Maldon is home to several fantastic restaurants, cafes, and pubs, enjoyed by both those who live here and the thousands of visitors the town welcomes each year.

There is a wide range of cuisines on offer in the area, from Brazil to France, as well as a selection of cafes and classic fast food outlets.

Been fancying trying something new? Here are the top ten highest-rated restaurants according to public reviews on Tripadvisor.

10.Sark Restaurant

Sark Restaurant, Maldon High Street. (Photo: Tripadvisor)

Fancy lux furnishings, unique cocktails and large, tasty portions? Sark brings the best Turkish cuisine to the centre of Maldon High Street. Guests rave about the delicious bread and dips, as well as the huge salads served up alongside meals. It is a perfect location for a special occasion, as you are sure to receive service with style. Continue your evening at their upstairs cocktail bar, or take some pictures with their iconic flower wall.

Don't believe me? Find out what other people think on Tripadvisor, here.

9. Luigi's Al Fresco

(Photo: Luigi's Al Fresco)

Luigi's, a local favourite, is much-loved for its traditional pizzas and delicious fresh pasta dishes. Located on Market Hill, just off Maldon High Street, the stunning restaurant is Maldon's very own slice of Italy. The restaurant won a Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award in 2023, meaning it ranks within the top 10% of properties on the site. It has also been seen on Channel 4's Four in a Bed, in which owners Enzo and Giovanni wowed guests at the adjacent 'The Limes' guest house. Now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Browse their menu on their Instagram, and find out how to book a table, here.

8. Tollesbury Café

(Photo: Tollesbury Cafe, Tripadvisor)

You can't go wrong with a traditional café! Tollesbury Café has nearly 90% five reviews on Tripadvisor, with reviewers praising the banging breakfasts and massive scone variety. Offering all the British favourites you would expect from a café, including loaded sandwiches, homemade cakes and comforting hot drinks, this little café is a hug of homeliness in Maldon. 

Don't miss out, find out more on their Facebook page, here.

7. The Maldon Smokehouse

Fancy lunch with a river view? (Photo: Maldon Smokehouse, Tripadvisor)

As the weather heats up, many will be prioritising outside seating and great views when looking for a place to dine. The Maldon Smokehouse offers that and more, serving up delicious on-site smoked seafood, in a quaint wooden building alongside the River Chelmer. Established in 2015, the lunch restaurant is one of Maldon's best kept secrets. With a bring-your-own-booze policy, you can enjoy fresh seafood with the affordability of saving on drinks. Why not spend an afternoon seal spotting in the sun?

Find out how to book on their website, here.

 6. El Guaca Mexican Grill

Just a few of the cocktails on offer. (Photo: @elguacarestaurant on Instagram)

You don't have to ask around too much for recommendations before someone points you here! This lunch and dinner location right on the High Street is perfect for a party, with a huge cocktail menu (featuring impressively sized fishbowls), as well as rave-worthy loaded nachos and guac to die for. The menu is large and varied, and incredibly reasonable for the large portions. Staff are great, and the multicoloured-themed décor promises a meal accompanied with great vibes.

Find out more about what is on offer, here. 

5. Le Bouchon Brasserie and Hotel

(Photo: Le Bouchon Brasserie Wesbite)

Fancy the finer things in life? Le Bouchon in Heybridge offers special occasion dining, serving up iconic French and European dishes bound to leave you wanting more. Food is described as "incredible" by reviewers, who complimented the large portions and value for money. Staff are praised as professional, friendly and helpful, with no request "too much". Sitting alongside the restaurant is the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation, meaning guests can enjoy a relaxing walk on the riverbank before their meal. Guests are welcomed by a red carpet on entry, reflecting the luxurious experience they expect throughout. 

Find out how to book on the Le Bouchon website. 

4. The Loft

The Loft Diner at Tollesbury Marina. (Photo: The Loft, Tripadvsior)

Fancy something a little different? The Loft is a stunningly quaint diner on the edge of the water at Tollesbury Marina. Enjoy freshly ground coffee or a variety of loose-leaf tea, and tuck into a range of homemade pastries and cakes. Offering a unique and flexible menu, the diner is more than just a place for a bite to eat, boasting a quirky-cute interior and often holding workshops, events and arts & crafts. Described as "relaxing" and "homely", The Loft is a must-visit for café fans. 

Read what others have to say here. 

3. The Vintage Rose Tea Room

(Photo: Meli B on Tripadvisor, 2021)

Another café tops the list of Maldon restaurants! The Vintage Rose Tea Room, located just off Maldon High Street on Quest Place, is an exceptionally-rated hidden gem. The homely tearoom offers popular themed afternoon teas, light lunches, a variety of tea and traditional refreshments. With a quirky vintage interior and stunning bakes, it is the perfect location for a mid-day refreshment whilst shopping on the High Street. The cakes are described as "exceptional", and are bound to have you spoilt for choice.

Check them out yourself, here.

Third place was amended after the sad news of Café Brazil's permanent closure on July 6, 2024.

2. Queen Victoria

(Photo: Queen Victoria, Tripadvisor)

Snatching the second spot on Tripadvisor's top-rated Maldon restaurants is the Queen Victoria on Spital Road. This may look like a simple pub from the outside, but it is one of Maldon's oldest public houses, opening its doors in 1845. Serving up home-cooked, hearty meals, visitors rave about it - with the pub receiving 94% five-star reviews. Dive into a comforting steak and ale pie or a traditional three-meat roast, and if you can fit it, tuck into one of the pub's many popular dessert options. With a good sized pub garden too - what else could you want?

Find out more on the Tripadvisor page.

And last but not least… 

1. Mrs Salisbury's of Maldon

(Photo: Mrs Salisbury's)

It is hard to miss this café, which takes the number one spot on the top-rated Maldon restaurant. This pastel pink slice of British countryside offers wonderful local cuisine, serving decadent afternoon tea, sandwiches stuffed with delicious filling and a large range of cakes, scones and desserts. The café also serves hot food, including breakfasts to die for. Whether you are looking for an impressive afternoon tea celebration, or just a light cream tea, Mrs Salisbury's is the perfect place to be. The café seats many, with three gorgeously decorated floors and a large garden area. Head to Bright Street just off Maldon High Street, you won't be disappointed!

Have a browse of the menu, or inquire about private hire, on their website, here.