Best American Restaurants in Essex

12 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 17 times today

The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776. The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.

2. Aspen Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1700)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 15 times today

Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine. A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents. Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.

3. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1016)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the heart of Old Saybrook, The Essex delivers an exquisite blend of Contemporary French and American cuisine that captivates the senses. With accolades like "Best New Restaurant in New England" by Yankee Magazine, it is no wonder diners rave about the "creative, fresh, flavorful, and elegant" dishes. The Essex brilliantly fuses local ingredients from the Connecticut River Valley into a menu that evolves with the seasons, offering progressive interpretations of classic meals. Guests are enchanted by the "chefs tasting menu" and the "scrumptious scallops yakitori," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Dining here is truly a celebration of culinary artistry.

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant

4. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

4.5

Awesome(573)

Price: Expensive

• American • Chester

Booked 19 times today

Nestled in the charming town of Chester, Connecticut, The Brushmill by the Waterfall offers a quintessential American dining experience that is both elegant and authentic. Guests are treated to a “spectacular” blend of exquisite cuisine and mesmerizing views of the Pattaconk Creek waterfall. Praised for its “outstanding” service and “delicious, fresh, and local” dishes, The Brushmill excels in delivering an unforgettable culinary journey. The commitment to quality and attention to detail shines through in every dish, from the perfectly cooked hangar steak to the innovative farm-to-table selections. The Brushmill by the Waterfall is truly a standout in American dining, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

5. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2161)

Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 15 times today

Café Routier in Westbrook is a culinary haven for lovers of authentic French cuisine, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving menu that captivates the senses. Diners rave about its "superb preparation and presentation," with dishes that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring each meal is both fresh and flavorful. Signature dishes like the duck à l'orange and steak frites are consistently praised as "perfection." With a cozy ambiance and attentive service, Café Routier is more than just a meal—it's a delightful French dining experience that beckons you to return.

6. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2689)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 12 times today

Liv's Oyster Bar in Old Saybrook is a shining example of authentic American cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With a menu that changes seasonally, Liv's emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, showcasing the best of the area's seafood. Guests rave about the "outstanding food and service," with dishes like seared tuna and Moroccan spiced cod receiving high praise. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as a "local gem" with a "relaxing comfortable vibe," making it the perfect spot to savor a meal with friends and family. Whether it's the "sublime oysters" or the creative cocktails, Liv's consistently delivers an exceptional American dining experience.

7. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(328)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 13 times today

Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook is a delightful destination for breakfast enthusiasts seeking authentic and high-quality morning meals. Diners rave about their "fantastic omelettes," which are perfectly complemented by their "great Bloody Marys." The home fries, while noted to be "good," add a comforting touch to a delicious breakfast experience. Patrons are consistently impressed by the friendly service, noting how servers "treat you like family," ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or passing through before a show at The Kate, Penny Lane Pub promises a breakfast that leaves you satisfied and eager to return.

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

8. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.5

Awesome(131)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 8 times today

Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.

A photo of Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant

9. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

4.8

Exceptional(88)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 8 times today

Luigi's Restaurant in Old Saybrook is a standout destination for authentic American cuisine, offering not only a warm, family-friendly atmosphere but also an impressive menu that delights every diner. The New York Strip is frequently praised as "cooked perfectly," and their prime rib is described as "delicious," showcasing their commitment to quality. Guests rave about the attentive service, with many noting how the staff makes them feel "right at home." Luigi's is celebrated as a "wonderful gem" for both casual dining and special occasions, making it a go-to spot for those seeking classic American flavors in a charming setting.

10. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1500)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Old Saybrook, Fresh Salt stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. With its commitment to using “fresh, seasonal local ingredients,” this restaurant elevates classic dishes with a modern twist that delights the palate. Guests rave about the “fantastic dining experience” and “exceptional service,” making every visit memorable. The menu boasts an array of seafood delicacies like the beloved Lobster Roll and perfect oysters, ensuring “something for everyone.” Diners are treated to breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound, adding to the unforgettable ambiance. Fresh Salt truly captures the authentic essence of Contemporary American dining.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

I
Ingrid
New York City •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Disappointed to hear there were no Gluten Free options for bread or for desserts.
More info
The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.5
P
Philip
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent dining experience in every way—warm, inviting ambiance, thoughtful and courteous waitstaff, delicious cuisine, and reasonably priced. Lively bar opposite the dining room for those who want a little more variety, but it’s not excessively noisy. Practically a Westbrook institution—so consistently well done for years.
More info
Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
•
4.8
J
John
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
Aspen Restaurant is a fine place to dine with beautiful ambience. The food is excellent and the service is great! Haley, our waitress was absolutely amazing and was very customer focused. I strongly recommend dining here.
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Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.6
A
Alexandra
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 27, 2024
My husband and I finally got out for a night and were looking for a unique experience with good food. This was exactly what we were looking for. The waterfall and covered bridge was beautiful. The ambiance was quaint and quiet. The waiter was friendly. And the butternut squash small plate was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
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The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
•
4.5
P
PamVIP
New York City •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Love the change to a price fixe or chefs tasting menu. We went for Christmas Eve and loved the experience. We had a great server, love the ambiance and the food was delicious and innovative. The price fixe is three courses, but they give you more to try. It was more than a dinner out, it was an experience. I highly recommend.
More info
The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.8

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. Aspen Restaurant

3. The Essex

4. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

5. Café Routier

6. Liv's Oyster Bar

7. Penny Lane Pub

8. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

9. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

10. Fresh Salt

See what locals rave about

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