Dining at The Essex is a must if you want a special experience. We chose to sit at the counter, and I must say, that watching Chef Colt (owner as well), team work with such precision and teamwork was impressive and enjoyable. He and our waiter, Ryan, made it feel personal, welcoming, and first-class from start to finish." We had the Scallop and Shrimp Bisque, Duck Confit Dumplings, Wafu Bolognese, Beef Wellington and Ribeye Steak. This is a dining experience where you don't need to review each course! Each one was excellent. We topped it off with an amazing piece of cheesecake. Visit The Essex because it will feel like a performance as much as a dining experience. We will be back....... Congratulations on your ratings and reviews. read more

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We were looking forward to this place and sadly it was an excessively overpriced poorly cooked and downright awful meal. And please let me state again the bill was beyond excessively expensive. I do not in any way recommend eating here unless you want to waste your valuable money or have dirty stares from the unshaven, what appear to be drug addicts working in the kitchen one of them I assume was the owner. The guy if you read the comments from other diners is a supreme condescending scumbag when responding. Guess what guy, people don't like to be talked to that way especially when they have a legitimate grievance. Things didn't do well in the town of Essex so he thought he'd move to old saybrook and use the name Essex which is a true insult to the town having their name associated with this place in any way. Also that's not how you make pavlova, it was down right vile and we couldn't eat it. It literally is made with egg whites and sugar, one got the simplest things to make. For weeks now when I make something at home that's delicious and I wonder why they can't do the same on any level as a running joke now if something's really good I ask my girlfriend how much do you think the Essex would charge for this if they could even make it? Bones in the fish, salt in everything like it was cooked by the Roman army in 100bc. Truly terrible chowder. The only saving grace was the bartender making decent crazy priced drinks, but honestly how hard is it to mix odd syrups and liquor together. I'll answer that it's not. I have photos of anyone would be interested but don't have the patience to upload them, honestly what's the point. I eat at restaurants multiple days a week throughout CT and this was the biggest disappointment in my 46 year of life here and that says a lot considering the plethora of choices a dinner has around the state, but good bad or ugly not one of them will be as memorable as this place. Good lord Shameless the responses by the owner of this hole to customers airing real complaints about unacceptable food and near felony theft level pricing and shameful to feed people garbage, David Bouley this guy is not. I mean it was near $500 I've never wanted an apology or a full refund more in my entire life from any business. Lastly I was also a chef for many years and while I understand the vast majority of line cooks in CT are addicts, alcoholics or both bring them and having them making food in an open air kitchen for the world to see was a major fail on his part as well. I know people often like to say if I could give less than one star i would, I say it's time for this place to shut their doors, for old saybrook to send in the health dept knocking for a thorough inspection because I have a distinct feeling they would fail miserably and the town of Essex might consider filling a defamation suit as they would definitely have some standing. Just god awful, shameful read more

The Essex - The owner or "chef" I would assume. Not sure why he's got that look on his face and I'm sure he doesn't either. - New American Near Me - old saybrook, Connecticut

My husband and I came here for a special occasion... The food and service were excellent - it is not just a restaurant, it is an amazing experience. Can't say enough good things about it. Looking forward to going back for our next special occasion! read more

We had an amazing meal & experience at The Essex! The lobster bisque, pork shoulder, corn Risotto, Filet, Bouillabaisse & sea bass were all incredible as were the chocolate bar, sundae & cheesecake desserts. Drinks & service were both great & the ambiance was lovely. Looking forward to returning to this wonderful restaurant. read more

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We were going to be in the area and were looking for a menu that felt inspired. Stumbled upon The Essex and decided to give it a try and it was an experience to remember. Friendly staff, lively and intimate atmosphere. We started with drinks which were tasty including the blackberry marg and Christoper Oaxacan, a very Mezcal forward drink. We were then offered fresh bread and butter and an amuse-bouche. We tried roasted oysters as our first, followed by the pork shoulder and halibut entrees. We finished with the chocolate candy bar dessert and coffee. Great experience and delicious cuisine. read more

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We had our post-elopement dinner here for 12 people and could not recommend the Essex more for small intimate dinners or larger celebrations. Colt is accommodating for any dietary restrictions or picky eaters in creating a personalized 3-course menu for the event. There were great seasonal options for each course that our families are still talking about! We loved the app options with lobster bisque, spicy pasta, and salad (truly the best I've ever had). The main courses were all entirely consumed and we loved the dessert despite being nearly full by that time. They have great cocktails and staff is super responsive. I'd recommend making a reservation. Go on a nice summer evening and enjoy their dining al fresco! read more

The Essex - New American Near Me - old saybrook, Connecticut

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!! read more

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This is a warm, welcoming place for people who enjoy excellent food and great service in a convivial atmosphere. The chef selects ingredients that reflect the season and local producers with a constant eye towards global inspiration and impeccable execution. The cocktails skew inventive and fun, but with an eye towards accessibility towards all palates. This is a generous restaurant: I find portions ample, but, more importantly, everyone working enjoys sharing their expertise and their craft. Serious gastronomy in an unpretentious place. read more

Our food was drowning is sauce. Not reflective of clean farm to table eating. Disappointed. Service was less than attentive because there appeared to be only 1 experienced server and the restaurant was completely full. Hot food was delivered to the table lukewarm read more

We went here to celebrate our 30th anniversary. So glad we chose it. We opted for the tasting menu and it was wonderful. Very attentive service, excellent food and nice atmosphere. We'll be back. read more

This place is cute and has great reviews - I'm curious if anyone else thought everything seemed SWEET? I enjoy sweet food and have a high tolerance for it but man, bite after bite just had a sweet trend. The hibiscus tea aperitif was sweet off the bat, not quite a palate cleansing aperitif but tasted good. Ordered a Vouvray which our server did say would be sweet (good server), but then got the bisque which wasn't bad was just also on the sweet side - we did enjoy that. The bread? Also sweet, okay its brioche - good but we're on a trend here. The steak sauce with the ribeye? Weirdly sweet... and the steak was a touch over salted. They oysters were really good. Salmon was good. The after dinner confections were a nice thought, the fudge was awesome, the passion fruit marshmallow tasted more like a pez than a tart fruit flavored marshmallow. Hostess was amazing, service was good but could have used a bit more attention to clearing plates on a small table. Overall glad we came but was a bit surprised that every bite we tried was sweet. read more

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. read more

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Had reservations for Saturday night. Hostess sat us instantly and was great. The quant dining room is cozy- slightly crowded, but not overly. The 4 of us ordered our drinks and waited and waited for them. When our server brought them back we were ready to let him know that we wanted the tasting menu, but he instantly walked off. A table of 2 sat down next to us, and within 5ish minutes was eating the tasting menu. As each dish came out we would all say what was our favorite. Amuse a sip of hibiscus tea. Canapés- octopus fritter (overcooked, super hard and crunchy -flavor was good), bisque chowder (amazing wanted more), a cone/popsicle of something that was good, and a cheese puff that was okay. FIRST: Ahi Tuna (poor amazing lil cuts of tuna drenched and swimming in a spicy sauce- the sauce had great flavor, but should have been lightly dressed and not ladled in) SECOND: scallop ( amazing and perfect) THIRD: this was supposed to be risotto with mushrooms , but they brought us bbq pork ( meat was dry as a bone tough and disappointing) . Maybe catching us up to the table that sat after us. FORTH: Risotto (great flavor and cooked perfectly) FIFTH: Wagyu (the worst- tough and hard to slice this already thin cut of meat was hard for the table to cut through- it had a tough outer edge. Sauce was spectacular) DESSERT: Sorbet (good) chocolate candy bar (Amazing!) read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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Close and tasty ;local spot, beef plentiful & generously plated flavors options for our party.

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. read more

The Essex - Tuna tartare - New American Near Me - old saybrook, Connecticut

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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. read more

The Essex - Yellow tail tartar - New American Near Me - old saybrook, Connecticut

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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. read more

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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. read more

I had been looking forward to eating at the Essex for a few years, so my expectations were HIGH. Finally made it for my birthday last weekend, and expectations were exceeded! Beautiful, elevated food- extremely delicious and creative. The service and atmosphere were lovely- the staff was friendly and kind. I am certainly looking forward to going back- the Essex is absolutely on par with any of my favorite restaurants in New York City. read more

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. read more

The Essex - Grilled octopus. - New American Near Me - old saybrook, Connecticut

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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For one of, if not, the nicest and most upscale dining places in OSB, my mother and I were appalled to be asked by the waiter, "you ladies thirsty?" my mom clocked it real fast, "no we're not t h i r s t y .... we will have waters thank you very much". don't hire young people if they're going to treat it like a dingy diner along route 66. read more

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!! read more

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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! read more

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! read more

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

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! read more

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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. read more

we were never so embarrassed by the treatment of the chef Colt at the Essex restaurant. I'll start with the positive.... beautiful upscale restaurant. we had reservations at the bar. our bartender was wonderful and very attentive. i ordered the fluke in brown butter. Never did it say bone in filet. we do not ever turn food back but I was struggling with so many bones I couldnt eat my dinner. when everyone else finished the bartender asked me how my dinner was. my husband said in my defense i cannot believe there was so many bones she couldn't eat it! we never asked to speak to manager and certainly not the chef! we wanted to just pay leave and never come back. well chef colt came to me in a very aggressive and defensive manner. instead of saying sorry thats how o prepare our fish he was verbally abusive to the point I had to say back away from the bar. he said leave my restauran! no problem there. we left, got into our ride shocked at his behavior. today we went to a few bars and restaurants which we frequent every time we visit this beautiful town and was told by locals this chef is known for his behavior and had to close many failed restaurants here! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

The Essex - Beef Wellington with creamed spinach and potatoes - New American Near Me - old saybrook, Connecticut

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more