Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in New London

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in New London? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Owl and Dove

4.9

4.9 (127)

$30 and under

American

Mystic

About the restaurant

Owl and Dove, a new full-service casual restaurant in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, serves brunch and dinner daily. The menu features creative dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, as well as a curated selection of wine, beer and cocktails. Enjoy a meal in the warm and inviting dining room overlooking the Pawcatuck River or a beverage in the cozy bar.

Top review

Lauren

Dined 4 days ago

First time here and pleasantly surprised. Food was great and Elias, our server, was the best!

Breakwater

4.7

4.7 (443)

$30 and under

American

Stonington

About the restaurant

BREAKWATER at Stonington Harbor is a waterfront restaurant located on the Connecticut shoreline in the Stonington Borough. BREAKWATER features seafood & more, specialty cocktails, stunning sunsets & views of Stonington Harbor & Fishers Island Sound. We offer gorgeous all season sunsets & a roomy bar to keep you warm in the winter.

Top review

Karen

Dined 4 days ago

Beautiful restaurant inside and out…the views are stunning and the indoor decor charming. Even the bar has beautiful views! Their menu has lots of wonderful choices…somehow I always veer toward the fish tacos…always wonderful! It is one our favorite places in the area and (shhh) they have parking!!! In the summer good idea to make a reservation for sure! And the staff are all fantastic!!!

La Plage - Mystic

4.6

4.6 (88)

$31 to $50

American

Mystic

About the restaurant

Nestled along the picturesque Mystic River at the new DELAMAR MYSTIC, La Plage Restaurant brings an exquisite dining experience to the charming town of Mystic, Connecticut. We invite you to embark on a culinary journey that blends the finest coastal flavors with innovative cuisine.

***Parking is located across the street at 112 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355.

Top review

JaniceVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Beautifully appointed with excellent food and service. Finally an exceptional restaurant with attention to detail and professionalism!

Dog Watch Cafe

4.9

4.9 (4152)

$30 and under

American

Mystic

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO DOG WATCH CAFE!

One thing we know for sure—the Dog Watch is a great way to keep you and your crew happy. Dog Watch is all about having a good time. With locations in Stonington and Mystic, Connecticut, enjoy amazing food and great people with your choice of waterfront views and sunsets or a relaxed backyard atmosphere.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for "standard" tables are indoor tables, and "outdoor" are for our dockside/waterfront outdoor tables. *Outdoor reservations are not guaranteed an indoor table if it is raining*Reservations are for 1 hr 45 min.

Tables reserved for dining only. Bar seats cannot be reserved. We cannot guarantee special requests. No parties larger than 6 people. Tables will be held for 10 minutes past your reservation time. If you are running late we cannot guarantee a table or same type of table. Please contact the restaurant if you are running late (860)415-4510). We have outdoor heaters, but it can be chilly. Dogs allowed at outdoor tables.

Top review

Carol

Dined 4 days ago

Always great service and delicious food- scenery always superb!

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Popular dish

Stonington Scallops

Dog Watch Mystic

4.9

4.9 (1154)

$30 and under

American

Mystic

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO DOG WATCH MYSTIC!

Our Mystic location specializes in authentic, house-smoked BBQ along with other Dog Watch staples, including lobster rolls, fish 'n chips, burgers and more. Our Mystic location is the perfect place for families with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a large kids area, lawn games and gardens. Come enjoy amazing food with great people in a casual environment. Other services available include take out and catering.

When reserving a table, 'standard' tables are indoors, and outdoor tables are specified. Please specify in visit notes if you prefer a high-top table. Reservations are for parties up to 8 people, and tables are reserved for one hour and thirty minutes. We do have outdoor heaters, but it can be chilly. Dogs are permitted on a leash at outdoor tables. *Outdoor reservations are not guaranteed an indoor table if it is raining*

PLEASE NOTE: We have two locations! This reservation is for our Dog Watch Mystic location at 20 Old Stoning

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

Great meal as always! Lobster roll had plenty of meat and was extremely tasty! The special of New York strip and shrimp combo was great. We ate at a high top at the bar which is cozy and our bartender/server, Michele P was the best and accommodating! We highly recommend Dog Watch- Mystic!

Old Lyme Inn

4.4

4.4 (711)

$31 to $50

American

Old Lyme

About the restaurant

The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus.
Since its opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.
Whether you're joining us for our famous "Jazzy" brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

Top review

ChristineVIP

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Perfect Father's Day Jazz Brunch! Nice corner table and wonderful Jazz Ensemble! Food and drinks were delicious and our server was very personable and engaging!

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Experience

Midsummer Afternoon Tea

TAO Mohegan Sun

4.7

4.7 (4680)

$31 to $50

Pan-Asian

Uncasville

About the restaurant

TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge offers a distinctive culinary experience in the most dramatic setting Mohegan Sun has to offer. Guests can choose from a selection of Asian-inspired specialties, focusing on Chinese, Japanese and Thai techniques and ingredients; including signature dishes like the Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, Lobster Wontons, Peking Duck, Crispy Snapper in “Sand,” and Tuna Sashimi Pringle. TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge’s beverage program pairs perfectly with approachable craft cocktails and extensive sake offerings. The new restaurant at Mohegan Sun is located off the Sky Tower Hotel Lobby and features several notable elements that Guests have come to expect from the iconic brand, including a 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue anchoring the main dining room.

Top review

Amaya

Dined 3 days ago

Just a great atmosphere... great music...fantastic food..wonderful staff.. Would recommend this place to anyone

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Popular dish

Black Pepper Chili Chicken

Popular dish

Japanese Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Beef and Broccoli

Michael Jordan's Steak House - Mohegan Sun

4.7

4.7 (7879)

$50 and over

Steak

Uncasville

About the restaurant

Located inside the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut, Michael Jordan’s Steak House is a premier destination for steak connoisseurs in New England. The menu features the highest quality steaks available, perfectly prepared to the guest’s specification. Focusing on the finest seasonal ingredients and pure bold flavors, we elevate the classic steak experience to the “Michael Jordan” level.
*We are a 21 & up; unless accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian.

Top review

Anthony

Dined 4 days ago

Food is always cooked to perfection. Service is always perfect. This place is amazing. Eaten here twice so far and will continue to do so when we come for casino trips. Server Adrian was on point the whole night and is an example for other servers

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4.8

4.8 (912)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Stonington

About the restaurant

Inspired By The Pacific Rim, Go Fish located in Stonington, CT has the freshest fish this side of the shoreline, any way you want it. raw or cooked. Mystic Country's most innovative seafood restaurant featuring a menu inspired by the Pacific rim, raw bar, sushi bar, wine events & private dining.

Top review

Rich

Dined 2 days ago

The food was excellent however the service was well less than stellar. In fact, a couple who had been seated next to us got up and left, saying they waited too long for a wait person. We’ll likely try it again, though. Hopefully with better service next time

Canggio Restaurant

5.0

5 (240)

$30 and under

Peruvian

Norwich

About the restaurant

Canggio Restaurant is a classy but casual dining atmosphere for guests to enjoy the unique offerings of Peruvian cuisine.

Some well-loved dishes are Trio de Ceviche, Pato, Seco de Lomo, and Arroz Chaufa.

Chef Julio Cancho is born and raised in Peru, but classically trained in French and Italian cookery. He adds a Peruvian twist to some American dishes also on the menu.

Peruvian cuisine, considered among the best in the world, inherited its innovation, mix and flavors from Peru’s history. Its culinary fusion developed over a long process of cultural exchange between the Spanish, Africans, Chinese, Japanese and Italians, among others. The dishes became more and more varied as races mixed and migrants landed at the port of Callao.

Top review

Becca

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

When we arrived, we were seated right away; it’s a bright space with comfortably spaced seating. The waitstaff were very attentive and friendly and provided descriptions of the different menu items when we had questions. Calamari appetizer was delicious-squid tender, not chewy, and came with a savory relish; husband had seco with beef in a beautiful crock and it was super hearty, enough to have leftovers for lunch; I chose to have to ceviche appetizer for my dinner—3 distinct variations for the three different fish and with a side salad was plenty for my dinner. We highly recommend Canggio.

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