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The Essex, Old Saybrook, CT

The Essex

4.9 (1086)
$31 to $50
American
247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
  • Neighborhood gem
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

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • Private party facilities
    Your Special Events Destination: Elevating the Dining Experience on the Shoreline.Contact Colt@TheEssex.com
  • Location
    247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
  • Neighborhood
    Old Saybrook
  • 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
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Menu

The Essex's menu was last updated on 2/3/2022.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,086 people are saying

The Essex reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Connecticut

    Innovative

  • Connecticut

    American

  • Middlesex

    Best Overall

  • Middlesex

    Best Food

  • Middlesex

    Best Service

  • Middlesex

    Best Ambiance

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Innovative

  • Middlesex

    Hot spot

  • Middlesex

    Neighborhood gem

  • Middlesex

    Great for fine wines

  • Middlesex

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Middlesex

    Romantic

  • Middlesex

    Good for special occasions

  • Middlesex

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Essex offers an outstanding dining experience with "exceptional and inventive cuisine." Known for its "amazing" chef's tasting menu and "superb service," it provides an elegant yet lively atmosphere. Diners rave about the "best lobster bisque" and the creativity of dishes. Perfect for special occasions and culinary enthusiasts.
1,086 Reviews

  1. Eva

    New York City11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It had been a while since we had been there but now that the Essex Brasserie closed (sigh) we will be back regularly. We have quite a few good restaurants on the shoreline, but the Essex is the most chefs by far. I had a few very good bouillabaisse (I am from Marseille so I know what I am talking about)

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  2. Will

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding food and drinks. The chef tasting menu was amazing … especially the lobster!

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  3. Laurie

    Tampa / Central Florida West14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Octopus was best we've had. Mushroom bruchetta too. The variety and presentation of all was just great. We will return.

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  4. Joseph VIP

    New York City14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an outstanding experience at The Essex, enjoying the tasting menu from the chef’s counter. Every course was thoughtful and beautifully executed, with the aged bluefin tuna aguachile leaving a particularly lasting impression—vibrant, complex, and perfectly balanced. Peter’s service was impeccable, and chatting with Chef Colt made the night feel extra special. It was our first date since our daughter was born, and we couldn’t believe it took us so long to come back.

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  5. Eric

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and friendly staff. This was our first time here celebrating my wife’s birthday. We loved it and will be back.

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  6. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Southwest Florida2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience. Staff & food excellent! Going to highly recommend!!!!

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  7. Bill VIP

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the freshest fish we’ve ever eaten. Overall this place is an experience and not just a great meal/drinks.

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  8. Melissa

    New York City2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 3, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Overall, nice restaurant, however, for the cost, the portions were extremely small (and im not at all a big portion eater). Food was very good but would have liked more than 6 bites.

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  9. Jim

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    AC could be better need a bigger system or add another mini split for kitchen to stay cooler

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  10. Linda VIP

    New York City13 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 1, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great but one person in our party ordered the beef Wellington medium rare and it was well done. When she told the waiter, he said it would take too long to replace and we didn't have time since they needed the table by 7:30. After dinner, he asked about dessert. When we expressed concern about the time, he said they worked it out and we didn't need to rush. I think he could have at least offered the single share dessert we got for the table on the house.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Essex is rated 4.9 stars by 1086 OpenTable diners.

The Essex does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut
  4. Middlesex
  5. Old Saybrook

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Google Map for The Essex

247 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Across From Town Hall and The Katharine Hepburn Theatre
  • Neighborhood
    Old Saybrook
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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