Outdoor Dining in Connecticut

River restaurant presents a modern take on traditional Italian dishes with fresh, housemade pastas;  pizzas, locally sourced seafood, meats, and poultry, and fresh, seasonal vegetables. Eat outside on the multi-level deck, overlooking the Connecticut River. Reservations are highly recommended. 

With no actual “indoors” to speak of, The Place in Guilford has to be experienced to be appreciated. Take a seat on a tree stump and dine outdoors among crackling wood fires roasting lobsters, clams, corn and other favorites. The Place's large menu towers over the seating area, allowing all patrons to browse food options before placing their order. 

For imaginative Italian fare, plan an outing to Restaurant Bricco where the motto is “simple, fresh, delicious.” Enjoy dishes like "my mom's spaghetti carbonara," Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, and mustard BBQ cedar planked salmon. 

Gather at the seasonal Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough for some of the best seaside seafood in the state. This laid-back summer shack specializes in lobster rolls and full lobster dinners, but also serves an assortment of other seafood including clam chowder, stuffed clams, mussels, and more.

Catch some rooftop vibes at High George by Siena, a destination at The Blake Hotel. The food menu offers Italian-inspired small plates, entrees like pastas, steak frites, and a smashburger; and globally-inspired cocktails. 

During the warmer months, stop by the iconic drive-in restaurant Harry’s Place and enjoy awesome roadside food including mouth-watering burgers, hot dogs, seafood, fries, ice cream and shakes.

Enjoy “traditional New England seafood with a South American flair” on the outdoor patio at S&P Oyster Co. with serene views of the Mystic River.

l'escale at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel serves an inventive Provencal menu, created by Chef Frederic Kieffer, in an atmosphere that captures the warm sun, sea breezes and evocative scents of southern France.

Dine out on the inviting patio of Viron Rondo Osteria and expect top-notch dishes accompanied by a beautiful selection of wine. Try flavorful menu highlights from the chef's antipasto board, organic chicken marsala, and linguini carbonara to the ragu of braised veal and penne vodka.

If you're craving old-fashioned American bar & grill fare with a side of scenic views, then head to Wood-n-Tap's Farmington location, which overlooks the Farmington River. The restaurant's outdoor seating includes a patio and tables and chairs right by the water, with fire pits to enjoy in the evening. 

You'll love the brick oven pizza and exciting ambiance at BAR in New Haven, which is ranked #5 on the Connecticut Pizza Trail. Pair your slice with freshly brewed beer on the outdoor patio. On the weekends, the indoor space turns into a dance club at night, making it the perfect spot for a night out. 

Artisan, at the Delamar Southport hotel, features New England-inspired American cuisine with an emphasis on farm fresh fare, sourcing from its onsite garden and local and regional farms.