From snazzy dining destinations flaunting upmarket fare to local gastropubs nailing home comforts, there's a never-ending choice of awesome eateries here. Not sure where to go? Whether you're on a group night out in Romford, fancy a birthday dinner in Chelmsford or looking for slinky date options in Colchester, explore our guide to the best Essex restaurants.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 18th September 2025
On the hunt for the best Essex restaurants with entertainment? Golden Fleece is a bit of an all-rounder, showcasing live music, comedy nights and sports screenings. This Chelmsford favourite also boasts a mega beer garden that's ideal for summery sips.
Located close to the pier in Southend-on-Sea, ASK Italian is a laid-back, affordable restaurant serving up scrumptious Italian fare. Expect stylish, modern interiors like neon signs and fairy lights, with simple wooden furnishings.
They offer a great range of classic and spritz cocktails, which you can pair with innovative dishes - we're talking aubergine parmigiana ravioli, mushroom and truffle calzone or slow-cooked beef pappardelle. Not in the area? Check out their Lakeside or Chelmsford venue instead.
Slug and Lettuce is a top date night or group dining location, known for its well-priced cocktails and extensive menu of international dishes. Snuggle up on the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the river and chow down on tasty grub with impressive views that are hard to beat.
What's more, at Slug and Lettuce Chelmsford, weekend warriors can soak up the sun with two hours of bottomless brunch, complete with classic dishes and cocktails that keep the good vibes flowing. Choose your brunch, your bevs, and your slot - then let the prosecco poppin' begin.
Secure a table at Zebrano in Brentwood and you won't regret it. Take a seat in a plush, velvet chair and muse over a mouthwatering menu full of Japanese classics, as well as creative seafood dishes like octopus ragout on a bed of polenta cake. Think sashimi, sushi rolls and bluefin tuna nigiri too.
With a menu that takes you from brunch pancakes to hearty evening plates and cocktails late into the night, Cosy Club Chelmsford is one of Essex's most versatile restaurants. Inside, you'll find cool interiors inspired by Sri Lanka, creating a stylish yet welcoming space for everything from casual lunches to date-night dinners. Overlooking the River Chelmer, it's just as perfect for a relaxed bite as it is for lingering over cocktails, proving itself a standout in Essex's dining scene.
Aurum in Southend pairs sweeping sea views with refined British dining, set within the sleek surrounds of The Seven Hotel. The menu champions seasonal produce, from Mibrasa-grilled steaks to elegant seafood and vegetarian dishes, with monthly tasting nights for the culinary curious.
Guests can sip rare wines or signature cocktails on the sun-drenched terrace, making it a standout for stylish coastal dining.
Offering affordable dishes and cracking drinks deals, The Bull is a local Romford boozer with a quintessentially British feel. From grilled goodies to stacked burgers, full English brekkies to Sunday roasts, this joint is the place to go for delicious eats.
Located in the heart of Chelsmford, Mowgli is a gorgeous Indian restaurant owned by TV personality and restauranteur Nisha Katona. You can expect an authentic Indian menu inspired by traditional street food markets, featuring dishes like gunpowder chicken, tea-steeped chickpeas and sauteed paneer.
As for the venue itself, you won't find many more beautiful places - think rope swing seats hanging from the ceiling, pretty plants and plenty of golden fairy lights.
After a beaut eatery? The Chequers Matching Green is a rural dining venue situated on the border of Hertfordshire. With its rustic, country feel, the restaurant serves an equally homely menu of hearty British classics alongside grilled fish and steaks.
After one of the best restaurants in Essex for dinner? Check out Zizzi, an Italian beaut slinging out excellent eats - think garlic pork meatballs, spicy calzones and classic carbonara. Pair your meal with a pinot noir or pineapple punch. Not in the area? There's a Loughton site as well.
For the best restaurants in Essex and Suffolk, we recommend making your way to The Travellers Friend. The quaint venue may be known to knock up a good pint, but it also supplies scrumptious grub, from rosemary camembert and chicken wings to salt-baked celeriac katsu curry.
On the hunt for Michelin star restaurants in Essex? The Flitch of Bacon is a hot contender as one of the best. Nestled in Dunmow, this cosy dining destination slings out elevated British cuisine, made using the finest local produce. Our favourite dish? The ricotta tartlet is divine.
If you're looking for fine dining in Essex, Church Street Tavern is serving a range of British dishes that sound too darn good to turn down. From steamed mussels with white wine to lamb chops accompanied by aubergine, there's plenty to explore at this Colchester spot.
A quirky haunt adorned with living walls, exposed-brick walls and fairy lights is, of course, Revolution. Found in Southend-on-Sea, this pretty perch rustles up all kinds of lip-smacking nosh, including buffalo chicken pizzas, blue cheese and truffle fries, plus crispy calamari.
This Billericay favourite has a friendly atmosphere throughout the week, whether you're popping in for a roast or a pint of real ale in the beer garden. Food here is simple, affordable and effective, with dishes such as chicken salads, burgers and a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
Sark is up there as one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Essex. Not only is it totally gorgeous, toting plush, velvet booths, tropical trees and unique artwork, but its menu has us drooling at the thought. Think Mediterannean munch, with a focus on tantalising Turkish bites.
