Location: Niantic
Top Restaurants in Niantic
Top Things to do in Niantic
Most Popular Restaurants in Niantic
Niantic is a census-designated place (CDP) and village in the town of East Lyme, Connecticut in the United States. The population was 3,114 at the 2010 census. It is located on Long Island Sound, the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in nearby Waterford is visible on the bay's eastern horizon line, Rocky Neck State Park is also located in the area. Niantic was once famous for its Niantic River scallops, but the scallop population has been in decline for a number of years.
Things to do in Niantic
1. Skipper's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen B - New Britain, Connecticut
Over the years I have enjoyed the quality and variety at Skipper's. Yesterday I hope was an exception. I had paid for a large order of full-belly clams and was given an order of clam strips. When I brought the food back in one of the cooks acknowledged that they knew they had made a mistake but gave the food to the server anyways. The server obviously did not check the ticket to make certain I had been given the order which was clearly printed on the ticket. I will be back and hope this was an abberation.
2. il Pomod'Oro Restaurant & Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
5 based on 66 reviews
Located in East Lyme amidst one of the most picturesque areas of Southern Connecticut and the Mystic region, il Pomod’Oro Restaurant & Pizzeria beckons Italian food aficionados with an intoxicating selection of dishes sure to tantalize everyone’s appetite. At our charming Italian restaurant, every menu item – from appetizers, soups and salads to specialty pizzas, handmade pasta, calzones, sandwiches, ocean-fresh seafood, entrees and mouth-watering desserts – is lovingly created using only the finest, freshest ingredients and served in a warm, inviting, family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes kids and romantic diners alike. Believe us when we say that Italian lunch and dinner has never been like this, served in a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere and offered on a menu that transcends the ordinary pizzeria approach. We invite you to come experience il Pomod’Oro Restaurant & Pizzeria for yourself, and discover everything you’ve been missing when it comes to premium Italian dining.
Reviewed By Mark C
This restaurant is a must try. I guarantee that after your first visit this place will be a regular destination and on top of your favorite restaurants. I have to admit that my wife and I are foodies and will travel for good food but now that Il Pomod Oro is in the neighborhood we don’t have to travel. I have literally eaten everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. If you don’t believe me just ask any of the staff there and they will confirm (Mark C). The ingredients are top quality and fresh. The wine and scotch list is filled with only quality choices and I always find something to complement my meal. The staff are some of the most attentive anywhere and don’t miss the smallest detail. To watch them work is like a well oiled machine. In my experience the chefs right down to kitchen support staff are very consistent in their delivery of your meal. When by myself I enjoy sitting at the comfy bar where your guaranteed to have great conversation with other friendly locals.
I’ll share a secret, when the parking lot is full go around the block and into the East Lyme High School to park. The lot abuts the restaurant parking lot and for just a few steps extra there is a short path connecting both lots.
3. Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy, Ice Cream & Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 80 reviews
Your one stop dine and dessert shoppe!
Reviewed By Judy D - Oakdale, Connecticut
After a delightful walk on the Boardwalk a stop at Gumdrops & Lollipops is a must! The decor is reminiscent of the soda shops of 1960. With menu of all your favorite flavors along with eats of that era it is a journey down memory lane!
4. Flanders Donut & Bake Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Phone number is 860-739-6320
Reviewed By TeeZeeOntario - Ontario
We stood in line for 20 mins to get to try Flanders Donuts. The selection of flavours was endless and unique. They also had the standards too. Everything was fresh and delicious! Coffee was great too.
5. Giuliano's Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Traveller2010NYC - New York
This is the real deal! I grew up eating grinders (that’s a sub, hoagie, hero to everyone not from New England) in Hartford’s Italian South End. One bite of the Italian combo I ordered at Giuliano’s instantly transported me back through the decades. I could’ve cried. Freshly sliced meats and good quality cheeses, properly cut fresh (not limp) lettuce, just the right amount of tomatoes sliced to the proper width, and a perfect blend of oil-and-vinegar-salt-and-pepper. Given that Giuliano’s is a bakery, the bread was excellent quality too (poor quality bread is one of my prime grinder complaints). My husband had to stop me from eating the whole thing on the spot. If you’re my size, you could feasibly split a grinder between two people and be satisfied, although you might also be secretly resentful that you couldn’t enjoy the entire grinder.
While more expensive than Subway across the street, you really cannot compare the products of the two establishments. It’s like seeking out Taco Bell while visiting Mexico, or Papa John’s in Italy.
There are only two tables in Giuliano’s, and, if they’re already taken, you’ll need to take your grinder to go. If you want to eat-in, Eleni’s next door makes decent grinders (I tried one last time I was in Niantic), but they aren’t as good as Giulano’s. There was quite a line when we came on a Saturday, so be prepared. The young women working the counter were efficient and doing a good job keeping things moving along. Atmosphere-wise, the spare surroundings reminded me of the Italian bakeries of my childhood.
Hubby reports the muffins are excellent. We need to return to investigate the pastries.
Support authentic foods and patronize Giuliano’s!
6. Dunkin' Donuts
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By MTWENTZCESTMOI - Rye, New York
we stopped in to buy two bottles of water and there was only a few customers and the staff was painfully slow! Since we had opened the bottles we couldn't leave but we were tempted to leave money on the counter and walk out! Argh, so frustrating!
7. Charlies Place Restaurant & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
From pastas to seafood to Barbeque ribs brisket pulled pork , Pulled Chicken, Sunday brunch and Happy Hour Menu
Reviewed By 73journey - Niantic, Connecticut
I returned recently to Charlie's after a couple of years away from town. With the exception of the addition of a great brunch menu, Charlie continues to dish out the same great tasting food that satisfies any hungry person's desires that I had come to...Morethanks charlie
8. The Shack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Firestormwfd - Westbrook, Connecticut
I absolutely LOVE the shack for Sunday morning breakfast! Make sure to get there early as they fill up quick! Never a bad meal, ALWAYS up beat and pleasant staff. If you've never tried it I highly recommend you give them a try!
9. Dairy Queen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By eongcn - Connecticut
Standard fare Dairy Queen served by teenagers with amazing memories. Staff here can remember a LONG list of orders. Expect long lines, like 20 minutes, on a warm summer weekend evening. Their portion got significantely smaller this year. I noted this to the staff person waiting on us this recently and got Back to normal" size offerings. If the store need to make more moiey, don't do it by downsizing the portions, rasie the prices a little. The prices are are pretty good at the DQ. This is only a takeout store, Some benches to sit on. Down graded my rating due to decreased portions.
10. When Pigs Fly Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By aries2748 - Pleasantville, NY
In town, visiting our daughter at the Coast Guard Academy, we found this little place in Waterford. What a fantastic breakfast! Service was friendly and efficient. Help yourself to coffee where you had a variety of choices. The Organic Dark was delicious. Our daughter ordered an egg special which was a creative take on huevos rancheros. My husband had the breakfast scramble and I had absolutely delicious whole grain pancakes with blue berries. You can order 2 or 3. Two was a huge plate of pancakes.
Not to be missed if you are in the area.
