The Essex

Name: The Essex
Address: 30 Main St, Centerbrook, CT, United States, 06409-1075
Telephone: (860) 237-4189
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9

415 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2021

December 2021

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American, Contemporary French / American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dinner
Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(860) 237-4189
Website
http://www.theessex.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Colt Taylor

Location
30 Main St Centerbrook, CT 06409-1075
Neighborhood
Centerbrook
Cross street
Across From Town Hall and The Katharine Hepburn Theatre
Parking details
Parking in Rear
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Enjoy Our Tasting Menu at The Chef's Counter!
$95.00 per person
Multiple dates available
We launch a fresh tasting menu every single week! Enjoy our signature Chef's tasting (both 5 course and 7 course available) in the best seats in the house, served directly by the kitchen team, and enjoying a fully immersive experience. Seats parties up to 6 people, tasting menu only in these seats!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

Scallion Salad$12.00
Red Leaf Lettuce | Carrot | Ginger
Wedge Salad$14.00
Iceburg | Spiced Bacon | Sesame
Beef Tartar$14.00
Prime Filet | Bone Marrow | Chili
Seacoast Egg Souffle$16.00
Black Truffle | Shiitake | Dashi
Lobster Scallion Pancake$16.00
Chili | Honey | Mussel | Dulce
Tuna | Kanpachi Hand Rolls
Nori | Rice | Cucumber | Chili
- 2 ea$15.00
KFC Legs
Peanuts | Chili | Honey
- 3pc$15.00

Butchers Feast

$55 per person (Full Table Participation); Tasting of 4 Cuts of Beef

Scallion Salad
Ban-Chan
Ssam-Jang
Doenjeng
Bibimbap
Steamed Bok Choy

USDA Prime Beef

12oz Bulgogi Galbi Strips$26.00
20oz Prime NY Strip$32.00
20oz Prime Ribeye$32.00
8oz Prime Filet$36.00

Snaker River American Wagyu

8oz Black Label Filet$48.00
12oz Black Ribeye$79.00
12oz Black NY Strip$67.00
12oz Black Galbi Strips$48.00
12oz Gold Ribeye$90.00
12oz Gold NY Strip$88.00
12oz Gold Galbi Strips$58.00

Add Ons

Ban-Chan
- pp$7.00
Red Leaf Ssam-Jang
- pp$6.00
Frites$5.00

Composed Plates

BBQ Half Chicken$32.00
Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice | Bok Choy
Black Cod Bibimbap$34.00
Vegetables | Soft Egg | Rice | Ssamjang | Doenjeng Marinade
Scallop & Shrimp Japchae$35.00
Sweet Potato Glass Noodles | Seasonal Vegetables
Bosaam 16oz Roasted Pork$32.00
Red Leaf | Saam Jang | Rice
Crispy Pork Belly Soon Tofu$28.00
Kimchi | Soft Tofu | Shrimp | Bacon | Crispy Shallot
Short Rib Gang Doenjeng$34.00
Fermented Soy Bean Stew | Doenjeng | Mustard

Desserts

$10

Red Currant Tart | Almond | Coconut Sorbet
Trio of Eclairs | Cranberry | Dark Chocolate | Salted Caramel
Yuzu Creme Brulee

Corrupted Classics

The Hannya Tale$12.00
Banhez Mezcal | Espolon Reposado | Hannya Tou Plum Sake | Grapefruit Bitters
Midnight Blues$13.00
Brockmans Gin | Blackberry | Blueberry | Lemon | Simple Syrup | Mint
Bitter Than Your Average$12.00
Aperol | Lillet Rose | Grapefruit | Club Soda

Tropical Creations

Blood Type: Coconut$13.00
Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum | Clement Coco | Hibiscus Syrup | Lime
Seas The Day$14.00
Gray Whale Gin | Yellow Chartreuse | Velvet Falernum | Lemon | Club Soda
This Sh*t Is Bananas!$14.00
Glenlivet Caribbean | Banana Maple Syrup | Pineapple | Orange | Lime | Nutmeg

Sparkling & Rose

Prosecco Brut, Zardetto 'Conegliano', Italy$11.00
Champagne Brut, Veuve Clicquot, NV$18.00
Rose Brut, Francois Montand, France NV$11.00
Coteaux d'Aix Rose, Provence 'Sabine' '19$13.00

White Wine

Grillo, Tasca d'Almerita, Sicily, Italy 2016$10.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Dog Point, New Zealand$12.00
Chardonnay, Böen, California 2016$11.00
Estate Riesling, Donnhoff, Germany '18$14.00

Red Wine

Pinot Noir, 'Poco o Poco' Sonoma, CA '17$15.00
Red Blend, Skyside, CA '16$12.00
Cabernet, Broadside, CA 2016$13.00
Nebbiolo, GD Vajra, Italy 2018$15.00

Beer

Thomas Hooker, #Nofilter 7% CT$10.00
Grey Sail, Captains Daughter 8.5% RI$12.00
Landshark Lager 4.6% MO$6.00
Golden Road, Mango Cart 4% CA$6.00
Two Roads Passionfruit Sour 4.8% CT$9.00
Buckler NA$4.00
Heineken Zero$4.00

What 415 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New York / Tri-State Area
Fit for Foodies
New York / Tri-State Area
Notable Wine List
New York / Tri-State Area
Special Occasion
New York / Tri-State Area
American
Connecticut
Best Food
Connecticut
Fit for Foodies
Connecticut
Healthy
Connecticut
Notable Wine List
Connecticut
Romantic
Connecticut
Special Occasion
Connecticut
American

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner and amazing service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time at The Essex. It was an extraordinary experience. World class mouth watering food, exceptional service and cozy sophisticated ambience.
B
Babe
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Essex is the finest restaurant in the area, and always the highlight of our roadtrips.
P
Pete
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2021
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing food, always an incredible meal when we want to treat ourselves. Pricey, but worth it.
GH
GregH
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb! We had the tasting menu tonight, it was hard to say which dish was my favorite. Absolutely delicious!
LT
LeeT
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2021
overall3food2service2ambience4
We were disappointed in both the food and the service. No prime steaks were available and because I can not eat seafood, I only had a choice of very expensive steaks or chicken. To me, they should have made the black and gold steaks available at a more reasonable price seeing the prime was not available. I don't mind a small variety of food, but I'd at least like more then 2 less than desirable options.
The EssexResponded on September 1, 2021
we always try our best to provide a true 5 star experience. anything less is a failure. The steaks were not an issue we had control over, as i hope you are aware the supply chain is a disaster and our meat order that was scheduled but never even showed. the prime steaks are quite close in price to the wagyu currently due to the price hike on beef (that has not affected wagyu) we would like to resolve this and make it up to you... please respond to us so we may help.
SG
SusanG
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Essex never disappoints. We were greeted by our favorite waiter, Peter. He always makes great suggestions. He always has the best wine pairings for our meal. We started off with oysters and they were great and the sauces that were served with them were out of this world. We leaned towards the Caribbean part of the menu which was great...conch soup, a tomato Heirloom salad, shrimp and lobster paella and snapper fish was great. We even had room for the pineapple Beignet and a Caribbean Sundae. We visited the restaurant on Saturday August 21st, the eve before Hurricane Henri and when we arrived there was only one other couple seated. When we left the place was hopping. We were so happy for them. This place needs to be discovered by more adventurous diners. The flavors are superb and really awaken your palate. Thank you also to Colt Taylor, the owner and chef who visited our table and made us feel so welcome. Looking forward to visiting them again soon and visiting the Mexican Side of the restaurant. Sincerely, Susan and Michael Gula Niantic, CT
B
Burl
Charlotte
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was fabulous. Every course: oysters, heirloom tomato salad, conch & quahog coconut chowder, and entrees: Snapper Barracoa and Sanocho (stew of 7 meats). Waiter was superb. Ambiance was nice. A little pricy, but overall worth the value.
CC
CraigC
New York Area
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at the Essex. Nice offering of formal and casual dinning. We ate in the nice dinning room and had Peter as our server. He was very engaging and professional and made our dinning experience even better. Craig Clausen
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
10/10 from start to finish. Get the chef’s tasting!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was date night for me and my husband. Everything was absolutely delicious.
MS
MarilynS
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful tasting menu at the Essex. Innovative and delicious. The Caribbean influence was unique and well executed. Along with impeccable service it was a great evening.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 24, 2021
overall4food5service4ambience3
Amazing Caribbean tasting menu! Perfect wine pairings!!
B
Barbie
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2021
overall5food4service5ambience4
Peter, our server, was superior in every way. He was very attentive, made menu suggestions when asked, & helped me eat a wonderful gluten-allergic free meal !
d
dianeg
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I had the Caribbean Vibes 6 course tasting menu. It was amazing..far exceeding our expectations. At the end of our evening, Colt Taylor, the gifted chef/owner came out to greet his patrons. He told us in 6 weeks the menu will change and not to be strangers. We can't wait to go back to one of Connecticut's little gems.
K
Ktdubs
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was probably one of the best dinners and experiences I have ever had while dining out. We did the tasting menu with the wine pairing and holy cannoli it did not disappoint!! Hands down the best meal - so much fun - and our server was extremely knowledgeable and fun!! 10/10! ** Go to The Essex and GET THE TASTING MENU!! **
RD
RamziD
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2021
overall4food4service5ambience4
overall great appetizers , drinks and entrees dessert could be improved
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2021
overall3food3service5ambience5
Way too hot inside. AC not even close to cutting it. Too expensive for such small portions.
m
mark
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent. We will go back. The waiter was excellent and very nice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were both exceptional. Our server was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain (and not in an obnoxious way) the pairing for each course of the tasting experience. The food was just unreal - amazing flavors. We will absolutely be back!
l
lesa
New York Area
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Caribbean them food and drinks are terrific. Our waiter, Peter is fantastic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 9, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely LOVE The Essex! The food and cocktails are incredible. The staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and provide the best service we’ve ever had in any of the area restaurants. If you’re a foodie, you MUST request the tasting menu! You will not be disappointed. The Essex is a restaurant that we return to again and again.
RS
RoyS
Milwaukee
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is always amazing
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Best tasting menu ever!
JM
JudyM
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful evening with Our server Peter. The chef owner visited our table which added to our enjoyment.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was phenomenal, and the food was great!
V
Vmom
New York Area
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fantastic Tasting Menu! We enjoyed every course especially the banana poached lobster and Wagyu filet. Be sure to ask for bread and butter!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had one of the best experiences. Amy the manager was so wonderful and made it so easy for us to accommodate nine people! Our sever D was excellent and very knowledgeable of the menu as well as the wine list! Thank you for making my birthday so special!
AD
AnneD
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dinner and excellent attentive service. We thoroughly enjoyed the taste of Thailand tasting menu. Truly incredible flavors.
D
Davissa
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Chef’s sample menu was outstanding! Paired by our very knowledgeable waiter with great wines for each course. We’ll definitely return!!!
MM
MichelleM
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2021
overall4food5service4ambience4
Exceptional dinner, and lovely decor/ambiance. The service was really fine but not superior. Our only complaints were the standard chairs (cushioned w arms) were narrow and not workable but larger people and it was a bit noisy. They did switch out one of our party’s chairs but the hostess has said they had no other chairs and it took the waiter to go get one. But honestly the drawbacks were worth it for the exceptional meal.
z
zmanmom2004
New York Area
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2021
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food is great! One dish is better than the next. One thing to be aware of if you dine early: tables are limited to 90 minutes. We felt a little rushed during the second half of our meal.
m
mamabrak
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2021
overall5food5service4ambience3
The Essex was a great experience- the Thai themed menu was a delight and both our first courses and entrees where delicious (although the black cod was a little heavy on the salt content). The service was very good - the server was knowledgeable, funny and attentive. The onlt down side was we were seated in the first table in front of the fireplace which wasn't a great table. But a small downside. The intimacy and quiet made it a great place for a quiet early dinner for my husband and I; we will return. And we can't wait to see the next theme.
f
food2di4
New England
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing food, drinks, and great service from Peter. We love that the menu is always changing.
S
Spidey
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice restaurant . Did the chef tasting but my husband was upset he didn’t get the steak after he saw it lol.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always perfection on every level .. drinks.. service.. atmosphere and of course the food!! Don’t miss the Thai happening now .. never better
AT
ATMJ
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 26, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely phenomenal dining experience. Restaurant could easily compete in NYC.
JK
JoeK
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my wife here for her birthday and was delighted yet again with the creativity of the exotic ingredients. The chef, Colt, absolutely delivered! It's not every day the chef comes out to check on how his guests are enjoying their food. The staff is attentive and friendly.

FAQs

The Essex is rated 4.9 stars by 415 OpenTable diners

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2021

December 2021

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

30 Main St Centerbrook, CT 06409-1075

Cross street
Across From Town Hall and The Katharine Hepburn Theatre
Neighborhood
Centerbrook
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dinner
Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
American, Contemporary French / American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking in Rear
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Colt Taylor
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.theessex.com/
Phone number
(860) 237-4189

The Essex

Make a reservation

Enjoy Our Tasting Menu at The Chef's Counter!

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

Seafood Platters

Savage Blonde Oysters

Shrimp Cocktail

Lobster Tails

Appetizers

Scallion Salad$12.00

Wedge Salad$14.00

Beef Tartar$14.00

Seacoast Egg Souffle$16.00

Lobster Scallion Pancake$16.00

Tuna | Kanpachi Hand Rolls

KFC Legs

Butchers Feast

Scallion Salad

Ban-Chan

Ssam-Jang

Doenjeng

Bibimbap

Steamed Bok Choy

USDA Prime Beef

12oz Bulgogi Galbi Strips$26.00

20oz Prime NY Strip$32.00

20oz Prime Ribeye$32.00

8oz Prime Filet$36.00

Snaker River American Wagyu

8oz Black Label Filet$48.00

12oz Black Ribeye$79.00

12oz Black NY Strip$67.00

12oz Black Galbi Strips$48.00

12oz Gold Ribeye$90.00

12oz Gold NY Strip$88.00

12oz Gold Galbi Strips$58.00

Add Ons

Ban-Chan

Red Leaf Ssam-Jang

Frites$5.00

Composed Plates

BBQ Half Chicken$32.00

Black Cod Bibimbap$34.00

Scallop & Shrimp Japchae$35.00

Bosaam 16oz Roasted Pork$32.00

Crispy Pork Belly Soon Tofu$28.00

Short Rib Gang Doenjeng$34.00

Desserts

Red Currant Tart | Almond | Coconut Sorbet

Trio of Eclairs | Cranberry | Dark Chocolate | Salted Caramel

Yuzu Creme Brulee

Corrupted Classics

The Hannya Tale$12.00

Midnight Blues$13.00

Bitter Than Your Average$12.00

Tropical Creations

Blood Type: Coconut$13.00

Seas The Day$14.00

This Sh*t Is Bananas!$14.00

Sparkling & Rose

Prosecco Brut, Zardetto 'Conegliano', Italy$11.00

Champagne Brut, Veuve Clicquot, NV$18.00

Rose Brut, Francois Montand, France NV$11.00

Coteaux d'Aix Rose, Provence 'Sabine' '19$13.00

White Wine

Grillo, Tasca d'Almerita, Sicily, Italy 2016$10.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Dog Point, New Zealand$12.00

Chardonnay, Böen, California 2016$11.00

Estate Riesling, Donnhoff, Germany '18$14.00

Red Wine

Pinot Noir, 'Poco o Poco' Sonoma, CA '17$15.00

Red Blend, Skyside, CA '16$12.00

Cabernet, Broadside, CA 2016$13.00

Nebbiolo, GD Vajra, Italy 2018$15.00

Beer

Thomas Hooker, #Nofilter 7% CT$10.00

Grey Sail, Captains Daughter 8.5% RI$12.00