Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Essex

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best special occasion 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 book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Smiths Restaurant Ongar

4.8

4.8 (4828)

£41 and over

Seafood

Ongar

About the restaurant

Priding ourselves on our motto ‘Famous for fish’ Smiths Restaurants is a name that has become synonymous with fine dining and quality, attentive service. Our restaurants are located in Ongar Essex (just off the A414) and Wapping in central London (near Tower Bridge). Both restaurants boast an extensive menu of fresh fish that we offer to cook in a variety of ways to suit every palette. We also offer locally sourced meat dishes to accommodate those who prefer their food terra firma. To compliment the quality of our food we have worked closely with well renowned independent wine merchants to ensure we have a selection of wines that are the perfect accompaniment to every meal. The only problem you may have a Smith’s is being spoilt for choice.

Top review

Rebecca

Dined 4 days ago

We had a lovely dinner at Smiths. The food was delicious and the restaurant catered well for dietary requirements (coeliac & dairy free). The fresh homemade gluten free bread was one of the best I’ve tasted and was a lovely touch. The Parma Ham, fig & walnut salad was my favourite, followed by the Dover sole. The restaurant had a young group of waiting staff who provided exceptional service. The service was absolutely faultless and of a high standard. Staff were welcoming, friendly and had a good sense of humour. Despite arriving later than planned, staff were incredibly accommodating. I would highly recommend Smiths and look forward to dining here again in the future.

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Popular dish

Brixham Dover Sole

Black Rock Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (707)

£26 to £40

Steak

Clacton-On-Sea

About the restaurant

Embark on a culinary adventure at Black Rock, where we offer a unique dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Our menu is a global fusion of flavours, showcasing the best of international cuisine.

Our signature "Steak on the Stone" is a must-try, allowing you to customize your steak to your desired level of doneness. This innovative cooking method ensures a truly personalized and flavourful experience.

Beyond our exceptional steaks, our menu features a diverse range of dishes to satisfy every craving. From succulent seafood to hearty vegetarian options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Our commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients guarantees exceptional quality and taste in every bite.

Top review

Alex

Dined 7 days ago

We chose black rock for my sons 18th birthday meal. The food was fantastic, the service was brilliant and the atmosphere was great. The table for 4 was a little small and 2 of us had to straddle the table leg but that didn't deter from our experience. Definitely worth choosing the stone over cooked to order was the consensus.

Mad Dogs & Englishmen

4.8

4.8 (2830)

£26 to £40

Afternoon Tea

Leigh-On-Sea

About the restaurant

Here at Mad Dogs & Englishmen we have become renowned for our themed Afternoon Tea’s and wonderful cocktails. Enjoy the eclectic surroundings of this unique venue. We offer an immersive experience, a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
The Parlour Tea Room at Mad Dogs and Englishmen provides a vintage setting to enjoy Afternoon tea. We’ve become renowned for our themed teas which offer an unforgettable experience.
The Botanical Rooms is upstairs and hosts our cocktail bar and also hosts our themed afternoon teas.

EVENTS

THE PARLOUR TEAROOM seatings at 12, 2.30 & 5 pm

Running till 5/1/25 - THE NUTCRACKER
17/1/25 - 28/3/2025 - DIAMOND OF THE SEASON

THE BOTANICAL ROOMS (upstairs) seatings at 12.30 & 3pm

Running till 5/1/25 - A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS
17/1/25 - 28/3/2025 - SNOW WHITE

Please ensure you select the correct time, venue and event when booking.

Top review

Katie

Dined 4 days ago

This place is amazing I cannot fault it at all. The food,the decor ,the staff and cocktails are out of this world and well worth the money you will not regret going.

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Experience

The Nutcracker - Weekends £55pp (£15pp deposit)

Experience

VIP The Nutcracker Weekdays £55pp (£15pp deposit)

Experience

The Nutcracker - Weekdays £50pp (£15pp deposit)

STARK

4.8

4.8 (42)

£41 and over

Modern European

Colchester

About the restaurant

Stark is located in East Mersea, Essex and is owned and run by Ben and Sophie Crittenden, who opened their first site in Broadstairs back in December 2016 with the aim of securing a better work/life balance and enabling Ben to enjoy more time with their three young children, Ivy, Rosa and Arlo. Before relocating to Mersea Island, Stark was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Thanet and one of five in the whole of Kent.

At Stark, only one, set tasting menu is served with no options or alternatives available. Because of this, Stark is unable to cater for any allergies or dietary requirements, for any reason as all guests eat the exact same meal each night. Ben creates a menu from high quality, seasonal ingredients, using his creativity and passion to create delicious food and provide a unique and exciting eating experience for customers.

Stark is a very intimate, relaxed restaurant, whose only demand of you is that you sit back, trust us with your dinner and enjoy the experience.

Top review

Esther

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

Michelin star quality food in a relaxed, intimate and stylish restaurant. Here’s hoping it becomes Essex’s first Michelin star restaurant soon. Food was superbly cooked and presented. They serve a set tasting menu only so ensure you are up for trying new tastes.

Le Bouchon Brasserie & Hotel

4.7

4.7 (1167)

£41 and over

French

Maldon

About the restaurant

Please note that Afternoon Tea cannot be booked online. This must be booked through the Hotel directly.

Le Bouchon Brasserie and Hotel is a grade II listed, 300 year old Georgian building which has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme restoring the building to its former glory. The renovation period was used to combine some of the original period features of the building with furnishings and classically styled decoration that complements the original style of this house.

Le Bouchon Brasserie offers a blend of both French and British cuisine, set in a relaxed and intimate environment. Enjoy a meal from our A la carte menu or choose from our wide selection of set menus available at different times during the week.

Top review

Martin

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent experience as always. This was our third visit in just over a month and the experience has always been amazing. Thank you and merry Christmas

The New London Restaurant and Lounge

4.7

4.7 (968)

£26 to £40

British

Chelmsford

About the restaurant

The award-winning New London restaurant has been on Chelmsford’s dining and social scene since October 2013 and it still is a relaxed yet sophisticated dining venue. The venue is full of elegance and glamour – now more than ever after an incredible redesign in March 2018.

We have a reputation for seasonally inspired menus with a unique approach to homemade food which makes the New London restaurant a special place to visit.

We pride ourselves on our excellent service with a personal touch. All our staff are proud of, and knowledgeable about, our dishes, wines and cocktails.

We offer only the best locally sourced and seasonal British produce including fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients and foraged herbs. All our dishes are served in the inimitable style that has helped it garner so many compliments and awards since opening.

Top review

chris

Dined 3 days ago

Great service food was excellent. I would recommend this restaurant certainly

The Eyna

4.7

4.7 (805)

£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

Carly

Dined 4 days ago

Been twice now and had the best experience both times

Banquet Chinese

4.6

4.6 (1657)

£26 to £40

Cantonese

Colchester

About the restaurant

Please not that on NYE dinner only set menus will be available.

Banquet Chinese is a restaurant and venue unlike any other found in Colchester or North Essex today. This is Chinese food the way it is meant to be experienced! Our mouth-watering dishes are cooked to perfection by award-winning chefs using only the freshest and finest ingredients.

The interior has been carefully chosen and imported from China to create a genuine and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy your lunch or evening meal, perhaps together with a bottle of wine from the well rounded wine list supplied by Liberty Wines.

Please take some time to familiarise yourself with Banquet Chinese here on our website. Have a look at our menus and wine lists. Read about Dim Sum, the delicious little dishes perfect as starters or as a light and sophisticated lunch time meal. Polite notice: Parties of 10 or more guests will be required to choose from one of our dedicated set menus.

Top review

Cheryll

Dined 6 days ago

This in my opinion is the best Chinese restaurant ever. Staff are very attentive and extremely friendly. The restaurant is nicely decorated and well laid out. The food is amazing and they also allow you to switch items on their set menus which is great. I go here with my partner and also family and friends. Every body we take there has always had a wonderful experience

The Green Man at Lindsell

4.5

4.5 (118)

£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

Debra

Dined on 15 Dec 2024

First time at the Green Man and certainly will not be the last. As soon as we walked in,felt it had a lovely vibe. Staff very friendly and helpful,food excellent,in fact the best roast. I love to walk in a restaurant and see wonderful white table cloths.

Minoa

4.2

4.2 (64)

£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

Amit

Dined 6 days ago

We had a fantastic night, everything was perfect we was a group of 8 and everyone said how great everything was!!! Well done all!!!

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