Best Romantic Restaurants in Old Lyme

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchTapas / Small PlatesLounge

Regions

MiddlesexNew London

Areas

EssexOld LymeOld SaybrookWestbrook

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Fresh Salt

4.5

Awesome(1561)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 33 times today

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

2. Old Lyme Inn

4.6

Exceptional(703)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

Booked 1 time today

The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus. Since its opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous "Jazzy" brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

3. La Marea

4.9

Exceptional(1837)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 14 times today

Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available

4. Aspen Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1732)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 16 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.

5. The Essex

4.9

Exceptional(1063)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 8 times today

Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag

A photo of Kokomo's Restaurant - Old Lyme restaurant

6. Kokomo's Restaurant - Old Lyme

3.6

Very Good(378)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

Booked 1 time today

Kokomo's: Connecticut's Tropical Paradise! Enjoy our beautiful beachfront restaurant, overlooking Long Island Sound. With our all you can eat Caribbean inspired table side dining, Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and Hand Crafted Cocktails we aim to please all of our guests- Whether it's a family dinner, date night, or out with the girls.... Kokomo's is the place to beach.

A photo of Sip Wine Bar - Old Saybrook restaurant

7. Sip Wine Bar - Old Saybrook

5.0

Exceptional(3)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Wine Bar • Old Saybrook

Booked 1 time today

Escape to Sip Wine Bar, your destination for global wine adventures in Old Saybrook. Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere where rustic charm meets modern elegance. With over 40 wines from around the world available by the glass or bottle, your palate is in for a treat. Savor delectable small plates made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that pair perfectly with your wine. Our passionate staff is here to guide you through our diverse selection, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a lively gathering with friends, or a solo retreat, Sip Wine Bar offers the ideal setting. Join us and embark on a journey of flavor and discovery, one sip at a time.

A photo of Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant

8. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge

4.3

Awesome(895)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Italian • Westbrook

Booked 10 times today

Located on the expansive grounds of the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa sits a beautiful restaurant with magnificent ocean views, Dattilo Fine Italian, the jewel of the Connecticut shoreline. The cuisine is fresh, creative and bold, with flavors reminiscent of old-world Italy. A rich authentic menu pairs with our extensive wine list features wines from across the globe. In addition to the seasonal menu Dattilo also offers nightly dining specials and themed dinners. Each Sunday we end the weekend with one of the finest Brunches in Connecticut featuring carving, pasta, crepe, and omelet stations. The brunch theme changes each week offering a new variety of fare to experience.

9. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2193)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Westbrook

Booked 16 times today

Cafe Routier is described as a 'beautiful, welcoming restaurant' with a 'romantic ambience' in multiple reviews. With its seasonally driven menus and cozy atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for a romantic evening. One reviewer even noted that it's 'perfect for a special occasion'. The restaurant's attention to detail, including a 'wide range of prices' for their wine list, further adds to the romantic experience.

10. The Griswold Inn

4.8

Exceptional(946)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 9 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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RVIP
New York City •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Well crafted cocktails and delicious food. I enjoyed a thick pork chop that was cooked absolutely perfectly and served with a tangy sauce with just the right amount of hot peppers.
More info
La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
•
4.9
L
Leslie
South Carolina •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The view of the Marina was fantastic. The server gave us plenty of time to finish one course before serving the next. We will return as often as possible.
More info
Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
•
4.5
C
Christopher
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
They were amazingly attentive, friendly, and helpful. We did the tasting menu and every item was awesome. The drinks were also great and the head chef even came over to check on us. Truly 5-star experience.
More info
The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.9
H
HankVIP
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was very good. Great atmosphere! Would definitely go back soon.
More info
Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
L
Laura
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined on 10 May 2025
Excellent food served well in a quaint atmosphere!
More info
Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
•
4.6

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