Passport to foodie heaven in Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Of course! Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let me be your culinary guide through the charming, seaside town of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. This isn't just a list of restaurants; this is a love letter to the flavors that define this special corner of New England. We'll wander from sun-drenched patios to cozy, historic taverns, exploring everything from the briny freshness of the Long Island Sound to the aromatic spices of distant lands. Prepare to have your appetite whetted and your must-visit list thoroughly expanded.
### **A Foodie's Pilgrimage: Savoring the Soul of Old Saybrook**
Old Saybrook, nestled where the Connecticut River meets the sea, has a dining scene that perfectly mirrors its character: historic, unpretentious, and brimming with quality. It’s a place where a classic New England seafood shack sits comfortably beside a sophisticated French bistro, and where the scent of sage and rosemary mingles with the salty ocean air. Let's embark on a delicious journey through ten of its most compelling eateries.
---
#### **1. Nori: Where Main Street Meets Modern Sushi**
**Location:** 286 Main St
**Vibe:** Sleek, intimate, and contemporary. Nori is a stylish escape on historic Main Street. The lighting is low and flattering, the decor is clean and modern with warm wood accents, and the atmosphere hums with the quiet buzz of a satisfied crowd. It’s the perfect spot for a date night or a sophisticated meal with friends where the food is the main event.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
While their menu offers excellent hot dishes like Teriyaki and Tempura, you come to Nori for the sushi. And not just any sushi—you come for their creative, signature rolls that are works of art.
* **Start with the Miso Soup:** It’s a classic for a reason. Nori’s version is deeply savory, not overly salty, with just the right amount of silken tofu and wakame seaweed to warm the palate.
* **The Star of the Show: The Saybrook Roll.** If a restaurant has a roll named after the town, you order it. This is typically a luxurious combination that might feature spicy tuna, avocado, and a beautiful topping like seared salmon or a special sauce. It’s a burst of texture and flavor that encapsulates the restaurant's innovative spirit.
* **Don't Miss the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna.** A modern sushi bar staple, done to perfection here. The contrast between the warm, crunchy, slightly greasy block of rice and the cool, spicy, finely chopped tuna is nothing short of addictive.
* **For the Purist:** Their **Sashimi Deluxe** is a testament to quality. The fish is consistently fresh, beautifully sliced, and served with a simple mound of perfectly seasoned rice. The tuna melts in your mouth, the yellowtail is buttery, and the salmon is rich and vibrant.
This is not just a meal; it's an experience in precision and flavor that elevates the entire Old Saybrook dining scene.
---
#### **2. Cafe Toscana: A Slice of the Italian Countryside**
**Location:** 25 Main St
**Vibe:** Cozy, rustic, and authentically Italian. Stepping into Cafe Toscana feels like being welcomed into a trattoria in a small Tuscan village. The walls are adorned with Italian art and maps, the tables are draped in checkered cloths, and the air is thick with the glorious scent of garlic, simmering tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s intimate, romantic, and wonderfully loud in the best way—a place filled with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You come here for hearty, soul-satisfying food that tastes like it was made by a nonna.
* **Begin with the Antipasto della Casa:** A magnificent platter of cured meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, and marinated vegetables. It’s the perfect start to a shared feast, especially with a glass of Chianti.
* **The Primo Piatto (First Course) is Essential:** Do not skip the pasta. The **Pappardelle al Cinghiale** (wide ribbon pasta with a rich wild boar ragu) is a showstopper—gamey, deep, and complex. Alternatively, the **Gnocchi Sorrentina** are little potato pillows of heaven, smothered in a simple, perfect tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.
* **For the Main Event:** The **Osso Buco alla Milanese** is a weekend special worth planning your trip around. The veal shank is braised until it's falling-off-the-bone tender, served with a saffron risotto that soaks up every drop of the gremolata-topped sauce.
* **Save Room for Tiramisu:** Their version is classic, light, and coffee-forward, providing the perfect, creamy end to an impeccable Italian meal.
---
#### **3. Shakahari: A Vibrant Oasis of Vegetarian Indian Cuisine**
**Location:** 1458 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Bright, cheerful, and spiritually uplifting. Shakahari is a breath of fresh, spice-laden air. The ambiance is simple and clean, with vibrant colors and a sense of calm. It’s a family-run establishment where the passion for pure, vegetarian food is palpable in every dish.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is your chance to explore the incredible depth of Indian cuisine beyond meat-centric dishes.
* **Share a Thali:** The best way to experience Shakahari is with one of their **Thali platters**. You'll get a metal tray with small bowls of various curries, dals, vegetables, raita, rice, and a bread. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures on one plate.
* **Must-Try Dishes:**
* **Paneer Makhani:** Cubes of homemade cheese in a decadently creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy tomato gravy. It’s comfort food of the highest order.
* **Chana Masala:** A robust and hearty chickpea curry that is a staple of North Indian cooking. Theirs is perfectly spiced, tangy, and satisfying.
* **Dosa:** If they have them, don't hesitate. These giant, crispy fermented rice crepes are a culinary marvel, especially when paired with their coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew).
* **The Bread Basket:** Order a fluffy, buttery **Garlic Naan** or a whole-wheat **Roti** to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Eating at Shakahari is not just nourishing for the body, but for the soul. It’s a unique and essential stop on any Old Saybrook food tour.
---
#### **4. The Courtyard Restaurant: Refined New England Elegance**
**Location:** 105 Elm St Ste 1
**Vibe:** Classic, upscale, and serene. True to its name, The Courtyard offers a beautiful outdoor dining space that feels like a secret garden, as well as an elegant, club-like indoor dining room. It’s the place for special occasions—anniversaries, graduations, or a sophisticated Sunday brunch. The service is polished and attentive without being stuffy.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is where you indulge in classic American and New England fare, executed with finesse.
* **The Perfect Start:** A cup of their **Lobster Bisque**. It’s velvety, rich, and packed with sweet lobster flavor, a true taste of the region.
* **The Signature Entree:** The **Roasted Duckling**. Often featured with a cherry or port wine reduction, the skin is crackling-crisp and the meat is succulent and flavorful. It’s a dish that demonstrates their kitchen's skill.
* **Seafood Excellence:** As a prime coastal restaurant, their **Pan-Seared Scallops** are always a impeccable choice. Perfectly caramelized on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, often served with seasonal vegetables and a delicate beurre blanc.
* **Sunday Brunch:** If you’re here for brunch, you cannot go wrong with their **Eggs Benedict**. The hollandaise is lemony and light, the Canadian bacon or smoked salmon is top-quality, and the English muffin provides the perfect foundation.
The Courtyard is an experience in timeless dining, where every detail is considered.
---
#### **5. Skippers Seafood Restaurant: The Quintessential New England Shack**
**Location:** 688 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Casual, no-frills, and utterly authentic. This is the seafood dive you dream of finding by the shore. The decor is maritime kitsch, the orders might be called out over a speaker, and the smell of fried food is intoxicating. It’s a place to roll up your sleeves, crack a claw, and get a little messy. Perfection.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Go big or go home. This is not the place for a salad.
* **The Clam Shack Holy Trinity:**
1. **Whole-Belly Fried Clams:** These are the gold standard. Sweet, briny, tender clam bellies encased in a light, greaseless fry. Served with tartar sauce and a slice of lemon.
2. **Lobster Roll:** Skippers offers both the cold Maine-style (with mayo) and the warm Connecticut-style (drenched in butter). You can’t lose, but the Connecticut-style, served on a toasted, split-top bun, is a particularly decadent treat.
3. **New England Clam Chowder:** Creamy, packed with clams and potatoes, and perfectly seasoned. It’s a bowl of comfort from the sea.
* **The Skipper's Seafood Feast:** If you're with a group or feeling especially ravenous, this platter is a mountain of fried glory—shrimp, scallops, clams, fish, and fries. It’s a sharing platter in theory, but you might not want to.
Skippers is the heart and soul of coastal Connecticut eating. It’s an institution for a reason.
---
#### **6. Nancys Rosemary & Sage: Creative Comfort Food with a Twist**
**Location:** 1080 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Quaint, charming, and creative. This is a beloved local bistro that feels like a friend’s cozy, eclectic dining room. The menu is a reflection of Nancy’s passion, blending classic comfort foods with inventive, globally-inspired twists. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a killer burger next to a sophisticated curry.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Be adventurous and try one of their unique daily specials, which are always a highlight.
* **The Appetizer to Share:** The **Baked Brie**. It’s often served with a fruit compote or a drizzle of honey and nuts, oozing over slices of crusty bread. It’s a rich, communal start to the meal.
* **The Signature Burger:** Nancy's is famous for its burgers. The **Rosemary & Sage Burger** itself is a flavor-packed patty, but don't be afraid to build your own with their selection of high-quality cheeses and toppings.
* **Explore the Specials Board:** This is where the kitchen truly shines. You might find a spectacular **Duck Confit**, a fragrant **Thai Green Curry**, or a perfectly cooked **Rainbow Trout**. Trust the chef—it’s always worth it.
* **Save Room for Dessert:** The desserts are homemade and divine. The **Bread Pudding**, often with a boozy sauce, is a standout.
Nancy’s is a testament to the idea that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s creative, heartfelt, and consistently delicious.
---
#### **7. Little Pub: The Quintessential Local Tavern**
**Location:** 1231 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Lively, friendly, and unpretentious. Little Pub is the neighborhood third place—where everyone knows your name. With dark wood, sports on the TVs, and a buzzing bar, it’s the perfect spot to watch the game, meet friends for a pint, or enjoy a solid, satisfying meal with the family.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is pub grub, elevated. The burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers are the main attractions.
* **Start with the Wings:** Crispy, saucy, and available in a dozen flavors. The classic Buffalo or the sweet-and-spicy Thai Chili are crowd-pleasers.
* **The Burger Bliss:** The **Little Pub Burger** is a masterpiece of simplicity—high-quality beef, perfectly cooked, on a great bun. For something more decadent, the **Mac Attack Burger**, topped with mac and cheese and bacon, is a legendary gut-buster.
* **Don't Overlook the Salad:** In a sea of hearty fare, the **Grilled Chicken & Brie Salad** with mixed greens, cranberries, and a raspberry vinaigrette is a surprisingly refreshing and delicious option.
* **Wash it Down:** They have a great selection of local and craft beers on tap that pair perfectly with everything on the menu.
Little Pub is the reliable, always-delicious backbone of the local dining scene.
---
#### **8. Walts Food Market: A Main Street Icon Reimagined**
**Location:** 178 Main St
**Vibe:** Historic, market-fresh, and versatile. Walts is an Old Saybrook landmark. Part gourmet market, part cafe, part restaurant, it has a wonderfully bustling energy. You can grab a coffee and pastry to go, assemble a picnic from their deli case, or sit down for a full, excellent meal.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is diverse, but focus on their classic American dishes and market-fresh ingredients.
* **The Breakfast/Lunch All-Star:** The **Lobster Salad Roll**. Made with fresh, high-quality lobster and just enough mayo to bind it, it’s a simple, perfect expression of summer. Served on a buttery, grilled roll.
* **Hearty and Satisfying:** The **Turkey Dinner** is a local legend. Sliced roasted turkey with all the fixings—stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. It’s Thanksgiving any day of the week.
* **The Reuben:** A classic deli test, and Walts passes with flying colors. Piled high with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
* **Market Finds:** Don't leave without perusing their shelves for local cheeses, sauces, and specialty foods to take a piece of Old Saybrook home with you.
Walts is the vibrant, beating heart of Main Street, a one-stop shop for quality and flavor.
---
#### **9. The Rabbit Hole: A Whimsical Gastropub Escape**
**Location:** 256 Main St
**Vibe:** Eclectic, cozy, and slightly mysterious. Descending into The Rabbit Hole feels like finding a secret speakeasy. It’s dark, intimate, and filled with curious decor that invites exploration. The vibe is hip but welcoming, with a focus on creative cocktails and a sophisticated pub menu.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is where you come for a craft cocktail and inventive small plates.
* **The Cocktail is Key:** Start with one of their signature drinks. The menu is creative and seasonal, often featuring house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients. Ask the bartender for a recommendation—they are artists here.
* **Shareable Plates:** The menu is designed for grazing. Order a few things for the table.
* **Truffle Fries:** A must. Crispy, fragrant, and showered with parmesan.
* **Braised Short Rib Poutine:** A decadent twist on the Canadian classic, featuring meltingly tender short rib and rich gravy over cheese curds and fries.
* **Crispy Brussel Sprouts:** Often served with a balsamic glaze and bacon, these will convert any sprout-skeptic.
* **The Main Event:** Their burgers are fantastic, but also consider heartier entrees like the **Steak Frites** or a daily pasta special. The quality is consistently high.
The Rabbit Hole is an experience—a place to linger, laugh, and discover new favorite flavors in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
---
#### **10. Cocotte @ James Pharmacy: A Charming French Kiss**
**Location:** 323 Main St
**Vibe:** Utterly charming, quaint, and authentically French. Housed in a historic pharmacy building, Cocotte is a tiny slice of Paris on Main Street. The space is small and intimate, with a rustic, country-French feel. The name Cocotte refers to a French cooking pot, hinting at the slow-simmered, heartfelt food within.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Embrace the French bistro classics. This is the place for buttery, herby, wine-scented perfection.
* **The Perfect Start:** The **French Onion Soup**. It’s the benchmark. Deeply caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with a thick, bubbling cap of gruyere cheese. It’s a classic for a reason.
* **The Coq au Vin:** You cannot go wrong with this iconic dish. Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon until it is fall-apart tender. It’s the very definition of French comfort food.
* **The Croque Monsieur/Madame:** For a sublime lunch, this is the ultimate choice. The perfect ham and cheese sandwich, griddled and smothered in a silky béchamel sauce (and topped with a fried egg for the Madame).
* **Save Room for a Crepe:** End your meal with a simple, elegant crepe suzette or one filled with Nutella and bananas.
Cocotte is a dreamy, romantic spot that proves you don't need to cross the Atlantic for an authentic, soul-warming French meal.
---
### **The Final Bite**
From the crisp, innovative bites at Nori to the rustic, heartwarming stews at Cocotte, Old Saybrook offers a culinary tapestry as rich and varied as its history and landscape. Each of these ten establishments provides not just a meal, but a distinct memory. So come with an empty stomach and a curious mind. Wander Main Street, breathe in the sea air, and let the flavors of this delightful town tell you their story. You’ll leave not just full, but already planning your return. Bon appétit
### **A Foodie's Pilgrimage: Savoring the Soul of Old Saybrook**
Old Saybrook, nestled where the Connecticut River meets the sea, has a dining scene that perfectly mirrors its character: historic, unpretentious, and brimming with quality. It’s a place where a classic New England seafood shack sits comfortably beside a sophisticated French bistro, and where the scent of sage and rosemary mingles with the salty ocean air. Let's embark on a delicious journey through ten of its most compelling eateries.
---
#### **1. Nori: Where Main Street Meets Modern Sushi**
**Location:** 286 Main St
**Vibe:** Sleek, intimate, and contemporary. Nori is a stylish escape on historic Main Street. The lighting is low and flattering, the decor is clean and modern with warm wood accents, and the atmosphere hums with the quiet buzz of a satisfied crowd. It’s the perfect spot for a date night or a sophisticated meal with friends where the food is the main event.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
While their menu offers excellent hot dishes like Teriyaki and Tempura, you come to Nori for the sushi. And not just any sushi—you come for their creative, signature rolls that are works of art.
* **Start with the Miso Soup:** It’s a classic for a reason. Nori’s version is deeply savory, not overly salty, with just the right amount of silken tofu and wakame seaweed to warm the palate.
* **The Star of the Show: The Saybrook Roll.** If a restaurant has a roll named after the town, you order it. This is typically a luxurious combination that might feature spicy tuna, avocado, and a beautiful topping like seared salmon or a special sauce. It’s a burst of texture and flavor that encapsulates the restaurant's innovative spirit.
* **Don't Miss the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna.** A modern sushi bar staple, done to perfection here. The contrast between the warm, crunchy, slightly greasy block of rice and the cool, spicy, finely chopped tuna is nothing short of addictive.
* **For the Purist:** Their **Sashimi Deluxe** is a testament to quality. The fish is consistently fresh, beautifully sliced, and served with a simple mound of perfectly seasoned rice. The tuna melts in your mouth, the yellowtail is buttery, and the salmon is rich and vibrant.
This is not just a meal; it's an experience in precision and flavor that elevates the entire Old Saybrook dining scene.
---
#### **2. Cafe Toscana: A Slice of the Italian Countryside**
**Location:** 25 Main St
**Vibe:** Cozy, rustic, and authentically Italian. Stepping into Cafe Toscana feels like being welcomed into a trattoria in a small Tuscan village. The walls are adorned with Italian art and maps, the tables are draped in checkered cloths, and the air is thick with the glorious scent of garlic, simmering tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s intimate, romantic, and wonderfully loud in the best way—a place filled with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You come here for hearty, soul-satisfying food that tastes like it was made by a nonna.
* **Begin with the Antipasto della Casa:** A magnificent platter of cured meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, and marinated vegetables. It’s the perfect start to a shared feast, especially with a glass of Chianti.
* **The Primo Piatto (First Course) is Essential:** Do not skip the pasta. The **Pappardelle al Cinghiale** (wide ribbon pasta with a rich wild boar ragu) is a showstopper—gamey, deep, and complex. Alternatively, the **Gnocchi Sorrentina** are little potato pillows of heaven, smothered in a simple, perfect tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.
* **For the Main Event:** The **Osso Buco alla Milanese** is a weekend special worth planning your trip around. The veal shank is braised until it's falling-off-the-bone tender, served with a saffron risotto that soaks up every drop of the gremolata-topped sauce.
* **Save Room for Tiramisu:** Their version is classic, light, and coffee-forward, providing the perfect, creamy end to an impeccable Italian meal.
---
#### **3. Shakahari: A Vibrant Oasis of Vegetarian Indian Cuisine**
**Location:** 1458 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Bright, cheerful, and spiritually uplifting. Shakahari is a breath of fresh, spice-laden air. The ambiance is simple and clean, with vibrant colors and a sense of calm. It’s a family-run establishment where the passion for pure, vegetarian food is palpable in every dish.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is your chance to explore the incredible depth of Indian cuisine beyond meat-centric dishes.
* **Share a Thali:** The best way to experience Shakahari is with one of their **Thali platters**. You'll get a metal tray with small bowls of various curries, dals, vegetables, raita, rice, and a bread. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures on one plate.
* **Must-Try Dishes:**
* **Paneer Makhani:** Cubes of homemade cheese in a decadently creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy tomato gravy. It’s comfort food of the highest order.
* **Chana Masala:** A robust and hearty chickpea curry that is a staple of North Indian cooking. Theirs is perfectly spiced, tangy, and satisfying.
* **Dosa:** If they have them, don't hesitate. These giant, crispy fermented rice crepes are a culinary marvel, especially when paired with their coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew).
* **The Bread Basket:** Order a fluffy, buttery **Garlic Naan** or a whole-wheat **Roti** to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Eating at Shakahari is not just nourishing for the body, but for the soul. It’s a unique and essential stop on any Old Saybrook food tour.
---
#### **4. The Courtyard Restaurant: Refined New England Elegance**
**Location:** 105 Elm St Ste 1
**Vibe:** Classic, upscale, and serene. True to its name, The Courtyard offers a beautiful outdoor dining space that feels like a secret garden, as well as an elegant, club-like indoor dining room. It’s the place for special occasions—anniversaries, graduations, or a sophisticated Sunday brunch. The service is polished and attentive without being stuffy.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is where you indulge in classic American and New England fare, executed with finesse.
* **The Perfect Start:** A cup of their **Lobster Bisque**. It’s velvety, rich, and packed with sweet lobster flavor, a true taste of the region.
* **The Signature Entree:** The **Roasted Duckling**. Often featured with a cherry or port wine reduction, the skin is crackling-crisp and the meat is succulent and flavorful. It’s a dish that demonstrates their kitchen's skill.
* **Seafood Excellence:** As a prime coastal restaurant, their **Pan-Seared Scallops** are always a impeccable choice. Perfectly caramelized on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, often served with seasonal vegetables and a delicate beurre blanc.
* **Sunday Brunch:** If you’re here for brunch, you cannot go wrong with their **Eggs Benedict**. The hollandaise is lemony and light, the Canadian bacon or smoked salmon is top-quality, and the English muffin provides the perfect foundation.
The Courtyard is an experience in timeless dining, where every detail is considered.
---
#### **5. Skippers Seafood Restaurant: The Quintessential New England Shack**
**Location:** 688 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Casual, no-frills, and utterly authentic. This is the seafood dive you dream of finding by the shore. The decor is maritime kitsch, the orders might be called out over a speaker, and the smell of fried food is intoxicating. It’s a place to roll up your sleeves, crack a claw, and get a little messy. Perfection.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Go big or go home. This is not the place for a salad.
* **The Clam Shack Holy Trinity:**
1. **Whole-Belly Fried Clams:** These are the gold standard. Sweet, briny, tender clam bellies encased in a light, greaseless fry. Served with tartar sauce and a slice of lemon.
2. **Lobster Roll:** Skippers offers both the cold Maine-style (with mayo) and the warm Connecticut-style (drenched in butter). You can’t lose, but the Connecticut-style, served on a toasted, split-top bun, is a particularly decadent treat.
3. **New England Clam Chowder:** Creamy, packed with clams and potatoes, and perfectly seasoned. It’s a bowl of comfort from the sea.
* **The Skipper's Seafood Feast:** If you're with a group or feeling especially ravenous, this platter is a mountain of fried glory—shrimp, scallops, clams, fish, and fries. It’s a sharing platter in theory, but you might not want to.
Skippers is the heart and soul of coastal Connecticut eating. It’s an institution for a reason.
---
#### **6. Nancys Rosemary & Sage: Creative Comfort Food with a Twist**
**Location:** 1080 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Quaint, charming, and creative. This is a beloved local bistro that feels like a friend’s cozy, eclectic dining room. The menu is a reflection of Nancy’s passion, blending classic comfort foods with inventive, globally-inspired twists. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a killer burger next to a sophisticated curry.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Be adventurous and try one of their unique daily specials, which are always a highlight.
* **The Appetizer to Share:** The **Baked Brie**. It’s often served with a fruit compote or a drizzle of honey and nuts, oozing over slices of crusty bread. It’s a rich, communal start to the meal.
* **The Signature Burger:** Nancy's is famous for its burgers. The **Rosemary & Sage Burger** itself is a flavor-packed patty, but don't be afraid to build your own with their selection of high-quality cheeses and toppings.
* **Explore the Specials Board:** This is where the kitchen truly shines. You might find a spectacular **Duck Confit**, a fragrant **Thai Green Curry**, or a perfectly cooked **Rainbow Trout**. Trust the chef—it’s always worth it.
* **Save Room for Dessert:** The desserts are homemade and divine. The **Bread Pudding**, often with a boozy sauce, is a standout.
Nancy’s is a testament to the idea that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s creative, heartfelt, and consistently delicious.
---
#### **7. Little Pub: The Quintessential Local Tavern**
**Location:** 1231 Boston Post Rd
**Vibe:** Lively, friendly, and unpretentious. Little Pub is the neighborhood third place—where everyone knows your name. With dark wood, sports on the TVs, and a buzzing bar, it’s the perfect spot to watch the game, meet friends for a pint, or enjoy a solid, satisfying meal with the family.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is pub grub, elevated. The burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers are the main attractions.
* **Start with the Wings:** Crispy, saucy, and available in a dozen flavors. The classic Buffalo or the sweet-and-spicy Thai Chili are crowd-pleasers.
* **The Burger Bliss:** The **Little Pub Burger** is a masterpiece of simplicity—high-quality beef, perfectly cooked, on a great bun. For something more decadent, the **Mac Attack Burger**, topped with mac and cheese and bacon, is a legendary gut-buster.
* **Don't Overlook the Salad:** In a sea of hearty fare, the **Grilled Chicken & Brie Salad** with mixed greens, cranberries, and a raspberry vinaigrette is a surprisingly refreshing and delicious option.
* **Wash it Down:** They have a great selection of local and craft beers on tap that pair perfectly with everything on the menu.
Little Pub is the reliable, always-delicious backbone of the local dining scene.
---
#### **8. Walts Food Market: A Main Street Icon Reimagined**
**Location:** 178 Main St
**Vibe:** Historic, market-fresh, and versatile. Walts is an Old Saybrook landmark. Part gourmet market, part cafe, part restaurant, it has a wonderfully bustling energy. You can grab a coffee and pastry to go, assemble a picnic from their deli case, or sit down for a full, excellent meal.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is diverse, but focus on their classic American dishes and market-fresh ingredients.
* **The Breakfast/Lunch All-Star:** The **Lobster Salad Roll**. Made with fresh, high-quality lobster and just enough mayo to bind it, it’s a simple, perfect expression of summer. Served on a buttery, grilled roll.
* **Hearty and Satisfying:** The **Turkey Dinner** is a local legend. Sliced roasted turkey with all the fixings—stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. It’s Thanksgiving any day of the week.
* **The Reuben:** A classic deli test, and Walts passes with flying colors. Piled high with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
* **Market Finds:** Don't leave without perusing their shelves for local cheeses, sauces, and specialty foods to take a piece of Old Saybrook home with you.
Walts is the vibrant, beating heart of Main Street, a one-stop shop for quality and flavor.
---
#### **9. The Rabbit Hole: A Whimsical Gastropub Escape**
**Location:** 256 Main St
**Vibe:** Eclectic, cozy, and slightly mysterious. Descending into The Rabbit Hole feels like finding a secret speakeasy. It’s dark, intimate, and filled with curious decor that invites exploration. The vibe is hip but welcoming, with a focus on creative cocktails and a sophisticated pub menu.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is where you come for a craft cocktail and inventive small plates.
* **The Cocktail is Key:** Start with one of their signature drinks. The menu is creative and seasonal, often featuring house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients. Ask the bartender for a recommendation—they are artists here.
* **Shareable Plates:** The menu is designed for grazing. Order a few things for the table.
* **Truffle Fries:** A must. Crispy, fragrant, and showered with parmesan.
* **Braised Short Rib Poutine:** A decadent twist on the Canadian classic, featuring meltingly tender short rib and rich gravy over cheese curds and fries.
* **Crispy Brussel Sprouts:** Often served with a balsamic glaze and bacon, these will convert any sprout-skeptic.
* **The Main Event:** Their burgers are fantastic, but also consider heartier entrees like the **Steak Frites** or a daily pasta special. The quality is consistently high.
The Rabbit Hole is an experience—a place to linger, laugh, and discover new favorite flavors in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
---
#### **10. Cocotte @ James Pharmacy: A Charming French Kiss**
**Location:** 323 Main St
**Vibe:** Utterly charming, quaint, and authentically French. Housed in a historic pharmacy building, Cocotte is a tiny slice of Paris on Main Street. The space is small and intimate, with a rustic, country-French feel. The name Cocotte refers to a French cooking pot, hinting at the slow-simmered, heartfelt food within.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Embrace the French bistro classics. This is the place for buttery, herby, wine-scented perfection.
* **The Perfect Start:** The **French Onion Soup**. It’s the benchmark. Deeply caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with a thick, bubbling cap of gruyere cheese. It’s a classic for a reason.
* **The Coq au Vin:** You cannot go wrong with this iconic dish. Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon until it is fall-apart tender. It’s the very definition of French comfort food.
* **The Croque Monsieur/Madame:** For a sublime lunch, this is the ultimate choice. The perfect ham and cheese sandwich, griddled and smothered in a silky béchamel sauce (and topped with a fried egg for the Madame).
* **Save Room for a Crepe:** End your meal with a simple, elegant crepe suzette or one filled with Nutella and bananas.
Cocotte is a dreamy, romantic spot that proves you don't need to cross the Atlantic for an authentic, soul-warming French meal.
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### **The Final Bite**
From the crisp, innovative bites at Nori to the rustic, heartwarming stews at Cocotte, Old Saybrook offers a culinary tapestry as rich and varied as its history and landscape. Each of these ten establishments provides not just a meal, but a distinct memory. So come with an empty stomach and a curious mind. Wander Main Street, breathe in the sea air, and let the flavors of this delightful town tell you their story. You’ll leave not just full, but already planning your return. Bon appétit
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