Dinner just tastes better out-of-doors and we wait all year to dine al fresco. 

Here’s our list.

Fresh Salt
Dine overlooking the Sound at Fresh Salt, and feast on clam chowder, cioppino, lobster rolls, burgers, those irresistible homemade chips, and a full menu of classic coastal entrees. At The Saybrook Point Resort & Marina 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook
saybrook.com

Bar Bouchee
Our favorite bistro, Bar Bouchee, serves its French classics, including Hanger Steak, Croque Monsieur, Escargot, and Profiteroles on the tented terrace in front of the restaurant.
8 Scotland Avenue, Madison
barbouchee.com

Otto 
Stuff yourself with some of the best pizza on the Shoreline at Otto on their outdoor patio under their festive sailcloth tent. Their menu changes daily with new fresh and local flavors, but one of our favorite entrées is the Eggplant Parmesan—it’s the bomb. Wine, beer, creative cocktails. No reservations.
69 Main Street, Chester
ottochester.com

Red36
Red36 offers a coastal vibe and an outdoor bar, lounge areas, and dining on the Mystic River, with a smart menu of standards. Snack on burgers, fish and chips, and fried clams, plus one of the best Bloody Marys we’ve tasted.
2 Washington Street, Mystic
red36ct.com

Ocean House
Summer isn’t summer without at least one visit to the Ocean House for cocktails and oysters on the stunning Verandah overlooking the Atlantic. A variety of other outdoor dining options are available here, too, and reserve your spot for Lobster Boils on the Beach on select Fridays.
1 Bluff Avenue, Westerly RI
oceanhouseri.com

Cafe Flo
One of the best summer lunch spots on the Shoreline, Cafe Flo has an enticing menu of fresh salads, sandwiches and entrees and comes with the most spectacular view of the Lieutenant River. The Lobster, Avocado and Corn salad is my favorite! Reservations recommended.
96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
 florencegriswoldmuseum.org

Kokomo’s
Kokomo’s beachfront location is likely the only place you can have your lobster roll with your toes in the sand. Caribbean specialties, raw bar, and summery cocktails, too.
88 Hartford Avenue, Old Lyme
kokomosrestaurant.com

Sayulita
Brand spankin’ new this summer, this wildly popular, inventive Mexican restaurant from just up the river in Glastonbury has opened its doors in Essex. Scrumptious tacos, the BEST fajitas (and queso!), lobster enchiladas done right and much more. Don’t miss the tasty margaritas made with their very own tequila! No reservations but WELL worth the wait every time.
30 Main Street, Centerbrook
cantinasayulita.com

Grano Arso
One of our favorites for locally-sourced Italian fare, Grano offers a festive, outdoor space for al fresco enjoyment of their hand-milled pastas, tasty main dishes (the pan-roasted chicken is Erica’s favorite!), and delectable desserts. Reservations only.
6 Main Street, Chester
www.granoct.com

Marker 37
By boat or on foot, head to Marker 37 for casual, modern American dining right on the banks of the CT river at the Chester Point Marina. Live music throughout the summer!
72 Railroad Avenue, Chester
markerthirtyseven.com

Rose’s Winery
Perched on the edge of a centuries-old family farm and orchard, Rose’s Winery is perfect for enjoying vineyard views, cheese and charcuterie boards, and small plates.
33 Branford Road, North Branford
rosevineyards.com

Siren Kitchen + Bar
Take the shortest ferry ride to this fun and casual spot, located at Essex Island Marina. Enjoy a seafood-based menu with classic lobster rolls, plus creative sandwiches, salads, and gluten-free options.
11 Ferry Street, Essex
sirenkitchenandbar.com

Monkey Farm 
When newbies come to town, they can’t make heads or tails of this place, but old-timers know this is a classic spot for burgers and brews. And now you can head to Monkey Beach, the outdoor tented terrace, for your fix of loaded tater tots, cheeseburgers, turkey clubs, fried seafood, and the famous frozen drink of New England, a yummy Mudslide (and lots more)!
571 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook
 themonkeyfarmcafe.com

The Hangry Goose
Outdoor dining smack on the Lieutenant River. A summer weeknight go-to serving scrumptious mussels, burgers, flatbreads and much more. Perfect for rosé with a view!
11 Halls Road, Old Lyme
hangrygoose.com

Engine Room
Go for beer, burgers, and bourbon at the Engine Room (in the historic Lathrop Marine building) and grab a seat outside the bustling restaurant/bar. Creative casual menu, and brunch here is fantastic.
14 Holmes Street, Mystic
 www.engineroomct.com

Bacari Social
Sit outside at Bacari Social’s vast deck at the tip end of Westbrook’s Pilot’s Point Marina offers a view of the harbor and a parade of boats, plus yummy Italian small plates, fresh pasta, a raw bar, and more.
63 Pilots Point Drive, Westbrook
bacarisocial.com

Oyster Club
Oyster Club’s winding stairs lead up to the tented Treehouse with a view of the Mystic River, featuring local and freshly caught Crudo, raw bar, bao buns, and maki rolls. Perfect for Happy Hour.
13 Water Street, Mystic
oysterclubct.com

Noah’s at 63 Main
Brought to you by the team behind Eli Cannon’s in Middletown, the menu here is driven by classic American favorites like burgers, tacos, clam chowder, a bevy of salads, raw bar, and Eli’s famous chicken wings. The bar has arguably the best view of the CT River and a slew of creative cocktails.Reservations recommended.
63 Main St, Essex
noahs63main.com

Surfridge Brewing Company
Surfridge Brewing Company kicks off summer in Centerbrook with their lively and spacious patio featuring live music, happy hours and Sunday Brunch!
6 Main Street, Building 3, Centerbrook
surfridgebrewery.com

Chapter One
Chapter One’s lush terrace behind the Guilford Green is a charming place to enjoy one of the best burgers on the Shoreline. Brunch, lunch, and dinner.
25 Whitfield Street, Guilford
chapter-one.com

La Marea
La Marea’s tents are a lovely outdoor experience: carpeted and strung with lights, hanging plants, and white cloths on the tables. It’s a favorite for pizza, fresh pasta, and that crazy Chicken Milanese.
732 Middlesex Turnpike, Old Saybrook
lamareact.com

The Place
One of the most unique dining experiences on the Shoreline, The Place offers up wood-fired roasted clams, smoky lobsters, sweet corn, and more in an outdoor setting (seating is on tree stumps!). Act like a local and bring a tablecloth, candles, and wine. Cash or check, BYOB.
901 Boston Post Road, Guilford  
theplaceguilford.com

Penny Lane Pub
For classic English pub food and an expert beer list, visit Pennylane Pub back patio/garden: perfect for a lunch date or dinner, drinks, and live music. We’re partial to the Turkey Pub Club and Gluten-Free Shephard’s Pie!
50 Main Street, Old Saybrook
pennylanepub.net