Dock & Dine in Fairfield County: Sea, Sip, & Savor All Summer Long!
Waterfront dining- there's truly nothing like it. Whether you're arriving by boat for a relaxed weekend lunch or searching for an elegant dinner paired with serene coastal views, Fairfield County is brimming with waterfront restaurants and seafood spots to satisfy every craving. Dining by the water brings its own quiet charm, and I'm here to guide you through some of the best culinary experiences along our shoreline. Here's to savoring summer along the coast of Fairfield County!
Greenwich:
L’escale Restaurant: Set within the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, the iconic l’escale restaurant bar brings the charm of Provence and the Côte d’Azur to Connecticut’s Gold Coast through intimate décor, Mediterranean cuisine by award-winning Chef Frederic Kieffer, and a waterfront terrace adorned with wrought-iron tonelles.
Planning to arrive by boat? Call the day of your reservation to check slip availability with Dock Master Bill at 203.733.5320. Docking is $2 per foot, per hour.
Stamford:
The Wheel: With fresh ingredients sourced from more than 40 local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors—and complemented by produce harvested right from its own rooftop garden—The Wheel presents an ever-evolving menu of food, cocktails, and craft beers that highlight the finest seasonal offerings from around the region.
Prime: Blending timeless favorites with modern flair, Prime delivers a dining experience that’s both elevated and approachable. From a carefully curated raw bar and world-class sushi to USDA Prime 21-day dry-aged steaks, the menu is thoughtfully crafted with a balance of classic steakhouse sides and inventive seasonal dishes.
To reserve a slip for any of the nearby waterfront restaurants, contact Harbor Point Marina at 475.395.5908 or 203.355.6045. Slips are $1 per foot with a maximum stay of 2 hours.
Crabshell: Located on Stamford Harbor in the heart of Harbor Point, Crabshell offers a laid-back yet lively setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, a menu full of fresh seafood and classic favorites, and unbeatable views. In the warmer months, the energy shifts dockside to The Shack, where live music, cold drinks, and summer sunsets set the tone. It's easy to see why this local favorite has stood the test of time.
Slip reservations are first come, first serve, with 11 spots available. To inquire, call 203.967.7229 or tune in to VHF Channel 9. When a dock attendant is on duty, a $10–$15 fee per boat applies.
Rowayton & Norwalk:
Rowayton Seafood: Perched on the Five Mile River in Rowayton, Rowayton Seafood is a beloved, family-run restaurant and market that’s been drawing guests by land and sea for decades. Known for its exceptional seafood, warm hospitality, and serene waterfront setting, it’s a local favorite that lives up to the reputation—time and again.
To reserve a boat slip, call 203.866.4488, ext. 1, and have a credit card ready to hold your spot.
Sunset Grille: Sunset Grille, a family-owned waterfront favorite nestled in Norwalk Cove Marina since 1994, pairs fresh, made-to-order seafood—from lobster rolls and Stratford Point oysters to signature salads—with stunning harbor views, live music, and a front-row seat to New England sunsets.
For transient dockage, contact Norwalk Cove Marina via VHF Channel 72 or call Dock Master Val at 203.838.5899 to check slip availability and options.
Harbor Lights: Harbor Lights, set along Norwalk’s picturesque coastline, offers a refined yet relaxed waterfront dining experience where Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served with sweeping views of the harbor—perfect for everything from casual dockside lunches to sunset dinners on the patio.
Please call the restaurant at 203.866.3364 to reserve a boat slip before arriving, as docking without a reservation is not permitted.
Westport:
The Whelk: At the heart of Westport’s vibrant dining scene, The Whelk showcases one of Connecticut’s most inventive seafood menus, in a New England-chic space anchored by a striking white marble bar and a lineup of standout small plates.
A municipal dock is located just behind the restaurant, offering transient slips on a first come, first serve basis.
The Boathouse at Saugatuck: Set within the iconic Saugatuck Rowing Club and overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, The Boathouse Restaurant in Westport offers year-round dining with a focus on seasonal, sustainable New England fare—including fresh seafood and signature oysters—served across multiple dining rooms, outdoor patios, and elegant private event spaces.
La Plage Restaurant & Oyster Bar: La Plage is a relaxed waterfront restaurant and oyster bar in Westport, offering coastal-inspired dishes that highlight locally harvested seafood, fresh produce, and sustainable meats—all served with scenic views of the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound.
Sunlight, salty air, and the quiet rhythm of waves—Fairfield County's waterfront dining scene turns every meal into a memorable occasion. From Westport’s vibrant shores to Greenwich’s scenic coastline, exceptional seafood and striking views await your discovery. Experience a delicious blend of local flavors, thoughtful menus, and coastal charm—all framed by the calming backdrop of the water. Gather your favorite people and savor summer along Fairfield County's shores.