Features Restaurant Dining Guide Waterfront Outdoor Dining Best of CT Summer Dining Homepage 2021 Guide To Waterfront Dining in Connecticut April Guilbault August 08, 2021 If there is one thing that makes us long for summer all year long it is the ability to eat, play, explore, even sleep and just “be” outside. That carefree feeling of stepping outdoors without the boots and the hats and the puffy coats. Grab your flip-flops, maybe a bit of sunscreen and off we go! Ah, the carefreeness of it! And eating outside? How can it be that a bit of sun and air will elevate even the simplest food? A hot dog never tastes better around a campfire or at a ballgame. A bag of chips at the beach with a sandwich? Perfection. So, to that end, we have compiled a list of GREAT WATERFRONT DINING spots-some of which have indoor dining with fabulous views and many perch you outside on beautiful, expansive decks or docks to enjoy their dishes. If a simple hot dog tastes great outside, these venues will have you giddy.Did we miss your favorite waterfront dining spot? Please tell us all about it in the comments below, and we will add it to the list. River and Tequila Rio-Wethersfield www.riverontheriver.comwww.tequilario.comRiver, a waterfront restaurant & bar and its sister restaurant, Tequila Rio, a Mexican cantina, share a magnificent stretch of riverbank along the Connecticut River in Wethersfield. With hundreds of outdoor seats available, these two restaurants offer more outside waterfront seating than any other dining establishment in Connecticut. River boasts USDA Prime Steaks, the freshest local seafood, and an array of great Italian-inspired dishes, including a number of fresh pasta entrees. Tequila Rio specializes in great tacos, burritos, guacamole, quesadillas and great margaritas. Homemade is the name of the game for both restaurants, and for those looking for fantastic waterfront dining with great food and craft cocktails,The Boathouse at Saugatuck-Westport www.boathouseatsaugatuck.comThe Boathouse Restaurant is one of the few white table cloth restaurants sitting directly on the Fairfield County waterfront. Stunningly poised on the Saugatuck River in Westport, with direct water views from the every angle-the indoor dining room, second floor dining deck, first floor Regatta Room and waterfront terrace. Serving locally sourced seafood and new American cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner. Don’t miss Happy Hour either, it’s a perfect way to end your day with great drinks and nibbles. Call 203-277-3399 to make a reservation or go on Opentable.comPrime-An American Kitchen & Bar-Stamford stamford.restaurantprime.comWhat pairs well with lobster, sushi and Prime steaks? Floor to ceiling views of Long Island Sound! Upscale and luxurious, Stamford’s Prime serves up the freshest seafood and Prime USDA steaks you’ll find north of Greenwich. Whether you want to sit indoors or out, at the bar or on the newly refurbished deck, you’ll find them all with water views. The eclectic menu includes lobster, steaks, or Chef’s creative fish dishes such as the Hudson Valley Steelhead Salmon with white asparagus, artichokes, sweet corn, potatoes, Kalamata olives and basil with a refreshing avocado-yuzu vinaigrette. Enjoy it all, the food and the accompanying views.Carlson’s Landing-Essex www.carlsonslanding.comYou’ll be welcomed with open arms at Carlson's Landing, a culinary experience located at the historic Essex Boatworks. Offering a "yacht club" experience to the dining public, this spectacular new restaurant features chic interiors, original undersea artwork, and coastal cuisine by Executive Chef JP Dillon. Enjoy craft cocktails, lunch, dinner and Reggae Sunday Brunch on the covered deck or mahogany bar overlooking the Connecticut River. Their land and sea menu will have something for every palate in your party. Reservations recommended.Harbor Lights-Norwalk www.harborlightsrestaurant-ct.comHarbor Lights is Fairfield County's premier waterfront restaurant with stunning panoramic views of the Norwalk Harbor. Arrive by car or boat and enjoy their fabulously fresh seafood selections. Sit in the spacious air-conditioned waterfront room, complete with bar and floor-to-ceiling windows that afford a stellar view of the harbor or feel free to breathe in the harbor’s cool breeze on one of their many waterfront decks. Harbor Lights is famous for these stunning water views and their delicious seafood. They also have complimentary docks dedicated to their patrons who arrive by boat! Their specialty dishes include Mediterranean Octopus and Lavraki-Mediterranean Sea Bass. Keep Harbor Lights in mind for your next private event, as their harbor-view waterfront dining room seats up to 60 guests. It is the perfect setting for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and corporate business functions.Liv’s Dockside Grill-Clinton www.livsdocksidegrill.comLiv’s Dockside Grill is located in the Clinton Town Marina. Open 7 days a week, they serve lunch and dinner with the same menu as their Old Saybrook location (Liv’s Shack), that features tacos, burgers, truffle fries, Italian ice and so much more. One must mention, though, that of course, the Lobster Roll is the star of the show! The No Mayo Lobster Roll comes to Clinton and they can’t wait to see you. Join them for the summertime classic of a buttery lobster roll with a seat by the docks. Liv’s Dockside Grill is also now open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.Liv’s Shack-Old Saybrook www.livsshack.comLiv’s Shack celebrates summer in New England with hot buttered lobster rolls, fish tacos, hand-ground hamburgers and so much more. Originating from offering Lobster Rolls at weekend stands at Connecticut Farmer’s Market and the Durham Fair, Executive Chef/Owner John Brescio (also of Liv’s Oyster Bar) later opened the original Liv’s Shack in 2014 after being approached by the owner’s of Harbor One Marina in Old Saybrook. Liv's Shack offers a small menu based on some the more casual bites at Liv's Oyster Bar. It is located in Harbor One Marina at 26 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook and the restaurant can also be found on Facebook (Livs Shack at Harbor One Marina) and Instagram (Livs_Shack). Outriggers-Stratford www.outriggersrestaurant.comOutriggers Restaurant, located in the Stratford Safe Harbor Marina, boasts beautiful views, fresh seafood delivered daily, signature dishes, Happy Hour every Tuesday through Saturday 3pm-6pm, and a large outdoor patio with live entertainment on weekends! They also offer Sunday brunch from 11am-3pm with breakfast classics as well as items like Cannoli-Stuffed French Toast or Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. The private events room has a bird’s eye view of the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound and accommodates up to 60 guests. With their extensive menu appealing to all tastes, the relaxed ambiance and the acoustic live music, Outriggers feels like a mini vacation that is sure to be enjoyed to all.Overtons Seafood-Norwalk www.overtonsct.comEstablished over 60 years ago, Overtons has become a staple of the Norwalk community throughout the years. They are beloved and valued for the gorgeous views of the Norwalk Harbor, delicious fresh fried seafood, lobster rolls, clam bellied and strips, and, of course, ice cream. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite on a summer day and it doesn’t get more summery than this. They even offer dockage for Overtons customers, so whether you get there by car, foot or bike or boat, Overton’s is a stop you need to make. A true local institution that is family-friendly and loved by all!Ripka’s Beach Cafe-Norwalk www.ripkasbeach.comBorn in the 1950s as a traditional beach concession with burgers, dogs, and ice cream serving the public between memorial Day to Labor day, this prized location along the beaches of Norwalk and the Long Island Sound was reborn. Once a convenience, it is now a destination year round. This very casual seaside spot catering to everyone from the barebacked skateboarders and barefoot beach goers, to the local and traveling elite, Ripka’s provides a different approach to traditional “concession fare”. With fresh local oysters and shellfish, house-made sauces, hand-breaded clams and steamed lobsters, signature burgers and yes, fries and ice cream, they finish it off with excellent views from sunrise to sunset, their specialty cocktails, and even brunch in the “off season”. Ripka’s is not just a summer thing anymore, with full scale catering (on site and off), music and events throughout the year.Rive Bistro-Westport www.rivebistro.comRive is a new French Bistro on the Saugatuck River in Westport, created by Chef Eric Sierra. Like the legendary bistros of Paris, Rive is warm, and convivial, a true bistro populaire. The dining room, with a wrap-around wall of windows overlooks a bend in the picturesque river. There is fireplace to create the perfect cozy atmosphere during the winter months, and in warmer weather there is an outdoor patio that feels like a cafe on the Seine. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, you’ll enjoy sipping modern cocktails and wine by the glass, along with dining on such French specialties as Crabmeat Croquettes, Croque Monsieur, Trout Almondine, Burgundy Escargot, and Moules Frites Basquaise. Rocky’s Aqua-Clinton www.rockysaqua.comRocky’s Aqua on the Water is a hidden gem located at the Cedar Island Marina in Clinton, CT. The restaurant has two full bars, three large covered patios with a variety of high-top and low-top tables, and outdoor seating around the entire perimeter of the restaurant. The view of the boats and breeze off the water makes for a perfect dining experience. As great as the atmosphere is, what truly makes them stand out is their unbelievably hospitable and experienced staff. They treat every customer as if they are meeting a friend for the first time. The back of their staff shirts even reads: “Today is the… Best Day Ever!” and they make it their mission to have every customer leave feeling that way! Their menu has a wide range of seafood, American, and Italian cuisine. A few of the local favorites on the menu include Clams Casino, Fried Oyster Salad, Ahi-Tuna wrap, and of course a hot lobster roll! After you dine-in, don’t forget to stop at “The Scoop at Rocky’s Aqua” to try their famous ice cream and waffle cones all made in-house. Ask for Lauren, Sam, or Rocky himself when you stop by, they can’t wait to meet you!Amarante’s Sea Cliff (New Haven)www.amarantes.comTake a seat on The Deck for summer favorites like New England or Rhode Island Clam Chowder, Fried Calamari, Shrimp Street Tacos, cold or hot lobster rolls, clambakes.Anthony’s Ocean View-New Havenwww.anthonysoceanview.comPart event venue, part restaurant, Anthony’s Ocean View has a huge menu from raw bars items to salads, pasta and seafood.Bartaco-Stamford, Westportwww.bartaco.comFresh, upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. They’ve got a stylish ambience, cocktails, and freshly prepared tacos and even “not tacos”.Beer Garden at Shippan Landing-Stamfordwww.beeratthelanding.comWaterside, food trucks, craft beer and live music. What else could you want? Check website for music and truck info.The Blue Oar-Haddamhttps://blueoarct.wixsite.com/ctrestaurantsWith almost a clubhouse-in-the-trees feel, this river front restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy sunsets and good food. Serving lunch and dinner, with menus the change daily. You can even pull up by boat!Boca Oyster Bar- Bridgeportwww.bocaoysterbar.comLive music, brunch and dinner, plenty of classic or inventive cocktails and comprehensive menu from raw bar to vegan entrees and everything in between.Breakwater-Stonington www.breakwaterstonington.comNestled in the historic town of Stonington, the Breakwater will treat you to great views of Stonington Harbor and Fishers Island Sound while you enjoy raw bar items, small plates, burgers, seafood and more.Brushmill by the Waterfall-Chesterwww.thebrushmill.comHoused in an historic grist/saw mill that dates to the early 1800s, enjoy dinner by the waterfall. Entrees, soups, salads and comforting “Bar Grub” like Beer Battered Cod and burgers.Crab Shell-Stamfordwww.crabshell.comArrive by car…or boat! Live music give it a party atmosphere while you enjoy lunch or dinner. Seafood, seafood and more seafood here from Alaskan King Crab Legs to Baked Stuffed Sea Scallops to Grilled Wild Tuna (yes, there are options for non-seafood lovers too).Dockside Seafood and Grill-Branford, Essexwww.docksidebranford.comIndoor and outdoor dining, events under their tent, lots of summery seafood dishes and plenty of spectacular sunsets to add to your evening. Serving lunch and dinner.Dog Watch Café-Mystic, Stoningtonwww.dogwatchcafe.comIndoor and outdoor dining, great water views, and plenty their ingredients sourced from local vendors. Gobble up Watch Hill oysters, NE Clam Chowder, Dogwiches and more. They even donate funds to helps pooches in need.Down The Hatch-Brookfieldwww.downthehatchrestaurant.comCandlewood Lakes only waterfront restaurant. Pull up in your sea plane if you like! Casual, fun, tasty and the perfect spot to go on a summer day. Kid friendly with a really large menu of fan faves.Foundry Kitchen and Tavern (Sandy Hook)www.foundrykitchenandtavern.comHoused in a historic building at the main intersection in town and snuggled up against the Pootatuk River, Foundry Kitchen serves handcrafted cocktails and local spirits along with dishes using many local ingredients (hence, menu subject to change frequently!); charcuterie, local cheeses, Poke bowls, Short Ribs and Grits, their Impossible Patty Melt (vegan), Mushroom Po Boy and many other unique offerings.Fresh Salt-Old Saybrookwww.saybrook.comWhere the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound meet. Overlook all of this beauty, along with their marina and dive into seasonal favorites that are made with local ingredients and inspired by the great Nutmeg State.The Galley Waterfront Cafe-Norwalkwww.norwalkcove.comBreakfast or lunch sandwiches in a fabulous array of combinations. Perfect for beach or boat! New offering: alcoholic beverages for your sipping pleasure.Gelston House-East Haddamwww.gelstonhouse.com“Boozy Brunch”, patio and pizza menus or good ol’ brunch offerings at this step-back-in-time gem that sits on the Connecticut River next to the Goodspeed Opera House. Guilford Mooring-Guilfordwww.guilfordmooring.comCasual, easy atmosphere for this spot by the Guilford harbor. Live music, light bites, seafood faves and more for every taste.Jimmie's of Savin Rock-West Havenwww.jimmiesofsavinrock.com Beachside as well as boardwalk-side, Jimmie’s has been serving up their huge menu of seafood and American favorites since 1925.Knapp's Landing-Stratfordwww.knappslanding.comGoing strong with great views and good food since 1997. Garlic Mussels, Fish Tacos, Sesame Ahi Tuna salad, burgers and pasta.LakeView Restaurant and Bar-Coventrywww.lakeviewct.comIndoor and a large outdoor seating area for you to dig into ribs, wings, salad and pasta dishes. Plenty of refreshing cocktails for those warm summer evenings too. Arriving by boat? They have dockside pickup!La Plage-Westportwww.innatlongshore.comA newcomer to the Inn at Longshore and open now! Coastal cuisine, in a casual waterfront setting, with highlights sustainable meats and locally harvested seafood, shellfish and produce. Creative cocktails, too!Lenny’s Indian Head Inn, Branfordwww.lennysnow.comOver 40 years at this Indian Neck section of Branford, Lenny’s overlooks Sybil Marsh and locals love their long list of seafood options. Sandwich and kids’ options round it out.L’escale-Greenwichwww.lescalerestaurant.comDelight in Mediterranean cuisine overlooking Greenwich Harbor in the beautiful surroundings redolent of Provence. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and an extensive wine list.Little Pub-Stratfordwww.littlepub.comChatty pub atmosphere serving new twists on pub favorites; Soft Shell Crab Sandy, Baked Pretzels, Crispy Eggplant Fries, Cheeseburger Sliders.Mexicue-Stamfordwww.mexicue.comAmped-up Mexican favorites with water view! Smokey Cashew Queso to share, tacos filled with everything from pulled pork to charred broccoli, and burritos and bowls galore.Millwright’s-Simsbury www.millwrightsrestaurant.comDining room, tavern or outside, enjoy the sight of a cascading waterfall, the cozy and inviting interior and the many local ingredients and drool-worthy flavor combinations on your plate. Note: open Wednesday-Sunday. OKO-Westportwww.okokitchen.comIndoor and outdoor seating offering views of the Saugatuck River, OKO’s innovative take on traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi, casual, small plate dining meant for sharing is encouraged!On the Waterfront-New Londonwww.onthewaterfrontnl.comViews of the Thames River from their indoor dining room or outdoor patio. Feel free to arrive by boat, too! Salads, soups, seafood towers, Lobster rolls to stick-to-your-ribs pasta dishes.Paul’s Pasta Shop-Grotonwww.paulspastashop.comPasta, pasta and more pasta for lunch and dinner overlooking the Thames River. Made fresh daily, takeout available as well.Red 36-Mysticwww.red36ct.comWaterfront deck overlooking the Mystic River-big window, open bar area and lounge areas. Raw bar and plenty of seafood options, flatbreads, burgers and salads. Something for everyone.The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood-Rowaytonwww.rowaytonseafood.comNestled along the Five Mile River in Rowayton, dig into their super-fresh seafood (courtesy of the Rowayton Seafood next door) for lunch, dinner and even Sunday brunch. Maine Lobster Deviled Eggs or Jumbo Lump Crab Toast anyone?Riley’s By the Seawall-Stratfordwww.rileysbythesea.comAs they like to say, “Live the Life of Riley” when you walk through these doors, with good music, and easygoing atmosphere, good views and great food, from giant pretzels to Sea Scallop Risotto and 24 oz. steaks.Riverview Waterfront Cookout-Seymourwww.riverviewwaterfront.comUmbrella'd picnic tables, a beautiful river view, lobster dinners and clambake dinners, pulled pork, steamers, brisket, burgers and all the great picnic/BBQ food you love. Note: BYOB.Rock’s 21-Mysticwww.rocks21.comLocated at the Inn at Mystic, with live music and a great view of Mystic Harbor. Wood fired pizza, local seafood, Paella, Fish & Chips, burgers and more. Indoor and outdoor seatingS&P Oyster- Mysticwww.sp-oyster.comLocated at the famous bridge in Downtown Mystic, the view doesn’t get any better. Try their new South American menu (Seafood Paella, steaks) in addition to their usual faves. Gluten-free and vegan options available.Shanks Waterfront Dining-Clintonwww.shanksclinton.comFundraisers and live music add to the lively atmosphere of Shanks, a waterfront “Food Boat” like none other. Outdoor dining with everything from Fried Cauliflower to Ahi Tuna Nachos to Lobster Grilled Cheese and fish platters.Shell and Bones Oyster Bar and Grill-New Havenwww.shellandbones.comIndoor and outdoor dining. The menu highlights fresh and sustainable ingredients, updated classic steak and seafood dishes, as well as an extensive wine and beer list and creative cocktails.SoNo Seaport Seafood-Norwalkwww.sonoseaportseafood.comIndoors or out on the deck overlooking Norwalk Harbor dive into fresh seafood of all types from littlenecks and steamers, ceviche, roasted oysters, chowders, bisques, fish tacos, shrimp and, of course, lobster dinners. It doesn’t get fresher.Stonebridge Restaurant-Milfordwww.stonebridgerestaurant.comIt began as a seafood market, but is now a restaurant known as the “Bridge” to the locals, serving American favorites, seafood and pub fare.Sunset Grille-Norwalk www.sunsetgrille.netTucked away in the Norwalk Marina sits the Sunset Grille- a great place to catch sunsets here overlooking Norwalk Harbor while you dine on salads, sandwiches, burgers and, naturally, plenty of seafood dishes.Water’s Edge at Giovannis-Darien www.watersedgeatgiovannis.comFor over 25 years, WEG has been serving up, as they say “no fads no pretentiousness just great food” in their restaurant and event space. They are known for their certified Angus Beef, as well as plenty of seafood and Italian favorites.Water’s Edge Resort & Spa-Westbrookwww.watersedgeresortandspa.comBeachfront and beautiful on the Connecticut shoreline. Check out their website for dinner specials like their Lobster Boil, Surf & Turf and their Sunday Brunch Buffet.The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel-Madisonwww.thewharfmadison.comVenture to beachy Madison and dine on numerous New England seafood favorites by the waterfront with fab views of Long Island Sound.The Wheel-Stamfordwww.thevillagestamford.comAt this new South End waterfront warehouse space, chefs come together utilizing fresh and local ingredients from area farmers, fishermen and makers to create a new experience in dining. Oysters and small plates, pizzas and shellfish, salads and burgers. The White Horse Tavern-New Prestonwww.whitehorsecountrypub.comDine to the sweet sounds of a babbling river and waterfall at this award-winning restaurant for brunch, lunch, dinner. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s menus available as well. Duck Poutine, the House Signature Burger, Persian Lamb Koftas, Moules Frites and other pub favorites.
