When I first wandered through the streets of Chelmsford, I wasn’t expecting the food scene to be as rich and diverse as it turned out to be. Nestled in Essex, Chelmsford often carries the reputation of being a commuter town for those working in London, but once I slowed down and let my curiosity guide me, I realized that this city has its own culinary personality—one that is warm, creative, and endlessly inviting. Each café I stepped into, every restaurant I tried, felt like a new story waiting to be told.
Food, for me, has always been more than just nourishment. It’s about atmosphere, stories behind the dishes, the people who prepare them, and the mood of the place itself. Chelmsford delivered all of that and more. I want to take you through the cafés where I lost track of time sipping lattes, the restaurants where I discovered new flavors, and the places where locals welcomed me as though I’d been eating there for years.
Along the way, I’ll also share how I booked tables, how I managed to save money with clever reservation strategies, and the platforms I relied on—like OpenTable for dining reservations, Booking.com for stays nearby, and Skyscanner for travel arrangements.
1. Small Talk Tearooms – A Timeless English Café
Address: 59 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0JA
Walking into Small Talk Tearooms feels like stepping into a different era. The pastel-colored walls, lace curtains, and mismatched china cups reminded me of my grandmother’s sitting room. I settled down at a small table by the window, the sunlight spilling across trays of freshly baked scones.
The menu is unapologetically British. I couldn’t resist ordering a classic cream tea—two scones, still warm, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The texture was just right: crisp outside and soft inside. I paired it with a pot of Earl Grey, and as I poured the steaming tea into the delicate china, I felt like I was part of a cherished English tradition.
Must-Try Dish: Afternoon Tea Tower (sandwiches, scones, pastries).
Cost: Around £18–£22 per person.
Booking Tip: They’re small, so weekends can be busy. I used OpenTable to secure a spot ahead of time. Booking early online also gave me a small discount voucher for my next visit.
2. Acanteen – Modern Brunch Heaven
Address: 35 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0ND
If Small Talk Tearooms is about tradition, Acanteen is all about energy and modern flair. This café-restaurant hybrid is run by a mother-and-daughter duo, and it buzzes with life from morning till late. The interior is bright and airy, with plants spilling from shelves and a playlist that always seems perfectly curated.
I visited on a Sunday morning and ordered the vegan full English breakfast—a hearty plate with plant-based sausages, grilled tomatoes, avocado, mushrooms, and sourdough toast. It was flavorful, filling, and beautifully presented. The coffee here is another highlight; their flat white has the perfect balance of creamy milk and strong espresso.
Must-Try Dish: Sweet potato pancakes with maple syrup.
Cost: Around £12–£18 for a meal.
Guest Vibe: Families, freelancers tapping on laptops, and groups of friends catching up.
Booking Tip: Brunch hours are the busiest. Booking via Quandoo often gives you the option to apply loyalty points toward discounts.
3. Moto Pizza – Endless Pizza Adventure
Address: 216 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LG
Moto Pizza has a bold concept: unlimited pizza served directly to your table, slice by slice, until you say stop. When I first heard about it, I thought it was just a gimmick. But once I sat down, the experience proved to be both fun and genuinely delicious.
The waiters circle the room with different pizzas, offering a slice of everything from a classic margherita to bold combinations like truffle mushroom or spicy nduja. My favorite ended up being the pear, walnut, and blue cheese—a surprisingly harmonious mix of sweet and savory.
Must-Try Dish: The rotating “special” pizza of the week.
Cost: £15–£20 per person for unlimited pizza. Drinks are extra.
Personal Moment: I loved the communal atmosphere; everyone’s eyes light up when a waiter arrives with a fresh pizza tray. It feels like a food party.
Booking Tip: Book directly through their website or via OpenTable for guaranteed seating. Mondays often come with a two-for-one drinks promotion.
4. Zenxi – Fine Chinese Dining
Address: 68 Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1JP
Zenxi is one of the most elegant Chinese restaurants I’ve visited in Essex. The entrance alone—grand, with sweeping arches and ornate lanterns—sets the tone. The menu is extensive, but I went straight for the dim sum selection.
The har gow (prawn dumplings) were translucent and delicately flavored, while the char siu buns had the perfect sweet-savory balance. For mains, I ordered crispy duck with pancakes, which was carved at the table, adding theater to the experience.
Must-Try Dish: Dim sum platter and crispy duck.
Cost: £25–£40 per person.
Guest Impressions: Many diners praise its authenticity and elegant presentation.
Booking Tip: Weekends are packed with family gatherings. I booked a table using Opentable, which also offered points I later redeemed at another restaurant in London.
5. The Bootmaker – Classic Pub with a Twist
Address: 4–6 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0HR
Every city needs that one pub where you can feel the heartbeat of the place, and in Chelmsford, that’s The Bootmaker. This gastro-pub manages to retain the coziness of a traditional English pub while offering an inventive menu.
I ordered the steak and ale pie, a dish that has become something of a benchmark test for me in British pubs. This one did not disappoint: flaky pastry, tender beef, and a rich gravy that I wanted to savor down to the last drop. Pair it with a pint of local ale, and you have a quintessential Chelmsford experience.
Must-Try Dish: Steak and ale pie, Sunday roasts.
Cost: £15–£22 for mains.
Atmosphere: Warm lighting, friendly staff, and a mix of locals and visitors.
Booking Tip: Sunday roasts are often fully booked. Use OpenTable to secure a seat.
6. Banana Tree – Asian Fusion Feast
Address: 219 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LR
Banana Tree is a lively spot specializing in Southeast Asian flavors. I went in craving something spicy and left with a new favorite: the Laksa soup, rich with coconut, chili, and prawns. The décor is funky, with bamboo touches and neon signs that add vibrancy.
Must-Try Dish: Thai green curry or Singapore noodles.
Cost: £12–£18 for mains.
Booking Tip: Weeknights usually have deals on set menus. Check Quandoo for promotions or group discounts.
7. The Wine Cellar – Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
Address: 51 Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1JA
Tucked away underground, The Wine Cellar feels intimate and special. The dim lighting, exposed brick, and shelves of bottles transport you far from Chelmsford’s busy streets.
I went with their wine-and-cheese pairing. The staff’s knowledge was impressive; they recommended a Spanish Rioja that paired beautifully with Manchego cheese and quince. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time.
Must-Try Dish: Cheese boards with wine pairings.
Cost: £20–£35 per person depending on wine selection.
Booking Tip: Call ahead or use OpenTable; Fridays get crowded with after-work gatherings.
8. Zorba the Greek – A Taste of the Mediterranean
Address: 31 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford CM1 1TS
Sometimes, all I want is food that tastes like sunshine, and Zorba the Greek delivers exactly that. The atmosphere is lively, with Greek music playing softly in the background.
I ordered the mezze platter, which arrived as a colorful spread of hummus, tzatziki, grilled halloumi, and dolmades. For the main, I chose lamb souvlaki—juicy, tender, and perfectly charred.
Must-Try Dish: Mezze platter and lamb souvlaki.
Cost: £20–£30 per person.
Booking Tip: This restaurant often partners with Viator for dining-and-experience packages. I once booked a “Greek night” event with live music, and it was unforgettable.
9. Pachamama – Latin American Flair
Address: 36 Baddow Road, Chelmsford CM2 0DG
Pachamama is bold, colorful, and full of Latin spirit. The walls are painted with murals, and the menu bursts with flavors from Peru and beyond.
I tried the ceviche, tangy and refreshing, followed by slow-cooked beef tacos that melted in my mouth. The cocktails deserve their own praise—the pisco sour I had was the best outside of Lima.
Must-Try Dish: Ceviche and beef tacos.
Cost: £15–£25 per person.
Booking Tip: Book online through Quandoo or OpenTable to catch happy hour deals.
10. The Orange Tree – Fine Dining with Local Ingredients
Address: Lower Anchor Street, Chelmsford CM2 0AS
For a more upscale evening, I chose The Orange Tree, which prides itself on seasonal menus. The chef works closely with local farmers, and it shows in every bite.
I had the pan-seared sea bass, served with a delicate pea puree and crispy potatoes. The dish was balanced, fresh, and beautifully plated. Dessert was a rhubarb crumble that tasted like spring on a plate.
Must-Try Dish: Sea bass or lamb rack.
Cost: £30–£50 per person.
Booking Tip: Book well in advance on Booking.com (yes, they list dining experiences here too) or via OpenTable.
Platforms I Relied On
Traveling for food in Chelmsford became much easier thanks to a few platforms:
- OpenTable – Perfect for securing reservations, especially at busy spots like Zenxi or The Orange Tree.
- Quandoo – Great for earning loyalty points and spotting deals.
- Booking.com – My go-to for accommodation when I decided to stay overnight.
- Skyscanner – Helped me book affordable train and flight options when pairing Chelmsford with other destinations.
- Viator – Useful for booking experience packages that included meals and events.
Exploring Chelmsford’s cafés and restaurants gave me more than full stomachs—it gave me moments, textures, and connections. Each spot, whether it was a cozy tearoom serving scones or a Latin restaurant with ceviche and pisco sours, painted a part of Chelmsford’s culinary map. Walking through the city, camera in one hand and fork in the other, I felt like I had uncovered a side of Chelmsford that many overlook, a side where food becomes both a memory and a reason to return.
