Best Date Night Restaurants in Old Lyme

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchSpanishTapas / Small Plates

Regions

Middlesex

Neighborhoods

CenterbrookEssexOld SaybrookWestbrook

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

11 restaurants available nearby

1. La Marea

4.8

Exceptional(1802)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 10 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

2. Aspen Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1709)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 9 times today

Aspen Restaurant is a great spot for date night, as evidenced by one reviewer who stated it would be their new date night spot. The ambiance is described as cozy and perfect for a special occasion. The menu offers a variety of dishes with global accents, and the service is consistently excellent. Plus, the dual-sided fireplace creates a lovely atmosphere.

3. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1517)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 15 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.

4. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.9

Exceptional(2703)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 5 times today

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.

5. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(340)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 8 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!

6. The Griswold Inn

4.6

Exceptional(933)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 11 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

7. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.6

Exceptional(138)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 5 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.

8. Café Routier

4.7

Exceptional(2171)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 11 times today

Café Routier is a perfect date night spot with its romantic ambiance and excellent service. Reviewers mention the 'cozy and romantic' setting, and 'friendly and accommodating' staff. Plus, the food is consistently praised for its quality and innovation. It's the perfect place to enjoy a 'delightful' French-inspired meal in a 'changing' yet 'focused' setting.

A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant

9. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.8

Exceptional(85)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Essex

Booked 1 time 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.

A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant

10. Surfridge Brewing Company

4.8

Exceptional(43)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pub • Centerbrook

Booked 2 times today

Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.

‘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

T
ThomasVIP
Essex •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Nice meal and great service. Good selection of craft beer and dishes.
More info
Penny Lane PubPrice: Moderate• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.5
R
Reed
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed an early VD dinner trying the halibut and beef Wellington. Both were excellent. He would have preferred the fish to be cooked a little longer, but that’s the only critique. We shared the hazelnut ice cream sundae named after the Ferraro Rocher candy. It came in a bowl that looked like a small bathtub! Too much deliciousness, but we succeeded in conquering the challenge!
More info
Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.6
J
John
New York City •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great experience. Magnificent food, fresh and well prepared. Pleasant, attentive but not overweening service. Nino (the owner) always on site, on point, and warm and welcoming.
More info
La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
S
SusanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Met a friend for an early dinner. As usual it was a CNN lively low key time for dinner. Our favorite server was there and she delivered impeccable and friendly service. She greeted us at the door with a warm hello. The food was excellent. I would highly recommend Aspen for lunch or dinner!
More info
Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.7
J
JohnVIP
New York City •59 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 5, 2025
Another fine meal with excellent service. We will be back to enjoy this local treasure.
More info
Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.9

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