Located along the Connecticut shoreline, the beautiful historic town of Stonington offers families a relaxed blend of historic charm and family-friendly attractions.
With its cobblestone streets and classic colonial architecture, this coastal town is a great place to explore family-friendly local eateries.
Families dining in the Stonington Borough can expect diverse and approachable dining options, ensuring a delightful and stress-free culinary journey for all.
Over the last few years, Stonington has undergone a culinary renaissance, transforming it into a gastronomic haven that draws visitors across the Northeast.
The historic charm and innovative flavors have created a vibrant dining scene that captivated residents and visitors alike.
Let’s explore all the best restaurants near Stonington, CT!
Breakfast and Lunch in
Stonington
Wake up and savor the laid-back charm of Stonington’s breakfast and lunch spots that capture the town’s easygoing vibe.
From cozy cafes to waterfront local favorites, these places serve more than just delicious food; they dish out a slice of Stonington’s unique charm.
Great food is just part of the adventure! Check out these fun places to take kids in Connecticut
17 High Street
Stonington, CT 06378
Indulge Coffee and Sandwich Co. is a local morning haven, offering a comfortable atmosphere, fresh local ingredients and a great start to your day.
This cozy coffee shop in the Stonington Borough offers more than a delicious caffeine fix. Locals flock to this café for mouth-watering sandwiches, freshly baked pastries and delicious breakfast foods.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
Sweet Saturday Breakfast Sandwich– Two eggs, bacon, and American cheese on a grilled Portuguese sweet roll.
Addiction Toast– A slice of toasted sourdough smothered in avocado, diced red onion, crispy bacon, salt, and pepper and served open-faced.
71 West– Grilled chicken breast, bacon, avocado, spinach, and chipotle aioli on a fresh baguette.
Want to enjoy a meal with your pup?
These dog-friendly Mystic restaurants offer great food and pet-friendly patios.
Stonington, CT 06378
This colorful café with an eclectic atmosphere is located in the historic Velvet Mill and is known for its fresh hand-rolled artisanal bagels.
From classic favorites to inventive flavors, the creative menu caters to diverse tastes, drawing in locals and visitors seeking the perfect doughy delight.
Flour Shop Bagels is open for breakfast and lunch Thursday through Sunday.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
The Pesto– Egg, sharp cheddar, pesto, tomato on your choice of bagel
The Cheech– Egg, sharp cheddar, hashbrown, chipotle aioli on your choice of bagel
Grilled Chee– Vermont cheddar, pesto on homemade sourdough. Served with chips and a spicy dill pickle
Planning a trip in the fall?
These October events and attractions make the season even more magical.
Photo Credit: Macondo
530 Stonington Road
Stonington, CT 06378
Macondo Coffee Shop in Stonington, CT, is a local treasure offering more than just your morning caffeine fix.
The coffee shop has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for families to enjoy delicious pastries, fresh bagels, exceptional coffee, and made-to-order smoothies.
They also offer freshly ground or whole-bean coffee to-go.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include-
Leche de Otoño– Latte drink with Honey, Cardamom, and Cinnamon.
Almond Croissant– Freshly baked and oh-so flaky
Fruity Green Smoothie– Banana, Pineapple, Spinach, Lemon, Ginger, Yogurt, Agave & Coconut Water
Looking for a peaceful post-meal walk?
Explore Connecticut’s best botanical gardens for a relaxing afternoon.
113 Water St.
Stonington, CT 06378
Noah’s Restaurant has been serving delicious food on the corner of Church and Water Street in the heart of the Stonington Borough since 1979.
The owners are passionate about sourcing the freshest local ingredients and are incredibly proud of their commitment to in-house scratch cooking.
Noah’s is a casual restaurant that serves Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch year-round. Its elevated eclectic menu features daily specials, homemade desserts, and a kid’s menu for even the pickiest eaters.
Stop by from 3-5 pm for their famous happy hour and enjoy half-off drinks and an extensive happy hour menu.
Make reservations in advance; their 75 seats fill up quickly.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
Dos Wild Blueberry Pancakes– Scratch made with maple syrup from Stonegate Farm Sugarhouse Conway, MA
Asian Noodles– House rolled noodles and crispy veggies in a sweet soy dressing topped with slivered almonds.
Bourbon Pecan Caramel Bread Pudding– Served warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Lunch and Dinner in Stonington
Discover family-friendly lunch and dinner options in Stonington, where an easygoing vibe meets a delightful dining experience, creating memorable family moments with every bite.
Enjoy diverse menus, waterfront dining, local characters, and a unique charm that can only be found at restaurants near Stonington, CT.
Photo Credit: Breakwater
66 Water St.
Stonington, CT 06378
Breakwater Restaurant is more than just a seafood restaurant with an exceptional waterfront view. It is a family-friendly gem situated directly on the Long Island Sound, offering a delicious meal, superb service and great views of Stonington Harbor.
Their diverse menu features fresh local seafood and delectable dishes catering to various tastes. I love that the kid’s menu has all your classic offerings plus elevated items like steak tips and broccoli rabe.
Stop in for either lunch or dinner, and you won’t be disappointed.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
New England Clam Chowder– A favorite of the Borough locals
Breakwater Tacos– Choice of Fried Atlantic Cod, Blackened Chicken or Grilled Shrimp
Fish & Chips- Fried Atlantic Cod, french fries, cole slaw, malt vinegar aioli and tartar sauce
Photo Credit: Bouillabaisse
194 Water St.
Stonington, CT 06378
Looking for a great waterfront spot in Stonington that’s perfect for the whole family? Look no further than Dog Watch Cafe!
Conveniently located on Water St., right next door to Dodson Boatyard, this family-friendly restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers stunning views in a relaxed atmosphere.
There’s something about this restaurant that feels like it perfectly belongs in New England. It’s a real treat to enjoy delicious food, great views of Stonnington Harbor, a large outside deck, and friendly staff all in one place. It’s no wonder it was voted Best Restaurant by Connecticut Magazine.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
French Onion Soup– Sweet onions, sherry, and a toasted crostini topped with bubbling Swiss cheese.
Bang Bang Shrimp– Crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy creamy chili sauce.
Poke Bowl– Chopped yellowfin tuna, shaved carrots, edamame, avocado, pickled red onion, drizzled with a spicy aioli and served over Jasmine rice.
530 Stonington Rd.
Stonington, CT 06378
After living in New York for a long time, I have a deep love for NY-style pizza. However, Connecticut has its own style of pizza that is equally delicious and has a cult-like following in New England.
Stonington Pizza Palace, a small pizzeria that opened in 1986, has become a staple for the Stonington community. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes including specialty pizzas, large grinders, fresh-caught seafood, and delicious pasta dishes.
My kids absolutely love the crispy crust of pan-style pizzas, and I love that Stonington Pizza Palace sources organic and local products.
The menu is so extensive that the kids won’t even want to order off the kid’s menu.
I love a menu with unique specialty pizzas; this one is out of this world.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
Field Green Salad– Mesclun greens, Campari tomatoes, mandarin oranges, caramelized walnuts, dried cranberries & raspberries, pumpkin seeds & Gorgonzola, served with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Moussaka Pizza- Ground beef, marinara and eggplant topped with blended cheese.
Gyro Platter– Beef or chicken, homemade cucumber garlic sauce, tomatoes, red onion & lettuce, served with fries
Photo Credit: Water Street Cafe
143 Water Street
Stonington, CT 06378
The blue façade of Water Street Cafe will draw you into its warm and eclectic dining room, where you will enjoy an excellent menu of French and Asian-inspired dishes.
This beautiful restaurant is less family-friendly than the others mentioned, so I would save this special restaurant for a date night or night out with friends.
The owners of Water Street Cafe are passionate about sourcing from organic local farmers, and it shows in their beautifully curated daily specials.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
Oysters– East Coast and unbelievably fresh
Stonington Scallops Udon- Local ramps, pak choy, ginger and miso
Seared Yellowfin Tuna– Served over Jasmine rice, fresh greens, wasabi and soy
Tasty Treats in Stonington
Borough
Stonington is a charming coastal town perfect for strolling its nautical streets and indulging in tasty treats.
As someone with a major sweet tooth, I love to indulge in all the yummy local treats while traveling with my family!
Whether you’re craving small-batch ice cream, seasonal sorbet, house-made brioche donuts, or a made-to-order waffle topped with creative toppings, I’ve got you covered!
22 Bayview Ave #1A (Velvet Mill)
Stonington, CT 06378
Zest Fresh Pastry is an artisan bakery based in Stonington Borough, with two other locations in Ledyard, CT and Groton, CT.
The amazing women behind the scenes of this bakery have a true passion for pastry, and it shows in the delicious baked goods they produce.
I would highly recommend a stop in this sweet shop while enjoying your walk around the Velvet Mill Shopping Center.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
Amazing Bars– Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Coconut, Butterscotch, Pecans and Sea Salt on top of a graham cracker crust.
Peanut Butter Bars– Butter shortbread crust, creamy peanut butter filling, dark chocolate ganache topping.
Donuts– Weekend house-made brioche donuts
Waffle Pop Sweet Shop
Photo Credit: Waffle Pop Sweet Shop
Waffle Pop Sweet Shop offers a wide range of treats, including custom-made Waffle Pops, fruit slushies without sugary syrup, specialty candy, and high-quality artisanal gelato. With virtually limitless flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include-
Smores Waffle Pop-Fresh waffle topped with toasted Fluff, chopped Hershey’s Bar, crumbled graham cracker topping and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Cannoli Waffle Pop-Fresh waffle piped with swirls of cannoli filling, topped with chocolate curls and dusted with powdered sugar.
Churro Waffle Pop-Fresh waffle drizzled in caramel and topped with cinnamon and sugar, crushed cinnamon toast crunch and whipped cream.
Photo Credit: Boro Bodega and Scoopery
109 Water Street
Stonington, CT 06378
The idea for Boro Bodega and Scoopery is brought to you by the family who lovingly runs Noah’s restaurant in Stonington.
They dreamt of creating a store where families could come together for a delicious scoop of ice cream while at the same time picking up fresh local produce and goods and supporting local farmers and purveyors.
This wonderful shop offers locally sourced fresh meat and produce, pre-prepared meals, and delectable ice cream.
Some of my favorite items on the menu include–
Vegan Ice Cream– Assortment of flavors- Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry, Chocolate
Key Lime Pie Sundae– Key Lime Gelato, Graham Crackers, Marshmallow Sauce, Whip Cream
Up All Night Espresso Shake– Coffee Ice Cream, Espresso Syrup, Chocolate Sauce, Whipped Cream, Chocolate Curls
With a mix of seaside seafood spots, cozy cafes, and unique family restaurants, there is something for everyone in Stonington, CT.
Stonington Borough’s food scene adds a tasty touch to your coastal experience, from casual bites to family-friendly waterfront restaurants.
If I have missed any of your top restaurants in Stonington, please message me and share it! I love to discover new places!
