Location: Mystic
Top Restaurants in Mystic
Most Popular Restaurants in Mystic
Swab the decks, batten down the hatches and get ready to set sail for a weekend of adventure in Mystic, Connecticut's seaside city devoted to all things maritime. From the popular Mystic Seaport, a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, to the newly updated Mystic Aquarium, where you can mingle with beluga whales, seals and dolphins, there is something nautical at every turn. The Colonial period buildings of Olde Mystick Village offer a few tasty seafood restaurants, historical atmosphere and a multitude of unique gift shops. While most of Mystic's attractions have a marine theme, there are a couple of exceptions: landlubbers may want to check out the Mystic Art Association's galleries and studios, which showcase the work of local and regional artists. Or have a lunch at Mystic Pizza, the eatery made famous by the Julia Roberts movie of the same name. From restaurants with plenty of crayons and kid's menus to hotels with puppet shows and bedtime story hours, everything about Mystic is geared toward children, making it a fun and educational family getaway. And for adults, the nearby Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casino complexes are a sure bet for entertainment.
Things to do in Mystic
1. Mezza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
Conveniently located less than a mile from downtown Mystic, this quaint Mediterranean Grill has charm and ambiance, outdoor seating, and on site parking. Authentic, fresh, home-style cooking & all natural ingredients.
Reviewed By Attabear - Cambridge
We had Mixed Mezza platter, veggie kibbeh and spinach pies - all very good. On prior occasions we have had the LaLa chicken, which is marinated for 2 days in buttermilk and also very good. The pickles and aioli sauce that come with are addictive. Friendly staff, nice cozy local restaurant. Worth the detour if you're driving by.
2. Frank's Gourmet Grille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Cozy. American/Continental Cuisine. Elegance for the casual diner. Located in Mystic, Ct just off Interstate 95. Away from the downtown traffic and parking hassles.
Reviewed By gsn176 - Ledyard, Connecticut
We dined at Franks as we like the owner the atmosphere but more important the Food. The pistachio fried Goat cheese is to die for and the Scallop dishes were outstanding. We own a Lodging place in the Mystic area and try as many restaurants in order to feel comfortable in our recommendations to our guests and I must say to you the reader as well as any guests who stay with us, Franks is a sure and must try and will not disappoint the most savvy diner. The menu has it all and if your lucky and the Boss is there you’ll be greeted and asked how’d you enjoyed your meal. A proud owner and a culinary leader in our area. Thanks again for another delectable meal.
Scott & Jodie
3. Latitude 41 Restaurant and Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 652 reviews
Located in a newly renovated 19th century landmark on the shores of the Mystic River, our welcoming ambiance captures a fresh essence of the maritime experience. Natural hues surround a unique combination of historical and contemporary elements including extraordinary photographs from the Rosenfeld Collection. Choose to dine in one of our main dining rooms, gather with family or friends for casual fare in our classic tavern, warm yourself near one of our fireplaces or enjoy cool river breezes as you dine al fresco; we offer something for every taste. Serving new American cuisine, using the highest quality ingredients; we practice a no boundaries approach to flavors and techniques. We support our local farmers and pride ourselves with a philosophy based on consistency, creativity, innovation and inspiration. Latitude 41 is truly a destination dining experience.
Reviewed By jrman66 - New Jersey
What a wonderful place. We were able to start with a drink in this cool rustic New England style bar and then make our way into a more formal dining area for dinner. The food was amazing. The raw seafood very fresh. Our dinners were excellent. Very interesting lobster dishes! The service was fantastic. We loved our entire experience at this restaurant.
4. S & P Oyster Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Chef Cobena’s unique style blends perfectly with the traditions of New England fare. He intertwines exotic spices and peppers with the area’s premier selection of seafood, poultry and beef. Relish in our premium selection of oysters spanning the eastern seaboard and the finest cuts of Yellowfin tuna, swordfish and native dayboat cod. Enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful steaks from Arkansas City, Kansas, by a facility designed by Dr. Temple Grandin, world renowned expert on animal welfare. Gluten-free? Enjoy a plethora of options on our special, gluten-free menu; check out our vegan options, too!
Reviewed By denene - Ballston Spa, NY
we stopped in with out a reservation on a Saturday night and we got seated right away. The restaurant sits right on the Mystic River and has a wonderful view. Our meal was excellent as was the wait staff. Something for everyone and kid friendly in an upscale environment. Very pleased. Will definitely go back!
5. Oyster Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Oyster Club is a casual fine dining restaurant and raw bar specializing in the richness of the New England coast and countryside. The menu, which is written daily, showcases food that travels the shortest distance from 'farm & sea to table,' with seasonality and location determining the day's delicacies. Benefiting from the region's many local farmers and fisherman, Oyster Club features bounty from the sea, pasture raised beef, local produce and artisanal cheeses. We believe Oyster Club is an extension of your home and that all will feel welcome at our table - please join us!
Reviewed By Michael U - Las Vegas, Nevada
When any serious diner does her or his research on Mystic two names are repeatedly the center of most conversations, Chef James Wayman and Dan Meiser who opened Oyster Club in 2011 and virtually changed an entire city’s food culture overnight.
Now the proud owners of three Restaurants including Engine Room and the recently debuted Grass & Bone, the later complete with a Butcher Shop that on this particular evening saw Chef Wyman cooking a special Dinner alongside Boston’s Jamie Bissonette, it was several minutes early for a 6:00pm reservation that two guests were welcomed to the converted carriage house at 13 Water Street, the warmth of the foyer bolstered by a fireplace with dining room left and Bar to the right.
Open nightly from 4pm for Happy Hour, dinner beginning at five and Weekends also offering Brunch, it was with coats checked that guests were led to tables in a room heavy with wood, a list of Cocktails presented along with menus that change daily to reflect the market, one of them more lengthy and the other a bargain $25 Pasta Prix Fixe.
Treated to the cooking of Sous Chef Dave Vacca given Wayman’s busy schedule, though the executive Chef’s fondness of Charcuterie and local sourcing played a prominent role, it was after lengthy perusal while weighing appetites that the decision was made to order one Tasting and further supplement from there, the total tab of $145 including one Cocktail a veritable bargain and Dinner starting off with the first of two complimentary Baskets of Bread including a Cornmeal variety just as good as that at Engine Room.
Deferring the meal’s course to a friendly and informed waitress, her honest answers about portion sizes helpful in allowing a party of two to sample a wide swath of the night’s offerings, it was with Oyster Club’s famous Quahog Clam Chowder alongside Salad dressed in Anchovies plus crispy Croutons that things got underway, a large bowl split into two portions at the kitchen’s discretion proving thinner than most and all the better for it as Clams and Bacon came through unmuted by Cream, Potatoes or Seasoning.
Refreshing share plates and silverware for each course, a request easily accommodated with the room less than 1/4 full, course two featured a duo of daily specials including pieces of housemade Prosciutto layered amidst Toast, Hydroponic Greens and Peanuts plus a touch of hot Honey, the quality of each ingredient magnified by the others and a trend also witnessed in room-temperature Scallops poached in Goose Fat served with cured Bird Meat and a light dressing imbued by Screwpine.
Told that Oyster Club’s Tagliatelle is something of a signature but at the time more interested in housemade Spaghetti served simply with Prosciutto, Peppers and Onions next to a buttery Garlic Knot, the flavors all present but the end result admittedly a little underwhelming, course three concluded savories by way of roasted Baby Carrots wrinkly and tender beneath Root Vegetable Chips along with local Cheese and “Honey-soaked” Mushrooms, a never-before-seen idea that surprising worked well in this context.
Rounding out the evening with Dessert but no Coffee, a long day of driving to follow and sleep at a premium, suffice it to say that the Tasting Menu’s lone choice was more Funnel Cake than Zeppole while the regular Menu fared far better, an $8 Blondie topped in boozy Caramel and Whipped Cream probably best shared given its richness while both the Pina Colada-esque Pot de Crème or signature Almond Brown Butter Cake with a texture akin to Sticky Toffee Pudding are so good that one per diner is well advised to prevent battles for the last bite.
6. Bravo Bravo Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By bt1sw2000 - Ludlow, Massachusetts
We decided to try someplace other than S&P Oyster House, so we tried Bravo Bravo. Home run!! My wife had Lobster Ravioli, I started with a Caesar salad and for main course had the Sirloin. It was cooked to perfection. We made reservations 3 days ahead of time and good thing. It was packed! Our waitress was Victoria. She was professional, attentive, and prompt ( didn’t hurt that she was very attractive). All around, a great dining experience. We will be back
7. Kitchen Little
Overall Ratings
4 based on 426 reviews
Signature Breakfast, Lunch offering fresh local seafood, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Located at the Mystic Marina. Panoramic marine view of The Mystic River. Outdoor patio upper deck dining and inside dining room. As featured in Ct, Gourmet and Yankee Magazines. Chosen Best Breakfast in CT by The Food Network Magazine. Best of Connecticut Magazine's "Best Breakfast with a View" 2012.
Reviewed By Juggling_Mom - NH
At the recommendation of our inn keeper, we headed out to Kitchen Little for breakfast, which is on the water in the middle of a boatyard. It is a relatively small restaurant, especially given the winter seating all inside. The staff did a great job of keeping tables turning quickly and moving the small line along, as well as accommodating some larger parties. The menu was quite large with options for everyone. I had a unique egg benedict with a slice of a chorizo sausage, probably coming from the local Portuguese heritage. My daughter had a more normal eggs benedict. The accompanying potatoes were good, coffee and water was kept refilled. It was a great way to start our day!
8. Engine Room
Overall Ratings
4 based on 566 reviews
Located in the beautifully restored Lathrop Marine Engine building with views of the Mystic River, we feature sixteen craft beers on tap, the area's largest bourbon selection, craft cocktails, a full wine list and a menu of locally sourced, creative American comfort food, with a focus on America's most beloved dish, the burger. Welcome to the table.
Reviewed By Laura H - Elverson, PA
This is the second time that we’ve made the long trip to Mystic. Next time that I’m back, I’ll definitely return to the Engine Room! Thoughtful staff, great draft beer, and delicious fried brussel sprouts with other eclectic dishes. I can’t not mention the decor and skillful woodwork.
9. Anthony J's Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 349 reviews
Reviewed By Margaretheffy - Saint Peters, Pennsylvania
Anthony J doesn't take reservation so when we got there we had to wait but we didn't mind because we were sat at a nice table in front and ordered a bottle of wine. If you have a glass of wine a nice night and good friend you don't mind a short wait. We were seated on the patio which was very nice atmosphere. The 4 of us all got the lobster ravioli and it was delicious. The wait staff was wonderful too. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
10. Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Marconi33 - Cumberland, Rhode Island
Had a wonderful lunch in the CDPI Pub on Saturday. Although is is a small place we and very crowded at the time, we were able to have a nice conversation without having to raise our voices. The service was good. There was a nice selection of beers and wines and everything ordered by our party was very good.
