RESTAURANTS are back open both inside and outside to the delight of foodies across north Essex.

With lockdown restrictions easing as the weather is due to warm up, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants with a view in the Colchester area.

The restaurants have been ranked on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel platform.

Five restaurants with a view outside the town centre:

  • Le Talbooth, in Dedham, has 636 excellent traveller ratings. The eatery is part of the award-winning Milsom restaurants and hotels based in Essex and Suffolk.
  • Cafe Restaurant, in Dedham, has a total of 235 excellent ratings from customers. The farm is in the heart of Constable Country and is based on a working farm with an animal trail you can take following your visit.
  • One customer review said: "It was beautiful on arrival the staff were lovely a friendly, it was bright and refreshing when walking in. I felt totally relaxed from the second we walked in very welcoming atmosphere you wouldn’t of thought a pandemic had happen or that we were still in one other than the masks which I really felt for the staff the scenery was stunning too the eggs Benedict was delicious with fantastic service too."
  • The Boathouse Restaurant, in Dedham, had 501 excellent review ratings. The venue is by a scenic river and just outside out the centre of Dedham. Rowing boats are available to hire at the venue following a delicious lunch or dinner.
  • The Coast Inn, in Mersea Island, has 402 excellent reviews by travellers on TripAdvisor. Situated Essex's very own sunset island, the restaurant provides delightful sunny lunches as well as top notch fish and chips.
  • One review said: "Lovely restaurant on the seafront. Both inside and outside seating. Reasonable prices. A lot of seafood but other choices too. I had the lasagne which was huge and came with chips and salad. Beautiful spot for just a drink too."
  • Brasserie at The Wivenhoe House, in Wivenhoe, was rated excellent by 271 people on TripAdvisor. Located just outside of a nature park, the restaurant has countryside views galore and is a popular wedding venue.
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