22 Best Seafood Restaurants near Old Saybrook

“Such great service but even more so, the chefs are incredible with their creativity and delivery of unique and delicious food. Liv's is an oasis away from home....they do so much to make dinner special every time. Thank you all.“

“This is absolutely my favorite place to eat in old saybrook. Whether it be breakfast or lunch or dinner I have not been disappointed. I was especially impressed by breakfast here. My waitress Paige was so accommodating and kind. She made all the difference in the experience we had. I wish they had 10 of her. I would highly recommend for atmosphere hospitality and food. Above and beyond and excellent.

I have been back a dozen times since the review posted above. Valentine's Day brunch was nice. The dining enhanced by the pasta station which was fabulous. Chef Lam is simply amazing! He went out of his way to make the food and the Fresh Salt experience perfect. Staff like this will keep us coming back again and again. Thanks Fresh Salt and Thank you Lam.

Since my last review I have continued to visit Fresh Salt. It is hard to believe that my experience has been better and better.

Owner Viola so genuine and sincere. She is thoughtful and really cares about her customers experience in her hotel and restaurant. She also cares about people and that shows. I love the restaurant but will always choose this as a number one spot as an owner with so much integrity is too rare. Thank you Viola from Elena and family.“

“everything was good except the Rhode Island clam chowder , they need to put real clams in instead of ground up tiny specs very disappointed yesterday in the chowder all we got was broth and potatoes with tiny bits of clam“

“While it is a little off the beating path, it is a fine establishment that has been in the area for several years. Their prices are reasonable. Their menu is varied and quite good. Always a consideration when looking for a last-minute place to go during the week for dinner.“

“Been shopping at this fish monger since 1999, from org. owners.Fast forward, Lisa F. bought business (guessing 2004-2006) I have NEVER had an issue with any fish or side etc. purchased including to present! My favs: Ahi tuna, Niantic oysters, Wellfleet oysters, sea scallops, swordfish, grouper, clams, sea bass, oysters rockefeller, carolina slaw, to name a few!
Lisa F. added a larger variety of fish products and sides! Chef Jerry created fantastic recipes (Carolina Slaw) amongst others! NYT review said "Any fresher you'd have to catch it yourself" Fast forward to mid 2004, Lisa said she was retiring (OH NO!) But ironically, sold the business to LISA and MIKE K., whom she introduced me to! Basically telling them, Mark supports your businesss all year long! please take care of him! Which they have! I might be long winded!, but NO ONE IS BETTER THAN ATLANTIC FISH IN OSB! PS: Lynne has been there NOW P/T FOREVER! Tell her Mark sent you in!“

“Went here for my birthday dinner with my family and we had a wonderful meal/time. The portions are HUGE. Your table gets free pasta with dinner and it's a really big bowl! The service was good, the only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5 is because we had to often find our waitress, she didn't check on us and I would say it's because it's a busy place but it's so small that it isn't hard to check on your tables. She was nice and the service was good just wish she would have checked on us a little more. Lastly the atmosphere is great, it's a nice small little restaurant, I expected it to be bigger but not an issue. If you have a party of 5 or more make sure to make a reservation so you can guarantee a table. Anyway food 5/5 service 4/5 atmosphere 5/5 ... We will def be eating here again...“

“Excellent food. Owner on site regularly. Buttermilk fried chicken is excellent. Great specials. A local favorite.“

“Always a great experience if you’re dinning in or having takeout. Highly recommended!“

“Such a great experience! Food was amazing! Highly recommend the crab cakes, clam chowder and of course the Lobster Roll 🦞! We will be back for sure!“

“I celebrated my birthday at the Seal tonight. We haven't been in a while. I had the Short Rib Ravioli, Mom had the Serloin Steak, my wife had Tuna and our son a grilled cheese. Everything was delicious! Our server said she was new, but did a great job. We finished with warm Carmel apple pie! It was the perfect ending to a great night!“

“UPDATE: 12/3/25 it was so good we went back the next day! This time we had the apple cider calamari again, crab smash and lobster roll. I’ve never tasted anything better! Even their butter was good!! Try the apple cider margarita! 12/2/25 Wonderful stop! Had great service from Grace and the food was amazing. You won’t regret the Apple cider vinegar calamari, smash burger or fish and chips. The espresso martini was delicious!“

“Excellent food , great small town feel“

“Great 👍🏻 Food!! It was my first time eating at Bill’s, but went with family that has been. For a busy Sunday afternoon we got in fast, no wait, got an inside table and it was nice and comfortable! Food was great 👍🏻 the prices were also very good for seafood around the area! Our Waitress was so sweet (I didn’t catch her name) but she did remind me that I forgot my gold ring on the table before I left so I thank her with all my heart ❤️ (I got ketchup inside my rings so I took one off) I forgot to put it back on! Thanks again!! Will be back again soon. p.s Bills Chowder with the clear and creamy mixed is awesome 👏“

“Absolutely outstanding! 5 star experience from start to finish! Our hostess was a gem! Very kind..Our server Peter was a professional.. made some wonderful suggestions on wine and appetizers! And one of the most important parts was the food! It’s a must try! Memories were made! Can’t wait to go back and enjoy a beautiful experience if they’ve gave 10 stars the Essex would get an 11 cheers“

“Best pizza I’ve ever eaten. Service was amazing, food was fabulous and the cannoli was to die for.“

“So happy they are here! The foos is always good and the servers are always friendly and welcoming!!! Thank you for bringing a great restaurant to this town!!!“

“Stopped in and had the best chili dog I’ve ever eaten in my life! Perfection!“

“Excellent!! Crab cake appetizer was the "best I've ever had" according to my son. There were four of us and all were very pleased. I've been twice and looking forward to going back. This restaurant is definitely the place to go when you want to take your time between courses and enjoy the food and people you are with. I like the 20% service charge(tip) added to bill. Keeps paying thoughtless as service is excellent. 5 stars on everything!“

“Obsesssssed, our new favorite place. Short ribs melt in your mouth yummmm so good. Great attentive servive. Super friendly staff, I can go on and on about the positives!“

“Very good chow and good service, 5 stars!“

“Love the Deck and LOVE the fact they pay attention to not serving those under age. More establishments need to be aware of this and enforce it! The Deck is a wonderful place! Great bartenders, great service, great food, and great overall atmosphere. Other patrons are always friendly and just there to enjoy themselves and have a good time! Definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a laid back place to enjoy a drink. Plenty of space to move about and plenty of parking as well!“

“Stayed here for a family vacation the amenities were amazing they have a Starbucks inside of the spa and the spa itself was a treat to be there for it was a very relaxing place to spend a vacation I would recommend it to all my friends and family“