Diners' Choice: Great for live music restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Essex? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

GABS

4.9

4.9 (53)

£25 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Leigh-on-Sea

About the restaurant

Gabs Grazing was founded in 2024 by the owner Gabbie. 22 at the time, she took the plunge and launched a mobile catering business, Gabs Grazing. After a successful first year, Gabs Grazing expanded to a shopfront - GABS located in Leigh On Sea, to book a table at GABS please do so through reservations.

Top review

Linda

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

Wonderful food and service. Nothing was too much trouble. Thoroughly recommend.

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Experience

A Victorian Christmas Feast

Experience

A Very GABS Betrayal

Lara Bistro Grill & Bar

4.8

4.8 (24)

£26 to £40

Mediterranean

Hadleigh

About the restaurant

This destination is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending sophisticated luxury with an inviting, social energy. The interior is curated for those who appreciate the finer details—expect a chic, polished aesthetic that serves as the perfect backdrop for intimate date nights, vibrant girls’ nights out, or celebratory dinners. The space truly comes alive during event evenings, featuring captivating live performances from belly dancers to DJs, transforming a standard meal into an immersive theatre of rhythm and glamour. From expertly shaken handcrafted cocktails to premium grill selections, the menu is designed for indulgence. Whether you are seeking a relaxed morning coffee or an unforgettable night of entertainment, Lara Bistro provides the perfect stage. Reserve your table to experience the buzz of Essex’s premier new social dining spot.

Top review

Azel

Dined on 27 Oct 2026

Absolutely enjoyed every single dish we ordered it was amazing especially the cocktails and starters unreal will definitely be going back it was so clean service was amazing

The Eyna Basildon

4.8

4.8 (1256)

£26 to £40

Turkish

Basildon

About the restaurant

The Eyna is a new, refreshing, traditional Turkish cuisine coming to the heart of Basildon. With a open-plan dining experience, open kitchen & central bar, we're sure this will be your perfect location for all types of events or casual dining.

Top review

Jon

Dined 2 days ago

Booking through OpenTable App was simple, and we received a warm welcome at this lavish restaurant, which was larger than expected. The bar buzzed with couples and groups celebrating birthdays and other occasions, and the singer was excellent. Our window-side table was perfect, and the friendly, polite service made us feel truly welcome. Drinks arrived with flatbread and dips as we browsed the fantastic menu. Portions were generous, so order with care, though we indulged and enjoyed every bite. Our main courses were perfectly cooked, making for a wonderful anniversary evening. The restaurant was full and lively, with great entertainment and fantastic food.

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The Green Man at Lindsell

4.8

4.8 (243)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Great Dunmow

About the restaurant

Welcome back to the Green Man at Lindsell. Now currently under new management and direction!

In our cosy bar we have retained the buildings original features and given it a fresh contemporary edge where we welcome both drinkers and diners alike and our tables are available on a ‘first come’ basis offering an extensive range of dishes from salads, sharing planks to wholesome pub classics.

Our 70 seat a la carte restaurant to the rear of the property is also not to be missed, with crisp white linen, delicious food and an extensive wine list making it the ideal place for lunch, dinner or any other special occasions. Bookings are welcome and recommended. Please visit our website for restaurant opening hours.

We also have a large terrace area and extensive garden to dine alfresco or enjoy a champagne cocktail. We welcome families and have plenty of area for children to play. So come on in and take a look around and we hope to see you soon!

Top review

Michael

Dined on 29 Oct 2026

Lunch for six. The welcome, ambiance, welcome and food were all outstanding. The starched napery was a welcome bonus not often seen in pubs (even gastropubs) these days. However, we were very slightly stunned to notice a flier for their 3-course Christmas Fayre at £120pp !! We will certainly return.

Bongow Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (48)

£26 to £40

Indian

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Bongow is located in Kelvedon Hatch newly refurbished it is luxury dining space designed for a modern, elevated experience. Sleek décor, ambient lighting, and a refined atmosphere set the stage for our new menu. Whether dining in or ordering takeaway, our customers enjoy exceptional service, elegant surroundings, and a truly memorable taste of modern Indian cuisine.

Top review

gregory

Dined 3 days ago

4 of us went last night to Bongow we could not fault anything food and service was excellent Greg

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Experience

November Sessions featuring DJ & Live Bongo Player

Experience

Dinner & Dance With Harriet Lamoureux

Experience

Xmas Eve at Bongow

The Cock Inn

4.8

4.8 (103)

£26 to £40

Dining Bar

Great Yeldham

About the restaurant

Great food, craft cocktails, and unforgettable moments come together in the heart of Clare!
Vegan & Veggie friendly

Top review

Tina

Dined on 23 Oct 2026

Outstanding food, great atmosphere, staff were amazing very attentive. Would highly recommend and we will be returning

Kara Lounge & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1589)

£25 and under

Turkish

Grays

About the restaurant

We are proud to serve you one of the healthiest and most well-balanced Turkish and Mediterranean food in Essex.

Our dishes are prepared freshly upon order, using authentic recipes, traditional cooking methods with finest ingredients.

Our focus is to provide the highest quality of service available.

Top review

Phillipa

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and vibes, nothing negative to comment on

Minoa

4.6

4.6 (155)

£26 to £40

Pan-Asian

Marks Gates

About the restaurant

For parties larger than 8 people on Fridays and Saturdays, please contact the restaurant directly.

Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavours of Asia at our exquisite pan-Asian fine dining establishment in Essex. Indulge in meticulously crafted dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of China, Japan, Thailand, and beyond, all expertly prepared with the finest ingredients and presented with artistic flair. From delicate sushi creations to aromatic stir-fries and tantalising curries, each dish promises a symphony of taste sensations that will transport you to the heart of Asia.

Top review

Mohammed

Dined on 31 Oct 2026

Nice very nice good tasty food good service and good location

La Petite Petanque

4.6

4.6 (153)

£25 and under

British

Southend-on-Sea

About the restaurant

Online bookings for diners only. For drinks and cakes please call to book a table or walk in. A Beautiful Restaurant in the perfect setting
Open every day with three dining areas, including terrace seating
Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Evening Dining Events.
For Afternoon Tea please call the restaurant to book and pay deposit, 48 hours notice required.

Top review

Vanessa

Dined 2 days ago

Lovely friendly owner serving us. Also dog friendly which is lovely. We were able to sit inside with our dog.

Flitch of Bacon - Family Pub & Rooms, Dunmow

4.3

4.3 (63)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Felsted

About the restaurant

We have poured our hearts into restoring and preparing The Flitch of Bacon Gastropub in Little Dunmow, and we are so excited to finally share it with you. Whether you're joining us for a drink or a meal, we look forward to creating wonderful memories together.

With our warmest thanks and excitement,

Matthew, Christine, and The Flitch of Bacon Team x

Top review

Claire

Dined 5 days ago

We had a lovely meal. The restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, we were served quickly by a friendly member of staff. Food was served hot and fresh and was delicious. All in all a lovely meal.

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Experience

Boxing Day Fish Spectacular

Experience

Christmas Day at The Flitch of Bacon

Experience

New Years Eve at The Flitch

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