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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Essex

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
1. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.5
Awesome(553)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Chester
Booked 20 times today
Nestled in the scenic town of Chester, Connecticut, The Brushmill by the Waterfall epitomizes the charm and quality of American cuisine. This gem not only offers a picturesque backdrop with its romantic waterfall but also impresses with its hallmark of contemporary American dishes. Patrons rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth amazing" ribeye and the "perfectly seasoned" salmon, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. The atmosphere is consistently described as "romantic" and "inviting," making it a perfect spot for both special occasions and casual dining. With glowing testimonials about its "exceptional" service and "fabulous farm-to-table" offerings, The Brushmill by the Waterfall stands out as a beacon of delightful American dining experiences.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
2. Aspen Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1686)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook
Booked 17 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
3. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1002)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook
Booked 13 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Saybrook, The Essex shines as a beacon of modern American cuisine, celebrated by Yankee Magazine as the "Best New Restaurant in New England." Praised for its innovative dishes that draw inspiration from the Connecticut River Valley, The Essex offers a menu that eloquently speaks to the authenticity and quality of American dining. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, highlighting the "imaginative and delicious" offerings and "top-notch" service. Whether it's the chef's tasting menu or the locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh products, every dish is crafted to perfection. As one diner put it, "The food was fresh, using what appeared to be local vegetables and the seafood, steak and chicken were phenomenal." The Essex is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey steeped in American tradition and local flavor.
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
4. Fresh Salt
4.6
Exceptional(1481)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook
Booked 29 times today
Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a culinary experience that delights with its authenticity and quality. Nestled where the Long Island Sound meets the Connecticut River, Fresh Salt serves dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to regional farmers and artisans. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" Lobster Roll and "delicious" Clam Chowder, showcasing the restaurant's mastery in elevating simple dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. With glowing reviews noting the "beautifully presented" meals and "amazing customer service," Fresh Salt stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking the best in Contemporary American dining. The perfect blend of scenic views and impeccable cuisine ensures every meal is memorable, making it "definitely a 5-star restaurant."
A photo of Old Lyme Inn restaurant
5. Old Lyme Inn
4.4
Awesome(653)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Lyme
Booked 10 times today
At the Old Lyme Inn in quaint Old Lyme, the bar and lounge experience is truly unmatched, providing a perfect blend of sophisticated ambiance and exceptional bottle service. Known for its "contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere," the Inn offers a grand eight-seat bar where patrons can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a well-curated selection of wines and spirits. Reviewers rave about the ambiance, with one noting the "great live jazz" that enhances the bar's vibrant yet relaxing setting. The Old Lyme Inn is not just a place to dine; it's a destination where every drink served is a toast to quality and craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier bar and lounge experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Josephvip
    New York City •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had an excellent dinner at Brushmill at their latest “Burgers, Bourbon, and Brews” night. Both my wife and my burger were cooked to perfection and delicious. The fries put even McDonald’s to shame. If you enjoy Manhattans and old fashioned cocktails, they nailed those too. Service wise, couldn’t ask for better. Water was kept filled (with complimentary Fiji water), drinks never went empty without ordering a refill, and all the staff including the manager and owner were lovely to talk to.
    More info
    The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
    •
    4.5
  • Helen
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I have been to Arethusa’s before and had an amazing experience. I took my two daughters last night and I was so happy to have shared the experience with them. They were extremely impressed with the service and the quality of the food. This is surely a 5 star place for me. ❤️
    More info
    Arethusa al TavoloPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Bantam
    •
    4.9
  • GaryH
    New York City •7 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Aspen is back on our "go to" list! We enjoyed our dinner and he service. I found the lobster bolognese unique and delicious, while my wife enjoyed the Lamb Stew entre. It's a great place to enjoy a fine dinner!
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.7
  • Karen
    Connecticut •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great seafood selection. Beautiful setting and excellent service.
    More info
    Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • Redbone299
    New York City •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Jazzy brunch was very nice. Bloody Mary was a little weak but food was great, especially the pancakes. Eggs Benedict was almost perfect just wanted it to be hotter but I don't take points off for that Overall great dining experience.
    More info
    Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
    •
    4.4

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