A getaway to Mystic, Connecticut, is packed with plenty of fun things to do, including the iconic Mystic Seaport Museum, fantastic local shopping, and plenty of gorgeous beaches and sailing adventures to enjoy. The town is also home to some spectacular Mystic, CT Restaurants, offering places to eat that are both upscale and casual. It’s not just Mystic Pizza that you’ll find here, either.
The iconic Mystic Pizza, made famous by the 1988 Julia Roberts film, is a fun Hollywood claim to fame for the town. Whether you’re craving a slice or just want to say you’ve been, it’s worth a stop—but it’s only the beginning when it comes to finding great places to eat in Mystic, CT.
Food lovers and gourmands alike will want to make a reservation at The Shipwright’s Daughter, where chef David Standridge brings seasonal, locally sourced dishes to life in a way that earned him a James Beard award in 2024. Beyond that, you’ll find plenty of other excellent restaurants in Mystic, from oyster bars and upscale taverns to waterfront patios serving craft cocktails and house-made pasta.
When you’re ready to take a break from eating, there’s shopping, historic sights, harbor cruises, and so much more. For the easiest access to all the top dining and attractions, staying downtown at The Whaler’s Inn puts you right in the heart of the action. This top-rated Mystic, CT Hotel is far more than a convenient place to stay, though. Here, you’ll find stylish and comfortable rooms offering a range of lodging and amenities suitable for every traveler. These are all just the beginning of why you should get away to Mystic this year. Book your stay at the best hotel in town!
The Best Mystic Restaurant
In the heart of this seaside town, The Shipwright’s Daughter stands out as one of the best Mystic, CT restaurants. Led by Executive Chef David Standridge, a 2024 James Beard Award winner, the restaurant has garnered national acclaim, including recognition from The New York Times as one of the country’s top dining destinations.
The menu at The Shipwright’s Daughter is a tide-to-table showcase that evolves daily and does a remarkable job of showcasing New England’s seasonal bounty. Though the focus is on sustainable seafood and locally sourced ingredients, sustainability is a concept that goes far beyond the menu here, extending deeply into the restaurant’s ethos. These foundational principles have made The Shipwright’s Daughter so much more than a great place to eat in Mystic, and it’s most certainly why the restaurant continues to garner admiration and accolades across the industry.
As a diner at this top-rated Mystic restaurant, you can expect to enjoy your experience from start to finish. Diners can anticipate inventive dishes, including things like a bouillabaisse crafted from invasive green crabs, crispy fried local whiting, or squid ink spaghetti with mussels and sugar kelp. The menu at this Mystic restaurant isn’t only for seafood lovers, though. You’ll also find plenty of other menu items, like inventive house-made pasta and perfect roasted chicken, steak, burgers, and more.
If you truly want a unique dining experience, we recommend taking advantage of the 5-course chef’s tasting menu. Everyone in your party must agree to the tasting menu, but it’s more than worth your while. You can also add a wine pairing to the experience. This restaurant in Mystic offers an impressive wine list that’s been curated by Wine Director Kathleen Standridge. It features selections from regions like the Canary Islands and Columbia Valley, selections that pair perfectly with this exquisite cuisine.
Beyond the exceptional food and drink, the dining experience is elevated by the restaurant’s inviting ambiance. Situated within The Whaler’s Inn, guests enjoy a warm and comfortable atmosphere that reflects Mystic’s coastal charm. Whether you’re a local or visiting, The Shipwright’s Daughter offers a memorable culinary journey that captures the essence of coastal Connecticut. It’s little wonder why this spot is ranked as one of the best Mystic, CT restaurants.
More Excellent Mystic, CT Restaurants to Try
Mystic, Connecticut, has quietly built a reputation as a go-to destination for food lovers. Restaurants here blend coastal classics with refined, modern cuisine. From casual seafood shacks to nationally recognized fine dining like The Shipwright’s Daughter, the town offers a surprising range of variety and quality.
Whether you’re craving a fresh lobster roll by the water or a beautifully plated tide-to-table dish, Mystic offers the kind of food scene that keeps people coming back—and talking about it long after they’ve left. Below, we’ve listed a few more favorite Mystic, CT restaurants to try next time you’re in town.
- Aside from Shipwright’s Daughter, one of the best Mystic, CT restaurants is Oyster Club. It offers elevated coastal dining with a daily-changing menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss their Treehouse outdoor bar when it’s open.
- For some lovely open-air dining on the water, one of the best Mystic, CT restaurants is Red 36. As you walk into the restaurant, you’ll pass a raw bar showcasing the day’s fresh catches – so you’ll have a pretty good idea of what’s on the menu. This spot is known for fresh oysters, burgers, and craft cocktails in a lively harbor setting.
- One of the best Italian restaurants in Mystic is Trattoria Amalfi. Don’t skimp on the Nana’s Bakery focaccia, but save some room for the blueberry gelato, too.
- There’s a great new spot in Mystic, offering diners a refreshing Mediterranean menu that positively delights. Barbary Coast is quickly earning its place on our list of the top Mystic, CT restaurants!
- If you’re willing to get off the beaten path a little more, you’ll find plenty of great places to eat in Mystic and the surrounding area. One of those is Sneekers in Groton. The food is fantastic at this unassuming spot, and there’s often live music to enjoy.
- Another great off-the-beaten-path gem that offers some of the best lobster around head to Abbott’s Lobster in Noank! It opens again for the season in May – don’t miss it!
- Head to the Mystic River and get ready for a gorgeous sunset dinner at S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar. This spot serves up yummy Latin-inspired seafood and steaks with a great view!
- Let us not forget about Mystic Pizza, the iconic pizzeria that inspired the 1988 film of the same name. Classic pies with a side of nostalgia make for a lovely meal in downtown Mystic.
- Grab a drink and enjoy a delicious bite to eat at a fun, nautical-themed restaurant in Mystic, Port of Call.
- Finally, don’t miss Engine Room, an industrial-chic spot known for its creative burgers, bourbon selection, and strong weekend brunch game.
Whether you’re joining us for an exquisite, locally sourced meal at the Shipwright’s Daughter or exploring some of these top-rated Mystic, CT restaurants, we hope you stay for a while to experience all the best of this unique and charming town. When you do, there’s only one Mystic Hotel worth choosing: The Whaler’s Inn. Book your stay with us today!
