10 best restaurants in Essex revealed by OpenTable

OpenTable has named its best overall restaurants in Essex for November, covering everything from pubs to fine dining.

The list is based on nearly two million global diner reviews collected over the past four months and highlights restaurants offering everything from Mediterranean cuisine to elaborate afternoon teas.

Number 1 - The Punch Bowl, Pagelsham (Image: GSV)

The Punch Bowl

Located in Paglesham, near Rochford, The Punch Bowl is a 17th-century pub and restaurant with two AA Rosettes.

Run by chef patron Rob and front-of-house manager Sally, the venue offers a changing British menu focused on seasonal, organic ingredients.

Number Two - GABS, Leigh (Image: Google Maps)

GABS

Leigh's GABS began as a mobile catering business in 2024 before opening a permanent location.

The restaurant specialises in tapas and small plates and currently holds a 4.9 rating on OpenTable.

Number Three - The Green Man at Lindsell, Great Dunmow (Image: GSV)

The Green Man at Lindsell

This pub and restaurant near Great Dunmow features a 70-seat à la carte dining area.

The menu includes salads, sharing plates and pub classics, while guests can eat on the terrace or in the large garden.

Number Four - Alec's Restaurant, Brentwood (Image: GSV)

Alec’s Restaurant

Brentwood’s Alec’s Restaurant has been serving diners since 2010, with a focus on seafood and British cuisine.

The restaurant holds a 4.9 rating and offers a selection of fish, shellfish, and meat dishes.

Number Five - Aspera, Benfleet (Image: GSV)

Aspera Restaurant

Benfleet’s Aspera has been serving Mediterranean cuisine since 2016.

The restaurant uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional Mediterranean spices and currently holds a 4.9 rating.

Number Six - The Angel, Kelvedon (Image: GSV)

The Angel

Located in Kelvedon, The Angel is a historic pub offering what it calls "rustic country charm."

It sits near the village High Street and has a 4.8 diner rating.

Number Seven - La Dolce Vita, Billericay (Image: GSV)

La Dolce Vita

On Billericay High Street, La Dolce Vita serves Italian cuisine and describes itself as bringing the "authentic spirit of the Mediterranean" to the area.

OpenTable gives the restaurant a 4.9 rating.

Number Eight - Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Leigh (Image: GSV)

Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Mad Dogs & Englishmen in Leigh is known for its themed afternoon teas.

November’s offerings included A Frozen Afternoon Tea and Alice in a Winter Wonderland.

Number Nine - Medusa, Eastwood (Image: GSV)

Medusa

This much-loved Mediterranean restaurant serves diners in Eastwood.

It offers dishes designed for sharing and has earned more than 800 reviews and a 4.9 rating on OpenTable.

Number Ten - Black Rock, Clacton (Image: GSV)

Black Rock Restaurant

Clacton’s Black Rock Restaurant rounds out the list.

Known for its "Steak on the Stone" experience, the restaurant also offers seafood, pasta, burgers, and vegetarian options.