Best Restaurants In Essex

The best gastropubs in Essex? The Chequers Matching Green is a rural destination dining venue situated on the border of Hertfordshire. With its rustic, traditional country feel, the restaurant serves an equally homely menu of hearty pub classics alongside seasonal grilled fish and steaks.

Golden Fleece in Chelmsford is an all-round eatery with live music events, late night eats and a gorgeous beer garden for summer days. If you're on the hunt for classic pub grub, these guys whip up a mean Sunday roast that can be enjoyed while catching some rays on the summer.  

Slug and Lettuce is a classic top date night or group dining location, known for its well-priced cocktails and extensive menu of international dishes. Snuggle on the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the river and chow down with impressive views you'd struggle to find elsewhere. 

Offering affordable dishes, drinks deals and sports screenings, The Bull is a local Romford boozer with a quintessentially British feel. From grilled goodies to stacked burgers, full English brekkies to Sunday roasts, these guys have got cheap, delicious eats down to a tee. 

Home of desserts, freakshakes and hearty burgers, The Townhouse Bar and Kitchen is a staple in Southend's dining scene. Whether you're chomping away on cream-covered crepes or classic Sunday roasts, you're in safe hands with these guys. 

Church Street Tavern is a cosy Colchester restaurant serving a plethora of British dishes that sound too darn good to turn down. From steamed mussels with white wine to lamb chops with aubergine, there's plenty to explore on your next dining venture, including their summer-friendly terrace. 

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. 

Not only a favourite for drinks, cocktails and many a G&T, Vertigo Lounge is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Essex, serving fun plates in the heart of Hornchurch. From salads to ribs, set you drinks alongside affordable dishes and those all important rooftop views.