Essex Restaurants

Crown, The

Featured Restaurant

The Crown has a reputation for outstanding cuisine, with 2 AA red rosettes, excellent wines - winner of the wine pub of the year 2005, real ales and friendly, efficient staff. The inn dates back to the early 1500s and has been extended over the years, endeavouring to provide modern amenities without losing the inn's old world charm.

• Address: Stoke-by-Nayland, nr Colchester, CO6 4SE (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Gastropub, Modern British, Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £20.00, Dinner: £30.00

Crown, The - Sandon

Situated on the village green opposite to St. Andrews church, The Crown was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 2004 and was subsequently renovated keeping much of its original character intact. Although it's a traditional pub at its core, the menu is thoughtfully designed and has a special section devoted to fish alone and yes, diners could have their fill of traditional British fish and chips in addition to breaded scampi, lemon sole, grilled fillet of sea bass and pan-fried skate.

• Address: Sandon Green, Chelmsford, CM2 7SH (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Bar, British, Family
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £18.00, Dinner: £29.00

Curry Special

In the Newbury Park area there is one curry house that stands out above the rest and has been much-admired for over two decades ever since they opened in 1985. Curry Special is one such place which eschews the tacky design sometimes associated with older curry houses and goes the abstract way with glass spiral staircase and plasma screens.

• Address: 2 Greengate Parade, Horns Road, Ilford, IG2 6BE (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Family, Indian, North
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £25.00

Dish - Saffron Walden

It may be easy to forget Dish's previous role as Saffron Walden's 'mint', but the oak beams and plenty of ghost stories doing the rounds are reminders of its past. Today, however, it makes an impression of a trendy restaurant bedecked in bright colours with fresh cooking blending in French and Italian techniques.

• Address: 13A King Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1HE (Map)
• Cuisine(s): European, French, Italian
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £30.00

Don Pietro

Don Pietro on Cranbrook Road is renowned for its warm, cosy atmosphere and friendly service. The menu displays a range of offerings you would expect to find in an Italian restaurant and the ambience creates a convivial setting in which to enjoy well proportioned servings of tasty preparations.

• Address: 448-450 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, IG2 6LL (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Italian
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £28.00

Drapers

The Drapers Hotel located in Earls Colne appeals most to those who love variety - nine uniquely designed bedrooms, and two dining areas - each with its own character and charm. The brasserie with a lovely, relaxed atmosphere is perfect for formal as well as intimate evening experiences at weekends.

• Address: 53 High Street, Earls Colne, Colchester, CO6 2PB (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Bistro, Brasserie, British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £15.00, Dinner: £28.00

East St Grill Restaurant

There are many reasons why you should visit the East St Grill at the Rose and Crown Hotel; the fact that it is situated in the oldest recorded hotel in the oldest recorded town in British history is just one of them, whilst the contemporary setting featuring exposed timber and modern European cuisine served in a relaxed but professional manner are two more.

• Address: The Best Western Rose & Crown Hotel, East Street, Colchester, CO1 2TZ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Brasserie, European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £16.00, Dinner: £34.00

Elephant Royale Gants Hill

Manna from heaven in an area not exactly over-populated by cuisine of any recognisable sort, Elephant Royale at Cranbrook Road certainly has the bulk to fill the gap. Furthermore the décor is a real lift to the spirits from the surroundings beyond the door and your mood will brighten by just entering the restaurant.

• Address: 579-581 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, IG2 6JZ (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Thai
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £46.00

Fat Goose, The

Selected Restaurant

In the charming village of Tendring, a hundred year old pub has undergone a deep transformation. Over the years, it has seen many changes both in style and name, but nothing quite as dramatic as the stunning transformation of an old style pub into the comfortable, relaxing reincarnation that is the Fat Goose.

• Address: Heath Road, Tendring, nr Colchester, CO16 0BX (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern British
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: £20.00, Dinner: £30.00

Fountain House

A 15th century manor house setting in the heart of Constable County is one that may allure those who seek respite from the bustle of daily life and then more, the Fountain House restaurant that overlooks the pond and the gardens of Dedham Hall - a scene of idyllic tranquillity.

• Address: Dedham Hall, Brook Street, Dedham, CO7 6AD (Map)
• Cuisine(s): Modern European
• Avg. Cost Per Head Lunch: N/A, Dinner: £36.00