Waterfront Favorites
Connecticut Coastline Restaurants
The Connecticut coastline is filled with great restaurants options, and many of them are accessible by boat. Whether it be before, during, or after. These fine eateries will be a great compliment to any day on the water.
FROM WEST TO EAST
Rowayton Seafood is located in the historic village of Rowayton along Rowayton Ave. Enjoy dining with views of the Five Mile River. They have a handful of transient slips that can be booked via the restaurant website but be sure to do it in spring because they fill up fast. Don’t forget to stop by the market before you leave.
Boca opened in 2019 and is located in Bridgeport’s Steelpointe Harbor. The restaurant overlooks the marina and has views of Bridgeport Harbor and Long Island Sound. The menu focuses on New England seafood fare and has quite the raw bar. They have designated slips if you’re arriving by boat. Reservations are required.
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill – New Haven
Shell and Bones is an award-winning seafood, steak and raw bar restaurant with stunning views of the waters of New Haven Harbor. Enjoy outdoor dining on their heated, covered patio. Situated adjacent to the Pequonnock Yacht Club where transient slips are available. This place is favorite by car and by boat, so be sure to make reservation via phone or their website.
Fresh Salt at the Saybrook Point Resort & Marina – Old Saybrook
Fresh Salt is located on the Connecticut River with amazing views of Long Island Sound. The chef utilizes fresh and seasonal local ingredients. The New England Clam Chowder and lobster rolls are a must. You’ll need to make a reservation for the restaurant and a transient slip if you’re visiting by water.
Carlson’s is located at the historic Essex Boat Works at the foot of Main St overlooking the Connecticut River. They offer seafood and modern American Fare. Carlson’s is also walking distance to numerous retail shops and local pubs in downtown Essex.
Red 36 is located directly on the Mystic River in beautiful Mystic. Their wall length windows open completely for a wonderful airy meal. The eclectic menu changes seasonally and always offers fresh seafood and an extensive raw bar. There are reserved slips at Noank Shipyard and Seaport Marine if you’re arriving for the day by boat.
Dog Watch Café overlooks the Dodson’s Boatyard and Stonington Harbor. It offers BBQ fare and seafood with casual indoor and outdoor dining year-round. Shop for Good Dog Clothing, each purchase provides a donation to the Rooftop Rosie Rescue Fund.
THE OUTLIER
This is the only restaurant on our list not accessible from Long Island Sound, but we would be doing you a disservice if we didn’t mention it. This local drive in has been a staple along Route 34 in Monroe for nearly 30 years, and sits atop the Stevenson Dam on Lake Zoar. The spot has all your classic drive-in favorites, but what makes this place legendary is The Zoar Burger. The voted the best burger in the region by multiple publications, numerous times. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed.
