Reviews for Carlson's Landing in Essex, CT

Made reservations for 6 adults at 6pm. The restaurant was not busy this evening, a Saturday in late September. We skipped the... appetizer course, for our "first course" we ordered the scallops and pork belly, the scallops were under cooked, under seasonedand cold. The pork belly was undercooked and also cold. For the "main course" we ordered the hanger steak and hot lobster roll.The lobster roll was overcooked and had 3 pieces of lobster (including the 2 smallest claw pieces I have ever seen at a seafoodrestaurant) and a tail piece that was tiny but in one piece so impossible to eat without having to cut it. The roll was nottoasted and soggy. The side of fries were tasty and warm. The hanger steak was cooked as requested, but it had no flavor, evenfor a hanger steak. The rest of our party had fish plates, trout for $34 and halibut for $38 that did not include sides orveggies. The service was decent, but slow. We will not be returning. Scallops $22 Lobster roll $32 Pork belly $19 Hanger steak$25 Mango draft beer $7 Champagne cocktail $13 Entire bill for 6 adults $440 before tip, no salads, no veggies, no dessert. Read more

The view is beautiful, but clearly the b team was on at lunch. It took 20 minutes get a salad that was not as I ordered. It... took an additional 20 to correct the order. I had to ask for silverware. The greens were bitter along with the grapefruit anddressing. Not good at all. The bartender ignored me instead preferring to serve the three other couples at the bar. Neverasked me, how is the food? Would you like anything else? I had a nice but expensive dinner here with mediocre service recently. Why is it that restaurants feel they can charge a premium for food, but have poor service? Not certain I will be back. Toobad because the view is beautiful. Read more

We came on a day where they had no lobsters or clams and desserts was stale. Our food had no flavors. We had fish and chips.... Fish was bland. Tartar sauce was terrible. Drinks and appetizers was good. Service was excellent. We had 3 entrees and all threewere bland. Read more

Recommendation: Shrimp Cocktail, Charred Octopus, and Scallops. Detailed Review: It's a good Friday afternoon, my wife got her... Master degree in the mailbox. We decided to go out for dinner, and this restaurant was chosen. We had never been herebefore. They have a nice entrance with beautiful flowers. We sat outside. Our food orders were: Clam Chowder, Shrimp Cocktail,Charred Octopus, Scallops, Filet Mignon, Baked Oysters, and Crab Egg Rolls. We also ordered 2 cocktails for drink. ?? ShrimpCocktail: 5/5 (fresh, juicy, good cocktail sauce) ?? Charred Octopus: 5/5 (great combination of Octopus, ice cream, and friedsweet potato, really good) ??Scallops: 5/5 (the sauce is good, fresh, and tasty) ??Filet Mignon: 4/5 (missing salty flavor,should serve with A1 sauce, or any other sauces) ??Baked Oysters: 4.5/5 (French taste, good) ??Crab Egg Rolls: 4/5 (the rolltaste good but missing accompanying dipping sauce) ??Clam Chowder: 3/5 (the soup was already disintegrated, the bowl is ok) . SoI give the food 4.5/5 Combined with: ??Restroom is clean and roomy. ??It took too long for the food to come out. (We spent 2.5hours there) I hope this review gives you some ideas about the place. ?? Read more

Recently enjoyed a great lunch at Carlson landing. The staff was very polite and accommodating. Sat outside and enjoyed some... great views. The food was good! The salmon was hands down the star of the night. Super fresh and flavorful. I was a littledisappointed with my lobster roll though. The bread was good but the roll was a little on the dry side. Definitely could’veused more butter. But overall, everything was a great experience. Read more

Wonderful service in this establishment and great views of the CT River on the property of Exess Boat Works. The food is very ... delicious and delightful. Lunch, brunch, or dinner. Read more

Stopped in after a recommendation from our friends at Atlas in Saybrook. Did not disappoint. Alycia, our server at the bar was... the best. I had the Pork Belly dinner and it was superb with the brown rice. The way this chef cooks is outstanding. Hubbyhad the fettuccine with shrimp. The sauce was out of this world. We missed the flight of the bald eagles that had just passedover before we arrived. The view is 5 star and so is the food. Sunday Brunch is packed and I can see why. We will be backmany times for sure. Read more

Fantastic ambience. Very friendly bartenders and greeter. Lunch on Thursday was perfect. Delicious oysters on half shell and... grilled octopus. Octopus a little tough but good. The restaurant is stunning and the view of ct river is wonderful. Definitely pricey but a great experience Read more