Named for the legendary lady rumrunner who eluded authorities for years during Prohibition, Nellie Green’s simple, shingled eatery is hidden behind the Branford Landing Marina. Our adorable waitress, Stevie (Ray Vaughn not Nicks. I asked.) encouraged our selection of the Quinoa Black Bean Burger, assuring us that veggies and meat-lovers alike ALWAYS fall for this one. It came open-faced, atop a thick chunk of toast with garlic aioli, a shmear of goat cheese, micro greens and a roasted heirloom tomato. I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. We savored a sweet trio of lobster salad sliders and a giant watercress salad with strawberries, goat cheese and Serrano ham. Talk about umami: sweet, tart, smooth and salty. Locals flock here for the food, but there’s outdoor dining too, smack on the Branford River. Just follow the signs.
tags; Branford CT restaurant, waterfront dining CT, best black bean burgers, salads
