Seafood at dawn

Indulge in the freshest seafood at Seafood at Dawn in West Mersea. Enjoy our signature seafood platters, succulent grilled oysters, and delectable fish pie, all paired with fine wines. Discover the ultimate dining experience with tapas, loaded fries, prawns, mussels, and more. Visit us at Coast Rd, Colchester, and savor the taste of the ocean!

4.7 - EWN Awards
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Welcome to Seafood at dawn

Seafood at Dawn is the go-to seafood restaurant on Coast Road, West Mersea. With a casual and trendy atmosphere, it attracts locals and tourists alike. The menu showcases an impressive array of fresh seafood options, including local oysters and generous mains. Expect to pay between £20 to £30, which is a steal for the quality offered. Plus, the outdoor seating provides a charming seaside vibe. It's a culinary experience that's both satisfying and delightful.

Experience the fresh flavors of the sea at Seafood at Dawn, nestled on the picturesque Coast Rd in West Mersea. Our cozy and trendy restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring mouthwatering seafood platters, grilled oysters, and delectable tapas. Whether you're enjoying lunch or dinner, savor our great beer selection, fine wines, and delicious desserts in a welcoming atmosphere. We accommodate solo diners, families, and groups, providing outdoor seating and takeaway options for your convenience. With accessible facilities and a dedicated kids' menu, everyone can enjoy a delightful dining experience. Come indulge in the ultimate seafood feast today!

Services, Amenities and More

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Healthy options
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Photo Gallery

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Reviews Overview

Most Liked

The highlights include a fantastic selection of seafood dishes, particularly the famous Mersea Oysters that locals rave about. The generous portions and exceptional quality of seafood platters impress diners time and again, offering great value at just £18 for a feast. The casual yet cozy atmosphere is perfect for relaxing after a long day, and many appreciate the welcoming and friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The outdoor seating area makes meals even more enjoyable during warm weather. Overall, it's the combination of quality seafood, ambiance, and service that keeps patrons coming back.

Most Disliked

Although Seafood at Dawn has many fans, the popularity can lead to busy dining conditions, especially during peak hours, such as Sunday afternoons at 2 PM. This may result in a longer wait for a table if reservations are not made in advance. Some guests have pointed out that the dinner menu, while solid, isn’t as extensive as the lunch offerings. Additionally, the restaurant can get crowded, which may affect the overall vibe for diners seeking a quieter, more intimate meal. However, many agree that the quality of food often overshadows these minor inconveniences.

User Reviews

BD
Barbara D.
1 months ago

A must-eat seafood restaurant, and I take no prisoners for this statement. Fresh, just caught seafood, famous local oysters, and surprisingly tasty local wines make it an absolute pearl of Essex for eating out (pun intended, he he). Do book ahead as the place is very popular. It's also very pretty, with unobtrusive seaside decor. And staff is absolutely lovely!!

AM
Alan M.
2 months ago

We arrived without a reservation, however the staff made us very welcome. The portions are generous, cost was also very reasonable. If you like scallops, this place is scallop heaven. Special mention to Georgia who hosted us, but all the staff were really great and attentive. This restaurant comes highly recommended. Ensure you have a reservation, it will be busy.

Ja
Jack
3 weeks ago

Fantastic restaurant! Friendly service from the waiter and waitress that served us, very warm and accommodating without being intrusive. The food was exceptional and incredibly affordable! We were shocked at the generously sized "perfect platter", which was more than enough to feed my wife and I for only £18! All of the seafood was fresh and deliciously prepared. We'll certainly be returning!

LP
Lee P.
5 months ago

Absolutely delicious food. Friendly staff, and a nice environment. Highly recommended and good value for money. Food was fresh, tasty, and very well presented. 6 out of 5.

AC
Ann C.
1 months ago

What a lovely place. Had lunch here after a walk round some of the Island. Taste was great. Portions generous. Enjoyed hot & sticky prawns, chorizo & scallops, seafood loaded chips and bread basket with a nice bottle of Muscadet.

DK
Done K.
6 months ago

This was the best seafood I’ve had in the UK. Large portion sizes, fresh seafood and excellent pricing. The service was also great and everyone was very friendly. Will be coming back whenever in Mersea next! Would recommend booking though because they do get fully booked quickly.

VD
Vik D.
12 months ago

Great selection of food and drinks. Service was good too. Went for the seafood platter and it ticks all the boxes so highly recommended. Parking is available outside. Depending on when you are going, weekend for example, I would advise booking. Recommended.

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Location & Hours

Opening Hours

MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Seafood at Dawn serves a variety of seafood dishes, including their famous Mersea Oysters, creamy seafood linguine, and scallops with chorizo. You can also find delicious starters like hot & sticky tiger prawns.

Yes, Seafood at Dawn provides outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal with a view, especially during nice weather.

Expect to spend between £20 and £30 per person. This price range caters to a satisfying meal with drinks and possibly dessert.

Yes, making reservations for lunch and dinner is recommended. This helps secure your spot, especially during peak times.

Seafood at Dawn boasts a fantastic selection, including various beers, wines, and coffee. They also offer healthy options and small plates, making it an ideal place for a casual dining experience.

Absolutely, Seafood at Dawn is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and toilet facilities.

Why visit Seafood at dawn

Visiting Seafood at Dawn is an absolute must for seafood lovers and casual diners alike. The restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere combined with excellent service creates the perfect environment to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal. It's advisable to make reservations, particularly during peak times to avoid disappointment. Don't miss the chance to indulge in their seafood platters, known for their generous portions and fresh catch. For dessert, their Sticky Toffee Pudding is simply irresistible and rounds off the meal perfectly.

Whether it's a casual lunch or a dinner party, Seafood at Dawn’s inviting vibe makes it the ideal spot to gather with friends or family. The blend of seafood, atmosphere, and hospitality makes dining here an unforgettable experience, truly a hidden pearl in Essex.