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  5. Colchester

Best Contemporary British Restaurants in Colchester

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22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Midsummer House Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(606)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Cambridge
Booked 4 times today
Fantastic food, fantastic value, fantastic service - simply wonderful
A photo of The Orange Tree - Sawbridgeworth restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2240)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Sawbridgeworth
Booked 25 times today
Quality food . Great service. Lovely lunchtime meal
A photo of The Folio Bar & Kitchen restaurant
4.5
Awesome(279)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Cambridge
Booked 3 times today
Really nice atmosphere and impeccable service. All the items served for afternoon tea were beautifully prepared.
A photo of Caesar@Dolphin restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(346)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Braintree
Great food & service. Good value. Lovely waitress. Will return!
A photo of The Punch Bowl restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(166)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Southend-On-Sea
Booked 8 times today
We had such a fantastic experience celebrating my wife’s 30th birthday! The staff really went the extra mile, even putting up a happy birthday banner, which was such a lovely personal touch. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly. I also had a great chat with the head chef, who remembered me from our previous visit, which was really nice. The fireworks were fantastic, and when we got back, our dessert was ready and waiting for us. Everything was just spot on from start to finish. The food itself was absolutely outstanding – easily a 10/10. Overall, probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. A huge thank you to the whole team for making the evening so special. We’ll definitely be back!
A photo of The Orator restaurant
4.4
Awesome(642)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Cambridge
Booked 11 times today
We had a light lunch, which was lovely. Sandwich, side and a soft drink which was great value for money! Staff were nice and friendly too. Will definitely be making a return trip.
A photo of Lot Bar & Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1661)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Brentwood
Booked 28 times today
Always reliable - great food and service . Very friendly staff
A photo of The Crown Hotel restaurant
4.5
Awesome(31)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Long Melford
Booked 2 times today
Despite being last minute booking, everything about our visit was excellent. Thank you.
A photo of The Hole In The Wall restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(491)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Cambridge
Booked 4 times today
Brilliant overnight stay on the way back from a show in Newmarket. Service, ambience all spot on, the food was superb - and the fireworks were a bonus!
A photo of The Grantchester Green Man restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(364)
$$$$
• Contemporary British • Cambridge
Booked 10 times today
Brilliant pub - been there on and off for 50 years. Staff are extremely attentive, food is excellent and just an all round lovely environment. Dogs are made very welcome too. What’s not to love about The Green Man. Please don’t change anything!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rhys
    Essex •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had such a fantastic experience celebrating my wife’s 30th birthday! The staff really went the extra mile, even putting up a happy birthday banner, which was such a lovely personal touch. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly. I also had a great chat with the head chef, who remembered me from our previous visit, which was really nice. The fireworks were fantastic, and when we got back, our dessert was ready and waiting for us. Everything was just spot on from start to finish. The food itself was absolutely outstanding – easily a 10/10. Overall, probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. A huge thank you to the whole team for making the evening so special. We’ll definitely be back!
    More info
    The Punch Bowl££££• British• Southend-On-Sea
    •
    4.8
  • Eileen
    Yorkshire •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Consistently very good food and service. Great ‘specials’ menu to add to already extensive choice. As a group we love tables 6&7. Will return !
    More info
    The Orange Tree - Sawbridgeworth££££• British• Sawbridgeworth
    •
    4.8
  • Karen
    Cambridge/Cambridgeshire •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had a light lunch, which was lovely. Sandwich, side and a soft drink which was great value for money! Staff were nice and friendly too. Will definitely be making a return trip.
    More info
    The Orator££££• Contemporary British• Cambridge
    •
    4.4
  • Anthony
    London •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Despite being last minute booking, everything about our visit was excellent. Thank you.
    More info
    The Crown Hotel££££• Gastro Pub• Long Melford
    •
    4.5
  • Hilary
    Essex •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 26, 2026
    Great food & service. Good value. Lovely waitress. Will return!
    More info
    Caesar@Dolphin££££• European• Braintree
    •
    4.6
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