This year we’ve divided The Top 10 Best of the Best Shoreline Restaurants into Two Sections 1) Branford, Guilford, Madision, the larger towns on the East (New Haven County side) of the Shoreline. Area code 203. 2) Westbrook, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme and Essex, the smaller towns that lie on the West, (Middlesex County). Area code 860. We’ve picked the Best of The Best on the basis the place’s success in doing what their aiming to do, rather than any hierarchy of style.

Zhang's - Madison
Donahue's Madison Beach Grille - Madison
Lenny's Indian Head - Branford
The Parthenon Diner - Branford
Assaggio, "A Taste" - Branford
Foe - Branford
Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale - Madison (also Westbrook)
Friends and Company - Madison
Whitfield's - Guilford
Bar Bouche - Madison

Listed in random order

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Liv's Oyster Bar - Old Saybrook
Cafe Routier - Westbrook
The Restaurant at Water's Edge - Westbrook
Rosemary and Sage - Old Saybrook
Bee and Thistle Inn - Old Lyme
Hanami - Clinton
Tiberio's - Old Saybrook
Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn - Old Saybrook
Copper Beech Inn - Ivoryton (Essex)

Listed in random order

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Chowder Pot III - They are kitschy in a typical seafood restaurant kind of way, but the food is right up with the Shoreline’s best. Whatever you order — fried seafood standards, chowders or raw bar — you can’t go wrong.
560 East Main St., Branford, 203-481-2356

Lenny’s Indian Head - If you want a classic seafood extravaganza Lenny’s delivers. Full flavored chowders, great lobster bisque and big portions of fresh flavorful fish dinners. Their Tuesday lobster special is a bargain and their bar is a classic, classic. Sits on a breezy saltwater marsh and doesn’t accept plastic.
205 S. Montowese St., Branford, 203-488-1500

Assaggio “A Taste” - Italy to Spain. On the way to navigating towards new versions of dishes like sea bass that’s “out of this world,” according to many regulars. And for dessert - home made biscotti!
168 Montowese St., Branford, 203-483-5426

Foe, An American Bistro - The amuse bouche menu is a dream. Duck confit meatball, lobster claw, beet chips with scallion crème fraiche, pulled pork with carmelized onions and apple, lamb lollipops. Can’t get much better than top chef Alfonso Laderosa’s daily virtuoso performance on all of these.
1114 Main St., Branford, 203-483-5896

Darbar India - If you are in the mood for exquisitely prepared Indian cuisine, slip off to exotic India for the day at Dabar. Try an elegant, but reasonable business dinner or a buffet lunch that offers a variety of authentic Indian dishes.
1070 Main St., Branford, 203-481-8994

Parthenon Diner - While it offers the best of the diner traditionals, this place is a thoroughly modern version with lot’s of pizzazz and size you never saw in those little old box cars. You’ll find something to please everyone here. Outstanding are: Greek Sampler Platter: Baked Moussaka, Spinach Pie, Chicken Souvlaki, Gyro, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Pita Bread, Cucumber Sauce, Feta Cheese, Greek Olives, Lettuce and Tomato.
374 East Main St., Branford, 203-481-0333

Donovan’s Reef - A Branford landmark located in the old Yale Lock company. The menu ranges from standard burger to dressed-up fish, pasta, or meat dishes. You can sit down and be casual in the bar, or you can sit at a candle lit dinner with a nice bottle of wine. Rock bands and big screen pro football bring loyal fans on weekend.
1212 Main St., Branford, 203-488-5573

Mango’s Bar & Grille - The environment is laid back and fun, and the menu is unique. The drink menu is extensive. Appetizers like crab with goat cheese dip, entrees like the Simmer Pot — mussels, clams, scallops, shrimp and mango in a brothy sauce are crowd pleasers.
988 Main St., Branford, 203-483-7700

TNT Seafood & Grille - Owner Sue Lama offers grilled dinner selections like salmon in a teriyaki glaze, along with lobster rolls and an extensive variety of fried fish sandwiches made with your choice of tilapia, catfish, cod, flounder, shrimp, scallops, clam strips or calamari. They also offer burgers, dogs and lots of other landlubbers’ favorites.
269 E. Main St., Branford, 203-481-4452

Nellie Green’s - Located on the Branford River, there’s plenty of outdoor seating looking out on the water and marina. Live music on the weekends and happy hour is a popular time to stop by Nellie Green’s during the week. Scallops, salmon and filet mignon are Nellie’s go-to grub.
50 Maple St., Branford, 203-483-8400

SBC Restaurant - A snappy family of Brew pubs with siblings in Branford, Stamford, Southport, Milford and Hamden locations offer a good pub grub menu at brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as 27 “home-brews” presumably hopped up at home.
850 W. Main St., Branford, 203-481-BREW

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Whitfield's - Last time here we had the Atlantic salmon in puff pastry, a succulent combination of flavors. Service is always friendly and prompt. Great red wines by the glass, excellent starters like Brussels sprouts and crab cakes. Go there for dessert and coffee on nights when they have a local jazz duo.
25 Whitfield St., Guilford, 203-458-1300

Quattro’s Restaurant - Long a Shoreline favorite for gourmet Italian lunches and dinners, Quattro’s has added “Brunch a la Quattro’s,” a three-course served meal, each Sunday from 11:30 - 3 p.m. Priced at $20 per adult and $13 under 12, guests order from a special a la carte menu created by Chef/Owner Luis Rojas. Steps from Guilford Green.
14 Water St., Guilford, 203-453-6575

Stone House Restaurant - Visit their bar and give the oyster and fish pan roast a spin. Grilled swordfish is nicely flavored no matter what topping they use. Salmon is fresh, tender, and flavorful. The wine list is just right, and the views of the sailboats docked in Guilford harbor from this landmark stone building make this a special experience.
506 Whitfield St., Guilford, 203-458-3700

Ashley’s - Ashley’s is the hot spot for players after a little league baseball game, or a soccer game on the weekend. You look around on the walls, and you see the scribbly art work of the town! Sweet. Flavor-filled fun!
942 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, 203-458-3040
Other Locations: in Branford, Hamden, Madison, New Haven and Westbrook.

Bishop’s Orchards - Fresh from the vine or the bush! Nothing like picking your own apples, strawberries, blueberries or pumpkins! Bishop’s has been a local establishment for over a century and continues to draw hundreds of visitors as well as local residents preferring fresh produce, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, unique, grocery items and dairy products. Don’t forget to try their wines.
1355 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, 203-453-2338

Maritime Grille - Everything is grilled — except the salads. You can count on your steak, chicken, lobster or fresh seafood being grilled to perfection and served with prompt, friendly service. And after dark, in the cozy lounge, the music of the area’s finest acoustic musicians makes this a favorite destination.
2548 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, 203-453-0774

Som Siam - Despite its somewhat inconspicuous location on Guilford Green, people who know great Thai food have, over the years, beaten a path to this citadel award-winning Thai cuisine. Always a steady line for take-out and a full house inside. The loyal following raves about the fresh veggie and seafood combo stir fried specials, the signature sticky rice and the “to live for” mango dessert. The local media has consistently voted it “Best” in its class. We agree.
63R Whitfield St., Guilford, 203-458-0228
45 Mill Rock Rd. East, Old Saybrook 860-388-5400

Ayuthai - Somebody said this is “shockingly good” Thai food that beats any big city version. Actually their seasoning is perfect and maybe “surprisingly” is more like it, but you get the idea. Their stir-fry offerings and curry dishes are top notch.
2279 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, 203-453-2988

Cafe Grounded - Can’t help but Love the decor - converted air hanger with air travel motifs mixed with a touch of New England kitsch. Great omelet’s and pancakes.
20 Church St., Guilford, 203-453-6400

The Place - “Put your rump on a stump” at a round picnic table. Huge cinder block grill, lights on a string, BYOB. The clam special is fresh clams on the half shell w/butter and cocktail sauce, then grilled over an open fire. Don’t miss out on the roasted corn. And the steamed shrimp in a foil packet. Just don’t miss it. The Place is in a world of its own.
891 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, 203-453-9276

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Café Allegre - An elegant dining room with a broad continental menu. Their lobster bisque is silky smooth, swimming with a fresh catch. Salads are tip-top and the bar is a spirited spot to hang out It’s hard to beat Chef Silvio’s famous red sauce too.
725 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 203-245-7773

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale - Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale is a true Shoreline legend that turns out a big comfort-seafood menu that’s drawn crowds of loyal followers, hooked for years. The lobster roll is king, but scrod, fried scallops and the salt potatoes are right up there in the hierarchy. Eat in or take out and picnic. Lenny and Joe’s is fast, fresh and never flounders.
1301 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 860-245-7289
86 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-669-0767

Donahue’s Madison Beach Grille - Now, as everybody knows, the CT Shoreline has been for years a pretty subdued scene, nice but serene in all the best ways. But it was long overdue for some fun food, some song and dance, for a lively spot. The Donahue brothers of Fairfield County have created that place. This location used to be Vicky’s, a Shoreline stalwart had seen all of its best days at least a few years before it closed. Donahue’s has brought an up-to-date menu, broad selection of right-with-it drinks and beers, snappy service along with a full schedule of top rock and blues. Appetizers are a well-executed rendition of pretty well known pub standards. The entrée’s expand well beyond the expected. It’s the specials, though, that impress the most here. A lot of Southwestern at lunch: Catfish tacos, slow roasted pork, blackened fish. At dinner: rack of lamb, grilled swordfish, and seafood paella are a few of the highlights. Just a step from the beach, Lenny and Joe’s and The Clam Castle.
1320 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 203-318-8362

Zhang’s - Zhang’s already has a remarkable following making it one of the hottest restaurants in the Madison and Guilford area, especially on the weekends. Beautifully prepared Chinese dishes like the Jumbo Shrimp with a white Marnier sauce, and Crispy Orange Beef. Japanese specialties like Donburi, Udon and sushi.Try a combination of Chinese and Japanese favorites and you won’t be disappointed.
44 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 203-245-3300
455 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, 860-388-3999

Clam Castle - If you’re the kind of purest who wants all lobster, all the time, go for the hot version here. It offers a long grilled hotdog bun piled with warm, fresh lobster that’s drowned with drawn butter. Grab lots of napkins. It’s drippy. Fried clams and just about every other summer standard are the real deal too.
1324 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 203-245-4911

Friends & Company - Friends, as its name suggests, is family’s favorite restaurant that turns out comfort food by the boat load — home made soups to home made breads, excellent salads and home made dressings, pasta and sandwiches as well as full entrees, salmon, chicken and all kinds of fresh veggies.
11 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 203-245-0462

Old Schoolhouse Deli - The Old Schoolhouse Deli serves gourmet deli sandwiches their creations — or what you’re craving — grilled specialties, wraps, salads and hot lunch specials. Roast beef cooked daily or Boar’s Head sandwich meats on fresh-daily NY bread and bagels.
268 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 203-245-3354

Malone’s - “Tiny little place with lots of good cheer. Great burger and little L shaped bar area with little high tops…” “Great atmosphere for all and kid friendly. Tony “the goose” Siragusa’s ribs and pulled pork…” “One of my faves in Madison. Great food, great beer, great atmosphere… inexpensive burgers and salads to moderately-priced entrees” “Malone’s is awesome! Tim is still just as good looking as he was in high school…” Go Tim!
56 Academy St., Madison, 203-245-6161

Bar Bouché - This is New Haven’s Union League’s offspring, so you know its got highbred French pedigree. Here’s the latest buzz: “Decor is wonderful, staff was amazing and food was out of this world. Nice Pommard wine, buttery garlic escargot and sublime steak tartare.” “We had Skate and Trout and a sample of wonderful desserts. The Master Chef, David Borselle, takes the time to meet and chat with the guests. Reservations are a must! This bustling little bistro tucked away in Madison, CT is hard to beat!”
8 Scotland Ave., Madison, 203-318-8004

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Grand Apizza Shoreline - Clinton’s own version, of the New Haven/NYC style pizza place. You can go anyplace for pizza but if you want apizza – this is it. A thin crust, homemade sauce with a nice touch. Recently we had the white clam, easy on the garlic, and it was better than Sally’s in New Haven.
9 E. Main St., Clinton, 860-669-1204

Rocky’s Aqua On The Water - The name Rocky’s Aqua on the Water may seem like a redundancy, but apparently that’s because the new owners want you to know that it’s in the same lovely setting as the old Aqua, right at Cedar Island Marina, but it is a totally different operation where you won’t have the same type of experience as you might have had at The Aqua. Bill from Wallingford wrote, “I was with a group of men who, like me, have been trying clam chowders all over New England for some 40-50 years. Here at Rocky’s Aqua, some of us had the Rhode Island, others the New England. We are in 100% unison in saying it’s the best we’ve ever tasted! These guys would know redundancy when they see it.
34 Riverside Dr., Clinton, 860-664-3788

Hanami Japanese Sushi & Hibachi Steak House - Japanese meets Victorian. You’ll find Hanami housed in a gabled Victorian, where Japanese decor and impeccable service enhance an impressive selection of sushi, steaks and traditional dishes and the staff have a flare for flamboyant (and flame buoyant) presentations. Makes the whole experience exciting. The food, fresh as well as flashy, tastes equally entrancing.
114 E. Main St., Clinton, 860-664-9268

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The Restaurant at Water’s Edge - The elegant, ocean view dining room serves a sumptuous brunch and a multitude of superb entrees for lunch and dinner. Black Pearl Organic Salmon, Veal “Osso Bucco” Ravioli join such decadent desserts like Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake and Champagne Cream Cake from the in-house pastry kitchen to earn an “Excellent” from the New York Times, as well as “Best Hotel Dining” and Best Brunch” from Connecticut Magazine. Need we say more?
1525 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860 399-5901

Boom Restaurant - Your choice: eat outside on a “delightful” deck overlooking a marina in Westbrook or in Old Lyme’s strip-mall location; either way, these understated new American bistros please with their small-bite menus offering the likes of “to-die-for scallops” and fish ’n’ chips, top sirloin and an appealing offering of good wines.
Boom Westbrook
63 Pilots Point Dr., Westbrook, 860-399-2322
Boom Old Lyme
90 Halls Rd, Old Lyme, 860-434-0075

Bill’s Seafood - Sit out on the deck with friends for a pitcher of beer or Pepsi, some clams on the half shell and a cup of lobster bisque or a fried clams platter. The prices are fair, the food is good but that’s really not the point. It’s the soft hum of cars driving over the bridge and the sight of the boats that whisper by and the sounds of the of Dixieland music that make Bill’s a must for families and friends.
548 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-399-7224

Frankie’s - A casual spot with dependable fish, lobster, clams and fries. The huge bar gives you space to spread out, and the deck on the upper level that has great views, including distant views of the water.
359 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-399-5524

Edd’s Place - If you haven’t been to Edd’s lately, you should go! His latest and greatest are the $8.88 meals, what a deal! Who knows what he’ll cook up next? Always good for outstanding sandwiches, lobster rolls, dogs and burgers, soups, and desserts to definitely leave room for. Eat in the cozy gazebo on a chilly day.
478 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-399-5901

Westbrook Lobster House - The decor is 1970s but the food is lovable right now. Their 3-pound lobster special is a real deal and the Rhode Island chowder is fresh and full of clams. If you want fancy this isn’t the place, but if you want good and good value this is it.
346 Main St., Westbrook, 860-664-9464

Cafe Routier - Perfect for romance, a decadent meal and a healthy pour of good wine. The “trifecta menu” is worth the price of admission. This is certainly among the Shoreline’s finest gourmet dining experiences. Don’t miss the scallops.
1353 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-399-8700

Creative Cooking/New Orleans Restaurant - Now this may seem more than an anomaly for the CT Shoreline, but what a find for those tired of lobster and fried clams! Louisiana Creole from the French Quarter with a touch of Parisian infuses the standards like gumbo, jambalaya and etoufee with subtle spicing variations. Creative fresh fish dishes join the chef’s special steaks, along with regular Blues and Jazz. All is ensconced in pillared white clapboard expanded Colonial/Victorian with the traditional Southern wrap-around porch.
1835 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-399-7872

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale - Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale is a true Shoreline legend that turns out a big comfort-seafood menu that’s drawn crowds of loyal followers, hooked for years. The lobster roll is king, but scrod, fried scallops and the salt potatoes are right up there in the hierarchy. Eat in or take out and picnic. Lenny and Joe’s is fast, fresh and never flounders.
86 Boston Post Rd., Westbrook, 860-669-0767
1301 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 860-245-7289

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Black Seal - It looks a little like an old ship that’s battled through rough seas, but without fail it serves up jolly good chowder, fresh fish, salads and sandwiches with the steady hand you’d expect from an experienced captain; and a steady flow of jolly good cheer from a bar that’s home port for boaters and their mates.
15 Main St., Essex, 860-767-0233

The Griswold Inn - “The Gris” is one of only few New England restaurants of this old colonial genre that has been able to transcend its time and stay relevant (and stay in business) decades after most have shut their doors and become museums and Chart Houses. The dimly lit tavern with good old time music and the period dining room bring you back to the days of river captains and deepwater schooners. The Hunt Breakfast is legendary.
36 Main St., Essex, 860-767-1776

Gabrielle’s - What’s not to like? Fried oysters, stuffed quail, casual Italian, friendly, casual, consistent, great drinks and reasonable prices. Gabrielle’s has a big crowd of avid fans who refuse to go almost anywhere else. Tough habit to break.
78 Main St., Centerbrook, 860-767-2440

Copper Beech Inn and Pip Brasserie - Crisp linens, a rose on each table, and marvelous French cuisine for those special occasions when you want to feel like a better person. At the brasserie, can you imagine drinks with chutney, compotes or complex reductions from the cocktail chef?
46 Main St., Ivoryton, 860-767-0330

Gelston House - Come by land, river, or sea, the stately Victorian Gelston House, set above the River in East Haddam village, is a must visit. The menu is a European potpourri complemented by river sunsets, handsome bar and sink-in sofas. Life is still good!
8 Main St., East Haddam, 860-873-1441

It’s Only Natural - Most veggivores consider this the best vegan restaurant in New England. Converts, critics and explorers enjoy the colorful, flavor-filled plates virtuoso vegan chef Mark Shadle creates in his kitchen everyday
386 Main St., Middletown, 860-346-9210

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Liv’s Oyster Bar - Creative specials and extensive variety of raw bar oysters and clams served in perfectly re-designed former movie house right on Main Street. Always a crisp and inviting presentation of exceptional foods. Same for the service.
166 Main St., Old Saybrook, 860-395-5577

Rosemary & Sage - Here’s an original. Unexpected takes on simple calamari and complex Mediterranean, all with a special touch. Fine wines. But really it’s all about owner Nancy and her chef brother, David who make every visit memorable.
1080 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, 860-388-1166

Fresh Salt at the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa - Dine amid New England’s historic elegance at Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. Following a brand new, breathtaking transformation, the Terra Mar Grille is now Fresh Salt, a top contender for “where to be seen” folks, that offers stunning water views, seasonal outdoor dining, an innovative approach to locally-sourced American cuisine, the day’s catch and raw bar.
2 Bridge St., Old Saybrook, 800-243-0212

Tiberio’s - Handmade pastas, great seafood and meats, come comfortably together in this unpretentious friendly storefront, with white tablecloths. Run by a charming young couple who know what genuine Italian is.
1395 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, 860-388-2459

Som Siam - Despite its somewhat inconspicuous location on Guilford Green, people who know great Thai food have, over the years, beaten a path to this citadel award-winning Thai cuisine. Always a steady line for take-out and a full house inside. The loyal following raves about the fresh veggie and seafood combo stir fried specials, the signature sticky rice and the “to live for” mango dessert. The local media has consistently voted it “Best” in its class. We agree.
45 Mill Rock Rd. East, Old Saybrook, 860-388-5400
63R Whitfield St., Guilford, 203-458-0228

Johnny Ad’s - Great stop for a quick platter of fried seafood (clams, oysters, fish & chips, etc.) or the fabulous hot lobster roll and a beer, or hamburg — with no “er” and a milkshake. Be prepared for a line in mid-summer.
910 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, 860-388-4032

Cuckoo’s Nest - Excellent Mexican cuisine in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
1712 Post Rd., Old Saybrook, 860-399-9060

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Bee & Thistle Inn - Reminds you of a classic English inn with a welcoming barroom and a variety of dining spaces where such plates as oysters and scallop pasta meet old fashioned New American specialties and a very well-informed wine list.
100 Lyme St., Old Lyme, 860-434-1667

Boom Restaurant - Your choice: eat outside on a “delightful” deck overlooking a marina in Westbrook or in Old Lyme’s strip-mall location; either way, these understated new American bistros please with their small-bite menus offering the likes of “to-die-for scallops” and fish ’n’ chips, top sirloin and an appealing offering of good wines.
Boom Old Lyme
90 Halls Rd, Old Lyme, 860-434-0075
Boom Westbrook
63 Pilots Point Dr., Westbrook, 860-399-2322

Carousel Shop - Featuring 32 flavors of JJ Lawsen’s Gourmet Ice Cream—low-fat frozen yogurt, sugar-free ice cream, sherbet, sorbet and premium soft serve. Cool off with thick milk shakes, soft serve Nor’easters, ice coffee, smoothies and sundaes. You’ll also find gifts, jewelry, candy, books, beach gear, towels, sporting goods, sunglasses, tubes/rafts/boats, beach chairs and umbrellas. Located next to The Carousel at Old Lyme at Sound View.
75-81 Hartford Ave., Old Lyme, 860-434-3908

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