Middlesex Restaurants
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Liv's Oyster Bar
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.8(2,709)Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.
Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.
John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.
Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.9(102)Coming Soon!
The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn
Price: Moderate•Wine Bar•4.9(90)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.Krust
Price: Moderate•Pizzeria•4.8(189)Wood Fired Pizza - Craft Beer/Cocktails - Whiskey Bar
Osa
Price: Moderate•Contemporary American•4.8(738)Kevin Wirtes and Rich Garcia of Krust (Middletown), team up in the creation of their latest venture, Osa. Located at 500 Main Street in Middletown, Osa features local food, with a fresh take on New American. The full bar offers crafted cocktails, whiskey, a large wine pour list, and craft beer.Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro
Price: Expensive•French American•4.9(2,457)Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.
The Griswold Inn
Price: Expensive•American•4.6(939)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.The Brushmill by the Waterfall
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.5(606)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.
Stella D'oro
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.5(69)Stella D’oro, a family owned restaurant, was established in 1993 in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Reopened in Middletown, Connecticut serving fine, northern Italian food.
At Stella D’oro you’ll enjoy the best Italian cuisine with a full bar and various wines.
View our full, up to date menu. We offer salads, pasta, steak, seafood, and more!Little Pub- Old Saybrook
Price: Moderate•American•4.6(139)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.
Outdoor dining in Connecticut
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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- CChristinaNew York City •3 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoFood was cooked to perfection! Drinks were delicious. Very nice meal!More infoJ. Gilbert’s – Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood – GlastonburyPrice: Expensive• Steak• Glastonbury•4.9
- CLChrisLVIPNew York City •8 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoThe food was great and Tiffany, our waitress, was so kind a very helpful.More infoTAO Mohegan SunPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Uncasville•4.7
- DDonnaVIPSan Diego •40 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoBeautiful property, delicious food and good service. Highly recommend!More infoThe Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester•4.5
- JJeffGreater Boston •5 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agofood tasted excellent. The service was great and they did not rush us.More infoRustica Ristorante - ChesterPrice: Moderate• Italian• Chester•4.7
- TTomAlabama •11 reviews5.0Dined on Mar 1, 2025Food was excellent, Sarah was a terrific waiter, and the building is very cool! Right out of the 18th century.More infoThe Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex•4.6
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Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in Middlesex is Sip Wine Bar - Old Saybrook
The best vegan restaurants in Middlesex are La Marea, Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook and Nataz Restaurant - Clinton
The best vegetarian restaurants in Middlesex are Fresh Salt, The Griswold Inn and Osa
The restaurants with the best service in Middlesex are Sip Wine Bar - Old Saybrook, Scotch Plains Tavern and Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook
The restaurants with the best ambiance in Middlesex are Sip Wine Bar - Old Saybrook, Scotch Plains Tavern and Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro