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Best Historic Restaurants in Essex

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3 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(944)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 13 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 Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
4.5
Awesome(641)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 20 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 Old Lyme Inn restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(706)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Lyme
Booked 6 times today
The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus. Since its opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous "Jazzy" brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LauraVIP
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had dinner at The Brushmill last night in Chester to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Right from the start our experience was top notch. My husband was given a birthday card signed by all of the staff and in particular our waiter LaMott, who was just so attentive and personable. I am gluten free so he brought me an order of their GF bread which was delightful and one of the best I’ve had out. We split an order of the brussels sprout appetizer, which was more than enough for both of us and was perfectly seasoned and very tasty. For dinner I ordered the baked cod which was made gluten-free for me and served with white rice and topped with pico de gallo and arugula. My husband had the steak frites served with an arugula side and French fries. He said his steak was cooked to oerfection and the presentation was very appealing. They also brought my husband his choice of a dessert on the house because it was his birthday, which I thought was a wonderful gesture. He ordered the flourless chocolate cake with a raspberry syrup- a little dense more like fudge but he devoured it. I ordered the Brushmill Espresso Martini which was delicious and my husband the Pinot Grigio. We can’t wait to go back. The ambience is so welcoming.
    More info
    The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
    4.5
  • kim
    Baltimore / Maryland •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 16, 2025
    Always fabulous! 10 stars is a better description and the prices are really reasonable.
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    4.7
  • Laura
    Wisconsin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 10, 2025
    Excellent food served well in a quaint atmosphere!
    More info
    Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
    4.6
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