Greenwich, CT, is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and traditional New England feel.
Did you know that the food here is just as noteworthy?
One of the many reasons visitors vacation in Greenwich is the diverse local dining scene. When paired with the area’s beautiful coastal views, there’s nothing finer!
Here are just a few of our favorite waterfront restaurants near Greenwich, CT.
Whether you’re craving:
- Tasty tacos, or
- Sophisticated, regional cuisine
The waterfront restaurants near Greenwich, CT, offer something for every mood. Delicious outdoor dining is just the beginning of what you’ll discover here, though.
Our Favorite Waterfront Restaurants near Greenwich, CT
We know all the best restaurants near Greenwich, CT!
You’ll taste everything from authentic French cuisine to top-notch seafood straight from the New England coast. Whatever you choose, the delicious food from these eateries will please even the most discerning of palates. And all from lovely outdoor patios.
Restaurants on the water in Greenwich, CT
Greenwich, CT is located on the picturesque shores of the Long Island Sound.
So it seems a waste not to enjoy at least one meal taking in the views.
These are some of the fabulous Greenwich, CT restaurants on the water providing tantalizing dining experiences al fresco. Click over to our guide to downtown Greenwich restaurants for even more outdoor restaurant options.
L’Escale of Greenwich CT
If you’re seeking an elegant and modern dining experience, L’Escale Restaurant — one of the best French restaurants in Greenwich, CT — is a perfect choice! Right on Greenwich Harbor, this downtown Greenwich restaurant offers a large selection of outdoor seating. So you can truly enjoy the beautiful views that surround. The atmosphere evokes the essence of Southern France, and the menu is packed with delicious French cuisine. Try the baby scallops and squid ink linguine, chicken paillard, or osso buco.
Even if you don’t plan on dining here, enjoying one of their seasonal co*cktails on their patio overlooking Greenwich Harbor is a lovely way to start or end the evening. That said, their outdoor tables, under string lights, can be quite popular on a summer evening.
The Lion Brasserie
The Lion Brasserie describes itself as an American brasserie. It’s the second restaurant that Ron Rosa of Polpo fame started in Greenwich.
But that main draw here for a reader of this article is the outside seating: overlooking a waterfall. Situated in the old industrial neighborhood of Glenville, the Lion Brasserie occupies space in a former factory. The waterfall is a spillover of the Byram River from the old mill days.
Coast Seafood
If you’re looking for something other than Mediterranean cuisine, enjoy true New England seafood at Coast.
Known for their raw bar, their covered terrace patio overlooks the charming mill pond at the center of Cos Cob. It makes the perfect spot to enjoy casual dining with first-class Connecticut seafood. Their Whole Lobster dinner is popular, as is their fish and chips, sea bass and Scottish salmon.
Bartaco
Just across the Byram River from Greenwich’s Byram, CT, neighborhoodis Bartaco in Port Chester, NY.
This Tex Mex hotspot serves up some of the region’s best tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes. And yet the tacos here are far from ordinary. Taco selections include cauliflower, pork belly, spicy chorizo, falafel, and wild boar. Not in the mood for tacos? Try the tamales, quesadilla, or ceviche instead. After dinner, head to the bar for specialty margaritas, mojitos, and more!
And if you’re a boater, you can dock right in front of Bartaco to imbibe. Just don’t drink and boat.
Top Restaurants on the water in Stamford and Norwalk, Connecticut
Just to the east of Greenwich, Stamford offers more of an urban atmosphere.
And as is typical of urban environments, there’s even more diversity to choose from, including along the water. Of the lengthy list of top restaurants in Stamford, Connecticut, picks for Stamford waterfront restaurants include:
Crab Shell
Crab Shell is not technically in the town of Greenwich, but deserves a spot on our list nonetheless. Located in Stamford, Connecticut (just a few minutes outside of Greenwich), is one of the best local spots to enjoy some great seafood. The menu includes dishes like lobster rolls, Alaskan King Crab legs, lobster pot pie, baked stuffed shrimp, and more. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, we recommend trying the filet mignon, New York sirloin, Crab Shell burger, or chicken penne.
Prime Stamford
If you’re looking for an upscale spot overlooking the water with a culinary focus on steak and seafood, then Prime is your destination.
Just be sure to bring a full wallet.
Guests rave about their sushi, though it appears that every choice is a safe one from their menu.
MEXiCUE
This casual dining spot is in the center of the new Harbor Point development, across an inlet from Prime.
MEXiCUE serves Mexican barbecue to match its co*cktails. This sit-down restaurant is actually a spin-off from a popular local food truck.
And while the margaritas are a draw, in the summer months, the dining room spills out onto the outdoor patio. Although the cuisine is not terribly authentic (as decided by a reliable source), the water view and outdoor dining more than makes up for it.
Rowayton Seafood
As the name implies, this restaurant opened in 1996 as an addition to a neighborhood seafood market.
And thanks to its breathtaking water views, The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood is now a reason to visit Rowayton, CT, a coastal neighborhood of Norwalk, CT, on its own. It’s also one of the most romantic restaurants in all Connecticut, to boot.
Of course, fresh seafood from the on-site market takes precedence when choosing from the menu or in this establishment.
More dining with outdoor seating in Greenwich, Connecticut
Most restaurants in downtown Greenwich still feature outdoor seating, post-pandemic.
In the warmer months, at least.
They may not be waterfront restaurants, but the view of Greenwich Avenue or the local neighborhood can be quite entertaining.
A few great picks include:
Mediterraneo
Dinner at Mediterraneo evokes the fanciful flavors of Greece, Italy and a touch of Morocco. Lovely fresh seafood is the star here, but you’ll also find dishes such as pizza with Italian sausage that is ever so chic. The chef understands the importance of fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce. And they use it to abandon in the dishes they serve. From mouthwatering appetizers like:
- Charred Spanish octopus with sliced potatoes
- Dried chorizo sofrito and preserved lemon
- To tempting mains like Parmesan Crusted Halibut
You can indulge in sumptuous dining with lovely water views of the Sound.
Eastend
This high-end restaurant has a hip vibe perfectly suiting its all-American menu. Original, craft-style co*cktails like Blood Orange Margaritas are a great way to start your meal.
The Eastend menu is an eclectic mix of:
- Lofty sandwiches
- Beautiful, braised meats like pork chops and lamb shanks
- And a selection of seafood, chicken and, of course, pasta
Their wine list is short but respectable. We recommend you imbibe on Tuesday at their Wine Appreciation Nights.
Polpo
Dining al fresco on the second floor of this elegant former home is ideal to enjoy Italian-inspired dishes from their versatile menu. The chef designs the entire menu to please with tempting appetizers like:
- Grilled Mediterranean octopus and cannellini beans over arugula
- Irresistible pasta
- And more options prepared fresh from the grill
The Polpo wine list naturally features Italian regional selections paired perfectly with their menu.
More places for a romantic dining experience in Connecticut
Want even more dining options?
Beware data overload.
But that said, there are plenty more places to choose, both on your next visit to Greenwich and nearby:
- All the top restaurants in downtown Greenwich, as well as other neighborhoods in town
- Or plan your own picnic while you’re here, grab one of the picnic tables in one of the Greenwich parks
- French cuisine is quite popular in Greenwich, read our list of French restaurants in Greenwich if you’re interested
- Indian food and restaurants are sprinkled throughout Greenwich
- Japanese restaurants are popular throughout Greenwich, as well
- Be sure to read our guide to the best restaurants in South Norwalk
- Our guide to restaurants and dining in Stamford, Connecticut, is popular as well
- The most romantic restaurants throughout Connecticut, from Hartford to Greenwich
Life’s too short for every meal not to feel like a special event!
And for even more attractions, activities, and things to do in Greenwich, be sure to download the free Greenwich, CT, Visitor’s Guide.
Edited and republished: May 1, 2023
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