Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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!

The Anchor Danbury

4.7

4.7 (1420)

£25 and under

British

Chelmsford

About the restaurant

*MOTHERS DAY 2024* Please call to book on 01245 222457.
The Anchor in Danbury is the epitome of an English Country Inn, boasting beautiful traditional beams, quaint shining brass and a warm welcoming atmosphere which has made this pub a firm favourite for many years.
We have a lovely large garden with a fun children's play area, great for keeping the kids entertained while you catch up with friends and family over a relaxing drink or with some great food.
- Four legged friends are welcome at the pub, please ask our friendly staff for confirmation on which areas can accommodate you as we do require that dogs are kept out of the main dinning areas.
- Please note reservations with a dog are necessary, and can only be taken over the phone on 01245 222457 stating you have a dog.
- If you have a pushchair/buggy we ask that you call to make reservation, due to limited space.
- We only take reservations for our INDOOR tables.

Top review

Steve

Dined 1 day ago

Great service, great food, always a very enjoyable experience, thank you.

The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green

4.7

4.7 (571)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Saffron Walden

About the restaurant

RESTAURANT NOTE: Our outside tables are not bookable, they are available on a first come first served basis. Should you wish to reserve a table in our marquee, you must contact us directly please by phone 01799 619260 or email info@thecricketersarmspub.co.uk

Whether you’re after a comforting home - cooked meal after a long day at work or fabulous fine dining for a special celebration, we’ve got something for every occasion. Choose from our locally sourced, innovative menu and excellent wine list in our oak beamed bar or stylish restaurant.

Top review

Helen

Dined 3 days ago

We had a lovely stay at the Cricketers. Beautiful location, great food and excellent service!

The Anchor Inn - Nayland

4.5

4.5 (1874)

£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

Adrienne

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

The food was excellent as always, nicely presented and excellent service.

The Green Man at Lindsell

4.5

4.5 (106)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Great Dunmow

About the restaurant

Welcome back to the Green Man at Lindsell. Now currently under new management and direction!

In our cosy bar we have retained the buildings original features and given it a fresh contemporary edge where we welcome both drinkers and diners alike and our tables are available on a ‘first come’ basis offering an extensive range of dishes from salads, sharing planks to wholesome pub classics.

Our 70 seat a la carte restaurant to the rear of the property is also not to be missed, with crisp white linen, delicious food and an extensive wine list making it the ideal place for lunch, dinner or any other special occasions. Bookings are welcome and recommended. Please visit our website for restaurant opening hours.

We also have a large terrace area and extensive garden to dine alfresco or enjoy a champagne cocktail. We welcome families and have plenty of area for children to play. So come on in and take a look around and we hope to see you soon!

Top review

Patricia

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

Lovely pub with excellent food. Friendly efficient and professional service

The Ship Stock

4.5

4.5 (216)

£25 and under

Pub

Chelmsford

About the restaurant

A charming village pub nestled in the heart of West Hanningfield on the unspoiled greenbelt of the Essex city, Chelmsford. This soul-soothing, local pub offers a fresh, seasonal menu coupled with local craft beverages, all of which can be enjoyed in our vintage, east-coast setting. Our alfresco lawn is the perfect oasis for any passing visitor or returning local. Take in the panoramic views of the rolling hills or stay warm by our log burner snuggled inside. Both are perfect watching the world pass by with a drink in hand.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Lovely pub, delicious food and friendly, welcoming staff. I recommend to anyone. Great for all the family.

The Cricketers Mill Green

4.4

4.4 (90)

£26 to £40

British

Brentwood

About the restaurant

‘MORE THAN JUST A PUB! ‘
There's plenty on offer throughout the week at The Cricketers Mill Green near Ingatestone in Essex.

Set within a beautiful rural environment but easily accessible.

Now serving lunch & dinner 5 days per week including an extended Sunday Lunch service.
Please Note While Booking With Us, Dogs are allowed in the bar area however that are not allowed in the restaurant.

Food is served in our restaurant with our new A La Carte menu which is served Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm then 6-9pm or our new Bar menu Which is served all day Wednesday to Saturday 12-9pm excluding sandwiches in the evening.
See our website for our menus.

We also have daily 'specials' so there is always something different.

We use locally sourced ingredients and all of our dishes are freshly prepared in our kitchen.

Top review

carly

Dined on Sep 8, 2024

Lovely roast, very friendly staff, it was not speedy service, but I quite like that meant we could take our time. Very nice setting.

The Red Lion - Margaretting

4.4

4.4 (17)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Margaretting

About the restaurant

............................................Coming Soon!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Refurbished environment and new menu truly superb: really excellent evening. We had the oven baked Hake and The sea bream with fennel. Flawless cooking, wonderful flavours, generous portions. Wine list and beers were excellent. The staff were so professional and welcoming. It’s a beautiful old building with updated furniture. Thoroughly recommend for couples or groups of friends.

Bill's Restaurant & Bar - Chelmsford

4.3

4.3 (845)

£25 and under

Contemporary British

Chelmsford

About the restaurant

Put those bags down and take a load off your feet, you’re at Bill’s now. Drop in before catching a film, after shopping, or just because you don’t fancy cooking. We’ve got tables outside (fancy), tables inside (obviously) and enough room for everyone.

Top review

Sam

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Pleasant brunch outside but our drinks came after our food , my husband enjoyed his Bills breakfast but our pancakes were dry but extra maple syrup was soon brought up! The gold turmeric latte was delicious! Staff were attentive x

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4.2

4.2 (17)

£25 and under

Bistro

Canvey Island

About the restaurant

Delicious food, retro funky, luxurious interiors, relaxed atmosphere and an incredible location!

Our refreshed menus have new dishes such as Burrata, Keema Spiced Scotch Eggs and Cauliflower Wings plus the dishes that our customers love. You'll still be able to enjoy our famous Fish Tacos and Chop Salad. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to share with drinks and cocktails.

We have a brand-new coffee bar, drop by for a hot drink and a catch-up with friends. Bar stool window seats and charging points are ideal for working remotely. Located for easy pre-work coffee if you're commuting too!

Walk through to the dining area, where you will find a luxurious space, with beautiful textures and an amazing, illuminated elevated ceiling. The perfect dinner setting with velvet bench-style seats, paired with white marble tables and stunning vintage print walls.

Our outdoor terrace area boasts a fantastic view of the Estuary, we like to think it's th

Top review

Shirley

Dined on Aug 26, 2024

Lovely friendly service. Sat outside on the decked area on a lovely sunny day. Food was excellent - all 4 of us had a lovely meal. Would recommend.

Dusty Miller

4.2

4.2 (116)

£25 and under

British

Harlow

About the restaurant

Lukasz Szumski’s culinary career began early at the age of 18, as a chef in the Chicago Rib Shack, Obica Mozzarella Bar and other great brands, Lukasz sought opportunities to develop his creativity

Lukasz Szumski has developed his culinary techniques with a passion for locally sourced products. In 2022, Lukasz established The Dusty Miller restaurant, where he elevated the restaurant to its current state and continued to update the menu every week. Everyone has something to treat themselves.

The Dusty Miller Gastropub menu has a lot of options for everyone for gluten-free, vegan or meaty options.

Top review

david

Dined on Sep 8, 2024

Just want to say thank you to dusty miller the food was outstanding. The service was excellent, staff were happy and actually chatted to you made you feel welcome. Will definitely be back and will recommend to people.

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