The James, Essex Restaurant

The restaurant was clean, the decor was pleasing, and the food was amazing. I had the seasonal risotto, with chicken added. The person I was with ordered the fisherman's pie and enjoyed it so much they wanted to go back the next day.

This place is the best. We live 30 mins away and drive here because we are craving any one of their amazing dishes. Service is great. The bar is huge. And they’re consistent. We love this spot.

My family comes here frequently. We love how kind and energetic the staff are, as well as the sense of community they created. The food is always delicious no matter what you get, there’s a large selection of drinks to choose from, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is both cozy and elegant. Definitely stop by if you’re in the area, this is a real gem of a place!

If you’re ever in Essex and looking for a memorable brunch experience, The James should definitely be on your list. My recent Sunday birthday brunch there was nothing short of spectacular, and I have to share the highlights! We started with the brunch burger (though I can’t recall the exact name), and it was a true showstopper. The burger came perfectly cooked, with a rich, flavorful patty that paired beautifully with a freshly fried egg on top. The runny yolk was a delightful addition, creating a creamy texture that complemented the savory elements of the dish. The cheese was melted perfectly, adding a mild richness that rounded out the flavors. Served on a soft bun, this burger quickly became a favorite, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures. To follow up the savory goodness, we were treated to a cheesecake as a birthday treat, and let me tell you—it was beyond amazing. The cheesecake was rich, creamy, and had just the right amount of sweetness. The texture was smooth, not too dense, and the crust had the perfect amount of crunch. Every bite was indulgent, and it was a wonderful end to the meal. The drinks were top-notch as well. I had a mimosa to start, and it was perfectly bubbly with the right balance of champagne and juice. The refreshing flavors made it the ideal brunch companion, and the overall drink selection had something for everyone. I also noticed that the staff offered a variety of signature cocktails, which seemed to be very popular with other guests. Speaking of the staff, the service was exceptional. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed without being overbearing. It was clear they wanted to ensure a great experience for everyone, and it truly made the meal feel even more special. Overall, The James in Essex is a fantastic spot for a relaxed yet refined brunch. The food, drinks, and service all exceeded expectations, and I highly recommend it for a Sunday outing—whether it’s for a special occasion or just a well-deserved treat. I’ll definitely be back!

First off, let me qualify my rating. I would give 5 stars for "outstandingly excellent" or Michelin award level, only. I think 4 stars = very good, and I think a lot of folks give 5 stars for very good. A real upgrade to The Village, but in need of just a few final polishings. Food was good, but not as excellent as the prices would have you expect. Clam chowder was an "A", and a meal by itself, served in a large bowl. My Irish whiskey cocktail was seemingly made with Ginger "ale" versus Ginger beer. (I give an "A" to the ample selection of Irish whiskeys on the menu, as most restaurants carry only the mediocre Jameson). My wife's salad with chicken was good, but she mentioned she was not pleasantly surprised the chicken was fried instead of broiled. My seafood pie was tasty and full of fresh seafood, but the white sauce was heavy and overfilling (although I shouldn't "complain" as it was comped due to first being served shepherd's pie by mistake). All things considered, I think we will be back to try other dishes. I will give it a solid B+

We had a fabulous evening dinner at The James! We sat on the patio on a warm summer evening, and it was lovely. Staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful; service is attentive and nicely paced, and the food is fabulous. We've been here a few times and always left full and happy! BTW, the risotto is absolutely delicious - I hope they bring back the wild mushroom risotto for winter - it's the best around! Drinks are good - menu is wide ranging for all tastes. One of our new favorite local places!

Food is excellent...not at all like so many restaurants. We had the deviled eggs, grilled cheese and tomato soup, the soda bread yummyy...and the carrot cake was absolutly delicious. Wait staff attentive and iit was very busy when we were there yet they still provided excellent. Service. Very comfy atmosphere...will visit again.

We hosted an event in the library this fall and everything was top notch! Mary made sure every detail was as we’d hoped and Inga created a beautiful charcuterie board and made a special cake that many of our guests called the best cake they’d ever had! The meals were delicious (as always) thanks to the kitchen crew and the service was excellent (thank you Sandy!) We can’t thank you all enough for helping to make our event so special!!