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Best American Restaurants in Old Lyme

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1493)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 26 times today
Fresh Salt in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a culinary experience that delights with its authenticity and quality. Nestled where the Long Island Sound meets the Connecticut River, Fresh Salt serves dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to regional farmers and artisans. Patrons rave about the "exceptional" Lobster Roll and "delicious" Clam Chowder, showcasing the restaurant's mastery in elevating simple dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. With glowing reviews noting the "beautifully presented" meals and "amazing customer service," Fresh Salt stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking the best in Contemporary American dining. The perfect blend of scenic views and impeccable cuisine ensures every meal is memorable, making it "definitely a 5-star restaurant."
A photo of The Essex restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1009)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Saybrook, The Essex shines as a beacon of modern American cuisine, celebrated by Yankee Magazine as the "Best New Restaurant in New England." Praised for its innovative dishes that draw inspiration from the Connecticut River Valley, The Essex offers a menu that eloquently speaks to the authenticity and quality of American dining. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, highlighting the "imaginative and delicious" offerings and "top-notch" service. Whether it's the chef's tasting menu or the locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh products, every dish is crafted to perfection. As one diner put it, "The food was fresh, using what appeared to be local vegetables and the seafood, steak and chicken were phenomenal." The Essex is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey steeped in American tradition and local flavor.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1696)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 18 times today
Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine. A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents. Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.
A photo of Old Lyme Inn restaurant
4.5
Awesome(666)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Lyme
Booked 8 times today
At the Old Lyme Inn in quaint Old Lyme, the bar and lounge experience is truly unmatched, providing a perfect blend of sophisticated ambiance and exceptional bottle service. Known for its "contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere," the Inn offers a grand eight-seat bar where patrons can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a well-curated selection of wines and spirits. Reviewers rave about the ambiance, with one noting the "great live jazz" that enhances the bar's vibrant yet relaxing setting. The Old Lyme Inn is not just a place to dine; it's a destination where every drink served is a toast to quality and craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier bar and lounge experience.
A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2685)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 4 times today
Liv's Oyster Bar, located in the charming Old Saybrook neighborhood, is a true culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Oyster Bar cuisine. Since its opening in 2006, it has offered a delightful dining experience that is both intimate and inviting. Under the expert guidance of Owner and Executive Chef John Brescio, Liv's serves up an assortment of fresh, local oysters that are consistently lauded by diners. Guests rave about the "fantastic" oyster selection and the perfect wine pairings, highlighting the "fresh plump oysters" and the creativity in every dish. The vibrant atmosphere and the meticulous attention to quality make Liv’s Oyster Bar a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking authenticity and excellence in every bite. Whether it's the praised Happy Hour or a leisurely dinner, every visit is poised to exceed expectations with its "superb" service and "top-notch" culinary offerings.
A photo of Penny Lane Pub restaurant
4.5
Awesome(327)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 3 times today
Penny Lane Pub, nestled in Old Saybrook, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with its delightful twist on classic pub fare. Renowned for its consistently outstanding food, the restaurant receives glowing reviews, such as "some of the best food we've had in the area" and "the food was outstanding, as always." Diners rave about the variety, from the "perfectly cooked" salmon to the innovative black bean/quinoa burger, highlighting the pub's commitment to quality and flavor. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service, Penny Lane Pub is a true gem for those seeking a genuine American dining experience. Whether you're enjoying the live music or savoring a meal on the patio, this pub is a must-visit for anyone in Old Saybrook.
A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
4.5
Awesome(910)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 23 times today
The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776. The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.
A photo of Café Routier restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2156)
Price: Moderate
• American • Westbrook
Booked 12 times today
Café Routier in Westbrook is a haven for Tapas and Small Plates enthusiasts, celebrated for its distinctive culinary approach that infuses global inspiration with seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s 40-seat lounge, where no reservations are needed, offers an intimate space to enjoy creatively crafted small plates. Guests consistently rave about the quality and presentation of the dishes. One reviewer highlighted, “The food is always fantastic. Had the Summer menu iron steak meal and it was delicious,” underscoring the restaurant's commitment to excellence and innovation. Another diner exclaimed, “Wonderful evening! We will return soon. Thank you for a wonderful meal.” Café Routier’s ability to consistently deliver exceptional, varied, and creative small plates makes it a top choice for those seeking an outstanding dining experience in Westbrook.
A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant
4.5
Awesome(130)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 7 times today
At Little Pub in Old Saybrook, the burgers are nothing short of legendary, achieving a perfect balance of hearty, lean, and bursting with flavors like caramelized onions, bacon, and cheese. Diners rave about the "Heaven on a bun" experience, highlighting the fresh, hand-cut fries that accompany these masterpieces. The restaurant's dedication to top-notch cuisine is evident, with one patron declaring the veggie burger as the "best ever." Little Pub doesn't just serve food; they craft experiences that leave guests planning their next visit before they've even left. Whether you're a local or just passing through Old Saybrook, a stop at Little Pub for one of their acclaimed burgers is a must.
A photo of Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 4 times today
Luigi's Restaurant in Old Saybrook is celebrated for its exceptional American cuisine, delivering an authentic and delightful dining experience. Patrons rave about the "best Italian food we’ve had in years" and consistently praise the eatery for its "great food, great prices," and "spectacular service." The restaurant is renowned for dishes like Chicken Marsala, described as "the very best," and the New York Strip, which is "cooked perfectly." Each meal is a testament to the quality and authenticity of American fare, lovingly prepared and served in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Luigi’s Restaurant stands out as a gem in Old Saybrook, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of America.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TheresaVIP
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We did the holiday tea which was charming and I definitely recommend. I have also been there for dinner and the food was delicious, atmosphere charming and service excellent.
    More info
    Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
    4.5
  • Lisa
    Connecticut •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We often go to concerts at The Kate, which is right down the street, and we almost always dine at Liv's before the show. The food is always excellent and the service is always attentive and friendly. This last dinner was no exception, from the friendly greeting at the reception stand to the competence and attention of our server. We enjoyed the meal very much -- the kitchen's preparation of fish and seafood is a standout -- and will certainly be back.
    More info
    Liv's Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    4.8
  • 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
  • megan
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 13, 2024
    The best food and service! Wish there were some light live music playing :)
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    4.7
  • Susan
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 12, 2024
    Our dinner with friends at The Essex was beyond expectations. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and well paced. We opted for the three course price fixe and were pleasantly surprised by the appetizer course we were served before the salad course. At $79 per person the dinner was very reasonably priced for the quality and quantity. Our first and main courses were outstanding. My strip steak perfectly cooked to medium rare and the whole table enjoyed the frites. The halibut and scallops along with the sauces and vegetables were excellent. Dessert choices were very generous although I hit my limit after a few bites of the baked Alaska. The menu was heavy on seafood which restricted our friend who has a fish and shellfish allergy. But once aware of that and a nut allergy, every dish was carefully adjusted for nuts. Dining at the Essex is a wonderful treat. We will be back.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    4.8

Discover best American restaurants in Old Lyme

Discover the allure of American dining in Old Lyme, Connecticut, a picturesque town that serves as a culinary hotspot for those seeking both traditional and innovative American fare. Nestled in the scenic area of New London County, Old Lyme boasts a variety of American restaurants that cater to a range of tastes and dining preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a classic American meal or something with a modern twist, Old Lyme's dining scene offers an array of options that emphasize quality ingredients, expert preparation, and attentive service. The dining experience in Old Lyme is characterized by its unique blend of casual comfort and refined elegance, making it a perfect destination for both relaxed lunches and sophisticated dinners. The restaurants here are known for their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience, featuring menus that highlight the best of local produce and seasonal specialties. Moreover, the inviting atmosphere of these establishments makes them ideal for family gatherings, romantic evenings, or special celebrations. In Old Lyme, diners can expect not just a meal, but a culinary journey that showcases the richness of American cuisine. Each restaurant in the area strives to create dishes that are both delightful and visually appealing, ensuring that every visit is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Old Lyme's American restaurants is sure to leave you with lasting impressions and a desire to return.

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