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Best Authentic Restaurants in Essex

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6 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of La Marea restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1838)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 11 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 Rustica Ristorante - Chester restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1342)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Chester
Booked 1 time 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
A photo of Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(900)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Westbrook
Booked 12 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 Café Routier restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2196)
Price: Expensive
• American • Westbrook
Booked 13 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 Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(115)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 1 time today
Coming Soon!
A photo of Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar - Westbrook restaurant
4.3
Awesome(113)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Westbrook
The Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar of Westbrook, CT has a simple philosophy to provide an exceptional meal with superior service. We hope that every guest at the Bistro Mediterranean and Tapas Bar will enjoy the warm and relaxed Mediterranean-style atmosphere. As in the Spanish and Mediterranean countryside, we provide you a fine dining experience and attentive, leisurely service so you may take the time to enjoy your meal in pleasant surroundings. By using Spanish and Mediterranean influences, we delight in creating innovative dishes, using only the freshest ingredients in the Mediterranean style. Our dishes are not only a treat for your palette but also considered one of the best diets for your health.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Maria
    Philadelphia County •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our dinner food quality was excellent. Everyone enjoyed the Penne Rustica, Shrimp Blanca & Chicken Piccata dishes ordered. Our waiter was very attentive yet not intrusive. The bummer was the ambience and noise level. The tables were a little close together so we were privy to every conversation around us. We will return because of the food quality though!
    More info
    Luigi's Restaurant - Old SaybrookPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Saybrook
    4.9
  • Hamon
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was very tasty. Good experience and will return again.
    More info
    Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s EdgePrice: Expensive• Italian• Westbrook
    4.4
  • Emelia
    New York City •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent as always. Delicious dinner and pleasant service. Overall, highly recommend Rustica. We are so lucky to have them in Chester!
    More info
    Rustica Ristorante - ChesterPrice: Moderate• Italian• Chester
    4.7
  • Rance
    Greater Boston •80 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 6, 2025
    We've been visiting Cafe Routier for years and its always a wonderful experience. The food is superb, the ambiance lovely and the service outstanding. We went last night for my mothers 90th birthday and had another memorable meal with them and as always they did a splendid job making sure everything was perfect. I can say without reservation that the cafe is a gem here on the shoreline and as locals, we go there often. Anyone looking for superb food, wonderful service and a most memorable meal should consider visiting, locals and tourists alike when in Westbrook.
    More info
    Café RoutierPrice: Expensive• American• Westbrook
    4.8
  • LucilleVIP
    New York City •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 4, 2025
    Perfect as always! Great food, great drink, fabulous service! Thank you Francesca for making my husbands birthday so special. You knocked it out of if the park!
    More info
    La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in Essex

Discover the charm of authentic dining in Essex, Connecticut, a hidden gem in Middlesex County known for its inviting and historically rich culinary scene. Our curated selection of restaurants in Essex offers an array of options that promise genuine flavors and traditional cooking techniques, ensuring a truly authentic gastronomic experience. From quaint eateries serving local and seasonal dishes to upscale establishments offering refined versions of classic recipes, each restaurant is committed to providing a memorable dining experience. Patrons can look forward to high-quality ingredients, expertly executed dishes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the area's heritage. These establishments not only stand out for their culinary excellence but also for their dedication to maintaining the authenticity that food enthusiasts seek. Whether you're a local or a visitor, dining in Essex is an opportunity to indulge in a rich tapestry of tastes that celebrate both innovation and tradition. This focus on authentic cooking makes Essex a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about real, heartfelt cuisine.

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