The Essex - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Address: 247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
Phone: 02374189.
Website: theessex.com
Specialties: French restaurant, American restaurant, Modern French restaurant.
Other points of interest: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in, Delivery, Fireplace, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great wine list, Live music, Dinner, Solo dining, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating, Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy hour drinks, Happy hour food, Hard liquor, Healthy options, Late-night food, Private dining room, Small plates, Vegetarian options, Wine, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Counter service, Dessert, Seating, Bar onsite, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upscale, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations, Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards, High chairs, Free parking lot, Free street parking, Parking.
Opinions: This company has 286 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.5/5.

📌 Location of The Essex

☎️02374189

⏰ Open Hours of The Essex

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4–9 PM
Wednesday: 4–9 PM
Thursday: 4–9 PM
Friday: 4–10 PM
Saturday: 4–10 PM
Sunday: Closed

Discover the Charm of The Essex: A Culinary Haven in Old Saybrook

Nestled at 247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, The Essex stands as a beacon of gastronomic delight and warm hospitality. With a phone number 02374189 readily available, this exquisite establishment is not only easy to reach but also prides itself on offering a comprehensive dining experience.

A Culinary Journey Through Time and Flavors

The Essex boasts an impressive array of specialties, catering to a diverse palate with its French restaurant, American restaurant, and a modern French twist. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy dinner, a romantic brunch, or a lively lunch with friends, The Essex has something for everyone. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its great cocktails, coffee, and dessert, alongside a stellar wine list that complements the culinary journey perfectly.

An Enchanting Ambiance Awaits

For those seeking a dining experience that's both memorable and comfortable, The Essex offers a range of settings. Enjoy outdoor seating on pleasant days, indulge in takeout or savor a meal dine-in. For those who prefer the convenience of delivery, The Essex is also there to cater to your needs. Inside, guests are greeted by a fireplace, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also stands out with its wheelchair accessible features, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and comfortable.

A Reviewer's Paradise

With an impressive average opinion of 4.5/5 based on 286 reviews on Google My Business, The Essex has garnered a reputation for excellence. Patrons rave about the amazing food experience, particularly mentioning the unforgettable Valentine's Day tasting menu that left guests feeling full yet delighted, with extra servings of their favorites provided by attentive staff, including the owner, Cole, who went above and beyond to ensure guests felt special.

Key Features for Your Visit

- Dining Options: From small plates to a full brunch, lunch, and dinner service, with counter service and private dining room for special occasions.

- Accessibility: The Essex goes the extra mile with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.

- Payment Options: Accepting checks, credit cards, Debit cards, and even NFC mobile payments, making your visit hassle-free.

- Food for All: With high chairs, free parking lot, and free street parking, The Essex caters to all guests' needs.

Why Choose The Essex for Your Next Dining Out Experience

Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback and the restaurant's versatile offerings, it's clear that The Essex is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a night out, the recommendations to book a dinner reservation in advance cannot be overstated.

For those ready to indulge in a meal that promises to be as memorable as it is delicious, visit The Essex's website. Here, you can explore the full menu, make reservations, and get a taste of what makes this iconic restaurant a must-visit destination in Old Saybrook.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the perfect blend of gourmet cuisine and exceptional service that The Essex has to offer. Contact them today and prepare to be enchanted.

👍 Reviews of The Essex

Makayla R.

5/5

Truly the most amazing food experience i have ever had. The valentines day tasting menu flipped my world upside down. i will NEVER look at food the same, if i could shout from the rooftops about this restaurant and tell everyone in the WORLD to try it, I would. And I will. ((not pictured, they made sure we left FULL and gave us extra of anything we loved which i absolutely appreciate and adore)). The owner, Cole came by every table and talked to us as if we have known each other forever, alll of the staff was amazing and friendly, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Nadezda M.

3/5

Very disappointing experience. After reading all reviews, I was expecting much more from this place. Great atmosphere and design, but food and cocktails were disappointing.
It is very interesting to watch food preparation at the open kitchen, but for a price we paid and taste of food , not impressed!
Some of the dishes were returned as we could not eat it.
Not recommending and coming back.

Heather W.

5/5

This is a great place to dine for a date night or occasion. We celebrated our anniversary here and we were extremely impressed. The ambience is wonderful, reminiscent of a speakeasy and 5 star restaurant at the same time. The service was superb, Peter being our server. He was personable and quite enjoyable to converse with. The food itself was unreal. Everything was top notch, with the chef Colt checking on us personally to ensure we were having a positive experience. The cocktails were also very well crafted with a great selection. Overall would highly recommend and we will be back soon!

Nick P.

5/5

Just had the best experience ever. We did their special valentine's Chef Tasting Menu to try something new and it was fantastic. Every single thing served in the 9 course experience made my taste buds do a line dance.

The service was incredible, as soon as we got done with a plate, our table was cleared and we were onto the next course within a minute flat! Halfway through the meal the owner/chef came out and introduced himself as well, very down to earth and professional. He clearly knows what he's doing.

Will absolutely be back. I literally do not have a single negative thing to say about this place.

Ronald B.

5/5

My wife and I tried the 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing. It's SO fun trying exciting culinary creations you'd never have normally. Did i love them all, no, but we had so much fun. The wines paired were great and they have a nice pour. Service was exceptional. I love being able to see the chefs in action as well.

Shadi A.

5/5

We had an incredible experience at the Essex. We went with the extended 7 course tasting menu and it blew us away. Every ingredient of each bite was intentional and purposeful.
The drinks menu was also excellent.
We had too many favorites, including the Amuse (lobster bisque starter), the steak wagu, canape service, and foi gras just to make a few! Chef Colt has created an experience comparable to any of the top 10 restaurants we've been to world wide. We were sitting there remembering the best restaurant experiences we've had in NYC, Boston and Barcelona! Well done!
Definitely going back and looking forward to their new restaurant in Branford.

Rebecca J.

5/5

I wish I could give 10 stars. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 We arrived in Essex at 11:30 PM last meeting as we are house hunting. Today, after many miles and getting in out of the car all day, we stopped in to the Essex Restaurant for a cocktail, not realizing it is a fixed menu restaurant. From the moment we walked in, Peter was very kind and offered to seat us even though we couldn’t stay for dinner. We ordered our cocktails and, lo and behold, the chef sent out some appetizers for us to try. They were absolutely divine! The service was impeccable. The atmosphere chic. The conversation delightful. What a gem The Essex restaurant is! We cannot wait to come back and have the full dinner soon!

Jack H.

5/5

Outstanding!!! First time here and after reading all the reviews we totally agree!
A small restaurant with maybe 10 tables and must have reservations also to sit n eat at the bar! I was so pleased with my wife’s pick for celebrating her birthday!
We definitely will go back!!! Our server Ryan was wonderful!!