There’s plenty to recommend about the Essex area of Colchester; with its historical attractions, cultural venues and friendly people, it offers a satisfying mix for both residents and visitors. The restaurants in Colchester, too, are top-notch; here are some of our personal favourites.
Balkerne Restaurant
Based in the local further and higher education provider known as Colchester Institute, this particular eatery has a good supply of modern cuisine which combines British ingredients with European and Asian flavours to tasty effect.
Red Dog Restaurant
If getting your teeth into sizzling filet, sirloin or rib eye is your idea of a great restaurant experience, a visit to Red Dog Restaurant on Kelvedon Road is definitely in order. You can also complement the food on your plate by choosing from a generous selection of classy wines.
The Den at Twenty Three
Vegan diners can often struggle to find restaurants offering food that ticks both of the crucial boxes: tasty and vegan! However, they should be in their element at The Den at Twenty Three, which is a 100% vegan eatery. In fact, even many non-vegans could find much to enjoy here.
Zaal
A winner of travel reviews website TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, this restaurant on Botophs Street could be just what you want if it’s Indian dishes that most commonly satiate your taste buds. Curries, rice, naan bread and poppadoms are all on offer from the very helpful staff.
Bella Pais
Another Certificate of Excellence winner, this is the one to turn to if you especially like Greek cuisine. There’s a good range of dishes on the menu, and you can enjoy them while admiring the beautifully old-fashioned décor. We would especially recommend the steak, but the pitta bread, onion rings and lemon meringue pie are also worth checking out.
Boadicea Bar & Restaurant
We’ve certainly given you many examples of restaurants to try out – and, once you have sampled them, you could notice that another one has just opened in the area. That’s because, in early 2016, Boadicea Bar & Restaurant will be opening on King Edwards Quay, right next to the river.
Boadicea is currently pledging to satisfy people across a range of ages and interests; exciting evening events lined up include food shows, tastings and live music gigs. The eatery is already very active on its Facebook page, which should be worth well following ahead of the big opening.