Restaurants in Mystic are full of maritime magic: harbor views, historic taverns, and menus that blend ocean bounty with small-town hospitality. It’s where I savor buttery lobster rolls, sip chilled Chardonnay, and feel the salty breeze in a town steeped in seafaring soul.
I’ve got clam chowder served in a warm bread bowl, seared scallops with lemon beurre blanc, and the sound of bells from the drawbridge nearby—right here in picturesque, coastal Mystic, Connecticut. Who knew dining by the sea could feel this storied and serene?
"Fresh catch, old charm, and waterfront flavor? This is Mystic dining—quaint, coastal, and completely delicious."
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique Restaurants in Mystic, CT:
1. Savor Seaside Elegance at Oyster Club for Unforgettable Coastal Flavors
"Savor fresh seafood and admire harbor views on a romantic weekend outing."
Oyster Club is a casual fine dining gem in Mystic, Connecticut, celebrated for its exceptional ‘farm-and-sea-to-table’ approach. Specializing in the rich bounty of the New England coast and countryside, Oyster Club crafts a seasonally changing menu featuring pasture-raised beef, organic salads and vegetables, and sustainably sourced fish and seafood. Guests can indulge in sublime, thoughtfully prepared dishes, complemented by an impressive selection of fine wines, craft beers, and microbrews, both on tap and by the bottle.
Recommended For: Seafood aficionados, fine dining lovers, and anyone seeking a refined, seasonal culinary experience inspired by New England’s land and sea.
- Savor a menu crafted from pasture-raised meats, organic produce, and sustainable seafood.
- Enjoy a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal dishes that highlight local flavors.
- Pair your meal with fine wines, craft beers, or specialty microbrews.
- Relax in a charming, upscale atmosphere perfect for date nights or special occasions.
- Support a restaurant deeply committed to sustainability and local sourcing.
13 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-415-9266
2. Indulge in Cozy Italian Nights at Anthony J's Bistro for a Romantic Escape
"Enjoy Italian classics and cozy vibes on an easy couples dinner trip."
Anthony J's Bistro is an intimate, rustic Italian bistro in Mystic, Connecticut, beloved for its authentic cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and lively bar. With wood accents and soft lighting, this cozy spot offers a mouthwatering menu featuring imported pastas with housemade sauces, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, Canadian lobster, Angus beef, and Canadian veal. Diners can also enjoy fresh, made-to-order salads and tempting daily blackboard specials. At the full-service bar, guests will find casual wines from around the world, craft beers, microbrews, and classic cocktails crafted with top-shelf spirits. Anthony J’s is open daily for both lunch and dinner.
Recommended For: Italian food lovers, cozy date nights, and anyone seeking hearty, authentic fare paired with great drinks in a warm, rustic setting.
- Feast on imported pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood specialties.
- Try signature dishes like Canadian lobster, Angus beef, and Canadian veal.
- Enjoy daily blackboard specials featuring seasonal and chef-inspired creations.
- Relax at the friendly bar with wines, craft beers, microbrews, and cocktails.
- Visit a beloved local bistro perfect for both casual lunches and intimate dinners.
6 Holmes St, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-536-0448
3. Treat Yourself to a Chic Dining Experience at Bravo Bravo Restaurant, Mystic
If you think like me:
"Taste creative dishes and explore bold flavors on an exciting foodie night."
Bravo Bravo Restaurant is a trendy, inviting Italian eatery in Mystic, Connecticut, known for its authentic cuisine, creative dishes, and lively happy hour specials. With large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Main Street, diners can watch the world go by while enjoying inventive pastas, fresh fish, and homemade desserts. The elegant dining room, adorned with flickering white candles and black-and-white photographs, creates a romantic, intimate atmosphere. The full-service bar offers a wide selection of wines from around the globe, craft beers, microbrews, and expertly crafted classic cocktails made with top-shelf spirits.
Recommended For: Italian food enthusiasts, date-night diners, and anyone seeking a stylish, intimate setting with delicious food and drinks.
- Indulge in creative Italian pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and decadent homemade desserts.
- Relax in an elegant dining room glowing with candlelight and romantic charm.
- Enjoy happy hour specials with wines, craft beers, microbrews, and cocktails.
- Savor the views of bustling Main Street from the restaurant’s large windows.
- Visit a beloved Mystic hotspot perfect for special occasions or casual indulgence.
19 E Main St, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-536-3228
Date Ideas:
4. If You Crave Sunset Views, Then Dine at Breakwater for Waterside Bliss
"Dine by the water and watch the boats on a relaxing summer evening."
Breakwater is a stunning waterfront restaurant in Stonington, Connecticut, offering breathtaking views of Stonington Harbor alongside fresh seafood and inventive cocktails. Led by restaurateur Jon Kodama and Culinary Institute of America-trained chef Sylvia Kerry Herrera, Breakwater delights diners with standout dishes like clam chowder, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Firecracker Shrimp, Fried Stonington Scallops, Teriyaki Glazed Faroe Island Salmon, and indulgent Lobster Mac & Cheese. The full-service bar features a broad selection of wines, craft beers, microbrews, and expertly mixed cocktails, all enjoyed in an airy, contemporary space with spectacular harbor views. Breakwater is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Recommended For: Seafood lovers, waterfront diners, and anyone seeking a stylish, elevated dining experience with gorgeous coastal views.
- Feast on fresh seafood favorites like poke bowls, scallops, salmon, and lobster mac & cheese.
- Sip casual wines, craft beers, or top-shelf cocktails from the lively full-service bar.
- Relax in a chic, contemporary dining room overlooking beautiful Stonington Harbor.
- Visit for lunch or dinner and savor expertly crafted dishes from a seasoned culinary team.
- Support a local dining destination known for superb food, drinks, and unforgettable views.
66 Water St, Stonington, CT 06378
Phone: 860-415-8123
5. Delight in Authentic Italian Comforts at Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria
My top 5:
"Share wood-fired pizza and enjoy hearty pasta on a fun family dinner trip."
Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria is a beloved family-owned restaurant in North Stonington, Connecticut, offering authentic northern Italian cuisine in a warm, relaxed setting. With elegant interiors featuring wood and glass details and a charming outdoor patio perfect for alfresco summer dining, Buon Appetito delights guests with homemade pastas and sauces, wood-fired pizzas, prime beef, chicken and veal dishes, fresh seafood, and from-scratch salads. Diners can finish their meals with decadent Italian desserts, all paired with a wide selection of casual wines, craft beers, microbrews, and classic cocktails from the full-service bar.
Recommended For: Italian food enthusiasts, families, and anyone craving a cozy, authentic dining experience with fresh, housemade flavors.
- Savor homemade pastas, rich sauces, and wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings.
- Enjoy prime beef, chicken, veal, and fresh seafood prepared with Italian flair.
- Relax on the beautiful outdoor patio for a perfect alfresco dining experience.
- Pair your meal with wines, craft beers, or cocktails from the welcoming full-service bar.
- Support a cherished family-owned restaurant known for authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
386 Norwich-Westerly Rd, North Stonington, CT 06359
Phone: 860-535-2333
6. Step Into History and Savor Hearty Fare at Captain Daniel Packer Inne
I recommend:
"Step into colonial charm and savor pub fare on an unusual historic visit."
Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored 250-year-old colonial building in Mystic, Connecticut. This English-style pub features a refined dining room and lively bar, where guests enjoy inventive contemporary cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients and regional produce.
Recommended For: History lovers, pub enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable dining experience blending colonial charm, local flavors, and live entertainment.
- Feast on fresh seafood, prime beef, and pastas made with regional ingredients.
- Enjoy a drink from the lively bar, featuring wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.
- Relax in a beautifully preserved colonial setting full of historic charm.
- Experience live music every night in a buzzing, friendly atmosphere.
- Support a beloved Mystic landmark offering unforgettable food, drinks, and ambiance.
32 Water St, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-536-3555
7. If You’re Seeking Sophisticated Seafood, Then Book a Table at Ella's Fine Food and Drink
"Indulge in upscale plates and craft cocktails on a romantic fall retreat."
Ella's Fine Food and Drink is a contemporary gem in Westerly, offering refined Asian-French cuisine and an exceptional wine selection in a sophisticated setting. This elegant restaurant draws both locals and visitors with its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative fusion dishes that elevate every dining experience.
Recommended For: Foodies, romantic diners, wine lovers, and anyone seeking a memorable fine dining experience with Asian-French flair.
- Indulge in signature dishes like Duck a Deux Façons, Pan-Crusted Scallop, and Lamb Bolognese.
- Savor creative fusions such as Salsiccia Rigatoncini and Double Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese.
- Experience Chef Jeanie’s award-winning craftsmanship using organic, regional seafood, meat, and produce.
- Dine alfresco on the terrace or inside the chic dining room and lounge.
- Enjoy a thoughtfully curated wine list that complements each exquisite dish.
Ella's Fine Food and Drink, 2 Tower St, Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-315-0606
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What dining options are available in Mystic?
- Mystic offers a plethora of beautiful restaurants and places to eat, providing a wide range of delicious dining experiences.
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What historical attraction can visitors explore in Mystic?
- Visitors can step on the deck of the Charles Morgan, the last surviving ship of the American mighty whaling fleet.
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Where can visitors experience local flora and fauna in Mystic?
- The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center offers an opportunity to explore native flora and fauna in a serene natural setting.
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Where can you learn about Mystic’s marine life?
- The Mystic Aquarium allows visitors to discover the fascinating local marine life through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
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Where can you eat after exploring Mystic?
- After exploring this charming seaside town and its beautiful beaches, visitors can head to one of Mystic’s top restaurants for a tasty meal.
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