Liv's Oyster Bar

Name: Liv's Oyster Bar
Address: 166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT, United States, 06475
Telephone: (860) 395-5577
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (2731)

$31 to $50

Seafood

166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 36 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
(860) 395-5577
Website
http://www.livsoysterbar.com/
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.

Location
166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
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 2,731 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
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

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 a "wonderful dining experience" with "exceptional food and service." Known for its "fantastic oysters" and innovative dishes, it consistently impresses guests. The "attentive and friendly" staff enhance the warm atmosphere. While some suggest a decor update, the "happy hour specials" and fresh ingredients make it a "local gem."

2,731 Reviews

P
Paul
New York City18 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Liv’s delivers great food. My tuna was super tender and well-seasoned along with noodles that had a nice Asian kick. My partner’s branzini was beautifully grilled. The banana Old Fashioned also hit the right notes. Our only negative was the loud noise level combine with an oblong table shape that put a full 3 feet between us. Made conversation challenging. Not a romantic couples configuration.
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S
Suzanne Zitser
New York City22 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was perfect ! The food was incredible- the service great & the staff were amazing.
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L
Lisa
Greater Boston38 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Been dying to go to Liv's and it was well worth the wait. Not surprisingly, the oyster sampler was fresh and delicious. My friend got the salmon and I had the potato crusted cod. Both were so flavorful and cooked to perfection. The cocktails were unique and very good too! Highly recommend and can't wait to get back.
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N
Nancy VIP
New York City147 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
3 orders of fish were all a bit overdone which was disappointing-all else fine. They offered to redo one of the meals but we declined. They also took off price of a glass of wine which was nice.
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K
Kathleen
New York City1 review
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was inconsistent. The blt salad was very good. The chowder was overly salty. The quality of the fish was good. The “chips” with the fish and chips were inedible due to too much salt. The steak which was excellent on prior visits, had an off putting taste. The garnish on one fish dish was pure salt flavor. Deserts were very good. Service was excellent. Natasha is a great waitress. We have been going to Liv’s for many years this visit was disappointing and the one before was mediocre We won’t be going back given the quality and value . In summary, the chef is too heavy handed with salt and adds too many flavors, spices and ingredients to the dishes.
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J
James
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 12, 2025
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!
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A
Adam
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always good food, good drinks and good service. My favorite place.
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J
Joyce
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
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!
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M
Molly
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
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.
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W
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?

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 2731 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.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

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

Website
http://www.livsoysterbar.com/
Phone number
(860) 395-5577
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

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

Send a gift card

Liv's Oyster Bar

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Gift card

Menu

What 2,731 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Liv's Oyster Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant rated?

Does Liv's Oyster Bar offer gift cards?

Is Liv's Oyster Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card