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Restaurants near Essex Plaza Shopping Centre

Essex Plaza Shopping Center is a vibrant hub in Old Saybrook, drawing both locals and visitors with its diverse shopping and dining options. Where to Eat Near Essex Plaza Shopping Center? Just a short stroll away, you’ll find a delightful assortment of eateries to satisfy any craving. Enjoy contemporary American fare that showcases local ingredients and modern twists on classic dishes. For a taste of Italy, indulge in authentic cuisine featuring savory pastas and delicious pizzas, or explore casual dining experiences that offer hearty American comfort food and healthy options. Seafood lovers will also find fresh delights nearby, ensuring a culinary adventure awaits you. Whether dining with family or grabbing takeout, the nearby restaurants provide a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
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382 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant
1. Surfridge Brewing Company
4.6
Exceptional(67)
€€€€
• Pub • Centerbrook
Booked 1 time today
Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.
A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
2. The Griswold Inn
4.7
Exceptional(1184)
€€€€
• American • Essex
Booked 20 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.
A photo of La Marea restaurant
3. La Marea
4.8
Exceptional(1995)
€€€€
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 7 times today
Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available
A photo of Bella Canggio Restaurant / Bar restaurant
4. Bella Canggio Restaurant / Bar
4.5
Awesome(322)
€€€€
• Peruvian • Norwich
Booked 3 times today
Bella Canggio Restaurant is a classy but casual dining atmosphere for guests to enjoy the unique offerings of Peruvian cuisine. Some well-loved dishes are Trio de Ceviche, Pato, Seco de Lomo, and Arroz Chaufa.Chef Julio Cancho is born and raised in Peru, but classically trained in French and Italian cookery. He adds a Peruvian twist to some American dishes also on the menu. Peruvian cuisine, considered among the best in the world, inherited its innovation, mix and flavors from Peru’s history. Its culinary fusion developed over a long process of cultural exchange between the Spanish, Africans, Chinese, Japanese and Italians, among others. The dishes became more and more varied as races mixed and migrants landed at the port of Callao.
A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant
5. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn
4.6
Exceptional(137)
€€€€
• Wine Bar • Essex
Booked 3 times today
The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.
A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
6. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.8
Exceptional(2902)
€€€€
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 11 times today
Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
7. Aspen Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1878)
€€€€
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 11 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 Essex restaurant
8. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1258)
€€€€
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 5 times today
Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag
A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
9. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.6
Exceptional(889)
€€€€
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 14 times today
The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.
A photo of Penny Lane Pub restaurant
10. Penny Lane Pub
4.4
Awesome(489)
€€€€
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 7 times today
Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!**Please note when making a reservation our downstairs seating is very limited and our upstairs dining area is NOT handicapped accessible. Please be sure to include any details needed for us to find you the perfect seat!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Barbara
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Well executed food; perfect portions. Effortless service. Always lovely!
    More info
    La Marea$$$$• Italian• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Karen
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was outstanding. A few kinks they need to work out, but for week 3, it was overall fantastic. Can’t wait to go back and try other things on the menu
    More info
    Bella Canggio Restaurant / Bar$$$$• Peruvian• Norwich
    •
    4.5
  • Ted
    New York City •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We arrived early for our reservation and we were asked if we wanted to sit right away or wait in the bar. No pressure, just a friendly question. We chose to sit and begin dinner our waitress could not have been more pleasant. Food was amazing and we had a wonderful evening with friends enjoying the atmosphere of the dining room and good friends. We would highly recommend The Griswold Inn when you are in or around the Essex area.
    More info
    The Griswold Inn$$$$• American• Essex
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa
    Hawaii •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 17 Oct 2026
    A Great dining experience. Sommelier had a great recommendation for our wine selection. Server was friendly, attentive and professional. The food was outstanding. The chef shared his passion for cooking as we could taste it in his amazing food. Every bite was a delicious journey of flavor. We will Definitely be back. We should probably keep this place the a secret but we cant help but compliment the people who deserve it. We are all in! Our new go to favorite experience.
    More info
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn$$$$• Wine Bar• Essex
    •
    4.6
  • JeannieGold
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 13 Sept 2026
    As always, the service was excellent! Surfridge is a friendly, well run establishment with a professional staff and delicious pizza and beer!
    More info
    Surfridge Brewing Company$$$$• Pub• Centerbrook
    •
    4.6

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