Do you love Rick Stein but struggle to find somewhere in Essex to get the same food?
Here are five beautiful places along the Essex coast you can visit to get your fix of excellent seafood.
The Company Shed, Mersea Island
Tucked away on Mersea Island, The Company Shed is a cult favourite among seafood lovers, known for ultra-fresh shellfish served with minimal fuss.
It has a simple, rustic setup: expect basic seating, chalkboard menus and a focus on what’s just come in rather than elaborate plating.
The atmosphere is informal and communal, with many diners sharing large platters of oysters, prawns and smoked fish.
One TripAdvisor review said: "Wonderful welcome and great service.
"Food was amazing.
"Thank you."
The Peterboat, Leigh-on-Sea
The Peterboat sits along the busy Leigh-on-Sea waterfront, a perennial hotspot for seafood and estuary views.
It offers a broad seafood-led menu, pairing classics such as fish and chips with more expansive platters and shellfish options.
The atmosphere is lively, especially in good weather when outdoor seating fills up, making it a strong choice for pieces highlighting Leigh as a social and dining hub.
A TripAdvisor review said: "The service and organisation is beyond excellent.
"The whole establishment is very organised.
"From the time we ordered our drinks and meals was very quick, the food was very tasty and nice and hot.
"Would highly recommend this place for food and services."
The Rosebud, Brightlingsea
The Rosebud in Brightlingsea offers a classic coastal pub-and-seafood experience, combining a strong fish and shellfish menu with views over the water.
Diners can expect dishes built around locally sourced seafood, from traditional fish-and-chips style plates to more refined specials.
The setting by the creek adds plenty of character, especially at sunset.
A recent review reads: "The very best food!
"I’ve had the Cajun salmon about 100 times here and it’s the best meal you will ever have.
"If you sit in the garden it’s such a lovely experience."
The Pier, Harwich
Harwich’s The Pier has built a reputation for showcasing the best of the local catch in a more polished, restaurant-style setting.
With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced fish and shellfish, the menu typically blends classic British seafood staples with a few modern touches.
Its location on the waterfront means diners get harbour views to match the plate, making it a natural candidate for travel or coastal food pieces.
This is a spot that works well for special occasions as well as destination dining for visitors exploring the north Essex coast.
A review said: "Enjoyed a great dinner at The Pier.
"I had the Crab Salad and my wife had the chicken.
"Both were delicious and good sized portions."
Fish on the Quay, Maldon
Fish on the Quay in Maldon is a dedicated fish and seafood restaurant situated by the town’s historic quayside.
Open daily, it leans into fresh fish prepared in a range of styles, from traditional battered options to grilled and pan-seared dishes with seasonal garnishes.
The riverside setting gives it a distinct sense of place, with diners able to watch activity along the quay as they eat.
A recent review said: "We started of with drinks at the bar then sat down to scallops to start and moules-frites for mains.
"So good, so tasty!
"The service was great, the young lady there was attentive and friendly and seemed to know instinctively when to appear for drinks and extras."
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