Westport Restaurants on the Water

The lawn at La Plage, overlooking the Long Island Sound. Image via La Plage.

It doesn’t need to be summertime for you to enjoy Westport’s scenic and tranquil shorelines. You can revel in the beautiful views of the Long Island Sound and Saugatuck River accompanied by a delicious dish and a glass of wine from the comfort of one of the many great Westport restaurants on the water.

La Plage

If you’re searching for the best cuisine Westport has to offer along with beautiful views of the Long Island Sound and Saugatuck River, La Plage is the spot for you. La crème de la crème of local offerings, La Plage, one of our best restaurants in Westport, serves up locally harvested seafood, shellfish, produce and sustainable meats in a casual, yet refined atmosphere.

La Plage makes simple pleasures delightful with raw bar offerings that include a delectable variety of oysters, shrimp and clams from across New England alongside staples like oysters rockefeller, steamed Maine mussels, and local meats and cheeses.

Guests love the superfood chopped salad and the Maine lobster roll and foodies will enjoy the homemade squid ink cavatelli. The maple creme brulée is the stuff of local legend, and coupled with the perfect made to order drinks, excellent service, and a delicious menu, La Plage is the crown jewel of Westport dining.

260 Compo Rd S, Westport, CT 06880

The Boathouse at Saugatuck

Embrace New England’s nautical side at The Boathouse at Saugatuck with farm to table menu options while taking in sweeping views of the Saugatuck River. Located inside the Saugatuck Rowing Club, diners can eat indoors, outdoors on the covered deck, or on the water terrace (weather permitting) to really take in the views.

Described by regulars as a place you could easily spend the entire day due to the relaxing location, excellent staff, and delicious menu options, you can’t go wrong at The Boathouse for lunch, dinner, or a drink.

The local oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and chicken liver pate are among the delectable lighter fare that perfectly complements The Boathouse’s location. The grilled bronzino and short rib pappardelle will leave you happily stuffed and looking forward to your next visit!

521 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880

Rive Bistro

Feel like you are seated on the cusp of nature, nearly on top of the Saugatuck River at Rive Bistro in Westport. A product of Chef Eric Sierra, Rive Bistro is his latest concept following his massively popular Bistro des Amis in downtown Westport.

Rive is an authentic French bistro experience that allows guests to enjoy the Saugatuck River from the dining room’s wrap-around wall of windows and outdoor patio. The appetizers include timeless classics like escargots, baked brie crostini, oysters au gratin, pate, and coquilles St Jacques.

In addition to soups and salads, diners can order traditional French seafood dishes that are tres magnifique like Moules Frites Provencale and Trout Almondine. For guests looking for a heartier dish to enjoy, the Cassoulet De Toulouse and Beef Bourguignon do not disappoint. Be transported to the river Seine with the ambiance and exquisite cuisine at Rive Bistro.

299 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880

The Whelk

A great restaurant with divine menu options that you can feel good about ordering, The Whelk offers a rotating menu of sustainable seafood and local produce on the Saugatuck. Take in the view from a private table, make friends at a communal table, sit outdoors or take a seat at the bar; no matter where you’re seated you are guaranteed to enjoy the food at this casual-fare joint.

Roasted oysters, BBQ clams, octopus, or fish sticks for those longing for the days of youth, the Whelk has got it all! Those who don’t enjoy seafood will relish their dry aged beef burger or fried chicken sandwich. Next time you get a hankering for delectable, classic American fare, stop by The Whelk!

575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880

Arezzo Ristorante

Take in the views of all Westport has to offer from the multi-tiered deck or riverfront patio at Arezzo Ristorante. Chef Vinicio Llanos creates Tuscan style dishes from scratch for guests to enjoy along with views of the Saugatuck River, the Post Road Bridge, and downtown Westport.

Guests can unwind in the relaxing atmosphere with a glass of wine paired expertly to their meal. The veal parmigiana, fisherman’s stew, and woodfired pizzas are among the hottest menu items expertly crafted by Chef Llanos.

For Italian cuisine with riverfront ambiance, Arezzo is tough to top.

5 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880

Bartaco

Enjoy the delectable, creative tacos synonymous with Bartaco while taking in the Saugatuck River from the restaurant’s Westport location. Convenience is king at Bartaco, where guests can order and pay directly from their phone.

Baha fish, seared chorizo, tuna tatako, chili-lime shrimp, crispy oyster and roasted duck are just a few of the flavorful tacos on the menu that set Bartaco apart from other restaurants. If tacos aren’t your style, they have a myriad of other upscale street food offerings like corn off the cob, plantains, duck birria, and roasted half chicken.

Whatever you order, wash it down with the iconic Bartaco margarita while enjoying the beautiful Saugatuck!

20 Wilton Rd, Westport, CT 06880