Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Old Lyme

Food was exceptional. We had the Caesar salad and octopus for first course, swordfish and filet mignon for main course, cheesecake and crème brûlée for dessert. All the dishes were delicious. Sweater weather was one of the best tasting cocktails I’ve ever had. Northern lights drink was just okay.

Phenomenal tasting menu, great wine pairings, and excellent service. A wonderful culinary adventure. Kudos to the chef and staff for a fabulous evening.

We really enjoyed our meal at the Halyard. We ordered several appetizers which consisted of calamari, squid, clams and the ricotta with honey. All of our appetizers were delicious. Compliments to the chef. We then ordered the chicken, short ribs and bolognese. All of our meals were so delicious. The short ribs were perfect for a chilly January evening. All of us were pretty full, but decided to try the desserts. Definitely worth saving room for dessert. The espresso creme brûlée is probably the best brûlée we have ever had. We also had the banana ice cream dessert which was fantastic. Definitely put this restaurant on your trip out east.

Our late lunch early dinner was fabulous on New Year's Day 2025. Our waitress, Barbara, was very friendly, energetic, helpful and wonderfully nice-she gets all the kudos for a great visit. We will definitely return to Fresh Salt.

This is our 2nd year at the Bistro for New Year's brunch. We have decided to make a new tradition. The mimosas flow constantly, the food is memorable and definitely enough with the multiple courses. Service was exceptional. We especially love the desert table and crepes station. I was smarter this year and went easy on the courses so I would have room for desert. We plan our visit while the Jazz band in playing in the lobby so the ambiance is pleasing but not too loud. Excellent opportunity to enjoy your family and friends while dining. Valet Parking for $5 well worth it. We will be back next year!