The Essex

One of the best restaurants I have been to in a while! The oysters app was different with a whipped sweet hollandaise, the octopus was tender and the best I have ever had, and the tuna tartar was delicious garnished with a cherry. For my main meal, I ordered the beef wellington and it came perfectly prepared with a crispy crust and melt-in-your-mouth beef. The desserts were also top-notch. Chocolate bar and raspberry, apricot and cheesecake. Yummy! Our server was the most knowledgeable and sweet. We sat outside and it was a beautiful night. Loved it all!

Great Dinner! Order The Chef Tasting! Amazing experience from the Amuse to Chocolates at the end. Chef Colt Taylor knocks it out of the park on every course! Don't hesitate! Make a reservation now! You won't regret it!

Truly the most amazing food experience i have ever had. The valentines day tasting menu flipped my world upside down. i will NEVER look at food the same, if i could shout from the rooftops about this restaurant and tell everyone in the WORLD to try it, I would. And I will. ((not pictured, they made sure we left FULL and gave us extra of anything we loved which i absolutely appreciate and adore)). The owner, Cole came by every table and talked to us as if we have known each other forever, alll of the staff was amazing and friendly, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

The most amazing experience in awhile and we eat out 3 times a week. Came from the beach all day and wanted good seafood. Went to Livs (which we like) but couldn't take us. I had heard about The Essex and figured we'd try it, although the menu looked a little fancy. But boy were we happy. The hostess, the bartender and the owner were all so nice to talk to, the fluke (bone in) was simply amazing and my wife got the sea bass and said it was the best she ever had. Scallop appetizer, 2 drinks and 2 wonderful seafood dinners, $180 with tip. Such a great experience, and don't get scared by the eclectic menu, just ask if you don't know what something is. Can't wait to go back

I went to the restaurant last night with my friends to celebrate my friend of over 10 years 28th birthday! 🎂 we had an otherworldly exquisite experience. Every single dish was exceptional, and the service that the chefs, server, and every single person there was wonderful! It was quaint and perfect. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Upon walking in and being greeted with a beautiful smile started the evening off perfectly! Sitting at the “chefs tasting table” was a fabulous experience! Watching the great and respectful interactions amongst chef, sous chef and everyone else is a delight! The food( you ask?) AMAZING!!! There wasn’t a course that wasn’t delicious! And every night changes, very cool! Highly recommend! Very satisfying and filling! Should be “Michelin rated”

My wife and I tried the 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing. It's SO fun trying exciting culinary creations you'd never have normally. Did i love them all, no, but we had so much fun. The wines paired were great and they have a nice pour. Service was exceptional. I love being able to see the chefs in action as well.

Very disappointing experience. After reading all reviews, I was expecting much more from this place. Great atmosphere and design, but food and cocktails were disappointing. It is very interesting to watch food preparation at the open kitchen, but for a price we paid and taste of food , not impressed! Some of the dishes were returned as we could not eat it. Not recommending and coming back.

Came to The Essex to celebrate my birthday. We were greeted and seated quickly. Small cozy and dim lighting for an intimate experience. We tried the chef 7 course tasting menu along with wine paring. Out of 7 tastings 6 were out of this world! From an octopus tail all the way to a lobster bisque, all options were a spin to amazing cuisines. Look forward to returning again.

Food, incredible we did the chefs tasting menu option. The wagyu melts in your mouth. My hubby and I loved it and we will be back. Friendly service very prompt with taking care of our needs while dining with the Essex! Thank you!!

We went on New Year's Eve and the flavors were not impressive and the portions were small. The ambience was very nice.

One of the best meals we had in 2024! Service was excellent and everything was honestly moderately priced for the amount of food and quality you get. Will be back for the tasting menu for sure.

Like having a private chef! I took my husband here for his birthday because I know that the chef is talented. My husband has celiac disease and is therefore gluten free, so the chef consulted with us before the meal and customized parts of the meal to make them GF. We were treated with respect and everything was delicious. Thank you to the chef and staff at The Essex.

I came here recently on a date night, and I didn't have the best overall experience. I'd been looking forward to trying this place because I'd heard great things online and from friends, but I was a bit disappointed overall. The atmosphere and service were amazing--definitely a highlight of the night. Servers were professional and prompt. The space is small and decorated nautically. There is a nice open kitchen and bar, which adds to the inviting atmosphere. The food was a pretty big disappointment though. We were offered an amuse bouche to start, which was excellent. It was small serving of soup that was smooth and buttery and delicious. The remainder of our meal was oddly seasoned and less than appetizing. We had ordered the octopus, clam chowder, mushroom risotto, mahi-mahi (which was a substitute for the halibut), and a pasta dish. The octopus was cooked very well, but was served with quince and gigandes (cold), which was an interesting choice. The risotto was plated in an unappetizing fashion and was loose/watery. The chowder and risotto were unbeliveably salty--too salty to finish. And the mahi-mahi had a pepper crust on it that was so strong we could each only have one bite! Overall, I was disappointed with my experience at the Essex, particularly with the food. I think their menu changes seasonally, so I'd be willing to come back given the great atmosphere, but I don't know that I'll be quick to return.

Great food and ambiance. Had dinner and drinks at the counter where can watch the kitchen crew prepare meals. Got the prefix meals which had a good selection of dishes. Food is excellent with a great selection of courses. Good wine list. As the terminator once said "I'll be back".

The Essex, located right off the main road in Old Saybrook, is a quaint and cozy restaurant. They offer a range of seating options, bar, dining room, or counter. My friend and I had already decided to try the 5-course chef tasting menu option, so we opted for the counter seating. This allowed for an up close, front row view of the kitchen action. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, attentive though they allowed us to take our time and enjoy the experience. Each course (pictured below) was beautifully presented and delicious, and the chef would describe each dish as it was served. His interactions throughout the evening showed his passion for what he does and the food he serves. I will admit I was skeptical as the first couple courses came out that I would leave still feeling hungry. I was wrong! After the final course, the chef surprised us with a complimentary 6th course of risotto with mussels. And dessert, indulgent and decadent. A chocolate mousse topped with sea salt and olive oil. I was unable to provide a picture because I was too eager to start eating it and forgot. The Essex also offers a 7-course tasting menu and both have the option of a wine pairing. The tasting menu rotates weekly, I would highly recommend it, and I cannot wait to return!

The setting is quaint and lovely. Service is impeccable. Drinks are absolutely amazing. The food is some of the best I have ever eaten. I can't say enough for the quality and experience of this establishment.

The Essex is an amazing spot! We sat at the counter where you can watch the chefs working on all the dishes! It was so fun to see them at work and it helped us decide what we wanted to order. We started with a cocktail with strawberry, rum, and coconut milk! Perfect for the summer. We split oysters and then ordered a tomato gallette which was the freshest tomatoes. For my entree I had a clam linguini that was to die for! Everything was cooked to perfection. Highly recommend.

My line of work takes me to some of the best restaurants in the world. I'd say that The Essex is probably Top 10 of the all the restaurants I've ever been to food wise. Not sure if it's because I was pretty hungry when I got there but they really knocked it out of the park. The egg toast was excellent, clam chowder probably the best I've ever had, super tender octopus dressed up with some spicy kimchi, and a very well-prepared filet. Literally everything was top notch. We sat at the chef's counter and got to watch the guys prepare everything, which added to the experience. Great service to boot. Highly recommend!

My wife and I stopped in for an early dinner a few weeks ago and have a fabulous dinner. The oysters were perfect and the drinks were perfect. We sat at the bar because we did not have reservations. It was which was friendly, fun and we had great service.

Came to the Essex with high expectations based upon the reviews. My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary so we were looking forward to a special night. Unfortunately, it didn't quite turn out like we thought it would. First of all let me say that the service was excellent. Our server was courteous, friendly, and attentive. The meal started our great- my wife loved the "sin nombre" cocktail! But things started to go south when we received the "bread"- an interesting-looking popover-like invention that was a bit too sweet and too soft for us. We like a bread with more chew and substance. The grilled octopus was the best thing we ate all night- the meat was smoky and tender, and the accompanying sauces were good. But the entrees left something to be desired. The miso glacier fish dish was flavorful, but couldn't understand why it was served with potatoes? A more delicate accompaniment might be more appropriate (rice?). The ribeye steak was very disappointing. I've never had a ribeye that was so fibrous and chewy. And the sauce was too plentiful (the meat sat in a pool of sauce that covered the entire plate) and camouflaged the flavor of the meat. Overall- considering the cost of the meal (very expensive- $100 per person)- the experience was disappointing. It wasn't terrible- but we were hoping for so much more.

Well, this is a hall of fame one. How do I do I find the words to truly explain the absolute culinary delight I experienced at Essex? Blew my fri*kin socks off. How's that. Super cute, small but bursting with artist charm and good vibes. Tasting menu is just an eclectic combination of the most brilliant flavors that dance together brilliantly. And the foie gras pops.... Just heavenly. Now--- be advised do not indulge on the tasting menu if you can stomache the thought of fish eggs, liver, duck etc. BUT if you want the most unbelievable meal ever-- give it a shot! I don't love the thought of any of those things but can't stop thinking of them since O ate at the Essex. You won't be disappointed!

Small very upscale restaurant. We enjoy the Essex at least once every time we are in Old Saybrook. We typically take several boat trips a year to the Saybrook Point Resort and Marina. Our first stop for dinner is always the Essex. The Chef's tasting menu is truly amazing but everything on the menu is great. The service is truly special. Don't miss it.

We absolutely LOVED the prix fixe menu at The Essex. When we visited, it was a 5-course meal for $85. Each dish was beautifully plated and so well thought-out. Just some of the courses we had were lobster bisque w/ ginger & carrot, smoked hiramasa with oyster cream + dill + onion, octopus a la plancha, Seacoast mushroom alfredo, braised short rib, and a velvety, decadent layered chocolate bar. I'm drooling as I write this, but the dishes are worth describing in detail. The lobster bisque was luscious, with just a bit of heat from the ginger. The smoked hiramasa & oyster cream pairing were a hit. I mean, have you ever heard of anything as exquisite as oyster cream? The octopus was tender and well seasoned. My all-time favorite dish of the night had to be the Seacoast mushroom alfredo w/ homemade pasta. Those mushrooms were out of this world and had a distinctly sweet flavor. That's how fresh they were. I later learned that they're locally sourced from Mystic! And of course, the chocolate dessert was the cherry on top. My dinner party and I will be raving about the experience for nights to come. The ambiance was perfect for an intimate date night. Although I've since moved out of the New England area and won't be able to visit as often, I'll be recommending The Essex to foodies everywhere--it's a 10/10 for me.

What an amazing experience. I first want to thank the bartender Dylan for welcoming us and allowing our night to be the most special experience. We started drinks off and they were really delicious. The food came out in a timely manner and I love how the kitchen is in the same room as you. I ordered the egg toast with caviar and the short rib. My boyfriend got the waygu steak, he said it was the best steak he's ever had. I tried a piece he's not wrong! The bar seats are so comfy and I loved being able to enjoy a fancy dinner. The desserts were very rich. Thank you The Essex!

We did the 7 course chefs tasting for a date/birthday dinner. The restaurant is small but super cute. The staff were very conscious and nice. The food was definitely different in a good way. The only thing I was particularly blown away by was the scallop ramp cavatelli pasta. That I would have eaten as a whole meal. Smaller portions compared to other tasting menus I've gone too. Overall a good food experience. The only thing that made it not as fun, was our waiter. He was nice and did a great job, but was new and expressed that. So unfortunately he didn't know how to describe what each course was, how to eat it, ingredients etc. I would recommend sitting at the chefs table if you're doing the tasting.

I'll never forget the words of Chef Colt Taylor the first time eating here: "if you're from Hartford and never heard of us, did Yelp do its job?" I'm so happy that Yelp Elite introduced us to this place and the magic that is the cooking of Chef Colt Taylor. I do agree I wouldn't have found it without Yelp, but it ultimately did its job through taking us to dinner there. Once we tried, I don't think I stopped raving about The Essex. While the menu rotates seasonally, it's a fun time seeing what's on the menu before going. The beauty of the chefs tasting menu is you get to try a little bit of everything. One of the times I went was during a Brazilian themed month and the cloud bread and seafood stew were to die for. We also had the opportunity to try the Japanese themed menu and I found myself licking the plate when trying the cod. While having the American themed menu my partner and I were enamored not only by the food, but also the personable Chef Colt Taylor. He came out to say hello, tell us straight about the food, and share his story. The most memorable were the peekytoe crab fritter, summer gazpacho, and Karabuta pork loin that melted in my mouth. You can't go wrong with anything at the Essex. Fresh ingredients local to Essex and Old Saybrook, food made from the heart, and a lovely experience as a whole. Can't wait for the next time.

Love The Essex! GF treated me to a BDay dinner. Peter is a fantastic server; accommodating and thorough. Chef was really fun to talk with. Hostess was great! Perfect sized menu. Definitely had vegetables on their menu! Best Lobster Bisque Soup we have ever had. The Salmon and Monkfish were prepared perfectly. Dessert was incredible... seeing we never get dessert. The Essex and Arethusa a Tavolo are our two favorite restaurants in CT. The Essex has much better atmosphere though!

Excellent service, very nice food choices. I did not notice if there were a lot of veggie options but there were lots of fish choices and beef. Lovely atmosphere. We enjoyed our meal and will come back for the fixed price tasting when we are hungrier.

We were at The Essex last year and the food was outstanding. I can't say the same for our dinner tonight. The lobster bisque was very salty, the grilled shrimp had little flavor, and the swordfish was dry. The swordfish was over seasoned and the spices didn't fit the dish. Dinnerwas expensive and not worth it.

All around excellent. Service, staff, vibe and fantastic food! The chairs are sooo comfortable. Highly recommend!

I was debating whether I should leave a review.. I called three weeks prior to my reservation as I have some dietary restrictions and a severe allergy. I called to see if they could possibly accommodate my restrictions, I wanted to take my boyfriend for his birthday because it look amazing and I thought trying their 7 course meal would be a amazing experience especially since sitting at the chefs table was an option.They said they would accommodate me and it sounded like the host was writing everything down. The day of the reservation the waiter was clueless about my restrictions and suggested I order off the regular menu since I had so many restrictions (I'm a pescatarian) I then told him I called ahead so the kitchen was alerted ahead of time and the only reason why we came is to experience the tasting menu. They accommodated me and the night began to turn around. The waiter was very attentive and was constantly keeping an eye on us and all of his tables. It was an experience getting to see the chef in his element. I didn't take many pictures, but everything was delicious and filling, I had to stop by the fifth course. I'm not sure if everyone didn't communicate with eahcother about my severe allergy because when it came to dessert I saw the person preparing my dessert and touching a mustard dressing bottle then handling the caramel bottle without washing her hands. This cross contamination made me end up in the hospital as I started to have an allergic reaction shortly after having the dessert. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone who has a severe allergies.

Chef Taylor personally corrected a misunderstanding with their online gift card platform. We look forward to taste testing all 3 of his venues. Thank you Chef.

We just had the most spectacular date night here and truly one of the best meals we have ever had!! From the second we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, cool and modern, and smelled amazing. We loved the bar setup and the amazing open kitchen to drool over every dish we saw freshly prepared to perfection. We started our meal with phenomenal cocktails (we would even go back just for drinks, these were so good on their own!). We split oysters that were beautifully plated with perfect simple accompaniments, and then also their seasonal salad. I have to tell you these were hands down some of the best healthy flavorful starters we have ever had. Fresh, flavorful, amazing quality ingredients. We absolutely loved their green goddess vinegarette. While waiting on our mains, our wonderful waiter brought over a surprise amuse bouche of asparagus bisque that was sooooo good. I would order this in a heartbeat any time I see it on their menu and will be dreaming of this. Also, their house bread, which was a really cute and fresh version of Pullman rolls was SO good. I couldn't stop sopping up the rest of my soup and dressing with it! We loved the pacing of the meal and never felt rushed, just relaxed and truly enjoying our time together. The noise level was perfect, just enough to be lively and create a nice scene but not so loud we couldn't hear each other. When our mains came out we were so excited. My fiance had the octopus and the smaller plate of the fresh cavatappi, and I went with the cod. All three came beautifully plated with fresh seasonal vegetables. We always love to share and taste each others food and I have to say, even though it was all fantastic, the octopus in particular was OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. It's a dish we order any time we see it on a menu so we have had a lot of it in the past. We agreed it was by far the best we have ever had, and I seriously can't wait til the next time I get to eat this again. Overall. Just outstanding across the board. Perfect menu and portion sizes, beautiful space, exceptional service, and the food was just off the charts. Incredible job Essex. You know what real, well prepared and thoughtful dining is and knocked it out of the park. We can't WAIT to come back!!

Such an excellent restaurant and gem for CT. The staff and owner were super welcoming. The food was incredible and I really enjoyed the drinks that accompanied it. Would highly recommend the beet and lobster fusilli pasta, the head on prawns were incredible as well. You can't honestly go wrong with any of the menu options here. Didn't get the tasting menu, but it looked amazing. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an excellent meal along the CT coast!

This was the best meal I think I've ever eaten. From the delightful bright gazpacho to the afforgato espresso finish. Service was impeccable and the atmosphere and artwork are very well done. I look forward to trying the chefs tasting experience in the future.

Had ana amazing dining experience last week at The Essex! Tucked away, this beautiful restaurant can be found on the main street of Old Saybrook. While the parking is limited, the flavors coming from the kitchen are not. Everything is decadent and extremely tasty. The drink menu is thoughtful with complimentary and seasonal flavors. I can imagine the patio being quite packed in warmer months, due to the tastiness of everything on the menu. Everything was cooked perfectly and you can tell thoughtful considered by the chef's. Thank you to the staff who were pleasant and extremely knowledgeable about the menu.

My husband and I chose this quaint, cozy and bustling restaurant for our anniversary celebration. WE agreed to try the 5 course tasting menu, which was a step outside my comfort zone as I can be a picky eater. Each course was plated beautifully and was expertly prepared. Services was prompt, friendly, explanatory and not excessive. They also have a 7 course tasting and offer a wine pairing for each course. We did not do the wine tasting but found the wine options plentiful and delicious. This is a gem of a restaurant and I highly recommend the tasting menu! we had an excellent experience.

Amazing food from a great chef! We went to the Essex on NYE for the chef's tasting menu, along with wine pairings. It was our first time there, and we were happy to see that the dining room was so cozy and inviting. Only 20 minutes from Middletown, it was the perfect place for our date night NYE celebration. The entire tasting menu was amazing, and the courses were perfectly spaced. Unlike most other restaurants do on NYE, they didn't overbook at The Essex. We were able to enjoy a nice leisurely dinner, no rushing us to turn over the table. Food should be enjoyed, not rushed, and I appreciate The Essex for giving us that experience. The chef came over a few times with plates and to say hello. He was very friendly and clearly passionate about the food. I always appreciate when chefs and restaurant staff give up their holidays so that we can enjoy a nice night out. Service was amazing overall. My surprise favorite was the pork dish, usually I wouldn't order pork at a restaurant, but it was great! I would order every item again, that's how good it all was. A great variety of different proteins, all made with a different twist, yet all forming a cohesive overall meal. Everything was plated beautifully. There are so many items on the regular menu that I want to try (especially the huntsman stew!!), so will definitely be back soon. The chef told us they'll be doing a pop up dinner with guest chef Carl Ciarcia (formerly of Bread and Water in Middletown, which we miss dearly). I definitely need to be there, I can't wait to see what these two talented chefs will come up with as a team!!

Last night was my first time here. The service is absolutely superior. We arrived a few minutes early for our table and the host was incredibly kind and welcoming. He gave us copies of the menu to review while we waited and made jovial small talk. We were even brought out glasses of champagne while we waited. The menu is so unique that is is hard to decide. Every item has an interesting and complex array of flavors and textures. We ended up starting with oysters and the house clam chowder. Both were outstanding. The chowder had a puff pastry tent that added a certain sweetness that can't be found anywhere else. The oysters were rich and flavorful, clearly high quality and very fresh. They were arguably some of the best oysters we've ever had. Our dinners didn't disappoint either. I had the ribeye steak and my husband had the beef cheek. Both were cooked perfectly. Finally, our desserts were a prefect balance of sweetness and autumnal spices. I had the 5 spice cronut and my husband had the "s'mores" dessert. They both captured the essence of New England fall. The chef has truly captured classic New England flavors in a new and exciting way. Overall, our experience was one for the books. The Essex offers the quality of food and service of New York City fine dining without the rigidity that can accompany a white table cloth.

Such a lovely place for dinner. They were able to accommodate my pescatarian diet on the fly and the waiter was super knowledgeable about the menu and the wine pairings. If you go, I definitely recommend the tasting menu. The menu changes every 6 weeks which makes it easier to go back for a future visit. We were there for Jamaican session.

This place was incredible. They have a brilliantly stocked bar and the tasting menu was extraordinary. I am going to think about the delicious foie gras popsicle for a long time. The place also was just visually a very cool space.

Visited this restaurant yesterday....very early res at 4pm due to other committments. Seated at a 4 top right underneath the air conditioner- asked to be moved (remember it is 4pm) and was told I doubt it because we are very busy tonight...we begrudgingly got moved to a center table in this very small diningroom. Great bread but small servingg for four people- asked for another "loaf" and was given an over cooked loaf- we asked for a replacement and was told ok but it will be 25 minutes! The bar has no flavored vodkas (drinks were weak)...granted it was a small bar but this simple request just continued to further add to the feeling that we were doing the restaurant a favor by being there! Watermelon salad apps were excellent- beef rib app was tough and way over priced at $22. We ordered two filets- very good, a strip- also very good, chicken entree- part dry and over cooked and part raw at the bone- dont bother with this one. Told "no" we could not have horseradish sauce until the requester asked the waiter if they had horseradish to which he replied "yes we have that" and replied "yes we have that " when asked if they have mayonaise or sour cream...the waiter was asked to bring both and we made our own sauce to be enjoyed with the $68.00 strip steak! In summary when paying $100 per person, the food and service needs to be close to perfection. Our experience at Essex was not even close -we will not do them the favor of returning again. You will also be charged a 2.5% fee for the use of a credit card...have not seen that before!

A beautiful experience. The staff is fabulous. I had Lobster en croute'-- cognac morels asparagus cream puff pastry. I enjoyed it tremendously. So unique in presentation and taste. I enjoyed watching the handsome chefs create and present, with detailed descriptions of the courses, to nearby guests as I sat at the counter. Waiters brought new wines with each course as well. It's a lovely place!

The BEST! Love the new Essex. Have had dinner 2 times, sitting at the bar - the drinks are outstanding, as is the bartender. Love the new place, the vibe, the food! Will absolutely be back... often!

The Essex was the perfect spot on the way home from Hartford. First of all, it's a beautiful restaurant and secondly, they offer a safe dining option. Until our visit, I had mostly dined outside or gotten to-go meals. It was too cold to eat outside and we were still pretty far from home. We had an early reservation so the restaurant was not busy yet, but tables were distanced and the staff wore masks. In addition to being safe, our waiter was super friendly and very helpful. I ordered a cocktail called Ramon's Vacation and it was delicious. After drinks arrived, we started with the guacamole and chips, which comes with an array of salsas which ranged from very mild to super spicy, everything from avocado salsa, a peach version to a smoked red pepper fiery one at the end. We also had a plate of oysters, which were harvested locally and very fresh. I started with the citrus salad, which featured sliced fruits and greens artfully topped with an avocado half filled with a bright orb which serves as a salad dressing once you slice into it. Creative and tasty!! I then had fish tacos. They were beautifully presented encircled by different sauced. My friend had the steak frites, which he loved. The meat was cooked exactly as he requested. We had an excellent meal and a lovely experience at the Essex and I would definitely return, maybe for their next seasonal menu.

Went last night for the first time. We had reservations at the bar. It was amazing starting with the great bartender. He was so personable and helpful and a master of cocktails. I decided on the Standout which was a very spicy tequila drink. Loved it. Our dinners were so delicious. I had Lobster/halibut stew and it was wonderful All staff very attentive. It was not just a great dinner but truly an experience I will go back again.

Came here for dinner on a Tuesday to try the Japan menu, I was initially lured in by their fluffy japanese pancake dessert that they posted about on Instagram! Overall I was very impressed by the dishes we ordered. The effort and attention that goes into making the food here is immediately obvious and very much appreciated. We ordered: - Scallops, which were almost too pretty to eat. The coconut milk that was around the scallops add a light and airy feel to the whole dish, which fit the presentation with the flower petals. - Lobster baos, which were a mash-up of your classic lobster roll but on a Chinese steamed bun. The bun was buttered and toasted, I suppose to mimic how the bread of a typical lobster roll is served but I think it would have been better if it were just steamed. The toast didn't match that well with the bun in my opinion. But the lobster itself was very fresh! - Wagyu beef burger, which was good but I wish the pattys weren't so thin. In my mind I was imagining a wagyu steak with some thickness to it. The fries that the dish came with were decent, and they also served it with two different dipping sauces. Dessert: - Japanese pancake but as a strawberry shortcake, couldn't see the jiggle but dish was good - The chef came out to chat with us about the menu and we told him how excited we were about dessert, so he brought us out a key lime meringue pie that was still in the "R & D phase". This was actually AMAZING and whenever they add it officially to the menu - definitely order it!!! Perfectly tart, I thought the crust was the best part. The meringue was amazing too, the whole thing just worked so well. The Essex is very unique in that it takes the time to do things right. They order the freshest produce and bring in the freshest meats and fish, and really care about the art of food. They're also reasonably priced but you can certainly make an occasion out of going here for a nice dinner.

Had been wanting to go here for while, it did not disappoint. The food and service were amazing, our server Mike went out of his way to get us bug spray cause we said outside in a muggy day and there were a lot of bugs. LOVED everything about it, will be back

What. A. Meal. They are doing a Caribbean menu currently and we did the 6 course tasting menu- man oh man was it perfection. The red snapper might have been one of the best prepare fish dishes I've ever had. Everything was delightful.

I'm hesitant to write this review because it was such a hidden gem, I don't want it to get tooo popular lol! I can't express how fresh, creative, beautiful, and delicious everything was. My husband and I had the 7 course tasting menu. I tried things I never thought I would and thoroughly enjoyed them! Marcus was our waiter and he took the experience to the next level. He was available, but not hovering, polite and jovial small talk, he gave us "pro" tips on how best to enjoy each course, very detailed in the description and made amazing beverage recommendation! The courses were served timely and we both left full. We cant wait to go back!

Awesome food and service. We loved sitting at the bat and interacting with the bartenders. The staff is great

One of the most memorable meals of my life. We've eaten at Michelin star restaurants before and this was up with those! Super tiny and well worth the wait for a rez but if you drop in on a weeknight you can likely get a seat at the kitchen counter and watch magic!

We went here for a special occasion. Had been here before and was really looking forward to it. What a disappointment! Sat at the bar. We seemed to wait for everything , from the start. The bartender was inattentive and not very friendly. When asking a question about something on the menu, his answer was short and curt, with not much of an answer and somehow looking at me for a challenge? Again, just unengaged and not nice? I bartended for years at high end restaurants and dive bars, I treated everyone the same with a smile. It seemed not being a regular was a problem for us. My husband thought we were profiled as not matching the type of customers there. Irony is that we were ready to have multiple courses, app, dinner, dessert, after dinner espresso. As I said, it was a special occasion and we wanted to have a great night . After waiting and watching the bartender literally try to find anyone else needing anything at the bar, as our drinks sat there empty, we decided not to order more courses. Life is way too short to hang on to the negative energy, we went somewhere else after and had a fun night.

I cannot say enough about this place. The food and service is extraordinary. We had several things from the tasting menu and there wasn't one I didn't enjoy. One more thing... The mocktails are awesome.

I don't even want to give a 2 to this place. We went there for our anniversary and it was the worst appetizer and food I have had in CT which is mind boggling in particular with the high prices and so many nice high end restaurants around ! They did give us a free cake at the end to make up for all the bad food which was a nice gesture but well it was overall a pretty bad night. I don't know maybe sth was off that particular night but we had a terrible experience.

Did a 5 course tasting with my wife. Food was outstanding all the way through. Perfectly paced, excellent service, and good atmosphere (big fan of open kitchens too). My wife and I both agreed, this is the best food we've had in Connecticut (and we dine out a lot, all over). Old saybrook is lucky to have this establishment, we highly recommend.