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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Old Saybrook

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Essex restaurant
1. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1012)
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 The Griswold Inn restaurant
2. The Griswold Inn
4.5
Awesome(912)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 36 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 Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
3. Scotch Plains Tavern
4.5
Awesome(703)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Essex
If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.
A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant
4. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(2437)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Clinton
Booked 29 times today
Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SueVIP
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We love the Coast Guard House…everything about it! Great staff and our server was outstanding!
    More info
    The Coast Guard HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Narragansett
    •
    4.7
  • PamVIP
    New York City •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Love the change to a price fixe or chefs tasting menu. We went for Christmas Eve and loved the experience. We had a great server, love the ambiance and the food was delicious and innovative. The price fixe is three courses, but they give you more to try. It was more than a dinner out, it was an experience. I highly recommend.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Gerald
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our overall experience at Millwright’s was fabulous! Delicious food, spectacular ambiance, and impeccable service. Tucked away in a cozy booth we were able to enjoy a lovely New England wintery scene with the beautiful brook below. The Christmas prix fixe was delight after delight and the cherry on top of our evening was the attention and care brought by our server Ron. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and brought great banter to the table. I know he really made the evening for our whole party.
    More info
    Millwright's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Simsbury
    •
    4.8
  • Donna
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had Christmas Eve dinner. Steamed mussels, shrimp cocktail, steak, scallops and duck all were well prepared and nicely presented. Crème brûlée was the best I have ever had and I order it frequently. It was such a lovely experience! Staff was smiling, food was delicious, gorgeous sunset. Booked it on a whim and it turned out to be a very special evening.
    More info
    The Wharf-Madison Beach HotelPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Madison
    •
    4.7
  • Jim
    Chicago / Illinois •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 24, 2024
    Great experience. Service and food first class. Pricey but well worth it. Hand duck, wife had chicken scallapini , son had bass. All outstanding. Some of the best service I ever had
    More info
    The North Fork Table & InnPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Southold
    •
    4.6

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Old Saybrook

If you're planning a culinary road trip to Old Saybrook in Middlesex County, Connecticut, you're in for a treat. This charming town is not just a scenic enclave but also a hub for dining experiences that are "worth the drive." Each restaurant in the area brings a unique blend of flavors, often focusing on local seafood and seasonal ingredients, which embody the essence of New England cuisine. The dining scene in Old Saybrook is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from casual eateries to upscale dining, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Visitors can expect top-notch service, a welcoming atmosphere, and, most importantly, memorable meals that justify the journey. These establishments not only highlight culinary expertise but also emphasize a warm, hospitable environment that complements their delicious offerings. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these restaurants promise an enriching dining experience that's well worth the drive.

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