Location: Essex
Top Restaurants in Essex
Top Things to do in Essex
Most Popular Restaurants in Essex
Essex is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, 26 miles (42 km) north of Boston and 13 miles (21 km) Southeast of Newburyport. The population was 3,504 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Essex
1. Windward Grille Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Antique New England farmhouse with 1800's barn attached. Fireplaces lit during the winter months. Large rustic bar with high-top seating around bar area. Booth and table seating available in several dining rooms. Special value priced specials available Monday thru Thursday. Large parking area with easy wheelchair accessibility.
Reviewed By Jim W - Carmel, California
We had a wonderful lunch at this old, established restaurant. Confirming the predictable excellence of the food is the typically large attendance by "locals".
The Reuben sandwich is very large (perhaps efficient for 2) and loaded with tender and juicy meat. The chili was a particular hit on this cool and blustery day.
As usual we had great service from Tom who has seemingly been here forever; thank you!
2. Down River Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By TheLiterateChef - Falmouth, Massachusetts
Huge portions. Unless you're a glutton, order the Baby for $4.00. An enormous scoop of delicious ice cream that would satisfy all but the most voracious of the Mangia Gelati! Opted for the rum raisin on a waffle cone. Mama Mia! Pleasant outdoor seating around back.
3. Choate Bridge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By noshore2016 - Hamilton, Massachusetts
Perhaps the best on the North Shore...nothing "fancy"...pub food...outstanding and wait staff equally outstanding. Everything is beyond good...but burger, fried clams, and lobster roll...nothing better...ANYWHERE...clam chowder looks great...will do next time! Must say...Farnhams and Woodmans...give it up for the Choate Bridge fried clams...it doesn't get any better. Love this place...almost forgot!!...french fries...incredible.
4. Zumi's Espresso & Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By Betsy K
I love Zumis coffee! It is a real bonus to downtown Ipswich! Love the Valencia mocha latte! The ice cream is very tasty as well!
5. Weathervane Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By EnergyCounselor - Bethesda, MD
After hearing so much about this quaint restaurant in South Hamilton, we finally got to experience its warmth, great service, and delightful menu. We tried the scallop casserole--and it was delicious, rich, and plentiful. The side salad was generous and the butternut squash side was an amazing accompaniment to the scallop casserole. And you must save room for dessert. Try the ice cream pie.
6. Depot Diner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By bbbob84 - Staten Island, New York
I always try to find the local place when I travel and this was rated number one on Trip Advisor. It did not disappoint. Appeared to be nicely run family operation with outstanding customer service. I enjoyed some coffee while they prepared my Bacon, Ham, Mushroom and Onion Omelette. The Potatoes with my omelette were prepared just the way I like them, which is not always the case when I travel. Dark Rye Toast was delivered buttered nicely. Too much for me to finish, so I brought it home because it was too good to waste. Parking available in the strip mall parking lot. I would definitely visit when in the area again.
7. J.T. Farnham's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By Narci W - Acton, Massachusetts
We went here specifically because we saw it on the TV show, "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives." My husband and I shared the fried clam basket and a lobster roll. Both were delicious, but we've had better in Harwich/Chatham/Dennis. The bonus to JT Farnum's is the great view across the marsh.
8. Ithaki Mediterranean Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
ITHAKI continues to delight the senses - cuisine steeped in tradition yet innovatively crafted, warm and professional service, elegant dining rooms adorned with exquisite flower arrangements. Please join us in savoring our Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, food created under the warmth of the sun and enjoyed in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.
Reviewed By lisac1962 - Newburyport, Massachusetts
I love octopus and I try it when I see it on a menu. That being said, I've had some really great octopus and not so great. Ithaki's version definitely falls into the excellent category!
Served with a warm fava hummus, YUM!!! I got this as a small plate and it would have been sufficient for a meal. I added the falafel which I also love(another small plate) and the homemade hummus was fabulous. I was so full from the octopus that I only had one falafel-my hubby got to eat the rest-it was very good. I would def try other menu items next time around. My husband got the salmon and he raved about it. This place is a little pricey but I don't mind spending more when the quality of food is excellent. Service was good. Warm bread with a tomato/olive/red pepper pesto(I'm guessing at the ingredients as I didn't ask) was also excellent. Will definitely go back! My last time here was many years ago-had a great experience then as well. This place will go back on my radar based on this experience.
9. Sugar Magnolias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By Trapezegirl - Connecticut
We were staying in Rockport and someone recommended this place for breakfast. Its only 10 minutes away so we went for the ride. GLAD WE DID!! Prices were incredibly reasonable. And unique items on the menu. The wait staff was very friendly. Had to wait for about 10 minutes for a table, but so worth the wait.
10. Village Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By bbwex - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Village Restaurant has been around for a long time, but the food was no better than average. We started with some onion rings which were OK but nothing better. Wedge salads were very good. The haddock Rockefeller was pretty good, but the fried haddock and fried shrimp were ordinary at best. Our server, Laurie, was very helpful and friendly, but the kitchen just didn't give her the backup she needed.
