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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Old Saybrook

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Essex restaurant
1. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1040)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 12 times today
Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
2. Fresh Salt
4.6
Exceptional(1527)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 30 times today
Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.
A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant
3. Little Pub- Old Saybrook
4.6
Exceptional(139)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 times today
Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.
A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
4. Scotch Plains Tavern
4.4
Awesome(699)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Essex
If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.
A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
5. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.5
Awesome(606)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 11 times today
The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.
A photo of Kokomo's Restaurant - Old Lyme restaurant
6. Kokomo's Restaurant - Old Lyme
3.6
Very Good(377)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Lyme
Booked 1 time today
Kokomo's: Connecticut's Tropical Paradise! Enjoy our beautiful beachfront restaurant, overlooking Long Island Sound. With our all you can eat Caribbean inspired table side dining, Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and Hand Crafted Cocktails we aim to please all of our guests- Whether it's a family dinner, date night, or out with the girls.... Kokomo's is the place to beach.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LucilinaVIP
    New York City •18 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Was a nice afternoon treat. They were very nice and had a small cake with candle for my birthday.
    More info
    Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • Ray
    Greater Boston •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Each and every time we have gone to The Coast Guard House we have had an Incredible meal. Consistently excellent. My wife had a special that included shrimp, lobster and scallops in a pasta with an assortment of flavors while I had the Lobster Mac & Cheese. The Mac & Cheese was loaded with lobster and totally filled me up. My wife also had plenty of the shrimp, scallops and lobster in her dish. We went to celebrate my wife's birthday and boy did we pick a beautiful night to go as the weather was around 60 and the sky was clear while the 3/4 moon was visible in the east sky. Daylight saving proved to be to our advantage as we had a spectacular ocean to view while the sun was lowering in the west leaving a great sunset show. We had the blood orange and cranberry sorbet for dessert which was a perfect ending to our meal. Our server Katie was very personable and attentive. This is by far RI BEST dining experience.
    More info
    The Coast Guard HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Narragansett
    •
    4.8
  • JillVIP
    New York City •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Dinner was amazing. We ate from the fixe prix menu. The included amuse and canapés were delicious. It was difficult to choose between the course options because we wanted to try everything. Each plate was delicious! I highly recommend The Essex. It’s a dining experience!
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • SherrieVIP
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 1, 2025
    Just an awesome dinner with family. Fab food and service!
    More info
    Little Pub- Old SaybrookPrice: Moderate• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • Joseph
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
    More info
    Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
    •
    4.4

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