Essex is a county known for its vibrant culinary scene, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual seaside eateries. Whether you’re looking for a traditional British pub, an exquisite Italian restaurant, or a trendy spot in Brentwood or Chelmsford, Essex has something to satisfy every craving. This guide explores 15 of the best restaurants in Essex across the county, covering Michelin-starred venues, chain restaurants, and top restaurants in key towns like Colchester, Chelmsford, and Southend-on-Sea.
Best Restaurants in Colchester
Nando’s
Nando’s is one of the best UK chain of roast chicken fast food brands, which is a popular restaurants in Colchester. Nando’s roast chicken meets the tastes of many Chinese people and is affordable, so you can have a satisfying meal in all major cities in the UK. Nando’s signature is the Peri-Peri, which can be served with a choice of ‘Peri’ or ‘Peri-Peri’ depending on your appetite. Nando’s specialises in Peri-Peri chicken, which can be ordered as ‘Whole Chicken’, ‘1/2 Chicken’ or even ‘1/4 Chicken Leg’, depending on your appetite. Generally speaking, 1/2 Chicken is enough for one person. The Roasted Chicken is the starter dish of the restaurant; the chicken is roasted just right, a little bit burnt but crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The chicken was cooked just right, a little charred but crispy outside. The restaurant also offers unlimited refills of self-serve drinks, which is perfect for a large party.
Kintsu
As the only restaurant in Colchester to be reviewed in the Michelin Guide, Kintsu is a bit of a ‘no-frills’ restaurant – it’s hard to find but offers a peaceful and cosy dining environment. In addition to the warm and attentive service, the staff will enthusiastically explain the cooking method of each dish, whether the social cattle love cooking food control or gain a lot of dry knowledge. Kintsu is one of the best restaurants in Colchester for couples. Kintsu’s menu will be changed according to the seasons. The disadvantage is that the dish on Kintsu’s menu changes according to the seasons, and the downside is that there are relatively few dishes to choose from. The downside is that the menu is relatively small, but as a restaurant that has been noticed by Michelin, the freshness of the ingredients and the presentation of the dishes are noteworthy, and the photo ops are very photogenic.
Prezzo
Prezzo is a great value-for-money Italian restaurant in Colchester, with a very distinctive decor and a great sense of atmosphere. The dishes are mainly pizza and pasta, and the reviews are very good. The dessert tiramisu is very recommended. The beauty of Prezzo is that the density between the tables and chairs is large. If you care about the dining distance, it is recommended that you avoid the peak period. Use UNIDAYS or Student Beans at the checkout to get a student discount (you don’t need to bring your student ID).
Banquet Chinese
Banquet Chinese is one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Colchester, Essex. Banquet Chinese has a wide range of dishes; standard Cantonese dim sum such as phoenix claw, rice noodles, crystal shrimp dumplings, and boat congee can be found, and the service is very enthusiastic when ordering to help recommend the right dishes. The tables are traditional Chinese round tables, which gives you the feeling of being back in a Cantonese teahouse. Note that the restaurant is located a little further out of the city centre, so a bus or taxi is recommended. Banquet Chinese is not far from the zoo and M&S Marks & Spencer, so day trips can be arranged.
Romano Lounge
Romano Lounge is one of the best pubs in Essex; by day, it is a traditional English restaurant serving English breakfasts, brunch and light meals. In the evening, it transforms into a warm and cosy quiet bar, with lit candles on each table, making it especially welcoming during the Christmas season. Cocktails are sweet and sophisticated, and there’s also a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails. For those who don’t like the buzz of a bar, the Romano Lounge is the ideal place to grab a drink and is very popular with Exeter University students. If it’s a non-weekend dinner time, there’s no need to make a reservation or wait for a table; you can just walk in.
Mirra
Mirra is a Mediterranean-style restaurant located in the centre of Colchester, so if you’re dining in the evening, it’s advisable to book in advance. Mirra’s main focus is on a variety of grilled meats, including grilled lamb chops, grilled chicken wings, and a variety of secret sauces, which are rich in flavour and highly recommended. The pre-dinner scones look mediocre, but they are a highlight. The scones have a wheatish aroma plus a hot and sour sauce, so you can’t help but have all the discs, and the clerk is very enthusiastic about renewing the scones for free when she sees them. If you’re a pasta lover, come to Mirra for a free refill and enjoy carb-loading!
Best Restaurants in Chelmsford
Flitch of Bacon Dunmow
The Flitch of Bacon has been featured in the Michelin Guide and is one of the top restaurants in Essex for its exquisite plating, innovative British flavours and excellent service. This historic restaurant is housed in a quintessential English countryside building, with stonework, wooden beams and fireplaces to create a cosy atmosphere and garden seating overlooking the countryside in the summer. With garden seating overlooking the countryside, The Flitch of Bacon has modern British cuisine at its heart, with a focus on ‘farm-to-table freshness’. Whether you’re after a bite of legendary bacon or the history and tranquillity of the English countryside, The Flitch of Bacon is well worth adding to your culinary bucket list. Scallops
ZENXI
Located near Ruskin University Park in Anglia, UK, ZENXI is a popular choice for students who enjoy Chinese cuisine. This elegant restaurant offers a carefully curated menu that blends traditional flavours with modern cooking techniques and an upscale dining experience. With its sophisticated décor, warm ambience and exceptional service, ZENXI offers the perfect setting for casual and special occasions. Whether it’s aromatic braised pork, steaming hot Xiao Long Bao or juicy Kung Pao Chicken, these authentic Chinese dishes will satisfy your hometown flavour cravings.
Blue Strawberry Bistro
Located in the charming village of Hatfield Peverel, The Blue Strawberry Bistrot is considered the best restaurant in Chelmsford, Essex. The Blue Strawberry Bistrot is a well-established fine dining restaurant renowned for its elegant ambience, excellent service, and high-quality cuisine. Pan-seared scallops, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder and Fillet of Beef are The Blue Strawberry Bistrot has exposed beams, candlelit tables, real fire and walls of etchings and prints, ideal for romantic dinners, family gatherings and business meetings.
Moto Pizza
Moto Pizza, known for its unique ‘bottomless pizza’ concept, is considered the best restaurants in Essex. Located in the Chelmsford city centre, with reviews at 4.8 out of 5, it’s a popular choice for Pizza lover. It’s £18.50 per person for bottomless pizza in the evening, or on a weekend. With a focus on sustainability and fresh ingredients, many imported directly from Spain, the restaurant has a homely atmosphere. Moto Pizza caters to a wide range of customers, including families, couples, groups of friends, and businesspeople. The restaurant has a unique atmosphere and is popular with customers of all ages and backgrounds. However, due to its popularity, booking your seat in advance is advisable, especially for customers with less than 4 people, who may have to wait on the premises.
The New London
Renowned for its fusion of modern British, Scandinavian and Sicilian flavours and housed in a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building, The New London restaurant is characterised by its innovative menu and excellent service, attracting customers looking for a quality dining experience. Whether it’s a family gathering, a gathering of friends or a business occasion, The New London offers the right atmosphere and choice of cuisine, and Chateaubriand has been recognised for its exceptional quality and culinary excellence. With its unique cuisine and exceptional service, The New London is considered one of the top restaurants in Essex and is well worth a visit for food lovers.
Best Restaurants in Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Ye Olde Smack
Ye Olde Smack, it is said, was once one of the meeting places for smuggling in the Leigh on Sea area. The tunnels underneath the pub helped smugglers by hiding contraband. Today, this historic, traditional pub offers beer lovers plenty of choice, with eight traditional canned beers. A favourite here is the fish and chips. Thick handmade cod with chips, peas and a side sauce for £11.99. The 8oz mature Black Angus steak with grilled tomatoes, chips, onion rings and peas at £12.99 is equally popular.
Feelgoods
Feelgoods is a vibrant and exciting Italian-themed restaurant in Chelmsford, Essex. What makes Feelgoods stand out is its fun and vibrant environment. Feelgoods is known for its delicious pizzas and hearty pasta dishes; this restaurant offers a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant has a wide variety of food stalls and carts, ranging from hot dogs and ice cream to marshmallows and fudge. Upbeat music and friendly staff create a welcoming space where guests can enjoy good food and great company. If you’re looking for a fun, tasty and casual restaurant in Essex, Feelgoods is an excellent choice for locals and visitors alike!
Seafood Shack
The Seafood Shack, renowned for its fresh and flavoursome seafood dishes and friendly service, is one of Southend-on-Sea’s highly regarded dining venues. The Seafood Shack specialises in fresh seafood dishes, offering classic fish and chips, seafood platters and daily specials, all of which are locally sourced to ensure freshness and quality. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with a nautical theme, creating a relaxed and cosy dining atmosphere. Both locals and tourists alike can enjoy high-quality seafood and a pleasant dining experience. The Seafood Shack is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Essex, offering high-quality seafood dishes at reasonable prices and good value for money.
The Peterboat
Nestled along the estuary in Leigh-on-Sea, with magnificent estuary views and an outdoor terrace, The Peterboat provides the perfect setting for dining. The Peterboat is renowned for its traditional British cuisine and distinctive nautical-themed décor. The restaurant features a beautifully carved wooden bar and a conventional cockle shed, creating a strong seaside atmosphere. The Peterboat is favoured as one of the best restaurants in Essex in summer; on the outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a meal with patrons while taking in the views of the estuary. Seafood Chowder, Sunday Roast and Fish and Chips is favoured as one of the best restaurants in Essex in Summer, for Outdoor Terrace where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the estuary. The restaurant also welcomes customers with pets, offering a friendly pet-friendly environment.
Conclusion
With great food and a welcoming community, Essex is the perfect place to live, learn and enjoy a memorable dining experience! From Michelin-starred cuisine to cosy bistros, authentic Indian restaurants, and coastal vibrant seafood spots, Essex has everything you need. Whether you’re a food lover looking for the best restaurants in Colchester, Chelmsford or Southend-on-Sea, or a student looking for great dining options close to the student residences, there’s something for every taste and budget. For those moving to Essex for study, finding the right place to stay is just as important as finding great Essex restaurants, and uhomes.com offers a range of high-quality student accommodation in Essex within walking distance of the best restaurants, ensuring that you enjoy comfort and convenience during your studies.
FAQs About Best Restaurants in Essex
Does Essex have a Michelin star restaurant?
There are currently no Michelin restaurants in Essex. The Flitch of Bacon in Little Dunmow, Essex, was awarded a Michelin star in 2019 and 2020 but lost it in 2021, becoming the only restaurant in Essex to hold a Michelin star before losing it.
What are the best restaurants in Essex?
Essex boasts a diverse culinary scene and delicious food. Here are 15 best restaurants in Essex:
- Nando’s
- Kintsu
- Prezzo
- Banquet Chinese
- Romano Lounge
- Mirra
- Flitch of Bacon Dunmow
- ZENXI
- Blue Strawberry Bistro
- Moto Pizza
- The New London
- Ye Olde Smack
- Feelgoods
- Seafood Shack
- The Peterboat
What are the best restaurants in Essex that deliver?
The Blue Strawberry Bistrot, Zenxi and Banquet Chines are some of the most popular restaurants in Essex that deliver.
Zenxi
Banquet Chinese
Does Essex have pet-friendly restaurants?
The Peterboat is a pet-friendly restaurant in Essex where you can enjoy a meal or drink alongside your canine companion.
