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Best Fun Restaurants in Niantic

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Essex restaurant
1. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1012)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 16 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
A photo of Old Lyme Inn restaurant
2. Old Lyme Inn
4.6
Exceptional(667)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Lyme
Booked 12 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.
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
3. Fresh Salt
4.6
Exceptional(1498)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 38 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.
A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
4. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.8
Exceptional(2686)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 19 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.
A photo of La Marea restaurant
5. La Marea
4.8
Exceptional(1781)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 24 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lee
    Greater Boston •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Each visit to Liv’s has been wonderful. Their local oysters are fantastic, fresh and delicious. Each course is nicely presented by the chefs and well paced by their experienced waiters. We enjoyed the oyster sampler and Cesar salad followed by the Moroccan Cod and Seared Tuna with Wasabi Mashed potatoes. A great destination especially in the off season to enjoy locally sourced cuisine that is curated to perfection. A superb meal and great local dining experience !
    More info
    Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • SusanVIP
    Greater Boston •149 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    LaMarea is a favorite of ours. Nino and all his staff are so friendly. Like family. Food excellent great wine list and a cozy feel to the restaurant. Highly recommend
    More info
    La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Sofia
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Christmas Eve dinner was delicious! Service was excellent we loved it! Came all the way from Guatemala to eat here
    More info
    Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
    •
    4.6
  • PamVIP
    New York City •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Love the change to a price fixe or chefs tasting menu. We went for Christmas Eve and loved the experience. We had a great server, love the ambiance and the food was delicious and innovative. The price fixe is three courses, but they give you more to try. It was more than a dinner out, it was an experience. I highly recommend.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Amy
    New Orleans / Louisiana •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Outstanding dinner, waitress and ambiance! We started with a grilled octopus appetizer that was so tender and delicious. For dinner my husband had salmon and I had swordfish- both exquisitely cooked and presented - the best meal out we’ve had in years!
    More info
    Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6

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