Food & Drink

Tendring is bursting with delicious options for every taste and budget.  From award-winning restaurants and cosy cafés to traditional pubs, country inns, and hidden countryside gems, you’ll find locally sourced dishes served with a warm welcome and a truly friendly dining experience.

Treat yourself to freshly cooked fish and chips in award-winning seafront gardens, or pick up a tasty takeaway for a relaxing stroll along the promenade.  Pack a beachside picnic and soak up the breath-taking Essex coastline views.  When it’s time for a sweet treat, unwind in one of Tendring’s many welcoming coffee shops or indulge in homemade cakes at a local café.

Explore global tastes with a tempting variety of cuisines.  From Spanish tapas and Italian trattorias to Turkish grills, Greek delights, and authentic Indian dishes, Tendring brings the world to your plate.

Many restaurants and cafés offer child-friendly menus and relaxed settings perfect for making memories during your Tendring day out.

Clacton-on-Sea, Where Coastal Dining Meets Classic Flavours!  From traditional fish and chips on the pier to stylish seafront restaurants, Clacton offers something for everyone.  Enjoy fresh seafood from the kiosk, family-friendly cafés, and classic British pubs many with stunning Essex coast views.

Frinton-on-Sea, Elegant Eats by the Sea!  Discover Frinton-on-Sea cafés and restaurants for a relaxed dining experience.  Known for its charming high street, Frinton is perfect for coffee lovers, artisan bakeries, and cosy lunch spots.  Enjoy a peaceful seaside atmosphere while sampling local flavours.

Walton-on-the-Naze, Traditional Treats & Seaside Snacks!  This coastal gem is packed with traditional takeaways, family-run cafés, and welcoming pubs.  Perfect for a quick bite after exploring the famous Naze Tower or a leisurely meal with sea views.

Harwich, Historic Harbour Dining!  Enjoy fresh catches at harbour-side restaurants, traditional Essex pubs, and modern bistros. Whether you’re after a hearty lunch or fine dining with a maritime backdrop, Harwich delivers authentic coastal flavours.

Manningtree & Mistley, Riverside Dining & Local Charm!  Experience Manningtree restaurants and Mistley cafés along the scenic River Stour.  From stylish eateries to traditional pubs, this area is perfect for foodies seeking locally sourced dishes and picturesque views.

Brightlingsea Waterside Eats!  Enjoy freshly prepared dishes overlooking the marina, or relax in cosy cafés and pubs serving classic British favourites.

Jaywick Sands, Beachside Bliss!  Enjoy relaxed coastal dining with classic dishes by the beachor treat yourself to coffee and homemade cakes at a local café. With its sandy shores, Jaywick serves up coastal flavours with stunning Essex coast views.

For something a little different…
The Mistley Kitchen Cooking Workshop uniquely located in a Georgian Townhouse in the port village of Mistley.  Workshops have developed into a destination for keen cooks of all abilities.  The Mistley Kitchen also host local and nationally known guest chefs, food writers and wine experts.

Thorrington Mill Vineyard is a 12 acre vineyard planted at sea level.  Varieties planted include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Bacchus.  Tours & tastings take place from May to October where you can sample and purchase award-winning wines.

East Coast Distillery is a small batch gin distillery located just off of the estuary in Landermere, Thorpe-le-Soken.  Inspired by the sea – Made by the sea the signature gin – Tide’s Fortune – was inspired by Sea Buckthorn which grows wild on the sandy beaches nearby.  Tours & gin making classes are on offer.  

Links:
Food and Drink Essex
Food Standards Tendring

Please note: inclusion in this section should not be taken as a recommendation by the publishers of this site.