Old Saybrook Restaurants

Updated on 6/5/2025

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

Diners’ top pick

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$$$$Price: Moderate

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Italian

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4.9

(118)

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1. 

   La Marea

   $$$$Price: Expensive

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   Italian

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   4.9

   (1,846)

   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
   
2. 

   The Essex

   $$$$Price: Expensive

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   American

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   4.9

   (1,077)

   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

Liv's Oyster Bar

Top-rated food

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$$$$Price: Expensive

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Seafood

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4.8

(2,737)

Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.
Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.
John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.
Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.

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1. 

   Aspen Restaurant

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   Contemporary American

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   4.8

   (1,746)

   Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine.
   A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents.
   Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.
2. 

   Little Pub- Old Saybrook

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   American

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   4.8

   (149)

   Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.

Fresh Salt

Top-rated hospitality

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$$$$Price: Expensive

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Seafood

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4.5

(1,590)

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.

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1. 

   Penny Lane Pub

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   American

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   4.5

   (363)

   Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.
   Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!