Restaurant Reviews

The first thing — no, make that the first five things — you’ll notice upon entering 9 East are the giant Buddha extending a warm welcome...the waterfall flowing gently behind him, with colorful koi, a symbol of love and friendship, swimming happily below…above, tiny lights creating a sky filled with stars…and a blend of aromas so tantalizing that you simply cannot wait to order. But wait, you must, because their menu requires perusal. There’s sushi and sashimi, a host of different fusion rolls, and traditional Asian favorites. Teriyaki and Tempura. A whole section of East-meets-West dinners. And the wildly popular Hibachi, where guests can watch chefs as entertaining as they are gifted creating their entrées right in front of them. Frankly, 9 East is an A-to-Zen dining experience you won’t find elsewhere. But call ahead — especially at the weekend. This place has earned quite a following.

OK, here’s the scoop: Their lovely New Haven style, thin crust, roasted-veggie pizza is certainly one of the main reasons this well loved brick-oven pizzeria, which opened more than 20 years ago, is a Shoreline favorite. But there are other reasons, too ­— like their Roasted collosal Shrimp a la Vodka or the Filet Mignon Oscar, featuring sliced tenderloin, lump crab, asparagus, hollandaise. You’ll have to discover the rest for yourself. Eccelente. 

Bar Bouchée is fashioned after les bouchons — the classic neighborhood bistros of Lyon, France, where regional comfort food and casual conviviality blend flawlessly. Indeed, guests, new and longtime, often greet the maître d ‘with at least a few French words or phrases before being seated in Bar Bouché’s stunning dining room, replete with furnishings directly from France — or out on their stylish patio. The award-winning menu includes “perennial favorites with seasonal changes that reflect the offerings of our neighborhood farmers.” This is an absolutely lovely little spot.  

Belle Vie Café doesn’t simply serve wonderful food. It serves wonderful food that tastes superb regardless of what dietary preferences or restrictions a customer might have. Indeed, here, “the days of boring, tasteless gluten-free, Keto, paleo, and diabetic-friendly dishes are gone.” Of course, that’s taken some doing. After all, creating healthy versions of old favorites — including soups, salads, sandwiches, crepes, and baked goods — means knowing precisely how to combine the finest and freshest ingredients into palate-pleasing delights. But then Belle Vie Café’s owner, Alexandra Ayala Costache, is just such a Chef de Cuisine. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute (FCI) in Manhattan, she nurtured her expertise at some of the Shoreline’s most celebrated restaurants. Then, in 2019, Alex opened her own business: Baked by Alexandra. Her mission? To create healthy options for a variety of baked goods while preserving the taste of the original recipes. Well, what a following she developed — and that following continues to grow at Belle Vie Café, where Alex has broadened the challenge of her specialty. Go! Discover why they love Belle Vie Café. And enjoy! 

Join friends on the deck for a pitcher of beer or a cold Pepsi and some fresh clams on the half shell, a steaming cup of clam chowder (New England or Rhode Island), or some of Bill’s Own Maryland Blue Crab Cakes. For dinner, give the Broiled Lemon Pepper Sea Scallops a try — or go with the 1 ¼-pound Boiled or Stuffed Maine Lobster. Both are wonderful. And if you’re into turf not surf, count on The Best Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus to satisfy completely. The prices are fair and the food is terrific. But it’s the soft hum of cars driving over the “singing bridge” next to it, the sight of the boats that whisper by, and the sounds of the Dixieland music that make Bill’s a must for shoreline residents and visitors alike. Don’t miss it.

The Black Seal is an Essex favorite, serving lunch, dinner, and a terrific Sunday brunch. And while it looks a little like an old ship that’s battled through rough seas, it serves up jolly good chowder, delectably fresh fish, savory salads, and some great hot sandwiches with the steady hand you’d expect from an experienced captain. And there’s an equally steady flow of jolly good cheer from a bar that’s homeport for boaters and their mates. Stop in. But prepare to linger a while, relaxing over whatever your pleasure might be and listening to good seafaring conversation. It’s that kind of place.

Café Allegre is like a good friend you can’t wait to see. A friendship that just keeps getting better, outdoing itself with every passing year. Indeed, Café Allegre offers a superb ambience exceeded only by a seasonally inspired farm-to-table cuisine that blends the best of old-world styles and traditions with today’s new world tastes for a menu that’s nothing short of a triumph. It’s white-linen dining at its best.

Situated at the historic Florence Griswold Museum, Café Flo serves extraordinary lunches on their airy veranda overlooking Old Lyme’s Lieutenant River — and given the superbly artistic aura of the location itself, it should not come as a surprise that their luncheon selections are as luscious to look at as they are to eat. The menu offers a number of clever starters, including a Vegetarian Chili, Miss Florence’s Asparagus Soup, and a Lump Crab Cake served with House Remoulade. The salads, comprising numerous choices plus add-ons, are equally creative and quite substantial — especially their Tuna Nicoise and the Grilled Shrimp Salad. The luncheon offerings are wonderful and diverse, featuring such choices as a Lobster BLT, the “I Love my Liverwurst” sandwich (with red onion, lettuce, and grainy mustard on rye bread), and the Sliced Bistro Steak. Their wine list is substantial. There’s a delightful children’s menu. And dessert is a must. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from May 1 through the end of October. Reservations are highly recommended. 

It was a Thursday night, we were road weary, and both the dining room and Mood Lounge were full. The two seats left at the bar were a welcome sight, so we took them. The affable young bartender suggested the Routier Special — a Black Rita, which he shook expertly while hustling to keep up with the wine and drink orders coming from all directions. And while the appetizers and entrées from the regularly changing dinner menu were (and are) primarily French, a zesty global mix provided exactly the je ne sais quoi we needed. Treat yourself to the same gratification. Bon appetit. 

What do you get when you combine the flavors of barbecue with traditional — and not-so-traditional — American cuisine? An exciting culinary experience. Farmhouse chic accents the eclectic dining room, making this a great place to meet, while the menu — ranging from some seriously innovative gourmet pizza to some seriously innovative small plates and smokehouse favorites, as well as sandwiches and wraps — makes it the perfect place to chow down.     

Elegant inside and out, Copper Beech Inn, once the unofficial gathering place for Connecticut’s power brokers, is now both an acclaimed bed and breakfast and a splendid venue for both dining and private events, featuring a delightful French-American restaurant. There, one can savor superb seasonal entrees and upscale ambience in the main dining room or choose the more casual atmosphere of our beautiful brasserie, the atrium, or our English garden in season. Be sure to take yourself on a tour of this 125-year-old estate while you are there. It’s an exceptional experience.

Now in their 50th year of satisfying the Mexican and Southwestern food cravings of those who live in or venture through Old Saybrook, Cuckoo’s Nest is nothing short of a community icon. Their award-winning menu is aptly described as “a culinary journey.” Indeed, blending the bold flavors of Mexico — from Sizzling Fajitas to Street Tacos, with authentic Tex-Mex — a regional American cuisine inspired by Mexican culinary traditions, and the soulful essence of America’s Southern Cajun-Creole classics — including Jambalaya, Blackened Fish, and Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos, flavors abound, with every dish carefully crafted using premium ingredients and time-honored recipes. And with its deliciously inviting atmosphere and a diversity of event spaces, Cuckoo’s Nest offers the ideal spot for intimate family dinners, genial business meetings, and grand gatherings of up to 50 guests, personalizing each experience with custom menu options and superb service. Hungry for a very special culinary adventure? This is it! 

Knowing that this popular restaurant is owned and operated by Chris, Patrick, and David Donahue — whose family has, over the years, owned and operated seven other highly successful restaurants in Fairfield County, it’s not surprising that Donahue’s Madison Beach Grille is yet another winner. But the proof, as they say, is “in the pudding” — or in this case in their outstanding menu selections, which include fresh seafood, homemade New England clam chowder and lobster bisque, savory salads, mouthwatering steaks and burgers, and a nice variety of daily specials, all served in an atmosphere inviting both for its “cozy décor and charming fireplace.” And Donahue’s is also mindful of making their dining experience a well-rounded pleasure, having made sure that the bar features a satellite sports- package broadcast over nine flat-screen TVs. Stop in once — and you’ll be stopping back often. Guaranteed.

Oh sure. Edd’s has indoor dining in the “Gazebo,” all ship-shape with nice hardwood tables. But this delightfully zany “seafood shack” also invites hungry seafood lovers to dine al fresco on picnic tables that rest on sections of connected planking — a great view of the Menunketesuck River salt marsh adding even more flavor to a fearlessly far-ranging menu. You can hear vinyl records spun while you savor your meal. So go. Enjoy the atmosphere, their excellent lobster rolls, fish or shrimp tacos, and the best burgers and fries The Shoreline has to offer. It’s an adventure in flavor and fun!

A top contender for “where to be seen” along The Shoreline, Fresh Salt offers stunning water views, seasonal outdoor dining, an innovative approach to locally sourced American cuisine, the day’s fresh catch, and a raw bar. Go. Be seen. And enjoy.

As its name suggests, Friends is a family favorite, and that’s because this restaurant turns out comfort food and good times by the boatload. There are homemade soups and homemade breads. Delicious salads with savory dressings. Piquant pastas. Substantial sandwiches. Really tasty wraps. And an abundant array of flavorful entrées. Stop in for a bite — and bring your friends. 

Come by land, river, or sea — but come, because the stately Victorian Gelston House, set next to the Goodspeed Opera House and above the river in East Haddam Village, is a shoreline tradition. The restaurant menus and all of its dining spaces have been polished up, bringing back the elegance and joie de vivre of its glory days, while the casual al fresco dining option is decidedly popular in season. Regular entrées, like the Shrimp Scampi, the Bourbon Glazed Salmon, and the Lobster Stuffed Sole are impressive. Their Lunch, Patio, and Pub menu offers some seriously tasty Hand Helds, all served with fries, is ideal. And Sunday Brunch includes traditional Pancakes and French Toast, along with Eggs Benedict...Florentine...and Royale, as well as your choice of Crepes and Omelettes. This is a lovely spot! 

This place has a great reputation for its burgers because their burgers are nicely varied and amazing. But burgers aren’t all they serve. Their starters are intriguing (especially the Pickled Peppers with sriracha ranch sauce.) Their salads are sassy. (Try the GW Burger Salad.) Their sandwiches are savory. (The Classic Grilled Cheese All Grown Up is awesome.) And the entrees are guaranteed to bring you back for more. (Do not miss the Surf & Turf or the Bourbon Salmon.) Uniquely stylish plating adds flair to flavor. The house wines are designed to please. And GW Carson’s now offers “Wakeup” menus for breakfasts during the week and brunch on weekends! What a way to start the day! 

Hanami is an award-winning Japanese restaurant that you don’t want to miss. Their raman selections are quite varied, with extra toppings, such as scallions and Chashu Pork available, while the Raman Bar offers Hanami Pork Buns, Panko Crusted Fried Oysters, and their Japanese Style Chicken Karaage — a House specialty, featuring spicy, mouthwatering fried chicken. A delicious array of Bento Box lunches is available, all including Miso, a salad, a California Roll, a Vegetable Dumpling, a Vegetable Spring Roll, and White Rice. Their lunch and dinner Hibachi selections are grilled to perfection and include vegetables, chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, and scallops, plus red snapper, sea bass, lobster, and combo meals are included for dinner. The dinner menu also includes appetizers, soups, and salads; noodles, tempura and katsu; teriyaki and shogayaki; Bento boxes; and rolls of all kinds — raw or cooked with or without rice. And the sushi? Well, Hanami is the star of the Shoreline when it comes to sushi. In fact, regulars often order without even looking at the menu, either creating their own combinations or heeding a tip from one of the savvy servers. They’re confident that they’ll get what they have come to expect — fresh, perfectly made, and beautifully plated, just as all their meals are. Our favorite? (Well, one of them, anyway.) The Sushi & Sashimi Combo. Try it. Try everything. You’ll see.  

For some reason, small restaurants often take on the personality of their owner — and that’s how it is here at Home. Truth is, owner Jared’s genuinely hospitable nature seems to infuse the waitstaff, the kitchen crew, and even the customers with such warmth that diners actually feel, well…at home. Then there’s the food. Both lunch and dinner menus offer a nice fusion of modern American and Italian, with plenty of choices and some lovely gluten-free dishes that combine to make dining at Home a memorable pleasure.

Have you been to Kamana, either in Guilford or Branford? If not, you must go. For starters, they combines the colorful vibrancy of an Indian marketplace with the calm and simplicity of a small temple — and it’s a lovely balance. Then there’s the service, which is delightfully attentive to all and especially so toward those needing a bit of guidance through a rich menu that even includes vegetarian selections. Finally, there’s the cuisine, which, featuring the premium Indian spices, is wholly authentic, utterly delectable, and individually prepared to meet each customer’s preference for mild, medium, or hot seasoning. Kamana is, as they themselves say, a feast for body and soul — and that’s not something to be missed. 

Now well into its third decade, La Luna continues to be one of The Shoreline’s favorites, with its upscale yet comfortable setting and expertly varied lunch and dinner menus that feature both authentic Tuscan dishes and innovative culinary creations certain to please. Their legendary blockbuster Sunday brunch — which begins at 10:30 a.m. with the best of breakfast, then shifts into carving stations, antipasti, and all sorts of sinful desserts around twelve — lives up to their claim that it’s the best on the Connecticut coast, and the complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary is a nice touch.

Craving an authentic taste of the New England coast? Look no further than Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale. These beloved dining spots boast a menu brimming with the freshest catches, drawing crowds of seafood enthusiasts year after year. Their legendary lobster roll is a must-try, but don’t overlook the delectable scrod, golden fried scallops, and savory salt potatoes. Prepared any way you like — baked, boiled, broiled, char-broiled, steamed, or pan-seared, their seafood offerings are truly exceptional. Whether you choose to enjoy your meal at their location or order online and pick it up for a delicious outing, Lenny & Joe’s promises a fast, fresh, and utterly fabulous seafood experience.

Got a craving for some rich, flavorful seafood bisque…a savory clear-broth clam chowder…or a generously portioned fresh-from-the-sea fish dinner? Then you’ve come to the right place. Lenny’s wide-ranging menu of fresh seafood — baked, boiled, broiled, char-broiled, steamed, or pan seared — is awesome. Beat the heat with a treat from Lenny’s Dairy Bar which is open seasonally. Dairy Bar Ice Cream Sandwiches are available inside year round! And it’s all perfectly enhanced by the soft breezes that drift in from the nearby saltwater marsh.    

Well, their name may be Little Pub, but they are very big on what matters. Take their pub grub. It’s amazing. Not only does it all look as good as it tastes but it’s a clever menu, featuring fresh tastes like Ladder Company 1 Hotwings and Farmers Market Spring Rolls. Little Pub Favorites include Fish & Chips and Moo Shu Pork Tacos. There are 12 luscious burgers to choose from. (Be sure to try the Six Napkin Burger and the You’ll Need Three Hands Burger!) Sandwiches and wraps. Mac N’ Cheese Your Way. And even the Kids Menu is cool, with one awesome entrée known simply as Buttery Noodles with No Green Stuff. Their list of beers is long and lusty. And check out their calendar of events. Little Pub. Big deal. Go.

Why do we love Liv’s? Well, there’s her extensive raw bar, along with some very creative specials — all served up in a handsomely restored old movie house. But truth be told, it’s the good-natured staff that makes us happy as a clam. Our server once told us about a 40ish couple who loved a Sashimi Yellow Fin Tuna Pizza appetizer they were offering so much that they bought it for everybody at the bar. Anyone who didn’t love it could send it back. Needless to say, no one did. Another time I asked if the chef could make me some clam broth, even though it wasn’t on the menu. She soon returned with a steaming bowl and a bunch of littlenecks. It simply does not get any better than that. 

The offspring of Liv’s Oyster Bar — an Old Saybrook favorite, Liv’s Shack is equally appealing. Offering luscious hot buttered lobster rolls, lavish lobster and grilled cheese sandwiches, tasty grilled fish tacos, delectable fried shrimp, rich New England Clam Chowder, scrumptious salads, juicy grilled burgers, hotdogs, and chicken tenders, and all the right sides with this delicious a view makes stopping in one of life’s joyful imperatives. And now there’s a Liv’s Dockside in Clinton, too!

Featuring the quintessential lobster roll (indeed, the “best in Connecticut” according to most), Lobster Landing is an authentic shoreline original, as is its tattered little hundred-year-old building that sits on a dock in Clinton Harbor welcoming diners. Its lobster roll is described by eager patrons as “epic” while the rest of the menu (equally good with its tasty sausage/pepper/onion sandwiches, hot dogs, sodas, chips, and ice creams) longs for attention. And while this place may not be fancy, it’s a fanciful little place where the food is absolutely mouthwatering. Start with the lobster roll. Everyone does. But try everything. You don’t want to miss a morsel.   

On the hunt for some really good Asian, Thai, Chinese, or Japanese food? Well, you just found it. The menu is both extensive and mouthwatering because every dish is carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients. The sushi is superb. (Be sure to try the OMG Roll, which is made with white tuna, kani, lobster salad, mango, jalapeño, topped with spicy mayo, wasabi mayo, scallions, and caviar. It’s OMG good.) The Thai, Chinese, and Japanese luncheon specials are just that: special. And then there’s dinner, which starts with a large selection of appetizers, soups, and salads and includes sushi or sashimi à la carte, as well as sushi bar starters, both classic sushi rolls and sushi hand rolls, special rolls, and all the entrees sushi lovers crave (like the Chirashi Dinner, the Spicy Maki Combo, and the Sashimi Deluxe)…traditional Chinese entrees, Thai Curry, Japanese Kitchen entrees, and Chef’s Specials…as well as a diverse choice of Noodles and Rice to round things out, ensuring that everyone dining in goes home satisfied…everyone ordering take-out can’t wait to get home…and everyone who’s been here returns. Join the crowd.

Much like a great piece of artwork, this place is an original. Indeed, unexpected takes on contemporary American cuisine prepared with a special touch are a delightful surprise. And with a full bar and an extensive selection of reasonably priced wines — along with Nancy and her attentive staff, every visit is truly satisfying.

Set behind some weathered buildings at the marina in Branford, Nellie’s is a bit hard to find on your first trip there. But if you follow your GPS, then follow the signs, you’ll arrive with no problem. Inside, the restaurant has been beautifully redone. We were completely smitten by her beautiful views of the Branford River and her superb food — including a Lobster Roll featuring fresh picked lobster on a toasted brioche that’s indescribable.

The Shoreline’s newest Japanese restaurant, Nori is fast becoming a staple for those who enjoy fine Japanese cuisine. A unique twist on appetizers like the Crispy Tempura Sea Bass and Edamame Miso Soup are a must try. Specialty Rolls created in house by their talented chefs such as the Eel Cucumber Roll and the Lobster Cha Cha Roll, will give you a pleasant surprise. Their Nigiri and Sashimi selection is excellent. For those who aren’t crazy about raw fish, Nori offers entrees like the Red Wine Duck, Lobster Tail and Shrimp, and  Lamb Chops. From appetizers to entrees to desserts like Mochi Ice Cream and Fried Matcha Cheesecake (which is simply too good to pass up), there’s something for everyone. Every delicious meal is beautifully plated and elegantly served. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. And with both an à la carte menu and take-out service, there isn’t much more one could wish for — except perhaps lunch or dinner there as often as possible. Fortunately, Nori is open Tuesday through Saturday, so becoming a regular should be easy. Enjoy!

The Old Schoolhouse Deli has a reputation for satisfying serious cravings with serious sandwiches. From gourmet combinations made with famous Boar’s Head meats, as well as their own cooked-daily roast beef— all piled high on fresh-baked hero bread straight from New York — to grilled specials and wraps, it’s all good. Very, very good. And if you prefer, order a salad or one of their hot-lunch specials. (Be sure to try the Southwest Chicken Wrap. It’s awesome.) The food, the prices, and the staff are all delightful. 

While the Parthenon calls to mind all of the things that made diners so popular “way back when,” this diner offers a thoroughly modern version of that beloved tradition with plenty of pizzazz, a wide-ranging menu, and portions you never saw in those little old boxcars.  

This unpretentious yet tasteful little place not only looks uniquely British inside and out but feels like the neighborhood pubs beloved by the English since, well…forever. And while a pub’s traditional fare is usually a bit humble, the fare at Penny Lane Pub is anything but, with hearty traditional lunches like Shepherd’s Pie and Fish & Chips — as well as Between the Breads burgers and sandwiches. Salad choices are numerous and satisfying. For dinner, expect great seafood, beef, and chicken entrées, including Hot Honey Atlantic Salmon and Oven Roasted Chicken with a lemon glaze. And their specialty wines and world-class beers round things out nicely. As the Brits would say, “A brilliant little spot.”

Specializing in both Northern Italian cuisine and a lovely mingling of Italian and Latin flavors, Quattro’s is proof that fine dining can be elegant and fun. Enjoy exceptional tapas served with drinks at a good-time bar where you can linger awhile. If you’re still hungry — or simply hungry for more of Quattro’s delectable dishes, grab a table and order the Zuppa di Pesce (a mix of fresh seafood sautéed in garlic and wine over linguine) or maybe the Lobster Ravioli. And before you leave, take a peek through the kitchen door windows, where you’ll see four slammin’ chefs — skillets flying— turning out other delicious specialties you’ll want to try on your next visit.

This is one of Madison’s hippest little hideaways. Hungry? The Bistro serves an imaginative selection of lunch and dinner offerings, including small plate items like their unique chicken quesadilla…some very tempting salads (check out the one they call Scoops)…decidedly fresh takes on popular sandwiches (try the Egg Salad BLT), as well as fantastic flatbread versions…some very pleasing paninis — including breakfast varieties…and great gourmet grilled cheeses. There’s also a kids menu. Just looking to relax? The Café features a full coffee bar, making it just the place to sip and read. And what a coincidence! It’s hidden behind Madison’s celebrated RJ Julia’s Bookstore, where you can stop on the way in and choose a new title with which to do your relaxing. 

Well, The Shoreline is certainly falling in love with a little place called Savour Café & Bakery — and why not! Offering patrons all of the inviting tastes and ambience of an authentic French café for those ready to sit and savor — as well as grab and go service for those in a hurry, it’s perfect in every way. Start the day with their exquisite breakfast pastries, including an impressive list of sweet scones, muffins, and croissants. Hungry for lunch or dinner? Try one or another of 13 delectable salads; nine special sandwiches (the Caprese, with its slow roasted tomato, mozzarella, and basil pesto on ciabatta is exceptional); and entrees like the Asiago Crusted Chicken and the Grilled Sirloin with Marsala Onions (which are excellent.) And when your meal is over, dessert is a must. The list of temptations is lengthy and rich, from cookies and bars, cupcakes and cakes, and fruit tarts to cheesecake, mousse, pudding, bruleé, and pies. And they offer Signature Cakes, which are so extraordinary that they must be ordered in advance. Consider Savour a short but délicieux little vacation.

Tavern is such a modest little word. It calls to mind an ordinary space with a well-worn bar, small wooden booths, and hearty fare ideal for those ending a long, hard day or gathering with friends on the weekend. But Scotch Plains Tavern is much more. Indeed, so much more. The long sleek bar and spacious dining room are awash in burnished woods, warm accent lighting, and a posh, contemporary flair. And the food? Excellent, with everything from appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches to steaks, seafood — and real deal “tavern fare.” Try the SPT Stilton Port & Short Rib Burger — their signature burger — for something both simple and simply delicious. And if you’re feeling like something a little jazzier, experience their Maple Bourbon Salmon. It doesn’t get any tastier.

Despite its location off the Guilford Green, this little place attracts everyone with its genuinely happy bright-yellow clapboards. But while that may be what makes year-rounders and visitors come in for the first time, they come back time after time after time because of Som Siam’s award-winning Thai cuisine. Indeed, their loyal following raves about diversity of appetizers, their Crazy Wok Stir Fry selections, a delectable choice of Curry offerings, and a Som SIam’s superb Sticky Rice and Noodle dishes. Their mango dessert is not to be missed. And it’s got a take-out window! 

Tangiers opened thirty years ago, and during each of those years, it has grown in popularity, becoming one of the area’s most popular restaurants. Why? Because Tangiers roams the world to bring the best ingredients to their kitchen, and the result is a small but delectable menu of sandwiches and salads, including uniquely seasoned Falafel, authentic Gyros, and delicious Chicken and Kefta Kabobs…savory small plates like Baba Ghanoush and Baked Kibbee...meals as tempting as their tasty Chicken Curry with Chick Peas and the Baked Stuff Eggplant with Beef, both of which are awesome. And to please those who’ve come to appreciate really good  international foods, they also provide a wonderful in-house market filled with Lebanese, Greek, Turkish, Jewish, Macedonian, Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Egyptian, Bulgarian, French, and Armenian foods. Between that market and Tangiers menu, it doesn’t get any better. 

Without a doubt, this is the finest genuine Chinese cuisine you’ll find on The Shoreline — or in nearby New Haven. And don’t be afraid to stray from the ordinary. Sliced Beef with Sichuan Pepper & Chili and Bang Bang Chicken are superb appetizers. The dumplings get rave reviews. They offer many fish choices and shellfish specials. And Wok Seared Sea Scallops or Shrimp, Chinese-style Kung Pao Chicken, and Tea Smoked Duck are worth the adventure — and truly a taste of China. 

A shoreline favorite for sixty years, the Clam Castle, is among the recent winners in the Shoreline Newspaper’s “ Best of” Readers Poll for their incredible clam chowder (both New England and Rhode Island) — and Shoreliners know their chowder! They also serve some of the best fried clams available anywhere. Hungry for something different? Well then, you’ve still come to the right place, because The Clam Castle also offers a menu filled with other good stuff, including lobster bisque, fresh seafood platters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, hot dogs and burgers, nine different sides, one zesty Caesar salad, and more! And this year, under new ownership, The Clam Castle will also feature Taco Pacifico’s fresh Mexican fare! You’ll be glad to know that The Clam Castle is both BYOB and dog friendly. And if you happen to miss it while heading west out of Hammonasset Beach on Route 1, turn around. You won’t regret it. 

Referred to by locals and those in the know as simply The Gris, this is one of very few colonial New England restaurants that has succeeded in remaining not only relevant but unfailingly popular. The dimly lit tavern, with its good old-time music and period dining room, brings you back to the days of river captains and deep-water schooners. Classic Gris entrées include a Faroe Island Salmon and their 12-ounce New York Steak, both of which are excellent. Their seasonal entrées are always superb. 

Set in the heart of Old Lyme, one of The Shoreline’s most charming towns, the Old Lyme Inn is something of an icon. Distinguished by its beautiful and historic décor and an ambiance that is both elegant and relaxed at once, The Inn not only welcomes overnight guests, those in search of an outstanding dining experience, and jazz connoisseurs who flock to the Inn’s legendary SideDoor Jazz Club but hosts event in classic style. They still serve Afternoon Tea every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a delightful array of tea sandwiches, sweets, and scones, accompanied by the finest of teas from Harney & Sons. Luncheon and dinner at the Inn are exceptional, featuring a “contemporary New England fare” that includes impressive vegetarian and gluten-free offerings. Both begin with a simple but clever mix of starters, including a Soup Du Jour created daily by the chef, Savory Butternut Squash Flatbread, and Maple Brown Butter Gnochhi. The salads afford an equally beguiling selection of both old and new favorites. Lunch entrees comprise a delicious selection of hearty sandwich offerings  — and their dinner menu promises something for everyone, from their superb Filet Mignon and a mouthwatering Veal Sorrentino to an Epic Burger that truly is epic. Sharable sides are inviting — and for dessert, there’s a rich Crème Brûlée Du Jour, a tasty flourless chocolate cake so luscious you won’t miss the flour, plus their special Sweets Du Jour. And that’s not all. They also host a wonderful Jazzy Brunch that you won’t want to miss. And if you’re a SideDoor Jazz Club ticket holder, you’ll receive a 10% discount off dinner before that night’s show. Join the “Inn” crowd at The Old Lyme Inn. You won’t be disappointed!

Self-described as “an unusual restaurant,” The Place really is quite a place — indeed an al fresco seafood dining experience you will long remember. For ambience, you’ll be invited to “put your rump on a stump” at one of the big, bright-red picnic tables — but if a chair is preferred, just say the word. As evening falls, strings of lights suspended on poles not only ward off the enfolding darkness but illuminate the menu that is painted quite cheerfully (though somewhat inelegantly) on a huge red sign. And should the hot sun or rain threaten the fun, a red-striped tent, gathered neatly at the entrance, swiftly expands to sixty feet covering everyone! But then ambience isn’t what The Place is known for. What it’s known for is food. Really good food cooked over a sizzling wood fire. Lobster, smoky roasted rather than boiled. Fresh clams on the half shell with butter and cocktail sauce. Steamers. Wine & garlic mussels. And their amazing roasted corn. They even top off their meals with a long list of luscious desserts, including cheesecake and key lime mousse. BYOB and BYOF (fries) if you like. And while they don’t take credit cards, they do have an ATM on site for your convenience! So go! A stump awaits you, along with a meal you won’t forget!

Some describe this little find as a diner. Others, a hole-in-the-wall. But I’m happy to stick my neck out and side with the throngs of regulars who rave about the Turtle Café’s fabulous breakfasts — including some old favorites, like the pancakes and waffles, build your own omelets, wraps and burritos, frittatas, and crepes. And for lunch, enjoy wraps, quesadillas, paninis, burgers, salads, and plenty of sides. Get there early or expect a wait. But if there’s a wait — wait. It’s worth it. 

Dine at Water’s Edge Resort & Spa and enjoy magnificent views of Long Island Sound for a background, casual upscale ambience, and an eclectic menu of traditional New England-style, Northern Italian, and Continental specialties. The Courant, The New York Times and Zagat all call it Excellent! The resort features perfectly landscaped gardens, acres of grounds overlooking the water, a private white sand beach, entertainment, a luxurious spa, and so much more.

The first thing you’ll want to know is that Westbrook Lobster is NOT in Westbrook. It’s in Clinton — as well as just north of The Shoreline in Wallingford. Confused? Don’t be. Their fans would go anywhere for the Westbrook Lobster’s chowder (NE or RI), all the lovely seafood platters, their fabulous lobsters, and the cocktail menu and craft beers that make this unpretentious gathering place so popular. And frankly, it’s really refreshing to find an affordable spot like this with such dependably fresh fish. Clearly, a local favorite.

Zhang’s is one of the hottest restaurants in the area — especially on the weekends. And it’s no wonder they are so popular. Featuring beautifully prepared Chinese dishes, like the Jumbo Shrimp Walnut and Crispy Orange Beef, as well as Japanese sushi and sashimi, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds by ordering a combination of Chinese and Japanese favorites. No one is ever disappointed.