In This Culinary Exploration, We Dive into The Top 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut in 2023, where fresh sea breezes mingle with the aroma of gourmet delights, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Connecticut, a state graced with picturesque coastlines, offers a plethora of dining experiences that blend culinary excellence with stunning waterfront views. For those seeking the perfect harmony of delectable cuisine and the soothing ambiance of the sea, Connecticut’s waterfront restaurants are the epitome of indulgence.
Here is a List of Top 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut in 2023
1. Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook: Coastal Culinary Extravaganza
Fresh Salt, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Waterfront Restaurant – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
Nestled on the shores of Long Island Sound, Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook offers a seafood-centric menu that celebrates the region’s aquatic treasures.
Signature Dishes:
- Lobster Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice adorned with succulent lobster meat.
- Pan-Seared Sea Scallops: Served with a citrus-infused beurre blanc sauce.
- Key Lime Pie: A zesty and refreshing dessert, perfect for a coastal feast.
Fresh Salt’s expansive windows provide panoramic views of the Sound, making it an ideal spot to relish both the cuisine and the scenery.
2. The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel, Madison: Seaside Elegance
The Wharf, Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, Connecticut, Waterfront Dining – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel offers a blend of upscale dining and beachfront charm, creating an atmosphere of refined coastal elegance.
Signature Dishes:
- New England Clam Chowder: A hearty soup brimming with clams, potatoes, and bacon.
- Grilled Swordfish: Accompanied by a vibrant mango salsa and couscous.
- Chocolate Molten Lava Cake: A decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.
The Wharf’s outdoor terrace overlooks the serene waters, providing a romantic backdrop for an intimate waterfront dinner.
3. The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club, Westport: Riverside Bliss
The Boathouse, Saugatuck Rowing Club, Westport, Connecticut, Waterfront Dining – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a unique riverside dining experience, where gourmet cuisine meets the tranquility of the Saugatuck River.
Signature Dishes:
- Pan-Roasted Salmon: Served with a lemon-dill butter sauce and roasted vegetables.
- Lobster Roll: A classic New England favorite, brimming with succulent lobster meat.
- Pecan Pie: A rich and nutty dessert, served with a dollop of whipped cream.
The Boathouse’s deck offers unobstructed views of rowers gliding along the river, creating a serene ambiance for diners.
4. Prime at The Mystic, Mystic: Harborfront Excellence
Prime at The Mystic, Mystic, Connecticut, Waterfront Restaurant – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
Prime at The Mystic, located in the heart of Mystic, offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on prime steaks and fresh seafood.
Signature Dishes:
- Filet Mignon: A tender steak cooked to perfection, served with a red wine reduction.
- Grilled Maine Lobster Tail: Accompanied by drawn butter and lemon wedges.
- Crème Brûlée: A velvety dessert with a perfectly caramelized sugar top.
Prime’s outdoor patio overlooks the Mystic River, providing a backdrop of sailboats and seagulls for a delightful waterfront meal.
5. S&P Oyster Company, Mystic: Quaint Seaside Charm
S&P Oyster Company, Mystic, Connecticut, Waterfront Dining – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
S&P Oyster Company in Mystic is a beloved seafood eatery housed in a historic building, offering scenic views of the Mystic River.
Signature Dishes:
- Seafood Paella: A flavorful medley of shrimp, clams, mussels, and chorizo.
- Stuffed Flounder: Filled with crabmeat stuffing and drizzled with lemon-butter sauce.
- Banana Foster Cheesecake: A decadent dessert marrying caramelized bananas and creamy cheesecake.
S&P Oyster Company’s intimate setting and fresh seafood offerings make it a quintessential Mystic dining destination.
6. The Surf Restaurant and Bar, Westerly: Coastal Fusion
The Surf Restaurant and Bar, Westerly, Connecticut, Waterfront Restaurant – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
The Surf Restaurant and Bar in Westerly offers a fusion of coastal and international flavors, creating a diverse and enticing menu.
Signature Dishes:
- Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl: Fresh tuna cubes marinated in a sesame-soy dressing, served with rice.
- Lobster Tacos: Soft tortillas filled with lobster meat, avocado, and a zesty aioli.
- Key Lime Pie Martini: A dessert cocktail capturing the essence of the classic pie.
The Surf’s beachfront location and creative dishes provide a vibrant and lively atmosphere for beach lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
7. The Boathouse Restaurant, Stamford: Waterfront Romance
The Boathouse Restaurant, Stamford, Connecticut, Waterfront Dining – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
The Boathouse Restaurant in Stamford offers an intimate and romantic dining experience with views of the scenic Stamford Harbor.
Signature Dishes:
- Chateaubriand for Two: A succulent tenderloin steak served with classic béarnaise sauce.
- Lobster Newburg: Lobster meat cooked in a rich sherry-infused cream sauce.
- Molten Chocolate Lava Cake: A warm and indulgent dessert, perfect for sharing.
The Boathouse’s candlelit tables and the gentle lapping of the waves create an ambiance of waterfront romance.
8. The Pavilion at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Old Saybrook: Harborfront Indulgence
The Pavilion, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Waterfront Dining – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
The Pavilion at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina offers a refined dining experience amidst the serenity of the Connecticut River.
Signature Dishes:
- Grilled Maine Lobster Tail: Served with drawn butter and a medley of seasonal vegetables.
- Pistachio-Crusted Rack of Lamb: A succulent lamb dish complemented by a red wine reduction.
- Lemon Blueberry Tart: A delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust and a tangy blueberry filling.
The Pavilion’s waterfront terrace provides an exquisite setting for indulging in gourmet cuisine while watching boats glide by.
9. Guilford Mooring, Guilford: Coastal Comfort
Guilford Mooring, Guilford, Connecticut, Waterfront Restaurant – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
Guilford Mooring in Guilford offers a menu inspired by New England traditions, served in a charming seaside setting.
Signature Dishes:
- New England Clambake: A hearty platter featuring lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes.
- Baked Stuffed Shrimp: Shrimp filled with crabmeat stuffing, baked to golden perfection.
- Warm Apple Crisp: A comforting dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Guilford Mooring’s casual yet elegant ambiance and seafood specialties create a dining experience reminiscent of a coastal feast.
10. Harbor Lights, Norwalk: Maritime Marvel
Harbor Lights, Norwalk, Connecticut, Waterfront Dining – Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut
Harbor Lights in Norwalk offers a menu that celebrates seafood and steaks, served against the backdrop of Norwalk Harbor.
Signature Dishes:
- Seafood Tower: A grand display of oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster.
- Bone-In Ribeye Steak: A flavorful steak cooked to perfection, served with garlic mashed potatoes.
- Dark Chocolate Fondue: A decadent dessert for chocolate lovers, paired with fresh fruits.
Harbor Lights’ expansive outdoor deck provides sweeping views of the harbor, creating a maritime-inspired atmosphere for diners.
Conclusion: A Feast for the Senses by the Sea
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Connecticut in 2023 offer more than just culinary delights; they provide an immersive experience where the sounds of the waves, the scent of saltwater, and the taste of gourmet cuisine come together in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re indulging in fresh lobster at Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook or savoring a clambake at Guilford Mooring, each restaurant on this list is a testament to Connecticut’s rich culinary heritage and its deep connection to the sea.
So, for those seeking a dining experience that tantalizes all the senses, Connecticut’s waterfront restaurants are ready to offer a feast for the senses by the sea. Bon appétit and happy seaside dining!
