Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems 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 book, 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

Cassie

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

What a wonderful evening! Attention to detail, atmosphere, food was delicious and the psychic was on point! Will definitely be back!

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Experience

A Victorian Christmas Feast

Experience

A Very GABS Betrayal

Medusa

4.9

4.9 (851)

£26 to £40

Mediterranean

Southend-on-Sea

About the restaurant

Welcome to Medusa — a vibrant destination where the spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive in every bite. Our warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for everything from relaxed dinners with friends to memorable evenings out. At Medusa, each dish is a celebration of bold flavours, rich traditions, and the joy of sharing great food. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience inspired by the heart of the Mediterranean.

Top review

Carley

Dined 2 days ago

First visit. Very welcoming, nice atmosphere. Staff were friendly and attentive. Food was amazing.

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

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.

Trio

4.7

4.7 (191)

£26 to £40

Italian

Saffron Walden

About the restaurant

We offer seating across two floors, and you are welcome to request either upstairs or downstairs seating when making your reservation. However, please note that during busy periods, we may not always be able to guarantee your preferred seating choice. If you have any accessibility or mobility concerns, kindly mention them in your booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Thank you for your understanding!

Top review

Kay

Dined 1 day ago

This is a treasure of an Italian Restaurant. A great pleasure to go to with superb food and efficient, friendly service. Highly recommended after several visits.

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Popular dish

Lasagne

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.

The Bull Brentwood

4.6

4.6 (2158)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Brentwood

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Bull Brentwood, a warm, comfortable & friendly, family run gastro style pub. Our passion is to serve delicious homemade food using the finest ingredients, including rare breed meats and locally sourced produce. On the menu you can expect seasonally changing hearty food along with weekly specials plus the added bonus of a great wine list and friendly staff. We have an a la carte menu in our restaurant area and a bar menu if you fancy something lighter. On a Sunday we offer the A La Carte menu along with a our delicious Sunday roast menu. As well as our beautifully decorated restaurant we have a comfortable lounge bar area and an extensive garden with a children's play area. Both of these area's can also be used to relax, mingle & enjoy a meal or just a drink if you prefer...

Top review

Sarah

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent as always, which is why we keep coming back

Lot 14 at Theydon

4.6

4.6 (47)

£26 to £40

Seafood

Theydon Bois

About the restaurant

Lot 14 is a Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar in the heart of Theydon Bois. Known for fresh oysters, signature seafood dishes, and beautifully crafted grills, the restaurant has earned glowing local praise for quality and creativity. Just moments from Epping Forest and Theydon Bois Underground Station, it offers a warm, modern atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals and special occasions. Guests can enjoy the elegant dining room or book the cosy private dining space for celebrations. With attentive service, seasonal menus, and a focus on exceptional ingredients, Lot 14 delivers a memorable dining experience inspired by the taste of the sea.

Top review

Christine

Dined 4 days ago

This is our favourite restaurant nearby.. The food is superb, cooked to a very high standard. Fish is fresh and also freshly cooked, presentation very good. Great staff and very polite. . Never let us down, highly recommendable. I wish them well and hope it continues.

The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green

4.5

4.5 (684)

£25 and under

Gastro Pub

Saffron Walden

About the restaurant

RESTAURANT NOTE: Our outside tables are not bookable, they are available on a first come first served basis. Should you wish to reserve a table in our pergola, you must contact us directly please by phone 01799 619260 or email info@thecricketersarmspub.co.uk

Whether you’re after a comforting home - cooked meal after a long day at work or fabulous fine dining for a special celebration, we’ve got something for every occasion. Choose from our locally sourced, innovative menu and excellent wine list in our oak beamed bar or stylish restaurant.

Top review

Sharon

Dined 2 days ago

Great Atmosphere, lovely fresh tasting food. Excellent service

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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