Are you looking for the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, with amazing views? If so, keep reading!
If you’re after somewhere scenic to dine out, seeking out the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, is a great idea!
There’s nothing quite like choosing the perfect waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, for a special occasion, or maybe just for casual drinks / food.
There are some absolutely wonderful choices if you’re looking for the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, and we know you’ll love eating out at the amazing choices on this list!
So, let’s get into our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, and discover some of the most scenic places to eat in this amazing state!
The best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut…
River on the River
River on the River (say that three times fast!) is a glorious little spot in Wethersfield that’s certainly deserving of a prime spot on our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
This place is incredibly aesthetic, and there’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to keep you at the perfect temperature all year round.
We highly recommend gunning for a seat outside if you’re dining here during the summer months; seriously, you’re so close to the water here that you can practically reach out and touch it!
River is home to some of the finest USDA Prime Steaks in the state, and their commitment to sourcing fresh produce and seafood ensures that every dish is elevated. This is an amazing choice for best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
If you have a chance, be sure to pop into River’s sister restaurant, Tequila Rio. Although they have awesome Mexican food on offer, we feel this spot serves as the perfect after-dinner drinks spot. With the best margaritas around, this is a fiesta waiting to happen! You’ll love this choice of best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
Read more USA food inspiration: The best brunch in NYC – 15 places to try!
The Boathouse at Saugatuck
Next on our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, it’s The Boathouse. If you’re on the hunt for a fancier place to dine this year, then check out The Boathouse at Saugatuck.
It’s not just this joint’s high-class approach that makes it one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, but it’s their excellent views and multi-floor dining experience too.
You can either choose to dine on the patio, on the first floor, or on the second floor. Each location has a slightly different view, so don’t be afraid to pester the servers to try before you buy (well, sit!).
You may be noticing a theme when it comes to the places on our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut – the menus!
You won’t find identical dishes at any of our favorite spots, but you’ll find fresh local seafood and American cuisine in some capacity at most waterfront restaurants.
Hey, you can’t blame them for wanting to show off their catch of the day! With top-tier food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a generous happy hour, you won’t regret booking a table at The Boathouse. Another great pick for the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut!
Prime Stamford
Our next recommendation for the best best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, it’s Prime. For an all-American dining experience that goes big on portions and even bigger on flavor, Prime has got your back.
As you might expect from its name, this is one of the waterfront restaurants in Connecticut that serves up Prime USDA steaks.
Realistically, with “prime” in their name, anything less than that would be a disappointment! Cooked to buttery perfection, each steak is designed to melt in your mouth. We think you’ll love this choice for best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
If you’d rather eat something from the sea, then turn your attention to this place’s remarkable seafood selection. With lobster, salmon, and other amazing fish dishes making an appearance, you won’t miss meat one bit.
Whether you plan on settling indoors or prefer to dine al fresco, the friendly wait staff will sort you out in no time.
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Best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut: Harbor Lights
Located in Fairfield County, Harbor Lights is one of the top waterfront restaurants in Connecticut. Perched right on the Norwalk Harbor, you can’t do better when it comes to watching the world go by.
If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, you can travel down and moor up right by the restaurant. Alternatively, mere mortals can opt to arrive by car or foot.
Dining outside is an incredible experience during the summertime, but this is one of the waterfront restaurants in Connecticut that also offers a lovely indoor dining room for guests to enjoy when things get chilly.
Their menu is certainly interesting, and features items like Mediterranean Octopus, Herb Encrusted Rack of Lamb, and their iconic Angus Burger.
If you’re looking for a romantic spot to dine with your partner and watch the sunset, then this is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut for the job.
On the Waterfront, New London
Next on our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, it’s the lovely ‘On the Waterfront‘ in New London.
I mean, the name says it all here, right? It’s right on the waterfront!
The food here is a mix of modern, classic and stylish – which makes this an ideal location for date nights and those nights when you’re looking to impress someone special!
Overall, this is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/onthewaterfrontnl/
Ripka’s Beach Café
Norwalk is home to many stunning waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, with Ripka’s Beach Café being among the most popular.
Originally a simple beach concession stand back in the 1950s, this hidden gem has grown to become one of the most in-demand waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
It may not be quite as glamorous as some of the other spots on our list, but it has a quaint and casual vibe that makes it the perfect place to stop during a long day of exploring.
Offering fresh oysters, seafood, steamed lobsters, burgers, and ice cream, there’s truly something for everyone at Ripka’s Beach Café.
If you’re stopping by in the evening, why not pair your meal with one of the joint’s specialty cocktails? With friendly staff on hand to cater to you, this is one of our favorite waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
Read more USA food inspiration: 20 of the best desserts in Chicago, you have to try!
Waterfront restaurants in Connecticut: Rive Bistro
If you’re partial to French food, then you’ll love Rive Bistro in Westport. Considered one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut by locals, this bistro is warm, inviting, and full of minimalistic French charm.
The entire dining room is designed to offer unbeatable views, and you won’t find a single table that doesn’t impress. When the weather starts to bite, you can warm up by the beautiful fireplace.
Just be warned though, tables around the fireplace are highly coveted. Therefore, we recommend booking ahead to guarantee a toasty spot. It’s a classic choice for waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
In addition to gorgeous wines by the glass, you’ll also be treated to French speciality dishes like croquettes, Croque Monsieur, escargot and of course, French fries! Okay, so we may be cheating with that last one, but who doesn’t love a plate of piping hot pommes?
This is one of the top waterfront restaurants in Connecticut!
Rocky’s Aqua
Next on our list of waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, it’s Rockey’s Aqua. If you’re on the hunt for dramatic views, outdoor seating, and an excellent atmosphere, then you need to visit Rocky’s Aqua on your next trip to Connecticut.
Located in Clinton, this restaurant boasts two bars, indoor seating, and a prized patio dining area that keeps visitors coming back for more. We’re not kidding when we say that this is one of the waterfront restaurants in Connecticut where the diners and servers recognize each other – people just can’t get enough!
Realistically, it also helps that this is one of the waterfront restaurants in Connecticut where the staff are just so darn friendly!
Serving a mixture of classic American cuisine, Italian dishes, and top-of-the-line seafood, you shouldn’t have much trouble choosing a dish to suit you at Rocky’s Aqua.
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Shell & Bones
Shell & Bones is our next pick for waterfront restaurants in Connecticut. This gorgeous oyster bar and grill is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
The main reason to visit this amazing restaurant – the oysters of course! This place is a favorite amongst any seafood lovers.
The vibe is also great here, it’s fun without being rowdy, and it’s smart and stylish without being stuffy.
Another must-try meal that they serve up at Shell & Bones, is their amazing lobster roll. It’s completely WOW.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/shellandbonesoysterbarandgrill/
Brushmill by the Waterfall
You may think this place is exaggerating when they claim that they’re located by a waterfall, but they’re totally serious! This is a great pick for waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
Brushmill by the Waterfall is certainly one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, as the scenery is second-to-none.
Although many of the restaurants on our list offer excellent views, we feel the inclusion of an actual waterfall takes this place to the next level.
However, it’s not just the scenery that we adore about Brushmill – the food is incredible too! Packed with classic American dishes that have a modern twist, there should be something suited to every palate.
Whether you fancy a bowl of creamy seafood pasta or an elegant crème brulee, this is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut for indulging. Go on, you deserve it!
Brennan’s Restaurant
Burgers and beers are the name of the game at Brennan’s Restaurant. You’ll love this pick for waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
This place has long been known in Stamford for its food and drink, but it also happens to be one of the most gorgeous waterfront restaurants in Connecticut when it comes to décor and scenery too.
The patio is by far the best place to enjoy a meal, but if you’re wanting to catch the latest sports game, then you may want to take advantage of Brennan’s large indoor screen.
Although it’s not a fine-dining establishment, it’s wonderfully casual at Brennan’s. Their reliable food, friendly staff, and excellent reputation make them one of the waterfront restaurants in Connecticut to slot into your itinerary.
Read more USA travel ideas: 20 beautiful waterfalls in NY (with a handy map!)
The Blue Oar
With superb views, excellent burgers, and some of the friendliest servers in town, The Blue Oar deserves the next spot on our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
There are several things that make this eatery sensational, but we’d say that their focus on seasonal ingredients and local produce is a top selling point. In addition to their grill menu, this place also serves unbeatable seafood.
Whether you’re a seafood fan or approach crustaceans with trepidation, the New England Clam Chowder is something that any foodie should try.
If the food wasn’t enough to convince you, the extras available at The Blue Oar add to its reputation as one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
You can bring your own booze, park your car nearby, and even oar a boat right next the restaurant. However long you choose to stick around, this place will wine and dine you to your heart’s content.
S&P Oyster House
Next up on our list of waterfront restaurants in Connecticut, it’s the amazing S&P Oyster House, in Mystic.
S&P Oyster House are known for their (you guessed it) OYSTERS! So if you’re a fan of oysters and shellfish, we have a feeling you’re going to love it here!
These guys do everything with passion and care, and their menu is always made up the finest seasonal ingredients.
With beautiful waterfront views, this place is a must-visit!
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/spoyster/
Mill on the River Restaurant
The Mill on the River Restaurant is our next suggestion for the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
This place is super romantic and scenic, and it’s somewhere that would be perfect for a special occasion or a date night!
Mill on the River Restaurant is located in South Windsor, and it’s home to some of the best seafood and shellfish in the area.
A great pick for the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/millontheriver/
Hopefully this list of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut has given you lots of inspiration and ideas!
Which of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut are you going to try first? Let us know!
