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Liv's Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook, CT

Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8 (2726)
$31 to $50
Seafood
166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    John Brescio
  • Catering
    We offer off premise catering for events of all sizes. From weddings in your favorite venue to intimate dinners in your home. Please contact us to learn how each event is tailor made and customized to your desired experience.
  • Private party facilities
    Our space adds the perfect presence for smaller events (8-10). Warm, inviting, with our spot-on staff there to assist, Liv’s would love to be your host for any occasion. Please contact the restaurant for reservations.
  • Neighborhood
    Old Saybrook
  • Parking details
    On Street or Parking Lot behind the building
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

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What 2,726 people are saying

Liv's Oyster Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Connecticut

    Seafood

  • Middlesex

    Best Overall

  • Middlesex

    Best Food

  • Middlesex

    Best Service

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Innovative

  • Middlesex

    Good for groups

  • Middlesex

    Healthy

  • Middlesex

    Hot spot

  • Middlesex

    Neighborhood gem

  • Middlesex

    Great for fine wines

  • Middlesex

    Lively

  • Middlesex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Liv's Oyster Bar delivers "great food" and "exceptional service" in a lively atmosphere. Guests rave about "fantastic oysters," creative dishes, and a "wonderful dining experience." The staff is praised for being "attentive" and "knowledgeable," ensuring every visit is memorable. A favorite for seafood lovers, Liv's consistently impresses with its "top quality" offerings.
2,726 Reviews
  1. James

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I had a wonderful experience at Liv's Oyster Bar last evening. I choose 3 types of oysters (Boomamoto, East Beach and Black Magic) suggested by the man shucking the oysters. They were all very clean (no grit or shell fragments), very fresh and beautifully served. I followed up with steamed mussels in a broth of garlic, white wine and cream. Again, the presentation and flavors were superb. The table also had the crab cake and the tuna plates which were also excellent. We accompanied the meal with a very nice bottle of Sancere. Finally, our server was friendly, helpful and very professional. Overall a great experience and highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Adam

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always good food, good drinks and good service. My favorite place.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joyce

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Liv’s does not ever disappoint. Whether I go there with a friend for happy hour or with a group, it is always to the highest level of deliciousness and service! Thank you, Liv’s for making my birthday celebration so very enjoyable. Compliments to the chef, his team and our waiter Dave who was attentive and did a spot on job! 

    Is this helpful?

  4. Molly

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    We had a fabulous dinner at Liv's! My Lobster Fra Diavolo was amazing! We have never had a bad meal at Liv's! Only suggestion is that they could use an interior decor update to make it more inviting and cozier.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Wayne VIP

    New York City11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience as always. Food great. Service excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Andrew VIP

    New York City12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were incredible. One of my favorite places to go

    Is this helpful?

  7. Anne

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Greeted warmly upon arrival. Our server and his trainee were both very friendly and able to make suggestions and describe how an entree was prepared. They were attentive but not overbearing.

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  8. jay VIP

    New York City19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Of the restaurant that I can go there frequently they don't really change their menu a lot so that's a problem also the tables are pretty close to each other and it's a little too loud sometimes

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  9. Mario VIP

    New York City53 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Excellent dinner as usual at Liv's. Great service. Great menu. Always a great meal at Liv's.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Patricia VIP

    Connecticut31 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been to this restaurant many times. It’s one of our favorites. The food is always top quality and innovative. The service is absolutely stellar. We always come out after each meal as happy campers!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Liv's Oyster Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (860) 395-5577.

Liv's Oyster Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 2726 OpenTable diners.

Liv's Oyster Bar does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut
  4. Middlesex
  5. Old Saybrook

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
Google Map for Liv's Oyster Bar

166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Old Saybrook
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Oyster Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    On Street or Parking Lot behind the building
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    John Brescio
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    We offer off premise catering for events of all sizes. From weddings in your favorite venue to intimate dinners in your home. Please contact us to learn how each event is tailor made and customized to your desired experience.
  • Private party facilities
    Our space adds the perfect presence for smaller events (8-10). Warm, inviting, with our spot-on staff there to assist, Liv’s would love to be your host for any occasion. Please contact the restaurant for reservations.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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