When it comes to eating out, the quality of the food in front of you is always the most important factor - but a picturesque setting is certainly a bonus. And one award-winning Essex riverside restaurant has both in spades. Talbooth Restaurant in Dedham is set in a 15th century building beside the River Stour, with a menu it promises has a "mixture of the classic and the exciting".
The Michelin Guide says its food has "classic roots but is given subtle modern touches" - and as an added bonus, notes that most tables in the "superbly characterful" restaurant have a river view. The restaurant, which is part of the Talbooth House hotel, was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in 2019 and currently has a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 star rating from reviews on Tripadvisor.
Diners have praised its "amazing food" served in a "beautiful building" - with one happy customer calling it a "beautiful hidden gem of a restaurant". READ MORE: The Essex town Jamie Oliver says is 'kicking off' with an incredible food scene READ MORE: Stunning pub with lovely beer garden that overlooks Essex's 'prettiest village' Main course options on the a la carte menu at the time of writing included Thyme Roasted Breast of Norfolk Chicken with braised chicory, Parma ham, pomme gaufrettes and chicken jus (£35), Veal Diane with Pomme purée, parsley crumbed Roscoff onion, Cavolo Nero and Diane sauce (£39) and Pan Roast Fillet of Sea Bass, served with saffron potato, dill pickled fennel, clams, samphire and red wine butter .
