17 Best Places To Eat In Maldon, Essex: A Local’s Guide 2024

Are you looking for the best places to eat in Maldon? If so, we’ve got you covered with a list of our favourite restaurants in Maldon, Essex!

Maldon is a quaint little town nestled at the end of the River Chelmer, where it meets the Blackwater Estuary. It’s been our home for the last two years, so we’ve gotten to know it well. It’s a cute town and attracts many visitors, many whom like to while away their days on the river, especially during the summer months…not so much in winter.

Since we get lots of visitors, Maldon offers fantastic food choices in plentiful supply. I guarantee these places to eat in Maldon will make even your inner foodie leap with joy! 

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So that you know, in this post, I’ll go over my favourite restaurants in Maldon. I’ll explain why I think they are some of the best places to eat in Maldon and cover topics like:

• The Best Romantic Restaurants
• The Best Pubs in Maldon’s Historic Centre
• The Best Pubs in Maldon by the River
• The Most Popular Restaurants in Maldon

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Best Places To Eat In Maldon, Essex

Maldon’s unique character makes it a charming and enjoyable place to visit (and eat!). You’ll find cuisines ranging from Italian, Mexican and Indian to more regional dishes and good ol’ British pub grub.

It comes as no surprise that this beautiful town is a must-visit location and an interesting outdoor place to visit in Essex. Aside from eating your way through Maldon’s restaurants, there is a multitude of things to do in Maldon, activities such as a historic visit to Hythe Quay where you can take a boat ride on the old Thames Barges being just one!

1. Luigis Al Fresco 

Located near the top of Market Hill, Luigis Al Fresco Dining is a wonderful restaurant and pizzeria with a traditional Italian feel. It’s split between two buildings with a courtyard in the middle, which they fill with igloos for dining in winter. 

The food is incredible but my favourite is the fresh pizza with a crunchy but chewy sourdough base. As expected, they have an extensive Italian wine list with knowledgeable waiters who are so accommodating and kind it makes for the perfect dining experience.

Best Deal: Go for the bottomless pizza Sundays to Thursdays for £16.50

2. The Maldon Smokehouse 

Definitely, somewhere which needs to be visited during the warmer months the Maldon Smokehouse is located on the riverside and hidden down an old gravel road. It’s so hidden that unless you know where it is, you won’t find it!

The Essex deli and cafe specialise in smoked food, fish, meat and cheeses. You’ll be able to pick up a locally sourced smoked seafood platter and charcuterie board while watching the birds sweep over the river and through the trees.

It’s a really beautiful location and a true gem of a place to eat in Maldon. They only have a small indoor seating area and don’t take bookings (unless over a party of 8). So, bare this in mind if you’re visiting during busier times.

3. SARK Restaurant

These guys have been around for a while but recently moved to a new building. The decor is rather plush with velvet seating and lots of greenery but the atmosphere is still inviting and friendly. It’s a beautiful setting with high ceilings and a balcony bar overlooking the beautiful restaurant below.

The menu is extensive but if you’re in the mood for delicious mouth-watering Turkish cuisine which includes unbeatable portion sizes and tender meats then a visit to SARK Restaurant is a must!

Best Deal: Go for the mixed grill, recommended for two people for £35.95

4. Cafe Brazil Tapas Bar

A family-run Brazilian restaurant at the top of Maldon high street, Cafe Brazil is a foodie adventure into all things South American. The menu is superb offering tapas, one-pot meals and loaded mains. If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to try something different I recommend the Mandioca Frita and Palmitinho tapas.

 In fact, the restaurant is a great place to grab a home-baked cake, dessert and freshly ground coffee. The staff are helpful at explaining the menu, (as there are items which you’ve probably never heard of) and are super friendly. 

Best Dish: Cafe Brazil Picanha 

👉 Related Post: Maybe you’re also interested in knowing where the best coffee shops are in Maldon. You can read my article on where to find the best coffee shops in Maldon here. It also includes the best tea rooms and remote working locations, where Cafe Brazil comes up trumps! Also, read all about the best places to visit in Brazil!

5. The Chutney House

The Chutney House is a fairly new place to eat in Maldon and has got to be up there as one of the finest dining establishments in Essex. It’s completely designed to exude luxury and 18th-century grandeur, which it does. The decor is spectacular and the menu is diverse offering dishes from all over India. 

Luckily, the opulence of the Chutney House doesn’t distract from the tastiness of the food produced. Every dish we had was scrumptious and well-balanced, a taste of India at its finest. 

👉 Related Post: Have you ever wanted to visit India? I spent 5 weeks travelling around the country. You can read about my India trip here or read about the incredible things to do in South India here.

6. Mrs Sailsbury’s Famous Tea Rooms

Mrs Sailsbury’s Famous Tea Rooms is undeniably one of the go-to spots in Essex. They have created not only a wonderful place to eat in Maldon but a brand which has grown in popularity over the years. Established inside a bright pink building which brightens the high street they serve scrumptious afternoon teas, lunches and breakfasts. 

It’s a quirky place to spend the afternoon trying blends of teas and scoffing your face with fresh cream cakes. They also have outdoor seating down a cobbled street which is perfect for a summer catch-up! It’s worth mentioning they do get busy so bookings are advised.

7. Il Camino

Another Italian, this time located down the high street, Il Camino is a quaint family-run restaurant. It’s housed in a Grade I Listed timber framed building. The owner, Maurizio, has taken a lot of care to create a classic Italian restaurant with homemade cooking in a cosy setting. 

The chef is Italian, which helps but we have yet to have a bad meal or experience. The staff are always friendly and will provide recommendations should you ask. It’s also an attractive place to eat in Maldon with regard to the timber beams which shroud the dining room.

8. El Guaca Mexican Grill

A fun Mexican-themed restaurant serving homemade meals including some well-known and much-loved dishes but also a selection of unique varieties you won’t find anywhere else! 

I have always had a really good experience when I visit El Guaca Mexican Grill, even if the restaurant is packed the service is on point with recommendations and dish explanations.

The decor is quite funky with lots of colours, this place is actually a good choice if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Maldon as a family or with young kids. They even provide sombreros to complete the Mexican feel. With a dynamic and energetic environment, you’ll certainly have a memorable time there!

Best Meal: Chipotle Chicken Enchilada.

9. House Of Delight

Hands down the best Chinese restaurant in Maldon. Come the weekend and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get a table (even though it’s pretty big), as it’s always busy, so make sure you make a reservation. If you’re after authentic Chinese dishes which are served piping hot and packed full of flavour head over to the House of Delight.

It’s a favourite of ours, and in truth, we haven’t been in a while – my mouth is now watering with the anticipation of return – that I really need to make a visit, soon! The service has always been fantastic, speedy and efficient, and as I said, the food is great.

10. Salt Bar Pizza Grill

The newest addition to Maldon’s restaurant scene, Salt Bar Pizza Grill is an elegant stop for all things Italian. They certainly haven’t held back on creating a warm, sophisticated setting with a luxurious atmosphere. Luckily, with reasonable prices and friendly staff, it doesn’t feel pretentious. 

We actually went in there for a family luncheon, newborn baby in tow, and they were more than accommodating. Which was lovely since I was a little worried they might get annoyed with us.

All in all, we had a lovely family meal filled with good food and good wine in a beautiful restaurant.  

Best Meal: Go for the Goats Cheese Salad with caramelised walnuts, grilled pear and rocket. It was sensational.

The Best Pubs In Maldon

Sometimes, it’s pub grub which tickles our fancies and the great news is that Maldon is packed with superb pubs to grab a bite. They’re spread out along the high street and dotted along the river which means Maldon is not only a great place to eat but excellent for a pub crawl!

11. The Blue Boar

One of our favourite pubs in Maldon is the Blue Boar which doubles as a hotel. It’s an old-world kind of place with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. 

In fact, the whole building is an architectural delight with exposed timber beams, old yellow bricks and timber-framed windows, the cobbled courtyard has a wonky wobbly charm with fairy lights to boot.

There’s an onsite brewery and an attractive garden which is the ideal place to grab a locally brewed ale or cider. The hotel is also a great place to stay in Maldon with its own car park. 

12. The White Horse Inn

A cosy comfortable pub right in the middle of the high street and in the historic centre. The White Horse Inn also doubles as a small hotel, the inn catering to five rooms but what’s really nice about this place is that the inside has been refurbished with a fresh lick of paint and large comfy armchairs.

The staff have always been welcoming, there is an outside seating area which is great in summer and the food is pretty good! This is a nice and popular pub to eat at in Maldon.

13. The Rose & Crown

This list of places to eat in Maldon wouldn’t be complete without a JD Wetherspoon. Known throughout the country and sometimes attracting a questionable crowd, the Rose & Crown is actually a very nice, large pub with affordable grub.

The menu is diverse and has a huge vegetarian selection including our favourite meat substitute, Quorn! And although we aren’t completely vegetarian, we do like to order vegetarian dishes so we were pleasantly surprised when we saw the menu there!

Pubs In Maldon By The River

Well, since Maldon is a riverside location it only makes sense that visiting a pub by the river is a thing to do in Maldon. There’s a handful of riverside pubs in Maldon and surrounding villages, all of which are perfect for enjoying al fresco dining and cosy pub lunches.

14. The Sunny Sailor

A wonderful riverside pub at the bottom of Market Hill, the Sunny Sailor is a summer destination if ever there was one. It’s got a huge outdoor seating area with views over the river and offers an honest traditional pub menu including jackets, sharing platters, main meals and salads. 

The best thing, they often hold events with live music which make for fun and entertaining evenings by the river.

15. The Queen’s Head

The Queen’s Head is another old pub which we really like to eat at in Maldon. It’s got a nice vibe and the staff are super friendly, not to mention the view over the river is lovely. The pub has a waterfront terrace but also a newly renovated restaurant inside and a cosy bar area.

Try the fish and chips from there as they are really good! I wouldn’t stray too far away from the traditional pub meals as they aren’t up to par but with the location and classic grub, this pub is a winner!

16. Fish On The Quay

If you love seafood then Fish on the Quay is the pub for you! It’s the perfect little spot for an afternoon pint and meal with outdoor seating (and indoors) directly opposite the waterfront along the Quay. You’ll be able to get first-row views of the famous Thames Barges Maldon is famous for. 

Other than being a great place to eat in Maldon, the pub is also a Grade II listed building with a few rooms and its own Fishshack, supplying a wide selection of seafood, smoked fish & sauces. It’s open 7 days a week.

17. The Jolly Sailor

Just on the outskirts of Maldon in the nearby village of Heybridge Basin, you’ll find the Jolly Sailor. It’s actually a brilliant pub with fresh decor, tasty meals and an outside garden area, they even have a covered barn which is open all year round.

If you’re visiting Maldon or in the area then a stop at Heybridge Basin is a must, the charming town has views overlooking the Blackwater Estuary and is a perfect place for leisurely strolls along the river or canal where you’ll see many canal boats lining the lock.

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What Are The Most Popular Restaurants in Maldon?

In my expert opinion, stemming from a much-loved addiction to food and the fact I’ve overindulged at many of Maldon’s restaurants, I feel that the most popular restaurants in Maldon (and the top three) are Lugis Al Fresco, Cafe Brazil and Mrs Sailsburys Famous Tea Rooms. 

The good news is that these three restaurants offer something different in terms of dining and setting so you could easily visit all three during your visit to Maldon. Which, since there are numerous things to do in the town you should consider visiting for a long weekend or at least for the night.

What Are The Best Restaurants In Maldon Which Provide Takeaway?

These days, most restaurants will offer takeaway in some form or another. Generally, due to delivery apps such as Just Eat it’s possible to get almost anything delivered even if the restaurant itself isn’t a takeaway.

That being said, most of Maldons local restaurants do offer takeaway without the need for a delivery app. Certainly, the majority of those mentioned above including Lugis, SARK, El Guaca and House Of Delight all offer takeaways. The easiest way to arrange this is to phone the restaurant and place an order or order online (if they have the option). 

Best Romantic Restaurants In Maldon

The most romantic restaurants in Maldon have to be those which ooze romance. They need a seductive ambience and be dimly lit. A good wine selection is crucial and of course, a delectable menu is required, preferably serving Maldon Oysters. 

With this in mind, I will always recommend Luigis Al Fresco as my top romantic restaurant in Maldon. This is closely followed by the Chutney House and lastly the new addition to Maldon’s high street, Salt Bar Pizza Grill. 

Why Should You Visit Maldon

Maldon is the perfect riverside town to visit in Essex (find out why you should visit Essex!) if you’re in search of a unique coastal experience where ancient history and modern times mix with splendid fashion.

Although Maldon is small, the historic centre is a busy place overflowing with independent places to eat, boutique shops and culture that would excite even the most awarded heritage enthusiasts. 

Maldon is also the home of the famous Maldon Salt, and although a tour of the factory is not possible, you will notice many seasonal recipes including a generous smothering of the stuff. Aside from word-famous salt, Maldon is teeming with wildlife and nature walks, scenic vistas and countless activities including a handful of museums. 

👉 Related Post: Since Essex is our home, we’ve written quite a few posts on the area. Somewhere you might also be interested in visiting is Chelmsford, with lots of things to do, great coffee shops and great places to stay, Chelmsford is also a nice place to add to your Essex Itinerary.

Conclusion: Best Places To Eat In Maldon

As you can probably tell, I do enjoy eating out and while exploring these local restaurants has been a lot of delicious fun it’s all been done in the name of research, lucky me! 

Some of these places to eat in Maldon are old favourites of mine while others we visited for the purpose of this post, any excuse to indulge, right? Therefore, I am more than confident to recommend these places to eat in Maldon to you. 

If you think I’ve missed a place that deserves to be on this list, I’d love to hear from you!

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