Make it stand out.

the_essex_lisa_nichols_photo-152.JPG
dsc_4687.JPG
wbc_0889 4.JPG
dsc_4720.JPG
dsc_4869.JPG
The_Essex-33.jpg
the_essex_lisa_nichols_photo-79.JPG
Left to right Alix, Sarah, zack, Mike, Colt, Philip, dylan, beck.jpg
DSC_8839.jpg
Canapes and startbof tasting menu.jpg
Essex-61 Large.jpeg
photo dec 03, 4 35 40 pm.JPG
the essex (136 of 296).JPG
the essex (286 of 296).JPG
photo dec 03, 4 04 52 pm.JPG
photo dec 03, 3 59 37 pm.JPG
the essex (149 of 296).JPG

Welcome to ‘The Experience’

Winner Best Restaurant Middlesex County CRA

Finalist Best Chef Connecticut CRA

Finalist for Best Restaurant Connecticut CRA

Opentable Diners Choice
10 Best Restaurants in CT

CT Magazine Best Restaurants in CT

Rising Chef Star Colt Taylor CT Magazine

Best New Restaurant Yankee Magazine

Passion, love and innovation fuel our vision to bring a full spectrum experience to our guests. We value the foundation of French Technique with a modern approach to classic American Cuisine.

Experience Modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, alongside a legion of international flavors. The Essex marks the transition between old New England charm and upscale elegance; a time that calls for refreshment and rejuvenation. Steeped in the rich heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, the land infuses our culinary vision with the freshest locally-sourced products available from farm and sea. We call on traditions from around the world, as well as the avant-garde to represent both the nostalgic and the modern through progressive interpretations of timeless dishes.  

Menu 85 brings spring in full view. Green is the center of every dish from ramps to nettles, green chickpeas fresh favas and of course morels and asparagus! Dive in to the experience!
When you’re in the mood to treat yourself, we’re all about tasting menus and every week we bring you something fresh and new! Tonight we’re bringing you a duo of duck consommé inspired by pho for the 4th course and it’s
Scenes from the pass! Pull up to the chefs counter for the ultimate dinner and a show experience
Menu 80 is live, winter citrus and lobster with pommes duchesse, fluke a la meunière with yuzu kosho beurre blanc and pave, an all new tasting menu featuring black bass bourride and more! Dive in to #theexperience!
On special while it lasts, we’re warming up charcuterie game with some duck and truffle pate en croute! Come by for a slice and enjoy with a crisp Riesling and some quince mostarda!
Something for everyone. We pride ourselves on delivering forward thinking creative cuisine with passion, and eliciting excitement in the foodies of the world, while also having those mainstays to make every night a reason to come in for #theexperienc
Just in time for the holiday push menu 74 is live and we brought our famous #beefwellington back wrapped in a magic duxelles of @seacoastmushrooms and laminated dough. Join us for your holiday experience!
Truffle season is upon us! As is menu 71 now live. Enjoy some doppio ravioli with @seacoastmushrooms duxelles, ricotta) and maitre d’hotel butter finish with as little or as much black winter truffle as you want perfectly perfumed over the top!
We are so indebted to the community for all of your support, OLD SAYBROOK @oldsaybrookchamber is magic!!! , as well as @scottdolch and @craziesawards @ctrestaurantassoc @ctbites @eatinconnecticut @kristinlwolfe @steph.ctbites @thedamgram @bee.the.l
One of our favorites… octopus is always a win when it’s done right! Togarashi Mayo and gigandes beans for the win. Bet you didn’t have this on your thanksgiving spread!
Thank You for the Nominations! Now VOTE! We are so grateful for the support, We have fortunately been nominated as a finalist for BEST RESTAURANT MIDDLESEX again, and our Chef & Owner @chefcolttaylor is a finalist for BEST CHEF IN THE STATE! Plea
A special thank you to @ediblecteast @kristinlwolfe @bread_and_beast for the wonderful story on @theessexrestaurant and our incredible team that creates with passion and love! Come see what #theexperience is all about!
We just dropped menu 64 and we’re happy to welcome in the start of fall, celebrating all sorts of melons, and the start of squash! Pull up a seat and enjoy dinner and a show with #theexperience
The beauty of summer is in its brief bounty in New England… celebrating the tomatoes with every last ditch effort possible! Dive in to the tomato galette with @longtablefarmct magic