Restaurants for Valentine’s Day 2026 | Essex
In search of restaurants for Valentine’s Day 2026 in Essex? Well, look no further! Here at Burnham Waters, the team has been busy compiling a detailed list of some of our favourite, local restaurants and in and around Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, perfect for a special meal, with a loved one.
At Burnham Waters, the new luxury retirement village in Burnham-on-Crouch, we believe that everyone deserves a bit of romance, so why not celebrate Valentine’s Day with a meal out in one of the areas many restaurants?
Whether you are looking for somewhere grand that offers formal dining, a local pub that delivers good traditional food or a quirky café that offers something a little bit different, we have pulled together a list of what we believe to be, some of the best restaurants in Essex.
Here’s our top five restaurants in Burnham-on-Crouch for Valentine’s Day:
1. The Oyster Smack Inn
We have always been impressed by this local gem.
The Oyster Smack Inn is an independent restaurant (and hotel), renowned for serving locally sourced, home cooked, seasonal food accompanied by a warm, friendly service.
On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February 2026, they are offering a three-course set menu for £40 per head. Enjoy snacks and pre-starters to include mixed olives and a breadbasket, as well as their famous Maldon oysters, before tucking into three courses. Starters include a delicious fish sharing board, while mains offer an enticing chateaubriand steak for two and desserts include a mini sharing board, so you can sample all your favourites!
Find out more about the Valentine’s Menu from The Oyster Smack Inn website.
2. Ye Olde White Harte
First opened in the 1650, Ye Olde White Harte is a popular hotel and eatery steeped in history. Its bar area is divided into three distinct areas:
The main bar area: this looks out over the quay and is full of character with exposed beams and a big open fireplace.
The snug: located at the rear of the building, this is typically where the regulars like to gather! It has a real flame gas fire and a cozy atmosphere.
A separate room off the main bar has a gas fire and is perfect for families to enjoy.
Food is available throughout the whole building including in The Chartroom, which has tables decorated with old charts mainly of the Essex coast. This area boasts a large hearth with gas fire, exposed beams and brass ornaments.
As well as a daily specials board, it offers a traditional menu, with options such as pie of the day, pork chops and smoked haddock – perfect for a casual Valentine’s Day meal for two, or a relaxed catch up with friends.
3. The Swallowtail Restaurant
Situated within the picturesque Burnham Yacht Harbour, this restaurant offers the ideal spot whether you are looking for a romantic Valentine's Day meal for two, or you are planning to stroll down from your new retirement community for a leisurely meal with friends. Its large balcony can’t fail to impress, offering stunning views over the Marina and the River Crouch.
The Swallowtail Restaurant always offers a warm welcome and is popular with local residents as well as travelling sailors alike.
The restaurant is now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day – so head over to their website to book!
4. Parlour Café
Located close to our new retirement community at Burnham Waters, the Parlour Café is more suited to a relaxed lunch with friends but…if you are planning a Valentine’s day meal with a twist, there are some very tempting breakfast options, as well as a tasty lunch menu and some incredible smoothies and milkshakes.
Perhaps your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day is a brisk dog walk in the cold winter sunshine, followed by a warm coffee and a hearty breakfast. If that’s the case, this is for you! PLUS, they even have a dog-friendly menu for your four-legged friend!
Find out more on the Parlour Café website.
Want some ideas for local dog walks, take a look at our previous blog post on the five best dog walks in Burnham-on-Crouch here.
5. The Ship Inn
A local pub in the heart of Burnham-on-Crouch, The Ship Inn team is passionate about sourcing the finest, freshest and most sustainable ingredients. The pub and dining room has a reputation for seasonally inspired menus where everything is homemade, and its unique approach makes it a special place to visit.
They offer a varied menu with everything from sharing platers and traditional fish and chips to burgers and steaks, making it the ideal spot if you are looking for a more relaxed setting.
If you are planning to push the boat out for a romantic Valentine's meal in Burnham-on-Crouch, there is a very enticing chateaubriand for two on the menu, priced at £74.50. Or how about their Prosecco lunch? Take a look at The Ship Inn website for more.
Best restaurants in Essex for Valentine's Day
If you are looking to travel a little further afield than Burnham-on-Crouch this Valentine’s Day 2026 (but not too far!), there are many other, great restaurants across the county. In fact, in a recent article in the Burnham and Maldon Standard, they provided a great round-up of the ‘8 most romantic restaurants in Essex’ – perfect for Valentines Day!
The 8 most romantic restaurants in Essex are:
1. The Lian Restaurant in Witham - offering a range of Asian food, including dishes like dim sum, soups and seafood.
2. Lambard's Salt House in Harwich - offering locally caught fish and salted meat cooked over flame (vegetarian options also available).
3. Taz Restaurant Rettendon in Chelmsford - offers an al a carte lunch and dinner menu.
4. Maharani Indian Restaurant in Colchester – a celebration of Indian cuisine with traditional favourites plus some lost gems!
5. Elena's Bistro in Braintree - offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, with dishes ranging from burgers to seafood.
6. The Bell Inn Bistro in Thorpe-Le-Soken - an award-winning Inn, open for lunches, snacks and evening meals.
7. The Bicycle in Tendring - open for lunch and dinner, offering a range of dishes with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
8. Le Bouchon in Heybridge – offering extensive menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea.
Find out more about Burnham Waters in Essex
If you are looking for a retirement village that offers you not only a new home, but a new community and access to a new lifestyle, right on your doorstep, then Burnham Waters could be for you! Our spacious new build retirement bungalows are nestled in the Essex countryside and offer a wide range of amenities and social opportunities to enjoy.
Our sales suite is open daily, 10am and 3pm and there are show homes available to view. For more information, simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or contact our sales team on 01621 861559.
