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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Westbrook

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6 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant
1. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(2472)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Clinton
Booked 13 times today
Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.
A photo of The Essex restaurant
2. The Essex
4.9
Exceptional(1068)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 15 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 The Griswold Inn restaurant
3. The Griswold Inn
4.9
Exceptional(949)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 8 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.
A photo of La Marea restaurant
4. La Marea
4.9
Exceptional(1840)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Old Saybrook
Booked 25 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
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
5. Fresh Salt
4.5
Awesome(1577)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 65 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.
A photo of The Wharf-Madison Beach Hotel restaurant
6. The Wharf-Madison Beach Hotel
4.4
Awesome(1990)
Price: Expensive
• American • Madison
Booked 66 times today
The Wharf-Madison Beach Hotel offers a unique dining experience with its year-round outdoor dining and stunning Long Island Sound views. Reviewers rave about the impeccable service and creatively prepared progressive American cuisine. It's a favorite for special occasions, like wedding anniversaries, as one reviewer mentioned, 'June 13th Wedding Anniversary dinner. It was perfect'. The ambiance is often described as classic elegance, making it perfect for intimate or larger gatherings.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JoanVIP
    Connecticut •176 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Everything was perfect. Hugo great as always. All the staff made dining relaxing while being attentive to every detail. The food amazing as always
    More info
    La MareaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.9
  • William
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The tasting menu was a wonderful, elegant culinary journey. We enjoyed sitting at the counter and observing the talented kitchen crew at the height of service. Had a chance to chat with Colt, the chef and owner. All in all a memorable and delicious experience.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.9
  • NancyVIP
    New York City •146 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Food was very good as well as service. Loved our seat overlooking the water in the corner. A bit pricey but it was a special occasion.
    More info
    Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.5
  • Marla
    Washington, D.C. Area •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food, nice wine recommendations and quiet enough to have perfect conversations with our group Our party had steak frites, salmon, chicken pesto sandwich and flatbread. We enjoyed the recommended white wine with our meal which paired perfectly. We also splurged on dessert and had gelato, crème brûlée, cheesecake and chocolate mousse. All foods were wonderful. Service was great. Our waiter was helpful and attentive but not overly so. We enjoyed walking the grounds after our meal. A great experience. Would visit again.
    More info
    Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery BistroPrice: Expensive• French American• Clinton
    •
    4.8
  • Paul
    Houston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 12, 2025
    Great nautical setting in historical Essex. Fantastic food, ambience and service makes the Griswold Inn a great place to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy great food with the company of your family or friends
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    •
    4.9

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Westbrook

Discover the perfect dining options for special occasions in Westbrook, Middlesex, Connecticut. This charming coastal town boasts an array of restaurants that cater specifically to those looking to celebrate life's milestones. Each eatery offers a unique ambiance, from intimate and romantic settings ideal for anniversaries and engagements, to lively and spacious venues perfect for birthdays and family gatherings. Patrons can expect a diverse range of culinary offerings, with menus that blend traditional flavors with innovative twists to create memorable meals. The dining scene in Westbrook is noted for its emphasis on fine dining coupled with scenic views, providing a backdrop that complements any celebration. Restaurants here are committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring every special occasion is marked with sophistication and joy. Whether you're a local or visiting, Westbrook's restaurants promise an exquisite experience that catifies every celebratory meal with elegance and flair.

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