Best American Restaurants in Essex

12 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.4

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 11 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. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1002)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Saybrook, The Essex shines as a beacon of modern American cuisine, celebrated by Yankee Magazine as the "Best New Restaurant in New England." Praised for its innovative dishes that draw inspiration from the Connecticut River Valley, The Essex offers a menu that eloquently speaks to the authenticity and quality of American dining. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, highlighting the "imaginative and delicious" offerings and "top-notch" service. Whether it's the chef's tasting menu or the locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh products, every dish is crafted to perfection. As one diner put it, "The food was fresh, using what appeared to be local vegetables and the seafood, steak and chicken were phenomenal." The Essex is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey steeped in American tradition and local flavor.

3. Aspen Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1686)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 17 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.

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant

4. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

4.5

Awesome(553)

Price: Expensive

• American • Chester

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the scenic town of Chester, Connecticut, The Brushmill by the Waterfall epitomizes the charm and quality of American cuisine. This gem not only offers a picturesque backdrop with its romantic waterfall but also impresses with its hallmark of contemporary American dishes. Patrons rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth amazing" ribeye and the "perfectly seasoned" salmon, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. The atmosphere is consistently described as "romantic" and "inviting," making it a perfect spot for both special occasions and casual dining. With glowing testimonials about its "exceptional" service and "fabulous farm-to-table" offerings, The Brushmill by the Waterfall stands out as a beacon of delightful American dining experiences.

5. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2147)

Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 18 times today

Café Routier in Westbrook is a haven for Tapas and Small Plates enthusiasts, celebrated for its distinctive culinary approach that infuses global inspiration with seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s 40-seat lounge, where no reservations are needed, offers an intimate space to enjoy creatively crafted small plates. Guests consistently rave about the quality and presentation of the dishes. One reviewer highlighted, “The food is always fantastic. Had the Summer menu iron steak meal and it was delicious,” underscoring the restaurant's commitment to excellence and innovation. Another diner exclaimed, “Wonderful evening! We will return soon. Thank you for a wonderful meal.” Café Routier’s ability to consistently deliver exceptional, varied, and creative small plates makes it a top choice for those seeking an outstanding dining experience in Westbrook.

6. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2666)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 21 times today

Liv's Oyster Bar, located in the charming Old Saybrook neighborhood, is a true culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Oyster Bar cuisine. Since its opening in 2006, it has offered a delightful dining experience that is both intimate and inviting. Under the expert guidance of Owner and Executive Chef John Brescio, Liv's serves up an assortment of fresh, local oysters that are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic" oyster selection and the perfect wine pairings, highlighting the "fresh plump oysters" and the creativity in every dish. The vibrant atmosphere and the meticulous attention to quality make Liv’s Oyster Bar a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking authenticity and excellence in every bite. Whether it's the praised Happy Hour or a leisurely dinner, every visit is poised to exceed expectations with its "superb" service and "top-notch" culinary offerings.

7. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(321)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 12 times today

Penny Lane Pub, nestled in Old Saybrook, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with its delightful twist on classic pub fare. Renowned for its consistently outstanding food, the restaurant receives glowing reviews, such as "some of the best food we've had in the area" and "the food was outstanding, as always." Diners rave about the variety, from the "perfectly cooked" salmon to the innovative black bean/quinoa burger, highlighting the pub's commitment to quality and flavor. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service, Penny Lane Pub is a true gem for those seeking a genuine American dining experience. Whether you're enjoying the live music or savoring a meal on the patio, this pub is a must-visit for anyone in Old Saybrook.

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

8. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 10 times today

At Little Pub in Old Saybrook, the burgers are nothing short of legendary, achieving a perfect balance of hearty, lean, and bursting with flavors like caramelized onions, bacon, and cheese. Diners rave about the "Heaven on a bun" experience, highlighting the fresh, hand-cut fries that accompany these masterpieces. The restaurant's dedication to top-notch cuisine is evident, with one patron declaring the veggie burger as the "best ever." Little Pub doesn't just serve food; they craft experiences that leave guests planning their next visit before they've even left. Whether you're a local or just passing through Old Saybrook, a stop at Little Pub for one of their acclaimed burgers is a must.

A photo of Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant

9. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

4.8

Exceptional(79)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 10 times today

Luigi's Restaurant in Old Saybrook is celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine, delivering an authentic and delightful dining experience. Patrons rave about the "best Italian food we’ve had in years" and consistently praise the eatery for its "great food, great prices," and "spectacular service." The restaurant is renowned for dishes like Chicken Marsala, described as "the very best," and the New York Strip, which is "cooked perfectly." Each meal is a testament to the quality and authenticity of American fare, lovingly prepared and served in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Luigi’s Restaurant stands out as a gem in Old Saybrook, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of America.

10. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1481)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 29 times today

Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a culinary experience that delights with its authenticity and quality. Nestled where the Long Island Sound meets the Connecticut River, Fresh Salt serves dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to regional farmers and artisans. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" Lobster Roll and "delicious" Clam Chowder, showcasing the restaurant's mastery in elevating simple dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. With glowing reviews noting the "beautifully presented" meals and "amazing customer service," Fresh Salt stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking the best in Contemporary American dining. The perfect blend of scenic views and impeccable cuisine ensures every meal is memorable, making it "definitely a 5-star restaurant."

‘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

J
Josephvip
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had an excellent dinner at Brushmill at their latest “Burgers, Bourbon, and Brews” night. Both my wife and my burger were cooked to perfection and delicious. The fries put even McDonald’s to shame. If you enjoy Manhattans and old fashioned cocktails, they nailed those too. Service wise, couldn’t ask for better. Water was kept filled (with complimentary Fiji water), drinks never went empty without ordering a refill, and all the staff including the manager and owner were lovely to talk to.
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The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
•
4.5
A
Andrea
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service experience at The Essex is amazing. Always above and beyond. Bartender Dylan is the best! We love the entire experience!
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The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
GH
GaryH
New York City •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Aspen is back on our "go to" list! We enjoyed our dinner and he service. I found the lobster bolognese unique and delicious, while my wife enjoyed the Lamb Stew entre. It's a great place to enjoy a fine dinner!
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Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.7
A
Albert
Connecticut •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional service. Food was tasty and beautifully presented. It was a pleasure dining here as it always have been in the past.
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Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
A
Adarevip
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had a lovely family dinner here before the Polar Express. The NICEST waiter, quick service, good food, wonderful live music (Sunday night, he was so talented and kind to our kids) and an awesome table.
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The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.4

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. The Essex

3. Aspen Restaurant

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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