The town of Westport, Connecticut lies in the southernmost part of the state along the Long Island Sound.
Lovingly nicknamed “WePo,” Westport is known within popular culture as a “creative heaven” due to the inspiring arts district as well as the city’s history as a temporary home for F. Scott Fitzgerald and other historical visionaries.
The town also has cemented its place in popular culture with honorable mentions in several movies, books, and television shows.
Here, we will examine which restaurants are the best restaurants in Westport. The factors that were taken into consideration are price, ambiance, the style of the food, and the wine and beer selection when applicable.
There are several types of international cuisine to sample in Westport and you are about to learn more about these delicious eateries. The following is a list of the best restaurants in Westport, Connecticut.
1. The Cottage
$$$ | 203-557-3701 | WEBSITE
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At The Cottage, you will get to experience authentic and original New England dishes in a fine-dining setting. A large number of the ingredients used in every dish are locally grown and locally sourced.
A good appetizer to try is the housemade ricotta sourdough toast with fresh beets, dill sauce, and pistachio. The grilled saddle of lamb is a wonderful dinner option, as is the cottage burger.
There is a menu section for after-dinner drinks like Fonseca Port, in addition to the wine, beer, cocktail, and liquor menus. Customers especially love the cozy atmosphere and exceptional service.
2. Kawa Ni
$$ | 203-557-8775 | WEBSITE
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Although this place is considered to be more of a Japanese pub, Kawa Ni also serves unique Asian cuisine that is known throughout the area.
The tofu pockets are part of a cold dish that comes with crab, rice, tartar, and pumpernickel. Or for lovers of spiciness, try the Addictive Cabbage (sesame, wasabe, and seasonings) or the Trout Mazeman made with wasabi butter.
The drink selection includes sake, California chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Guests love the ambiance, the staff’s friendly service, and the distinctive meals.
3. The Lobster Shack
$$ | 203-226-2529 | WEBSITE
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This establishment pairs New England seafood dishes with Italian cuisine. The lobster rolls consist of fresh lobster caught off of the coast of Maine, and the Bill’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ‘wich is made with crabs caught on the shores of Maryland.
Many of the dishes are gluten free, which is perfect for any patrons who may have a gluten allergy or sensitivity. Guests particularly enjoy the aforementioned lobster rolls – in fact, travelers come from miles around to sample this delicious entree.
4. Capuli Restaurant
$$ | 203-557-9340 | WEBSITE
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Capuli chefs have worked tirelessly to create local fare with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The lunch menu consists of such innovative meals as the eggplant polenta Napoleon, which is a cake with tomatoes, basil, feta, and roasted eggplant.
The salmon roulade is a dish where salmon is rolled around crab meat, risotto, and spinach, then topped with a smooth orange cream.
The wine selection includes red wine (the Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo from Spain) and white wine (the Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand). With the fabulous food, wine, and service, it’s no wonder Capuli has received a solid 5-star rating on Trip Advisor.
5. Bar Lupa
$$ | 203-292-9638 | WEBSITE
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If you are looking for a dining experience unlike any other, Bar Lupa is the place to go. This restaurant and bar combines authentic Italian with Spanish tapas-style eats that are sure to please any crowd.
From the tapas menu, sample the lasagnine – a smaller version of a homemade lasagna; or try the orecciette con salciccia – spicy sausage, tomatoes, and broccoli sauteed in oil and garlic cloves.
Bar Lupa also carries some of the finest white and red wine, including pinot noir and cabernet. Patrons enjoy the fun atmosphere and the one-of-a-kind Italian dishes.
6. Gold’s Delicatessen
$$ | 203-227-0101 | WEBSITE
This delicatessen offers so much more than plain ol’ sandwiches! Try a hearty brisket sandwich with mouthwatering barbecue sauce – this sandwich is also available as a kosher option.
There is also the whitefish salad and the shrimp salad made with all-natural ingredients.
You can even purchase meats by the pound so that you can continue to devour great Gold’s sandwiches at home. Customers love that, although the deli is small and cozy, the food packs a big punch.
7. Kneads
$$ | 203-349-5341 | WEBSITE
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At Kneads, the sourdough bread is freshly-baked and made daily. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, with such favorites as bacon, egg & cheese; sausage, egg & cheese; and yogurt & granola.
Then there are more adventurous eats, like the oyster mushroom scramble and the Catskill smoked salmon sandwich. For a sweet treat, sample the chocolate cherry hazelnut biscotti or pain au chocolat.
Guests rave about the breakfast tacos, which are made with brisket, eggs, cilantro, and mild cheeses. Guests also love feeling welcomed into Kneads with open arms.
8. Layla’s Falafel
$$ | 203-955-1583 | WEBSITE
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At Layla’s, you have your choice of different falafel dishes, all of which are absolutely delicious.
As is customary with Mediterranean cuisine, each dish relies heavily on fresh vegetables and fruits over meats – the Falafel Deluxe is stuffed with fried eggplant, and the Mazza Deluxe Platter consists of veggie patties with tabbouleh, grape leaves, hummus, and a flavorful eggplant mixture.
Add a side of cucumbers with yogurt, beet salad, fried cauliflower, and more.Customers are impressed by the fresh ingredients and the attentive and friendly staff.
9. Organic Market
$$-$$$ | 203-227-9007 | WEBSITE
Upon first glance, the Organic Market may not seem like a typical cafe. In fact, it looks more like a health food market.
This establishment combines a health food market with an organic juice bar, indoor seating, and the energy of any other cafe. However, the foods that the market has to offer are anything but ordinary.
Enjoy a hot dish (like the beef kebabs) or a cold dish (like the crunchy raw broccoli slaw with sunflower seeds). If you want to eat healthier entrees when dining out, this place is perfect.
The market has even amassed a loyal local following of regular customers who have been visiting for nearly 2 decades, returning again and again for their quality service and eats.
10. Sherwood Diner
$$ | 203-226-5535 | WEBSITE
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At Sherwood Diner, you can begin your day by indulging in a classic New England breakfast complete with lox or corned beef hash.
If you are looking for something more simple by lunchtime, try the traditional hamburger or grilled cheese sandwich. For dinner, there are several amazing options, like the BBQ ribs, roast beef, or a 16-ounce ribeye steak.
Add some morning, afternoon, or evening cocktails to top off your meal. Guests love the fun and lively atmosphere along with the mix of creative meals and old favorites.
11. bartaco
$$ | 203-222-8226 | WEBSITE
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This beach-casual restaurant is inspired by Southern California, Uruguay, and Brazil. There are so many tacos to enjoy, like the Baja fish with seasoned coleslaw or the Argentinian-style seared chorizo in a smokey sauce.
While bartaco serves mostly tacos, the rice bowls are also a favorite of their patrons. The rice bowls come with steamed rice, onions, peppers, and choices including roasted duck and ribeye.
There are also several minty and fruity cocktails to sip on during your meal. The staff is superb, and customers love the laidback ambiance.
12. Tengda Asian Bistro
$$ | 203-255-6115 | WEBSITE
Whether you are looking for Japanese or Chinese fare, Tengda Asian Bistro has exactly what you want at a reasonable price. The deliciously salty miso soup is made with tender pieces of tofu, and each sushi roll is hand-rolled by expert chefs.
Or try a hibachi combo – you can choose from chicken & shrimp, filet mignon, and other juicy meats. Guests love the multitude of Asian cuisine, the customer service, and the fresh fish.
13. Rive Bistro
$$ | 203-557-8049 | WEBSITE
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This French kitchen offers brunch, lunch, and dinner that is unlike any other – a few perfect examples from the brunch menu would be the French omelette du jour (French omelette of the day) and the croque-madame (a fried egg served with gruyere cheese and ham in a creamy sauce).
For lunch or dinner, make sure to sample the burgunday escargot in butter and garlic, the grilled Scottish salmon, or the savory seafood chowder. Make sure to add a sweet mimosa or a Bloody Mary. Guests love being seated near the windows for a river view.
Summary
Compiling a list of the Best Restaurants in Westport was incredibly difficult due to the sheer number of restaurants in Westport with top ratings and excellent food.
This beautiful beach town is one to visit if you are looking for cuisine from both around the world and right in Connecticut.
