Diners' Choice: Great for live music restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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!

Kara Lounge & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1334)

£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

Vicki

Dined 7 days ago

Beautiful restaurant with amazing food and service

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4.7

4.7 (959)

£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

Laura

Dined 4 days ago

We had the best time here, great atmosphere, a little noisy but that was because people were enjoying themselves, food was fantastic, staff happy and helpful, bar staff were lovely too. Loved the fact we could have a dance after, will definately be back!

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The Fat Turk - Brentwood

4.7

4.7 (40)

£26 to £40

Turkish

Brentwood

About the restaurant

The Fat Turk - Brentwood

WORLD CLASS TURKISH CUISINE

Welcome to The Fat Turk Brentwood a stylish and vibrant restaurant in unparalleled surroundings. Providing world class Turkish cuisine that is freshly prepared to exacting standards served with an abundance of style. With the lavish interiors, you will instantly know you have arrived in a first-class location.

We offer our Long Room which is an exclusive private dining room which seats comfortably 24 diners. If you are looking to celebrate a birthday, engagement, anniversary or baby shower, please get in touch.

Top review

Perry

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Service and food was outstanding highly recommend a visit here and we will be back very soon thanks

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Experience

The Fat Turk Live Lounge

4.7

4.7 (41)

£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

Marie

Dined on May 31, 2025

Had a very enjoyable evening, food was great and atmosphere was brilliant. Definitely will be returning soon.

The Swan Inn Felsted

4.6

4.6 (89)

£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

Clair

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

Service was a little slow but staff were all very polite and friendly, the food was perfect!! Will definitely go back

The Rabbits Pub

4.4

4.4 (192)

£26 to £40

Gastro Pub

Abridge

About the restaurant

The Rabbits is a family friendly gastro pub & restaurant in the heart of the essex countryside. We pride ourselves on good friendly service and good quality homecooked food with our seasonal menus, we serve real ales, fine wines & premium spirits. We have a great beer garden where you can take in the picturesque views whilst not having to go too far to order any food or drink as this can all be done at our garden bar which is also playing background music around our garden, this is open Thurs-Sunday throughout the spring/summer weather permitting. There is a childrens play area and we also welcome dogs in our garden and inside the bar area. The Rabbits Team look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

Peter

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

I took my sister and my son for a Sunday roast dinner at The Rabbits. The food, service and value for money was very good. I could have done with the music from the garden bar being a little lower volume but that is just a minor criticism.

The Starr Inn

4.4

4.4 (37)

£26 to £40

British

Great Dunmow

About the restaurant

The Starr Inn is back in Dunmow, with a full refurbishment, a range of delicious new menus and the fantastic service it's renowned for.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

Lovely place attentive service and loved the singer really great to have live music, food was good although the meat arrived with all the fat around it which I found a little off putting, would order again but ask for it without all the fat 😀

Tom, Dick & Harry's

4.4

4.4 (28)

£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

Louise

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent restaurant!! Food was fantastic, buzzy atmosphere! Will be booking again for next week.

Zebrano Brentwood

4.3

4.3 (250)

£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 3 days ago

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 Garage Brunch

Experience

Bottomless Old Skool & Club Classics Brunch

Funky Monk

4.0

4 (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 4 days ago

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

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