The Essex Brasserie

The Essex Brasserie reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. C

   Chris

   Greater Boston12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolutely loved it. Had been to the Old Saybrook location so had high expectations that were exceeded. The manager, server and food were all exceptional and showed their commitment to this great restaurant.
   

   Is this helpful?

2. C

   Claudia

   Connecticut21 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Food is outstanding at both restaurant locations. Inventive combinations like beet fusilli with lobster. Service was good, except it took so long for the side orders to arrive that we were nearly dine with our main entrees and ended up sending them back. Wine list is limited, Ur the offerings are high quality.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. J

   Jennifer VIP

   New York City16 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 7, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food is always an incredible experience. Service was impeccable. We're so fortunate to have this as a shoreline option now.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. L

   Ligia

   New York City3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 1, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was amazing. The beef Wellington is one of the best I had. The steak tartare was delicious. The staff was great.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. T

   Tony

   New York City1 review

   3.0

   Dined on February 27, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Overall I thought the food was excellent, yet PRICEY. Shrimp cocktail was high quality. My salad was good BUT the dressing was WAY too salty. The Beef Wellington was truly perfection. I did not appreciate being told that the bar bites menu was discouraged from being ordered in the main dining room. With that being said, the kitchen did allow for us to order some crostini from the bar bites menu. I think there should be greater latitude for cross ordering from the restaurant and bar menus. Wine list was impressive and cocktails were exceptional. While I don't mind paying for good food, and the food was exceptional...the price tag may be a limitation as to how often I frequent.
   

   Is this helpful?

6. R

   Ronald

   New York City22 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   We were a bit concerned when we arrived for our 7:30 reservation on a Thursday and noticed that the restaurant was practically empty. We were immediately seated by the friendly hostess and our drink order was taken by the sole waiter. It took quite a while for our drinks to come ( a glass of wine and a Manhattan) because the waiter had to search for the bartender. Both drinks were fine. We asked the waiter about the picked duck confit salad and were told it was duck confit off the bone over a “thick green lettuce salad”. We ordered that and the salad verte. The duck confit salad was not a salad at all but some sort of braised duck and radicchio stew. No green lettuce in sight. It wasn’t terrible but not at all what I wanted or expected. The salad verte was inedible because the vinaigrette turned out tasting like it was just straight white vinegar. It was immediately sent back. The main courses (5 spice braised short rib and sole meunière) were a bit better although the short rib was dry and the sole didn’t have much taste. I must say that the small, buttery Parker House style loaf of bread that came with the appetizers that seems to be a trademark of the chef was terrific as was the little amuse bouche. We opted not to try dessert. When the check was presented it still included the salad verte but the waiter had it taken off when we complained. We were very disappointed with the whole experience particularly since Chef Taylor has such a great reputation and we have had some very good meals at some of his other restaurants in the area over the years.
   

   Is this helpful?

7. J

   Joe VIP

   New York City7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was fantastic. Service was great. Awesome experience.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. D

   David

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything soo tasty. Service great. Will definitely return
   

   Is this helpful?

9. W

   WILLIAM

   New York City4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 14, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very good excellent service Nat was a good waiter and attentive
   

   Is this helpful?

10. M

    Mark VIP

    Greater Boston7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Wonderful bistro. Relaxed atmosphere, low noise level allowing for conversation, and outstanding food. Terrific addition to the area dining scene.
    

    Is this helpful?