Immerse in the mystical charm of this quaint place on the southern end of Connecticut.
Mystic, with a location nestled by the river, was a renowned seaport where hundreds of ships were built. Some of these vessels have been preserved in the Mystic Seaport Museum today.
It’s true that most tourists come to the village to see these majestic ships but that’s not where it all ends. Mystic is also an ideal hub for food travelers.
Step foot inside seafood restaurants to excite your taste buds with special dishes while your eyes feast on scenic views. It’s just one of the many advantages of being a seaport village.
Beyond the local fare, this census-designated place also surprises you with Mediterranean, Asian, and even fusion flavors. Truly, Mystic is a gift that keeps on giving.
Dig into their fabulous food fare by checking out the best restaurants in Mystic I’ve rounded up for you. Save this list as you prepare your senses for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic trip.
1. Via Emilia
24 W Main St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 415-4840
Nestled by the river, Via Emilia stands as one of the newest Italian restaurants located in Mystic. It officially opened its doors to the public in February 2020.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
No other restaurant in town can serve you Italian food as sumptuous as what this place can offer. It uses traditional recipes which helped it become one of the top Mystic restaurants easily.
The other factors that lure guests into this place are the swanky vibe and vibrant views available from the area. No need to keep wondering where to eat in Mystic once you’ve seen this place.
What to Eat
Kick off your fancy dinner with Mozzarella Di Bufala (buffalo mozzarella) for a slightly spicy taste. Try the ever-famous Spaghetti Nero which features fish, lobster, clams, and mussels on top of black spaghetti. It’s also drizzled in fra diavolo sauce for an unparalleled flavor.
Have a fancier dining experience by adding a dry-aged prime ribeye that comes with roasted shallots and broccoli rabe on the side.
2. The Mariner
21 W Main St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-5200
Set near the drawbridge, the Mariner is another fancy restaurant located on the coastal side of Mystic. It’s one of the highly sought-after local restaurants when it comes to seafood.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Are you looking for the best restaurants downtown?
If yes, then check out the Mariner to discover their fresh menu that also takes inspiration from the New England fare. It also boasts affordable wines that would make your stay in this swanky place even more memorable.
What to Eat
Have a chilled seafood platter from the raw bar containing oysters, clams, and shrimps to boost your meal.
Try the fried clam strips for some New England classics followed by the Chicken Marsala for the main dish. You may also want to try the LI Strip Steak for a well-rounded dining experience. Those who want a healthier option can have lobster salad, too.
3. Frank’s Gourmet Grille
56 Whitehall Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 415-4666
Frank’s Gourmet Grille, founded in 2002, is an award-winning restaurant serving continental food in Mystic. It combines a mix of traditional and original offerings to excite all guests.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Step into Frank’s Gourmet Grille to bask in a sophisticated atmosphere like no other. It’s the perfect setting for those seeking fine dining in Mystic without spending too costly an amount.
It also goes above and beyond by crafting entrées that are marked with a Mediterranean flair. With numerous accolades, this place can exceed your expectations for Mystic restaurants.
What to Eat
Pick New York sirloin to savor one of the fan-favorite grilled items in this iconic restaurant. Guests who love fish must order the sockeye salmon fillet served with lemon, dill, and buttercream sauce.
It would also be great to add Fettuccine Alfredo which you can top either with chicken, jumbo shrimp, or lobster. Any of these toppings are worth the try for a satisfying food experience.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Taber Inn
4. Latitude 41° Restaurant and Tavern
105 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 572-5303
Opened in 2010, Latitude 41° stands out as a casual restaurant that offers New American food. It’s one of the restaurants near you if you’re coming from the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Treat your eyes and tummy to a feast with their freshly created food offerings paired with velvety wine. You’d love to eat here if you’re a foodie who likes taking photos given their nice plating.
Its indoor setup and outdoor views are truly amazing as well since the restaurant is nestled by the river. With its sophistication, many also consider this when planning parties for events.
What to Eat
Many usually begin their meal with the gluten-free New England clam chowder or the market salad for a light starter. Among the entrées, the filet-and-shrimp combination is a fan-favorite.
Never leave this place without trying out Bailey’s Irish cream crème brulee which is topped with whipped cream. Special gelato and ice cream are also available for you.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Mystic
5. S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
1 Holmes St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-2674
S&P Oyster, another waterfront restaurant, provides the people with sumptuous meals inspired by the southern flair. It has been operating for nearly four decades since its inception in 1984.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
One can expect the best food in Mystic from this restaurant given its orientation as a farm and sea-to-table place. It uses freshly caught goods to ensure that you’ll have the finest meals here.
Reservations are highly encouraged since this restaurant is also considered one of the best dinner places in Mystic. It’s truly worth the wait especially if it’s your first time.
What to Eat
Avail yourself of the premium seaboard tower consisting of lobster, oysters, littlenecks, shrimp, and salpicon de mariscos.
Make some room for the pork tenderloin, lobster alfredo, or the pan-seared scallops and pancetta for a satisfying meal. It’s good to add wood-grilled asparagus on the side, too.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa
6. Kitchen Little
36 Quarry Rd
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-2122
Since 1980, Kitchen Little has been pleasing the palate of the locals and tourists coming to Mystic. It was originally built along Route 27 before moving to the downtown area.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you value breakfast the most, this charming restaurant would be the perfect place to go to in the village. It has indoor and outdoor seating options to let you enjoy the atmosphere you want.
Aside from the classics, this eatery also surprises its guests with special daily offers that will surely leave you wanting more. It’s certainly one of the coolest places to dine in town.
What to Eat
Try the Mystic Melt which features a fresh crab, cream cheese scrambled with two eggs, and a raisin toast. Add a healthier touch with a mix of fresh broccoli, mushrooms, and cheese in eggs. Have a taste of their avocado and tomato Benedict as well.
Pair your morning meal with a glass of mimosa which comes with a bonus strawberry.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic
Also See:
Restaurants in New Haven, Connecticut
Restaurants: Hartford, Connecticut
7. Oyster Club
13 Water St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 415-9266
Oyster Club highlights the sea- and farm-to-table cuisine to bring out the best New American flavors in Mystic. It’s located on the side of the Peace Nature Sanctuary in the historic district.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Relish the one-of-a-kind food experience provided by this restaurant while indulging in great views. After all, this place won’t be ranked as one of the best places to eat in Mystic for naught.
It primarily attracts guests through the eatery’s homey vibe and satisfying dishes that will warm your heart. Its support to the local food community is another factor you’ll surely appreciate.
What to Eat
Schedule a visit to the Oyster Club during the weekend to enjoy a fancy meal you’ll always remember. Pick the chawanmushi steamed egg custard or the steak-and-eggs to be full. Seafood lovers must also try the mussels cooked in coconut lemongrass broth.
Have a cocktail drink that features a mix of tequila, pineapple tepache, Giffards banana, lime, and agave. It will surely complete your meal.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Mystic
8. Bravo Bravo Restaurant
19 E Main Street
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-3228
Bravo Bravo Restaurant allows you to delve into the Italian flair without going too far outside the town. It’s set right by the Victorian-themed Whaler’s Inn at the heart of town.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Bravo Bravo, which offers the best lunch in Mystic, goes above and beyond by serving world-class Italian food. Its pasta, sauce, and bread taste extraordinary since they’re homemade.
As a contemporary casual eatery, this place also boasts a light atmosphere that will surely make your dining experience worthwhile.
What to Eat
Seared scallops and grilled salmon, which are both gluten-free, will easily satisfy your cravings. Try the Pappardelle Bolognese as well as the Rigatoni pasta to taste an amazing Italian food fare. Check out the Caesar salad, too.
Feel free to order a Margarita or Whiskey Sour cocktail to complement your magnificent meal.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Whaler’s Inn
9. Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub
32 Water St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-3555
Set in a historic home, this restaurant carries a remarkable tradition that made it a sought-after dining place in the area. Its building, originally built in 1756, boasts a rustic charm you’d love.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Here’s one of the good restaurants in Mystic to check out if you’re seeking a nice balance of food and drinks. It also crafts a special menu during events like Valentine’s Day.
As a vibrant pub, this well-known place also offers live musical performances every day to keep you entertained. You’d enjoy coming here even when you’re solo.
What to Eat
Have a casual plate of tenderloin tips, sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, horseradish cream, and roasted red potatoes. Add a roasted duck leg from the entrées so you can discover why many people praise it. Finish your meal with a brownie sundae.
Try the chocolate hot buttered rum if you want to sip a specialty cocktail drink they offer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Mystic, an IHG Hotel
10. Anthony J’s Bistro
6 Holmes St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-0448
Anthony J’s Bistro, whose history dates back to over three decades ago, helped popularize Italian food in Mystic further. Its jazz-inspired theme easily lures guests in.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Mystic eats won’t reach their level today without the kind of tradition that old-time eateries started. At Anthony J’s, you can dive into the incredible Italian cuisine prepared fresh daily. Have no worries since its chef won numerous awards in the food industry.
Patrons also frequently come here for the cozy setting—especially the patio area.
What to Eat
Order AJ’s Cheese Pizza filled with mozzarella and marinara sauce for a true Italian classic. Those who prefer more toppings would like the Courtyard for it has grilled chicken, oven-roasted tomatoes, pesto, tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Some of the other dishes you wouldn’t want to miss include lasagna, lobster roll, and carbonara. Have a tiramisu for a delectable dessert, too!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Groton/Mystic
Also See:
Restaurants in Darien, CT
Best Restaurants in Groton
11. Go Fish
27 Coogan Blvd
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-2662
Established in 1996, Go Fish is a vibrant seafood restaurant located in a retro-themed shopping mall. It’s popular for being an innovative seafood place that also boasts an extensive wine list.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Discover one of the most refreshing casual spots to eat where you can dive deep into fancy food and wonderful wines. Beyond seafood, this place also offers amazing steaks you’d love.
Any guest looking to become a wine connoisseur would also appreciate the wine events being held here. Its wide space makes it one of the best birthday restaurants in Mystic as well.
What to Eat
Pick the crispy shrimp dumplings for a light dish to appetize your taste buds quickly. Next up, taste the highly popular Go Fish Seafood Pasta topped with shrimps, scallops, lobsters, and crabs. Check out the daily specials, too.
Wrap up your meal with a la mode ice cream that comes in butter pecan, vanilla, and chocolate flavors.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton
12. Red 36
2 Washington St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-3604
Red 36 serves as the go-to restaurant for people who prefer an airy place to eat near the river in Mystic. Its owner was born into a family of renowned restaurateurs based in Connecticut.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Do you want to eat in a restaurant directly set in a marina?
Check out Red 36—one of the best-rated restaurants in Mystic—for an unparalleled epicurean fare. It highlights tasty seafood inspired mostly by the traditional American style of cuisines. Anyone who’s up to drink can also do so at your cozy table or the central bar area.
What to Eat
If you’re coming for dinner, the spicy pork barbecue nachos, as well as wedge salad, would be great starters. Tier 1 from the raw bar features clams, oysters, and shrimp enough for one.
Taste the seafood paella alongside a plate of grilled chicken for something to stimulate your senses further. Include a yuzu mule spritz from the cocktail menu for a cold beverage.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Stonington-Mystic Area
13. Breakwater
66 Water St
Stonington, CT 06378
(860) 415-8123
Breakwater, set in the Stonington Harbor, shot to fame as an airy seafood restaurant established near the small Dubois Beach and the iconic Lighthouse Museum in the Stonington town.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Individuals who are eager to explore more seafood restaurants outside of Mystic wouldn’t regret coming to this place. It only takes an 11-minute drive to reach this eatery from the Mystic area.
Here, you’re bound to find equally mouthwatering seafood classics paired with awesome drinks. You can also feel the breeze when you arrive at this place since they have a patio area that showcases picturesque views.
What to Eat
We highly recommend the grilled seafood medley so you can taste many seafood items at once, such as salmon, shrimp, scallops, and calamari. The chicken special won’t disappoint either.
Vegetarians can also find something to their liking upon arriving at this place since it offers brussels sprouts, roasted winter vegetable bowls, and Japanese ramen.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Taber Inn
14. Bridge Restaurant and Bar
37 Main St
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 348-9700
Bridge Restaurant and Bar, perched near the Pawcatuck River, is close to the border of Rhode Island and Connecticut. It entered the restaurant scene in 2010.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Bridge sources its ingredients from the local farms and fisheries to serve all guests the food they deserve. To diversify the menu, this restaurant also created items catering to vegans and vegetarians. Gluten-free options are likewise available.
With its setting, this eatery can also provide you with cool sights of the river and the trees all around.
What to Eat
Consider having the healthy skillet to indulge in mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, spinach, fries, and soy sauce for brunch. It’s nice to add huevos rancheros for a slight Mexican touch to your food. Never forget the banana split to inject a perfect balance.
Awaken your senses with a large cold brew coffee or a morning chai for a great day starter.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Stonington-Mystic Area
15. Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria
386 Norwich Westerly Rd
North Stonington, CT 06359
(860) 535-2333
Buon Appetito is an Italian restaurant located near the historical landmark of Hewitt Farm in North Stonington. Its name translates to “enjoy your meal” in English.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Aiming to expand your global food adventure beyond Mystic?
Visit Buon Appetito, located 10 miles north of Mystic, to expose yourself to more Italian offerings in Connecticut. It has a relaxed dining fare that can be on par with high-class eateries around. No wonder why it’s one of the most popular restaurants to try on this side of the state.
What to Eat
Try their very own pizza flavor topped with basil ricotta, fresh tomato, roasted chicken, broccoli, and mozzarella. You may also opt for the basics with sauce and mozzarella cheese if you want.
Match your pizza with Gamberi alla scampi flavored with garlic and lemon butter wine sauce. Shrimp, tomatoes, and parsley are put on top of this delicious dish. Buon Appetito!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Closest Foxwoods
Also See:
Places to Eat in Manchester
Restaurants in Storrs
Waterbury Restaurants
16. Ella’s Fine Food and Drink
2 Tower St
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 315-0606
Opened in 2012, Ella’s Fine Food and Drink showcases global dining options inspired by French and Asian cuisines. It also uses fresh local ingredients to achieve a unique taste.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have you checked out all the highly recommended eateries in Mystic?
Great! Include Ella’s in your itinerary to bask in the sophistication offered by this elegant dining place in Rhode Island. Also, the fact that it offers vastly different cuisines is a tempting factor in itself so there’s no wonder why patrons keep coming back to this place frequently.
What to Eat
Consider having a New York strip and miso salmon to get two of their most favored items on the menu. Seasonal scallop also gained nice reviews so better check it out when you dine in. While you’re here, make sure to also add the organic baby greens salad for a well-rounded meal.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Mystic
17. Engine Room
14 Holmes St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 415-8117
Engine Room, which opened its doors to the public in 2013, is another downtown favorite set in a restored building. It has more than a dozen beers on tap for you to choose from.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
No need to seek other places to unwind once you’ve found the Engine Room. It has various kinds of alcoholic beverages—from craft beers, bourbon, cocktails, to wines—that can soothe you. Engine Room doesn’t run out of flavorful food to pair with your drinks, too.
With this, you’ll no longer wonder why this place is considered one of the best restaurants Mystic has to offer.
What to Eat
Munch on the chipotle chicken sandwich if you want to challenge your taste buds with a fiery meal. Hot fire burger, another spicy offering, also counts as one of the best-kept offerings here.
Pair those with the Treasure Hunt that features a combination of rum, rosemary syrup, tiki bitters, orange juice, lime, and nutmeg. It’s just one of the libations waiting for you here.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Waterford / Mystic
Related: Best Things to Do in Mystic
18. Sift Bake Shop Mystic
5 Water St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 245-0541
Sift, a family-owned bakeshop, helped bring the French baking fare to the heart of Mystic, CT. Its location is within a few steps away from the Mystic Museum of Art.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you fancy freshly baked goods, this place would be the most ideal place to visit. Its daily production starts as early as 3 a.m. to ensure that you’ll get fresh bread when you wake up.
What you’ll love the most is the smell waiting for you which comes on top of this place’s cozy indoor vibe. Plus, you can even watch the bakers through the glass windows as a bonus.
What to Eat
Order a baguette, chocolate croissant, ham and cheese croissant, as well as blueberry muffin to try both artisanal bread and morning pastries. It won’t hurt to add cookies and brownies, too.
For celebrations, check out the flourless chocolate cake—a gluten-free item—which comes with dark chocolate ganache, chocolate Bavarian, and dark chocolate glaze.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa
Related: Things to Do in Mystic with Kids
19. Deviant Donuts
27 Coogan Blvd
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 415-5045
Deviant Donuts satisfies the desire of every donut and coffee lover through its artisan goods in Mystic. Set at a popular shopping mall, this shop introduces a new donut menu weekly.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have your sweet cravings fixed in an instant with the delectable donuts available at this cool shop. It may be quite small but their handcrafted offerings compensate for that limitation.
Patrons even consider their fresh donuts and coffee comparable to the other popular donut chains in the area. It’s a true gem of Mystic.
What to Eat
Avail yourself of the birthday cake flavor that features a brioche covered in malted milk glaze and topped with sprinkles. A mini-cupcake also comes on top for an added sweet taste.
Some of the other flavors that won’t disappoint you are the stuffed oreo, the strawberry rhubarb jam, and the nanaimo. Take as many flavors as you can to share with family and friends.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mystic
Related: Hotels in Mystic, CT
20. Grass and Bone
24 E Main St
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 245-4814
Grass and Bone, which began its story in 2017, is a local butcher shop and restaurant near Mystic River Park. It was also founded by the owners of the Oyster Club and the Engine Room.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
No list of the best restaurants in Mystic would be complete without having Grass and Bone. Meat lovers would agree to this since this place specializes in serving locally sourced meat for everyone.
Its casual approach to dining enjoins more guests to feel comfortable eating inside this urbane restaurant. Trust me, you’ll have no regrets coming here.
What to Eat
Savor the original recipe chicken flavored with thyme, paprika, garlic salt, as well as garlic mayo. Add a butcher’s dip sandwich that features a mix of warm beef and roast pork inside.
Make sure to also choose roasted potatoes, garlic kale, and cornbread for your side dishes. End your meal on a sweet note with some beef fat chocolate chip cookies.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn Mystic Groton
Map of Restaurants in Mystic
List of image sources
20 Best Mystic Restaurants for 2022
- Via Emilia
- The Mariner
- Frank’s Gourmet Grille
- Latitude 41° Restaurant and Tavern
- S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
- Kitchen Little
- Oyster Club
- Bravo Bravo Restaurant
- Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub
- Anthony J’s Bistro
- Go Fish
- Red 36
- Breakwater
- Bridge Restaurant and Bar
- Buon Appetito Ristorante & Pizzeria
- Ella’s Fine Food and Drink
- Engine Room
- Sift Bake Shop Mystic
- Deviant Donuts
- Grass and Bone
