Best Cozy Restaurants in Old Lyme

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodTapas / Small PlatesBurgersBreakfast

Regions

MiddlesexNew London

Neighborhoods

EssexOld LymeOld Saybrook

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Old Lyme Inn

4.7

Exceptional(691)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

Booked 9 times today

The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus that change weekly. Since it's opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous 'Jazzy' brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

2. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1523)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 31 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.

3. Aspen Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1717)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 20 times today

Aspen Restaurant is often described as cozy and comfortable with its dual-sided fireplace creating a nice ambiance. Reviewers mention the restaurant's 'nice festive atmosphere' and 'warm comfortable elegance'. They appreciate the 'relaxing environment' and 'comfortable atmosphere'. The restaurant's overall ambience is consistently rated highly, adding to its cozy feel.

4. La Marea

4.8

Exceptional(1808)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 22 times today

Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available

5. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1038)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 7 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

6. Penny Lane Pub

4.4

Awesome(344)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 15 times today

Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!

A photo of Kokomo's Restaurant - Old Lyme restaurant

7. Kokomo's Restaurant - Old Lyme

3.6

Very Good(377)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

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.

8. The Griswold Inn

4.6

Exceptional(939)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 9 times today

The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776. The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

9. 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 The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant

10. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9

Exceptional(87)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Essex

Booked 5 times today

The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KATHY
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Very pretty dining area. Jazz trio was excellent. Breakfast was delicious.
More info
Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
•
4.7
D
Dr JoanneVIP
New York City •38 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 28, 2025
It was a wonderful lunch, with good choices! Service was awsome! Than you!
More info
Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 27, 2025
Attentive staff and excellent cocktails, appetizer and entrees as always!!
More info
La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
MW
MaryW
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 27, 2025
The seared halibut, market salad and bread pudding were al delicious and perfectly prepared and our service was impeccable!
More info
Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.7
P
PhilipVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •33 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 27, 2025
This is a special place, from the artistry on the walls to the artistry on the plate. We enjoyed a quiet night dining a la carte at the bar. Bar tender is super knowledgeable of the area and wine list (which always has interesting and diverse selections to meet both tastes and budgets). Our dinner was brilliant - subtle, elevated flavor and execution without showboating.
More info
The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.8

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