The Essex

As a genetically-confirmed supertaster born and raised in CT , I've been to hundreds of restaurants in the state...I can easily say that this is the BEST RESTAURANT IN CT I've been to, with the highest quality & best tasting food I've ever had (in the state). Surprised that this doesnt have higher than a 4.5 star review. As someone who has dined at two michelin star restaurants, this place highly deserves to be ranked as such and I'm shocked that it is not yet. We had the chef's tasting menu and tried a variety of foods, I should've taken more photos. Kudos to the chef(s)!

The Essex – True Fine Dining on the Shoreline… There’s a quiet confidence in a restaurant that opens with tea. At The Essex, the first note of the tasting menu isn’t plated, but poured. A hibiscus apple infusion unfolds like a perfumed whisper, delicately floral with a hint of orchard fruit, setting the tone for what becomes a deeply expressive journey. The canapés arrive in procession, each a tightly choreographed overture. The cheddar gougères are precisely what one hopes for, cloud-light with the warmth of sharp cheese blooming across the palate. Salmon rillettes are restrained and silky, while the octopus fritter lands with crunch and brine, a fine contrast to the accompanying bisque. It’s a small cup of lobster essence, rich and gently foamed, almost reverent in its concentration.

Honestly one of the best and finest dining experiences within Connecticut. The chef's tasting menu offered fresh and new experiences for the palate, with cultural and flavor fusions that tease and test the limits of eating. The Essex also offers itself as an inviting space, there is nothing to worry about feeling out of place or as if you wont enjoy anything. Foods I previously avoid for their flavor/texture were prepared differently and were completely enjoyable. While chewing may be the main fixation, their variety of drinks also are beyond exceptional! Even the mocktails were smooth and well blended, it didnt taste like a fancied soda but rather its own independent drink. The experience was so good I only remembered to capture one photo, I was too immersed to take any more!

One of the best restaurants I have been to in a while! The oysters app was different with a whipped sweet hollandaise, the octopus was tender and the best I have ever had, and the tuna tartar was delicious garnished with a cherry. For my main meal, I ordered the beef wellington and it came perfectly prepared with a crispy crust and melt-in-your-mouth beef. The desserts were also top-notch. Chocolate bar and raspberry, apricot and cheesecake. Yummy! Our server was the most knowledgeable and sweet. We sat outside and it was a beautiful night. Loved it all!

Truly the most amazing food experience i have ever had. The valentines day tasting menu flipped my world upside down. i will NEVER look at food the same, if i could shout from the rooftops about this restaurant and tell everyone in the WORLD to try it, I would. And I will. ((not pictured, they made sure we left FULL and gave us extra of anything we loved which i absolutely appreciate and adore)). The owner, Cole came by every table and talked to us as if we have known each other forever, alll of the staff was amazing and friendly, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.