Restaurants near Essex

“Hi everyone! 🍕 I recently had a delightful experience at a local brick oven pizza place named PRIVATEERS and just had to share it with you all! The chicken capris is absolutely delicious, and the staff there, especially our server, was incredibly kind and welcoming. It’s wonderful to support our local businesses, and this place truly deserves a shoutout for their amazing food and service. Highly recommend giving them a try if you haven’t yet! 🌟”

“Absolutely outstanding! 5 star experience from start to finish! Our hostess was a gem! Very kind..Our server Peter was a professional.. made some wonderful suggestions on wine and appetizers! And one of the most important parts was the food! It’s a must try! Memories were made! Can’t wait to go back and enjoy a beautiful experience if they’ve gave 10 stars the Essex would get an 11 cheers”

“Big Thank You to Alex who handled our reservation & table of 24. Great, friendly service & he juggled a lot so we really appreciated it. Food & drinks were very good. Our 1st time there - great atmosphere! Definitely check it out.”

“Totally scrumptious! The sweet potato panini special is incredible!”

“There is nothing here that I don’t like. Everything is amazing, made from scratch and fresh. Plus everyone that works there is fabulous.! It’s a lovely place”

“Seriously the best coffee shop ever, the coffee itself is top notch, really great bagels and pastries, amazing and attentive staff, fair prices and a comfy chill vibe to relax or get work done. Highly recommend coming if you haven’t been yet”

“As many know I review lobster rolls, I’ve wanted to come here for a while to review their roll on account they have been getting a lot of traction in the lobster roll game. First we will start out the Crescendo, the atmosphere was spot on with the fine establishment being right on the water, furthermore I was shocked and excited to see the out door eating area was completely enclosed with clear material for the winter weather. That’s a plus, a lot of places loose the eat by the water vibe during the winter season, but not this place it’s absolutely excels, adapts, and overcomes anything that gets thrown at it. Now on to the service, everyone was very nice. I didn’t know they opened at 11:30 and I called at 11, that however wasn’t a problem for them they took my order anyways and said it would be ready at 11:30, that however wasn’t the case. We were actually waved into the restaurant by a server with a smile on her face saying our food was ready. I saw the big guy at the bar himself Captain Stu! While she got my food, I was greeted by him with a smile and asked how my day was going. It’s a weird feeling when a restaurant does everything right, it seems like restaurants took about 10 steps back when it comes to costumer service since the pandemic. That’s not the case for this place, it’s something warming about going into an establishment and being meant with kind people who look like they are loving their life and job…. I digress, now for what this whole review is about. The Maine event if you will, the lobster roll. Upon looks I knew this one was different, as I closed my eyes and took the first bite I could hear the seagulls, the waves crashing. I could feel the salt in the air, kids laughing and making sand castles. The lobster meat, truly never frozen, no lemon flavor to cover up sub par lobster meat. Truly buttery and you didn’t even need teeth to take this one down. It was like captain Stu himself of the SS Dock 10 caught a pot full of Maine lobsters from the harbor, put them straight into a pot poached them in home made butter. The smells of the lobsters hit you as he toasts up a delicious fresh brioche roll he got from the bakery fresh and still hot from being made. He builds this magical roll, but no no no he’s not done it’s not over he chops up some green onions from his own garden that’s morning! To make each bite truly an orgasmic experience. But ever story, and dream comes to an end, all that’s left for captain Stu to do is bring you back to the dock where you reflect on a lobster roll you will never forget. I only review the best and the worst lobster rolls and let me tell you this meets the best lobster roll in ct tear. It use to be one roll to rule them all. No more it’s 3 establishments who have consistently setting the standards higher and higher. I’m pleased to say this establishment is now one of those top three who deserves best lobster roll in ct. My one critique to make it even better but this is me being nit picky, would be to include a side of that extra amazing butter for people who would want more warm butter as they eat. That’s it! Amazing place, amazing food, and service that is second to NONE! I will be back, you can count on that. Until next time Captain STU!”

“We LOVE Olive Oyl’s. In the 20 years we’ve lived in Tri-town, it’s our family go to at least once on the weekends. When the kids are home for school breaks throughout the year they frequent Olive Oyl’s several times a week. We love the vibe, the food, location, and especially Kevin and Jen! We are lucky to have such a great place so close to home!”

“Very kind service took care of us right as they where about to close very sweet Abby and charlotte are such fantastic employees who always show kindness even when they get small tips they are still amazing if I owned a icecream store I would poach them immediately, they made my night 100X better they were so fantastic that they got tipped $5 for there fantastic service. Would give sweet P's 10 out of 5 starts if I could, they deserve a raise for how polite they where.”

“Best ice cream around”

“I celebrated my birthday at the Seal tonight. We haven't been in a while. I had the Short Rib Ravioli, Mom had the Serloin Steak, my wife had Tuna and our son a grilled cheese. Everything was delicious! Our server said she was new, but did a great job. We finished with warm Carmel apple pie! It was the perfect ending to a great night!”

“Back here again.
Just as good as the first time we where here.
Menu was not complex but enough to choose from.
Beautiful day here in November fire pits all around.
Dog friendly ample parking”

“Its just take out but there are a few tables and chairs.. But i love this place. The food is always good and i like the people. I moved to my other house in another town, but when ever i have chinese i drive there.”

“I’ve eaten there before and had nothing but a wonderful experience from the front door service til we exited the restaurant. Thank you for a peaceful evening. As for this guy Michael: nice job with contradicting yourself!! In your comments you bad mouthed everything about your experience. Then gave 5 stars across the board. Sounds like to me you are just a complete loser that is miserable in your every day life so this is what you do. Places give customers a platform to give feedback and people like you use it to make yourself feel big. Well I guess it’s difficult feeling big living in your parents basement when you are 25+yrs old. Sad little man!!! Noah’s did an excellent job with the food, service, attitude and all around presentation the evening we were there. It is June 7th 2026, I will be dining at this exquisite establishment tonight with my wife and my daughter and her fiancé. And I expect nothing but a perfect evening and I know that’s what we will receive.. so Michael why don’t you go give a review to Burger King cause I think that’s more up your alley”

“The smell drew us in! Delicious brisket!! And super nice people!”

“Terrific location in a small New England town bordering the Connecticut River. Excellent food, wine and comfortable rooms.”

“Terrific location in a small New England town bordering the Connecticut River. Excellent food, wine and comfortable rooms.”

“The lobster rolls here are the best! The staff is excellent and the ferry boat ride is fun!”

“Service is good cant complain so I decided to give them 4 stars and edit. I still don't understand how there is no way to call in a order over the phone. The employees are trying so I had to make my review higher. Compared to other subways around Middlesex county this is a lower quality one starting with the size it's so narrow it's amazing you can fit to even do business but none of these issues are the employees fault.”

“Delicious food, good service. Enjoyed our lunch here on Sunday - Green Olive Tapenade, Burrata with shrimp, Sword fish bowl. All dishes were very tasty. Loved it. It’s a small cozy restaurant. I recommend this restaurant.”

“Great food. We were 4 and ordered: Penne ala Vodka GREAT Carbonara GREAT Special Burger GREAT Meat Lovers Pizza PERFECT CRUST”

“The staff were very sweet and attentive! There were many small details which made it special- a little flower rose on the straw, beautiful decorative edges to the vegetables, soooo yummy (M- curry) and simple decor with rich accents. Loved the sitting area!”

“Came here for the first time today. I've been wanting to try for awhile. Amazing place. Love the menu! So many different things to choose from. Tons of veggie options. I had a veggie melt with broccoli, eggplant, onions, sundried tomatoes and cheese. It was amazing! If you haven't been, great eats for breakfast and lunch!”

“Sip Wine Bar stands out as a unique and memorable spot in Old Saybrook. What makes it truly special is Derrik, a certified Sommelier who brings a rare level of passion and expertise to the table. He doesn’t just recommend wine—he creates a tailored journey based on your palate and interests. The opportunity to taste reserve wines is a standout feature and adds a level of exclusivity that’s hard to come by. Derrik’s skill in pairing wines with meats and cheeses is impressive and turns a simple tasting into a full sensory experience. The menu is clear, inviting, and easy to navigate, making it approachable for all levels of wine knowledge. Whether you're dropping in for a casual glass or diving deep into the world of wine, Sip delivers something far beyond the ordinary. A fantastic addition to the Old Saybrook scene—Sip isn’t just a place to drink wine; it’s a place to enjoy it with intention.”

“Amazing place! Best Sushi around!”

“Great place to go for a beer, cocktail, band or an appetizer. Their prime rib Wednesday is phenomenal!!!”

“Fantastic pizza! I'm pretty picky with pizza..I was impressed. service was great too! 👍🏼”

“Best penne alla vodka I’ve ever had. Gluten free option too! Great service as well. ❤️”

“Some of the best tap beers we’ve had! Easy seating for kids to join at dinner too.”

“Great place. we love everything about it. food, service and eating in. try everything, it's worth it.”