Food and Drink in Essex

Discover delicious restaurants in Essex, as well as fabulous bars and charming cafés. Discover your favourite spot for food and drink in Essex right here!

Best Restaurants in Essex

If you’re looking for the top restaurants in Essex, then you’ve come to the right place. Our county is home to some wonderful places to eat, from fine dining to seafood. Alecs Restaurant in Brentwood, Essex, falls under both of these categories – enjoy excellent quality fish and shellfish, as well other dishes on their impressive menu. The Galvin Green Man is an award-winning pub and restaurant in the Chelmsford area, with a menu curated by acclaimed chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. If you’re looking for restaurants in Colchester, why not try out The Three Horseshoes, a family-run country pub, or head into the city centre for a bite at the Church Street Tavern. The Eight Bells in Saffron Walden, a 16^th century timber framed pub with a modernised interior, is a fabulous choice within the Uttlesford District.

Cafés & Afternoon Tea

There are some truly charming places to eat in Essex! We are the home county of the iconic Tiptree brand, with many Tiptree Tearooms dotted around the county to visit. Enjoy a classic cream tea complete with their delicious jam. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best afternoon teas in Essex, head to Stoke-by-Nayland Resort – treat yourself to the full experience and enjoy a full spa day. Essex Wildlife Trust has many Nature Discovery Parks around the county, most of which have their own café to enjoy a coffee and sweet treat before or after you explore. For a unique and exclusive afternoon tea experience, Talliston House host exquisite private vintage tea parties.

Pubs & Bars

Looking to enjoy a tipple with your mates? You won’t be short of excellent pubs and bars in Essex! For cocktails and tapas visit The Market House in Saffron Walden with daily deals on offer. To enjoy a pint with your friends, visit our classic country pubs such as The Victory at Mersea, or The Rayleigh Arms in Chelmsford.

Vineyards & Breweries

Essex is known for being one of the driest counties in the U.K., which means we have excellent conditions for growing grapes used to produce wine! There are over 50 vineyards in Essex, with many of them producing award-winning wines and offering tours and tastings. New Hall Wine Estate in Purleigh is located in the heart of the county, with over 65 acres of vines, and is one of the oldest and largest vineyards in the country. Tuffon Hall host weddings as well as their tours and tastings and have beautiful accommodation on site for guests. As well as vineyards, Essex is home to numerous breweries and distilleries such as Brentwood Brewing Company, who offer tours and experience days.

Family Friendly

If you’re planning a meal out with the family for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, there are some great family friendly restaurants and eateries in Essex to choose from. Enjoying a day out by the seaside in Southend-on-Sea? You can’t miss out on fish and chips at the Pavillion Fish & Chips Emporium, or a sweet treat at Rossi Ice Cream Parlour. The Park Brasserie, located within Wivenhoe House, is an idyllic place for a family meal out – keep an eye out for their Princess Afternoon Tea events for the little ones. For a family pub lunch, head to The Sun Inn Dedham (why not go rowing on the river to work up an appetite?). The restaurants and cafes located within RHS Garden Hyde Hall are also brilliant for families, especially after a day of wandering around the beautiful gardens.

Keep up to date on places to eat, things to do and more in Essex – subscribe to our newsletter.