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.

7.4km

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.

5.1km

Rubino Kitchen

Modern British

££

A red-brick former pub provides the new home for this restaurant, which has long been a feature of the local dining scene. A large array of menus is available and the fixed price lunch is a steal. The experienced chef knows how to get the best out of his ingredients and dishes burst with flavour from the effective combinations. They even run regular cookery classes for kids.

17.4km

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.

17.8km

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.

18.0km

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

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