquely romantic dining scene perfect for special evenings out. Nestled in Middlesex County, Essex is home to a variety of restaurants that specialize in creating intimate and enchanting atmospheres ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway. These dining spots boast settings that range from cozy fire-lit dining rooms to scenic views that add an extra touch of romance to your meal. Each restaurant prides itself on offering exceptional service and expertly crafted menus that feature both local and international cuisines, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. The town itself enhances these dining experiences with its quaint, historic charm, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic date night. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, a special occasion, or simply a night out with your loved one, Essex’s romantic restaurants promise an evening filled with delightful flavors and a warm, inviting ambiance.

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