Of course there’s plenty of great restaurants to choose from this Valentine’s Day but here’s a few we quite like.

1. Le Talbooth, Gun Hill, Dedham. 01206 323150.

The original and probably still the best of Milsom’s group of fine dining establishments. With it’s classy mix of exquisitely created dishes and the location by the banks of the River Stour, Le Talbooth has been impressing other halves for many years.

2. Siege House Bar and Brasserie, East Street, Colchester. 01206 973371.

If it’s history you like then you couldn’t do much better than the place where the Roundheads took cover from the Royalist bullets, the marks of which you can still see today.

When it comes to aiming for great food, you’re in good hands with a special three-course menu that includes classic steak and chips as well as fish dishes such as sea bream with crab risotto.

READ MORE: Eight ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Essex

3. Church Street Tavern, Church Street, Colchester. 01206 564325.

Possibly the friendliest waiting staff around who juggle just the right amount of attention and space to enjoy the superb food.

Gazette:

Their steak is pretty hard to fault and when it comes to tasty interesting veggie combinations, the Tavern is hard to beat.

4. Miseria & Nobilta, Queen Street, Colchester. 01206 760757.

Those Italians know a thing about love, and food for that matter, so why not check out the new ristorante kids on the block.

Named after a Sophia Loren movie, you want authentic, you’ll get it here as well as some of the tastiest, mouth-watering dishes this side of the Appian Way. The signature dish is worth the visit alone.

5. Wivenhoe House Bar and Brasserie, Wivenhoe Park. 01206 863666.

Bringing a little taste of France to the place made famous by Constable’s painting, there’s a special four-course meal on the night itself with delights such as sea bass with oysters and braised beef blade with mushrooms.