Having relocated from Broadstairs to Mersea Island, the family-run Stark has retained all of its intimacy, passion and enthusiasm. Chef Ben Crittenden works alone in the kitchen crafting a 6 course menu which acts as an ode to top-notch produce. Clever and refined flavour combinations are deployed with great precision to enhance already delicious ingredients like shh'annu lamb and prime quality cod – go for the well-constructed wine pairings to ease any indecision. Be sure to check the tide timetable when visiting to ensure The Strood isn't flooded.

8.3km

Church Street Tavern

World Cuisine

££

Down a narrow city centre street, you'll find this attractive 18th-century building; a restaurant sits upstairs, while below is a trendy bar serving cocktails and light bites. The extensive menu ranges from bruschetta to quesadillas – plus a roast dinner on Sundays, of course – and the kitchen team ensure the dishes are as colourful and joyous as the décor and the atmosphere. The super-friendly, attentive service will really make you feel at home, as will bringing your own bottle on Wednesdays to take advantage of half-price corkage.

3.8km

Kintsu

Modern British

££££

Tucked away in a city centre courtyard, this likeable restaurant occupies a Grade II-listed former barn, with stylish contemporary décor and an open kitchen allowing guests to get a good view of the chefs as they work. Well-crafted and eye-catching modern dishes populate the multi-course tasting menus, which have a seasonal British element running through them. Look out for dishes that put a modern spin on classic flavour combinations, such as lamb with mint, feta and broccoli. A friendly service team add to the experience.

4.0km

The White Hart Inn

Modern Cuisine

££

A stone’s throw from the coast, this spacious modernised pub is a bright, colourful spot featuring a parquet floor, a maritime mural and bright blue chairs. The wide-ranging menu offers confidently executed dishes with bold, punchy flavours and the occasional modern twist – exemplified by options such as roast pigeon with a creative blackberry and black pudding sauce. If the weather is good, head for the sunny courtyard terrace; it’s also well worth staying over in one of the comfy bedrooms.

8.9km

Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.

Tranquil 3B House- Sleeps 6, Garden & Free Parking

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