Café RoutierFive stars, every timeWe have been coming a 3-4x a year for a while. During our latest meal we remarked several times how good the food and service were. Cafe routier is easily the best restaurant in the area and among the top in CT They have a great basic menu, and a lounge menu as well as a new seasonal and regional menu every time we go. We frequently order new menu items and consistently enjoy them. That's not something we can say about any of the other places we eat in CT, or, for that matter, anywhere else. Service is excellent and unobtrusive.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food and Improved ServiceFood has always been outstanding. The service a year or two ago was spotty, but was greatly improved this past Saturday night. This moves the Cafe back to the top spot as our favorite gourmet restaurant along the shoreline.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWon't be disappointedThis place is so consistent with yummy food and a wonderful staff.... you won't be disappointed6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious continental supperCheery on a rainy night of Noahic proportions. They turned the music down a little upon request because we were hindered from hearing one another without raising our voices. Excellent French fries!6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect dining experienceOf all the eastern CT shoreline, CR is by far my husband and my favorite dining experience. The food is always consistent and while we each have our favorites (him - steak frites & fries and myself ANY version of the scallops), we've yet to order something we don't enjoy. The mussels are amazing, specialty drinks are yummy and desserts are to die for. Some restaurants it's easy to pass on dessert, but not here! You can never go wrong with the chocolate turtle cake. Beyond the food, the service has always been outstanding. The friendly and knowledgable waitstaff is always accommodating, and the bus people never fail to keep your water glass full! Can get a bit pricier than some places, but worth every penny!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday Celebration MealWe thoroughly enjoyed appetizers, main courses and the sharing of a dessert - a delicious mascarpone cheesecake. This was our first time after getting a recommendation from our neighbors. We would in turn recommend the Cafe' Routier to other friends and neighbors. We also appreciated the on-line reservations option. We expect to return again.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMfunny night -great mealI sat next to a few fuddy duddies who were having a great time but couldn't agree on the paint color on the walls, whether they liked it or not. Got me thinking about how I love routier because it's casual and always fun, I was not going to be too sidetracked by a bunch of 'hens' who wanted to redesign the joint. People are so strange. 5 spiced Vietnamese duck was really good, so was the trout which is my son's favorite and the pea soup was so good we ordered another. If this isn't the best spot around someone has to tell me. Nancy's desserts are always the perfect way to end a terrific experience5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful gem on the ConnecticutA wonderful gem on the Connecticut shoreline. Every dish was excellent, especially the ethnically themed, Vietnamese-inspired dishes. I ate the most delicious Vietnamese-spiced pork chop I have ever tasted.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMearly dinner before theaterI love how the menu is a mix of their stand-by's (trout, meatloaf, steak frites) and new (this night it was a Vietnamese themed menu). As usual all food is prepared meticulously, with fresh ingredients. Our favorite Connecticut restaurant.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!!!We stayed at Saybrook Point for Memorial Day Wekend and didn't really know the area. We had dinner at Cafe Routier and it was exceptional. The French Martinis were superb. Next the mussel appetizer was soo tasteful I soaked the rest of my bread in it to savor the sauce. My main dish was the pork chop which was very tender and delicious. I can't wait to go back. My husband's picks were also outrageous.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom appetizers to dessertMenu selection was abundant .
It was three separate seasonal menu with your your choice to pick from each one.
Very unique. This evening was Vietnamese , spring as was well as specials.
Wine list extensive.
Enjoy5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellent - veryFood was excellent - very creative and delicious. Service was warm and outstanding. This is a gem!5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMProven cosistency.Cafe Routier has been our "go to" destination for some years for special ocasions. The food, ambience and personnel have maintained a high standard and continue to live up to expectations. My wife I appreciate both the conistency and inventive nature of the menu. Sorry you no longer serve lunch ( I eat out alone frequently) but still a great place for dinner. The waitstaff, especially Dana, on our most recent visit was exceptional.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMBest thing on CT ShorelineI visit my Mom often trying to find a decent restaurant. Cafe Routier is among the best I have ever been to in CT. Their menu is amazing, servers are great and ambience perfect.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a wonderful find! TheWhat a wonderful find! The service was outstanding and the food certainly did not disappoint. Loved the extra details that went into presentation and the fact that the chef delivered our dinners personally. He was genuinely interested in making sure we enjoyed his creations.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic family dinnerWe fell in love with routier many many years ago and so thrilled that they keep on working on their product. Inventive for those that want something a bit different and casual feel to the place. Great spot to relax and catch up with friends or have a special dinner. We go about 25-30 times a year. Friendly spot5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and service. ExtremelyGreat food and service. Extremely helpful and courteous staff5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always TerrificThis time our group took a new couple that had heard raves about the restaurant. It lived up to the raves!!!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food and ServiceThe food and service are consistently excellent. The periodic menu changes constantly provide new choices to enjoy.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe are Routier fans!We've been enjoying Cafe Routier for years and always look forward to our next visit. The menu changes frequently so you can choose from old favorites or try something new from the regional or seasonal menus. All dishes are deliciously prepared and beautifully presented. There were so many lovely dishes on the Vietnamese and spring menus, it was hard to choose. And, we were thrilled with our meal. Bravo. Encore, Routier!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is very good with a variedFood is very good with a varied menu. Fried oysters are excellent, as is the steak frites dish. Desserts are also good, although the flan is small compared to other desserts, e.g. turtle cake which can be shared by 2-3 people. The restaurant is attractive, but casual. Our friend noticed some spots on the cloth back of the booth in which we were seated. This can spoil the ambiance of an otherwise attractive restaurant, and should be attended to.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was excellent. The serviceIt was excellent. The service was amazing and the new menu for the Spring was spectacular. We had a wonderful evening.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMepicurius findGreat menu selection's and delicious food.
Friendly and knowledgable staff made experience outstanding.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMI always look forward to myI always look forward to my visits at Routier. I can never decide what to eat from their always changing menus. This trip a 'vietnamese pork chop' was perfect. Small plate of broccoli rabe and the best dessert around these parts 'turtle cake' all washed down with a few cold drafts. I love Routier4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMNever disappointed with ourNever disappointed with our meal when dining at Café Routier! John our server was excellent and very attentive. Food and drink were delicious. Can't say enough good things about this restaurant4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMVery nice night out, friendlyVery nice night out, friendly place, no pretense, great dinner.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe arrived early and had drinksWe arrived early and had drinks in the lounge. We enjoyed the lounge atmosphere, everyone was having a good time. The dining room was not too busy being that it was a Tuesday night. Our waitress was excellent. We ordered a 2nd bottle of wine and when she told us they had run out, she made an excellent suggestion for a substitution. We ordered scallops, duck and rabbit stew. Everyone was very happy with their meal. We dine at this restaurant a few times a year and they never disappoint. We will be back.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMCafe Routier has been consistentlyCafe Routier has been consistently outstanding for years. The service is attentive but never intrusive and the decor is lovely. They have an impressive wine list, and the servers do a fantastic job in helping you choose the right glass or bottle with your meal. The three separate food menus are always a combination of well conceived and inventive new additions, as well as timeless classics. The steak and frittes here are always a revelation, and they have been the centerpiece of a number of wonderful memories of great meals with cherished friends and lovers. The desserts are also first rate, and always end the meal on a satisfying high note. I have eaten at almost every Michelin starred restaurant in NYC, and Cafe Routier is their equal.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMVery niceFood was great. Service was wonderful.
Highly recommend4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHaving patronized the bar/loungeHaving patronized the bar/lounge several times in the past for an after-theater bite, I finally had the opportunity to try the full dining experience. With 3 menus (Regional, Seasonal, Traditional) to mix and match from, there was plenty to ponder. So much so that I nearly overlooked the extensive and inventive cocktail menu. For me it was mussels in a magnificent sauce of tomato, garlic, and (lots of) saffron followed by pefectly cooked duck breast in apricot sauce. My wife opted for French onion soup and swordfish with a pesto butter. We will certainly be back! Oh, and "Pliny's Tonic" a cross between a mojito (muddled mint and lime, sans sugar) and gin martini (with cucumber) has now joined the "my top five faviorite martinis list"4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome is what describesAwesome is what describes this incredible restaurant.
You will not be disappointed.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMHaving dined there for aboutHaving dined there for about 15 years at both their locations, they remain a consistent enjoyable dining experience. Very good in all respects.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMCafe Routier is a consistentlyCafe Routier is a consistently excellent restaurant and one of our favorites.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellent! Great uniqueAlways excellent! Great unique dishes and excellent service.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMRoutier continues to be oneRoutier continues to be one of the best, if not the best restaurant east of New Haven.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMLove this place!Favorite place to dine on the shoreline! Food and atmosphere is always great and service is outstanding as well. I've been here at least 40 times in the past few years, dining in both the bar and dining room and have never had a bad meal or experience.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary dinner; great choiceWent on a Thursday night with my girlfriend for our three year anniversary. Food was amazing, but a little pricey. Ambiance was great and romantic but the music was a little quirky and elevator-esque for a few songs. Would recommend for a special evening if you're willing to dole out the cash for 20-30 dollar entrees.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant was quiteThis restaurant was quite a find in Westbrook. The food was excellent: I had the trout, and my partner had the duck. We loved that there was such an extensive wine list to choose from. We also liked the round booths that allowed us to sit next to each other. The service was excellent too. I would come back.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMvery enjoyable experiencevery enjoyable experience on a special birthday celebration. Bonus points to the staff for meeting my few 'odd' requests. Homerun dinner.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great food experienceAlways a great food experience with an imaginative menu with approachable options. Great service!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMMission burger with pretzelMission burger with pretzel roll was delicious. The shrimp and grits with a really cheesy, jalepeno sauce was one the best things I've ever eaten at routier. Tonight we ate just from the bar menu and it's something we talked about all the way home.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AM