Diners' Choice: Great for creative cocktails restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best handcrafted cocktails 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!

Mad Dogs & Englishmen

4.8

4.8 (2984)

£41 and over

Afternoon Tea

Leigh-On-Sea

About the restaurant

Here at Mad Dogs & Englishmen we have become renowned for our themed Afternoon Tea’s and wonderful cocktails. Enjoy the eclectic surroundings of this unique venue. We offer an immersive experience, a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! The Parlour Tea Room at Mad Dogs and Englishmen provides a vintage setting to enjoy Afternoon tea. We’ve become renowned for our themed teas which offer an unforgettable experience. The Botanical Rooms is upstairs and hosts our cocktail bar and also hosts our themed afternoon teas.

EVENTS

THE PARLOUR TEAROOM seatings at 12, 2.30 & 5 pm

Running 17/1/25 - 04/5/2025 - DIAMOND OF THE SEASON
Including Mothers Day 29th & 30th March
Running 10/5/25 - 13/7/2025 - GREASE

THE BOTANICAL ROOMS (upstairs) seatings at 12.30 & 3pm

Running 17/1/25 - 27/04/2025 - SNOW WHITE
Including Mothers Day 29th & 30th March
Running 03/5/25 - 13/7/2025 - The Circle of Life

Please ensure you select the correct time, venue and event when booking.

Top review

Leanne

Dined 4 days ago

Absolutely excellent! Had a fabulous time at the Grease filmed afternoon tea. Food was amazing & attention to detail was spot on!

Le Bouchon Brasserie & Hotel

4.7

4.7 (1208)

£41 and over

French

Maldon

About the restaurant

Please note that Afternoon Tea cannot be booked online. This must be booked through the Hotel directly.

Le Bouchon Brasserie and Hotel is a grade II listed, 300 year old Georgian building which has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme restoring the building to its former glory. The renovation period was used to combine some of the original period features of the building with furnishings and classically styled decoration that complements the original style of this house.

Le Bouchon Brasserie offers a blend of both French and British cuisine, set in a relaxed and intimate environment. Enjoy a meal from our A la carte menu or choose from our wide selection of set menus available at different times during the week.

Top review

Eric

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Early Father’s Day treat with my daughter. Was nice and busy do the atmosphere was good. Food and service were excellent as it normally is.

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Experience

Breakfast at Le Bouchon

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 5 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 5 days ago

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

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4.7

4.7 (42)

£26 to £40

Dining Bar

Great Yeldham

About the restaurant

Great food, craft cocktails, and unforgettable moments come together in the heart of Clare!
Vegan & Veggie friendly

Top review

Mark

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Staff were attentive and gave us time to choose our Sunday lunch from a good menu choice. Food was prompt to the table and very nice with good portion sizes. Overall a good experience

Alec's Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (110)

£41 and over

Seafood

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Alec’s Restaurant opened in 2010 and has established itself as one of Essex’s leading fish Restaurants. Alec’s prides itself on quality ingredients and exceptional service.
Unwind with a premium bottle of wine or signature cocktail in the comfortable lounge before taking a seat in the elegant main dining room, which can accommodate 120 guests.
Roaring fires in the winter and a delightful outdoor dining area in the summer, only enhance the elegant building.
The menu at Alec’s Restaurant is traditionally British and sets out to provide simple, quality fresh food. Although predominantly a seafood restaurant serving the finest fish and shellfish, mouth-watering meat dishes add to this impressive menu.
We are proud to follow the MSC code of conduct for sustainably sourced seafood. Plus, all seafood and fish are wild and ‘day boat caught’ from across Britain.
Please note that this restaurant operates a strict policy of no children under 12 years, and a smart casual dress code.

Top review

Stephen

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Top notch restaurant. Love it at Alec’s Can’t wait to go again

Sévine Brasserie & Bar

4.6

4.6 (214)

£25 and under

Mediterranean

Harlow

About the restaurant

Treat yourself to a culinary adventure at our delightful restaurant, where we offer a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine. We are pleased to accommodate group bookings and look forward to welcoming you.

Our restaurant is conveniently located in Harlow within the Water Gardens. Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch or dinner, book a table now and experience a wonderful dining experience with us.

Top review

Aileen

Dined 7 days ago

Light and airy cafe bar with great ambience and service

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 6 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.

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

2-4-1 Steak Nights

Experience

July Offer - Chilled Seafood platter for 2

Experience

Bottomless Old Skool & Club Classics Brunch

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