The 25 Best Seafood Restaurants, Shacks, Eatery's, Hangouts & Waterfront Dining Experiences in Connecticut

By James V. Ruocco

Mussels Provencale

Key West Crusted Line Caught Yellowfin Tuna

Plateau Degustation

Calamari Fritti

Blue Point Oysters

Steamed Maine Lobster Drenched in Drawn Butter and Fresh Lemon

Shrimp in the Rough
Scallops Fregola 

Clam Fritters, Clam Strips and Whole Belly Clams

Coriander Seared Salmon

Just a sampling of options guaranteed to please from an abundant menu of fresh fish and seafood - all yours for the taking.

So dive right on.
 
You're in charge whether you're craving a simple lobster, a mouth-watering shrimp cocktail or a heaping tower of chilled oysters on the half shell.

It's healthy and delicious.
It's palate-pleasing satisfaction.
It's freshly prepared.
It's affordable.
It's expensive.
It's a classic source of contentment.
It's seriously good, diverse and interesting.

So take a gander enjoy the experience.
You're in the right place.

If you're ready to enjoy the perfect meal, check out one of these absolutely perfect venues.
You won't be disappointed.
A bottle of wine (or glass, if you prefer, is a must). 

Note: In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ned Lamont has issued safety guidelines for the state of Connecticut restaurants to follow immediately, including outdoor dining only with tables spread six feet apart for patrons. It is also suggested to call ahead to find out hours of operation, if reservations are needed and whether or not take out and curbside pick up is available.

Abbott's Lobster in the Rough
117 Pearl St., Noank, CT
Phone: (860) 536-7719

Harbor Lights
82 Seaview Ave., Norwalk, CT
Phone: (203) 866-3364

The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood
89 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk, CT
Phone: (203) 866-4488

L'escale
500 Steamboat Rd., Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 661-4600

Pearl at Longshore Restaurant and Bar.
260 Compo Rd., Westport, CT
Phone: (203) 557-6260

The Wharf Restaurant
Madison Beach Hotel
94 W. Wharf Rd., Madison, CT
Phone: (203) 350-0014

Fresh Salt
2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook, CT
Phone: (860) 388-1111

Fish
245 Bedford St., Stamford, CT
Phone: (203) 724-9300

The Restaurant at Water's Edge
1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, CT
Phone: (860) 399-5901

Max's Oyster Bar
964 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 236-6299

Red 36
2 Washington, St., Mystic, CT
(860) 536-3604

Elm Street Oyster Bar
11 W. Elm St., Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 629-5795

Blue Oar
16 Snyder Rd., Haddam, CT
(860) 345-2994

Carlson's Landing
63 Main St., Essex, CT
Phone: (860) 767-2727

Oyster Club
13 Water St., Mystic, CT
Phone: (860) 415-9266

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill
100 S. Water St., New Haven, CT
(203) 787-3466

Rocky's Aqua
34 Riverside Drive #2, Clinton, CT
(860) 664-3788

190 Main Bar & Restaurant
190 Main St., Westport, CT
Phone: (203) 293-4564

The Whelk
575 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT
(203) 557-0902

Lobster Landing
152 Commerce St., Clinton, CT
(860) 669-2005

The Clam Castle
1324 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT
Phone: (203) 245-4911

The Lazy Lobster
6 Broadway, Milford, CT
(203) 283-1864

Stowe's Seafood
347 Beach St., West Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 934-1991

Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
1301 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT
(203) 245-7289

Knapp's Landing
520 Sniffens Lane, Stratford, CT
Phone: (203) 378-5999