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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Old Lyme

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
1. Fresh Salt
4.6
Exceptional(1494)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 25 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 The Essex restaurant
2. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1010)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 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 Penny Lane Pub restaurant
3. Penny Lane Pub
4.5
Awesome(327)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 4 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 Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
4. Scotch Plains Tavern
4.5
Awesome(703)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Essex
If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.
A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant
5. Little Pub- Old Saybrook
4.5
Awesome(130)
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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • BrunoVIP
    Greater Boston •48 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Another Outstanding Experience. Peter our server is always professional and knowledge. Chef's new menu format is amazing and this current menu is one of his bests.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • Carol
    New York City •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Always a great experience, weekly Wednesday at the Bistro is well worth the price, can’t beat it!
    More info
    The Bistro at Ocean HousePrice: Expensive• Bistro• Westerly
    •
    4.7
  • Andrew
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We celebrated our anniversary and had a delightful meal. Our server, Paige, was excellent. Just the right balance of attentiveness and friendliness, while not rushing us. The food was excellent. The view of the water made everything perfect for a special occasion.
    More info
    Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • bethVIP
    Greater Boston •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Our server and other waitstaff were fantastic! We had a leisurely dinner and never felt rushed. Dinner was lovely but dessert was the winner tonight. Decorated beautifully for Christmas…greens, wreaths, so many candles glowing and the twinkly lights everywhere made it feel like a Christmas wonderland (side note) because the lighting is dimmed so can enjoy the decor was a big hard to read the menu at the table Maybe an extra little table lamp would help 10 out of 10 experience The Coast Guard is is consistently at the top of the list. You can always count on a great meal and a great experience with some of the best wait staff in the state.
    More info
    The Coast Guard HousePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Narragansett
    •
    4.7
  • CynthiaVIP
    Philadelphia County •7 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 11 Dec 2024
    Always a pleasure! Yummy choday & calamari. Thank you.
    More info
    Penny Lane PubPrice: Moderate• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.5

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