Diners' Choice: Good for groups restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are great for groups in Essex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Lot Bar & Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1458)

£26 to £40

Contemporary European

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Lot Bar and Restaurant is a family run business offering freshly prepared food from 8am until 10pm daily. Whether you are looking for an informal breakfast or light lunch with friends or a 3 course celebration dinner in the evening or simply a drink in the bar after work, we have the best to offer locally.
We at Lot Bar and Restaurant take pride the quality of our ingredients, the high standard of presentation and excellent service. A seasonally changing breakfast and lunch menu offers everything you could want from a kitchen and our evening A la carte menu includes restaurant favourites as well as daily changing specials. On Sunday afternoons we offer the best Roast available. Our wine list, available from 11am, is curated by us to include the faithful, the unusual and the interesting.

Top review

Deborah

Dined 4 days ago

We had a lovely lunch and could chat to our hearts content. We weren’t rushed at all. All the staff are so lovely. Xx

Banquet Chinese

4.7

4.7 (1751)

£26 to £40

Cantonese

Colchester

About the restaurant

Start the the New Year with 25% off your total bill until 19th January.
Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sunday from 5pm.

Banquet Chinese is a restaurant and venue unlike any other found in Colchester or North Essex today.

This is Chinese food the way it is meant to be experienced! Our mouth-watering dishes are cooked to perfection by award-winning chefs using only the freshest and finest ingredients.
The interior has been carefully chosen and imported from China to create a genuine and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy your lunch or evening meal, perhaps together with a bottle of wine from the well rounded wine list supplied by Liberty Wines.

Top review

Julie

Dined 6 days ago

This is an amazing Chinese restaurant, the food is always fresh and delicious, the staff are very friendly, definitely my favourite place to eat

Kara Lounge & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1346)

£25 and under

Turkish

Grays

About the restaurant

We are proud to serve you one of the healthiest and most well-balanced Turkish and Mediterranean food in Essex.

Our dishes are prepared freshly upon order, using authentic recipes, traditional cooking methods with finest ingredients.

Our focus is to provide the highest quality of service available.

Top review

Triston

Dined 4 days ago

Found a nice gem in the local area! Great food and great service. I’ll definitely be returning. Massive thanks to our server Gokhan, a great guy with great recommendations!

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4.7

4.7 (963)

£26 to £40

Turkish

Basildon

About the restaurant

The Eyna is a new, refreshing, traditional Turkish cuisine coming to the heart of Basildon. With a open-plan dining experience, open kitchen & central bar, we're sure this will be your perfect location for all types of events or casual dining.

Top review

Vicki

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely outstanding experience. The food and service was amazing. Fab time

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The Anchor Inn - Nayland

4.6

4.6 (1997)

£25 and under

British

Nayland

About the restaurant

A traditional country pub with a warm welcome, The Anchor Inn offers a fine selection of cask ales and fresh, home-cooked food. Set in the beautiful village of Nayland, open fires and a cosy atmosphere make the Anchor a wonderful winter bolthole, and the banks of the River Stour provide glorious al fresco dining throughout the summer months.

Top review

Michael

Dined 6 days ago

Lovely food prior to a great evening of music upstairs

The Swan Inn Felsted

4.6

4.6 (91)

£26 to £40

Italian

Felsted

About the restaurant

Discover a haven of flavours and ambiance at The Swan Inn, a charming gastro pub nestled in the heart of Felsted, Essex.

For those seeking an embrace of comfort and authenticity, The Italian Kitchen awaits. Guided by the hands of Chef Nino, every bite echoes the streets and homes of Italy. Whether it's the comforting touch of pizza, the allure of pasta, the charm of tapas, or the timeless notes of traditional Italian fare, Nino brings Italy to you. And with And with our full restaurant and alfresco seating, let Felsted feel a touch more Mediterranean.

If Sunday means gathering with loved ones over a hearty meal, The Sunday Roast is where you belong. Crafted by Chef Nino, our roast is a celebration of timeless British flavors, featuring tender cuts, golden potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and traditional, rich, savory gravies—all served with the warmth and care of a family feast. Proud to make Sunday in Felsted feel just a bit more special.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 5 days ago

We had an excellent meal at the Swan. There is a good choice for everyone on the menu and the quality and service are top notch.

Bella Ischia

4.6

4.6 (19)

£25 and under

Italian

Billericay

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bella Ischia
A Taste of Ischia in Billericay!
Indulge in the warmth and flavours of Italy as you step into our family-run restaurant, nestled in the heart of Billericay. At Bella Ischia, we bring a piece of Italy, right to your table.
Having spent countless years in Ischia, Italy, our family has a deep-rooted love for authentic Italian cuisine. We have brought our culinary passion and heritage to the United Kingdom, aiming to create a little slice of our beloved Ischia here in Billericay. We take pride in offering a carefully curated menu that showcases the rich and diverse flavours of Italian cuisine.

Top review

Tania

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

This is lovely gem of a restaurant in our high street. The food is exceptional and it makes a change to leave a restaurant feeling full. Nice ambience and staff are lovely and welcoming. It's nice as it's an independent restaurant too.

Tom, Dick & Harry's

4.4

4.4 (32)

£26 to £40

Mediterranean

Loughton

About the restaurant

Tom, Dick & Harry’s brings something fresh and exciting to Essex.

Open every day from midday for brunch and lunch through to drinks and dinner in the evening, Tom, Dick and Harry’s offers a destination dining experience in the heart of Loughton. As well as the main dining room, there is a lounge area complete with baby grand piano, counter dining at the bar and two al fresco terraces. Small plates, Sunday roasts, extensive wine list, Michelin guide food, classic cocktails… all within a short walk to Epping Forest.

Top review

Nadya

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

Always having the best time at TDH’s, we were very well looked after by everyone, the food was really nice, fresh and tasty. This is a favourite restaurant of our family.

Zebrano Brentwood

4.2

4.2 (251)

£26 to £40

Seafood

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Zebrano Brentwood offers a refined dining experience in the heart of Brentwood, specialising in seafood and steaks. Its contemporary and inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for various occasions, from intimate meals to large group celebrations. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Zebrano Brentwood is known for its attention to detail in every dish. The venue also features a cocktail bar and offers private hire options. Perfect for food lovers who enjoy a sophisticated setting.

Infants and children under 8yrs are welcome till 8pm, Opening times vary on Bank holidays & Special days.

Top review

James

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

We went to celebrate my husband’s birthday and our anniversary since. Amazing food it was fabulous. We were treated to a complimentary drink and also a surprise birthday dessert for my husband. We will back for sure xx

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Experience

Bottomless Old Skool & Club Classics Brunch

Funky Monk

4.1

4.1 (187)

£26 to £40

British

Epping

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Funky Monk, nestled in the heart of Epping, where the spirit of classic hospitality runs deep in our veins. Our passion lies in curating delectable seasonal British fare using time-honoured culinary methods. We proudly present an extensive array of distinctive boutique and traditional wines that continually spark conversations and intrigue among our guests.

Join us for a delightful evening with your friends or that special someone. On Fridays and Saturdays, we amp up the excitement with live entertainment in our restaurant, creating the perfect atmosphere for you to groove, though we kindly request you keep your dancing feet off the tables!

For an even more enchanting experience, consider reserving one of our Suites, allowing you to savour the magic just a bit longer. The Funky Monk is where cherished memories are made, so come and dine with us soon!

Top review

Paul

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

Party of six, for a birthday celebration, really nice food, great entertainment, all round excellent night, would definitely recommend

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Experience

Midweek Lunch Set Menu

Experience

Funky Monk Country bottomless Brunch

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