Top 30 restaurants in Essex by cities [ FOODIE GUIDE 2024]

Welcome to Funky Fresh Travels! If you’re a foodie like me, Essex is a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be explored. From Michelin-starred fine dining to cosy pubs and casual eateries, Essex offers a diverse range of dining experiences that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s dive into some of the best restaurants in Essex that you absolutely must visit!

I love food. Being a French ( Australian ), I am chasing memorable dining experiences and the most iconic restaurants . I love visit countries for local foods, live music, seasonal menus, and share a delicious meal with the one I love . 

The 30 Best Restaurants in Essex, UK for a Memorable Dining Experience

1-) Galvin Green Man, Great Waltham

Nestled in a beautiful 500-year-old coaching inn, the Galvin Green Man is a gem in the Essex food scene. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a seasonal menu that showcases the best of British cuisine. Head Chef Adam Byatt prepares creative dishes like roast chicken with truffles and pork belly with apple puree. The historic interior with oak beams and decorative glass creates a friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

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2-) Rubino Kitchen, Chelmsford

Rubino Kitchen is a contemporary Italian restaurant that wows with its fresh handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled meats. Their squid ink linguine with Devon crab and spaghetti vongole are to die for! The lively ambience and great service make it a favourite for birthdays and special occasions. The blend of European and British flavours in their contemporary cuisine is simply irresistible.

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3-) The White Hart Inn, West Mersea

The White Hart Inn dates back to the 15th century and oozes rustic charm with its exposed beams and brickwork. This pub is renowned for its traditional Sunday roast, real ales, and a wide variety of dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Musicians also perform live folk music in the evenings, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. It’s a special place for a laidback meal after exploring Old Town.

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4-) The Magic Mushroom, Billericay

Established in 1996 by renowned chef Darren Bennet, The Magic Mushroom offers a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours in its creative modern British dishes. The restaurant’s charming interior features vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, creating an inviting atmosphere for lunch, dinner, or even afternoon tea. It’s one of Essex’s most popular Michelin-star restaurants and a local favourite.

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5-) The Church Street Tavern, Colchester

Housed in a 19th-century butcher’s shop, this gastropub offers a creative menu featuring dishes like venison carpaccio, chicken ballotine, and chocolate orange tart. Their Sunday roasts are legendary – don’t miss the roast rib of beef! The historic brick and flint walls, pewter tankards, and friendly service add to the unique charm. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family.

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6-) The Pier at Harwich

For seafood lovers, The Pier at Harwich is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers stunning views of the Thames Estuary and a seafood lover’s menu that includes local Southend oysters, grilled sardines, and fish and chips. The outdoor seating and views over the estuary make it a special place for a memorable dining experience.

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7-) Haywards, Epping

Haywards is a relaxed destination that offers a globally-inspired menu featuring diverse local produce. The restaurant’s Head Chef, Jahdre, skillfully combines the freshest ingredients to create elegant and delicious dishes right in front of you. The refined menu and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a fine dining experience.

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8) Vita Bella, Chelmsford

Vita Bella is a charming Italian restaurant situated in Chelmsford that offers an extensive selection of traditional dishes using locally-sourced ingredients. Since its opening in 2012, Vita Bella has been dedicated to providing customers with an authentic culinary experience. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

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9-) The Windmill, Chatham Green

The Windmill is a cosy, family-friendly village restaurant with all the classic pub food. From hearty favourites like roast beef and pork belly to fresh seasonal dishes, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and great food. It’s a local favourite for a casual meal with friends or family.

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10-) The Flitch of Bacon, Dunmow

The Flitch of Bacon is a fine dining, Michelin-star restaurant with great food and great service. The cool restaurant flaunts a drool-worthy £75 tasting menu that will leave your taste buds dancing. The elegant decor and refined menu make it a special place for a memorable dining experience.

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11-) The Bell Inn, Stanford-le-Hope

The Bell Inn is a classic British pub serving hearty favourites and pub classics, as well as fresh seasonal dishes throughout the year. The warm, friendly atmosphere and welcoming environment make it a proper pub and a great spot for a relaxed meal.

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12-) The Coast Inn, Mersea

The Coast Inn is a cosy and traditional bar and restaurant with fresh, locally caught seafood and the best fish and chips on the island. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it a local favourite for seafood lovers.

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13-) The Angel Inn, Stoke by Nayland

The Angel Inn offers a refined menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The true gastropub experience with high-quality food and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

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14-) Luigi’s Al Fresco, Maldon

Luigi’s Al Fresco is a fine-dining Italian restaurant that offers authentic Italian cuisine, quality food, and great service. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

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15-) The Cricketers, Clavering

The Cricketers is another excellent Michelin Star restaurant that offers locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it a great spot for a fine dining experience.

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16- ) The Mistley Thorn, Mistley

The Mistley Thorn is a Michelin-star fine dining restaurant that offers the finest, organically sourced, and locally caught fish. The elegant decor and refined menu make it a special place for a memorable dining experience.

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17-) Milsoms, Dedham

Milsoms is a Michelin-star restaurant that offers modern-British cuisine with a delicious European twist. The elegant decor and refined menu make it a special place for a memorable dining experience.

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18- ) The Hare and Hounds, Braintree

The Hare and Hounds is a true gastropub that offers high-quality food and a relaxed atmosphere. The refined menu featuring locally sourced ingredients makes it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

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19-) The Pig and Truffle, Little Dunmow

The Pig and Truffle offers modern, vibrant, and seasonal dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The delicious food and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

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20- ) The Bildeston Crown, Suffolk

The Bildeston Crown is a Michelin star restaurant that offers innovative British cuisine, such as slow-cooked duck with carrot and star anise. The elegant decor and refined menu make it a special place for a memorable dining experience.

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21-) John Lawson, Leigh on Sea

John Lawson is one of the Michelin star restaurants in Essex with an incredibly inspiring story. The restaurant offers a refined menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.

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22-) Tara Thai Restaurant, Southend

Tara Thai Restaurant is probably the best Thai restaurant in Southend with super modern and chic decor. The delicious food and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

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23-) The Lion Inn, Boreham

The Lion Inn is a traditional pub with a menu of all the classic British dishes and a smashingly large beer garden. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

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24-) Love Thy Burger, Colchester

Love Thy Burger offers a rustic dining experience with unbeatable burgers. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

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25-) The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey

The Barn Brasserie is a picturesque venue nestled in the Essex countryside with a great selection of traditional British cuisine. The elegant decor and refined menu make it a special place for a memorable dining experience.

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Essex offers an incredible variety of best restaurants to suit every palate and occasion, from Michelin star venues to cosy coffee shops. The fresh local ingredients, talented chefs, and inviting settings make dining in Essex a memorable gastronomic experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book your table and embark on a culinary adventure in Essex today!

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover

I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together !

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.