New London is a city in Connecticut, United States. The seaport city is located in New London county, at the mouth of the Thames River.
According to the 2021 census, the population here was about 27,635. The city houses one of the world’s three busiest whaling ports.
New London restaurants boast the best food scene. From fresh cuisines to creative chefs and thriving bars, these restaurants will give you a worthwhile experience.
New London restaurant options are endlessly delightful, whether you want to relax at a coffee shop, sink your teeth into award-winning wings, or curb your sweet tooth at a bakery.
Are you planning a food tour of New London? Here are the best restaurants in New London, CT.
Best Restaurants in New London, CT
1. On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront is a family-owned restaurant & bar run by Stash Schiavone and Chef Anthony Schiavone.
The restaurant offers the best dishes in New London with a blend of elegance and dining views. This restaurant features an outdoor terrace in warmer months and a big dining room with waterfront views.
You’ll find various options on their food menu—Appetizers, soup & salad, Hand-Helds, and Entrees. And their drinks range from cocktails to Martinis, frozen drinks, Rose & Sparkling, Red wine, White wine, and beer.
Enjoy their delightful mussels fra diavolo, eggplant rollatini, or tasteful wings for appetizers. We bet you wouldn’t also want to miss out on their New England Clam Chowder soup.
Besides its legendary dishes, On the Waterfront also has various entertainment activities and private events to help you have fun on the go.
On the Waterfront robust menu and dazzling views of the Thames River makes it one of the best restaurants in New London, CT.
On the Waterfront is open: Monday – Closed; Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm; Sunday: 11:30 am – 8:00 pm.
Address: 250 Pequot Ave., New London, CT 06321. Phone: 860-444-2800
2. Tony D’s
This rustic Italian food service brand is owned by Tony D’Angelo.
If you’re craving a homemade meal, Tony D’s Italian restaurant is the place. Tony D’s big dining rooms and live music Friday and Saturday evenings make it one of the best places to eat in New London, CT.
While Tony D’s restaurant prioritizes food & service quality, it is also known for its family-oriented feel. At the same time, their chef offers guidance for any special dietary needs you may have.
Tony D’s has an extensive menu list from Pasta to Pesce, Pollo, Carne, Prime Cut Meats, etc. But if you’re out with your family, you can order their delicious family recipe soup—Signature Clam Bisque.
Afterwards, round up with any of their side dishes like Broccoli Rabe or Fried Peppers.
Tony D’s restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11:30 am – 9:00 pm, Friday & Saturday from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, and closed Monday.
Address: 92 Huntington St, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-443-9900
3. Recovery Room
Craving Italian cuisines? Recovery Room is among the top New London restaurants that serves Italian dishes. It is situated across Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and has been in business for decades.
They have appetizers, signature salads, pizzas, toppings, and lots more. And their prices are relatively fair! If you want to chill at this spot, you can go for Gorgonzola salad and chopped pasta, then diced chicken breast with crispy bacon topped with balsamic dressing.
After that, order pepperoni pizza. In addition to serving you the best Italian cuisine, Recovery Room offers outdoor catering services. So if you have an event, contact them to treat your guests to delicious Italian cuisine.
Recovery Room is open Monday-Thursday from 11:00 am- 9:00 pm, Friday-Saturday from 11:00 am- 9:30 pm, and closed Sunday.
Address: 445 Ocean Ave. New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-443-2619
4. Ocean Pizza Restaurant
Ocean Pizza Restaurant is your best pick for your gourmet pizza, Greek, seafood, Italian, and other yummy dishes.
Ocean Pizza Restaurant is a food service brand established in 1962. Its exceptional commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of the best restaurants in New London, CT.
Their seafood includes Fish & chip dinner, Calamari, Whole belly clam dinner, Lobster roll plate, Fried shrimp dinner, Clam dinner, Broiled haddock, Broiled seafood, and Squid dinner.
Again, their Greek specialities include a Gyro sandwich plate, Beef Souvlaki plate, Pork Souvlaki plate, and Chicken Souvlaki. Hence, this restaurant is your spot if you like to explore different cultures!
Ocean Pizza Restaurant is open Monday-Sunday from 10:30 am – 8:45 pm.
Address: 88 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-443-0870
5. Hot Rod Cafe
Hot Rod Cafe is a fun and eclectic place to enjoy award-winning wings, beer, and ambience. The Thames River around it gives you a beautiful view and a refreshing aura.
Meanwhile, it features private dining areas serving 30 to 200 people alongside its Thames Riverview Roof Bar that takes in 50 people.
Hot Rod Cafe specializes in wings and has also been featured on Food Network and won various local food contests. Chef Carlos and his team can prepare anything you like, from Wraps to Burgers, Sandwiches, and everything in between.
No restaurant in New London can beat the taste of their Buffalo, Teriyaki, Japaleno, and Honey BBQ wings. I bet you want to have a taste of it!
Hot Rod Cafe’s opening hours are Monday & Tuesday: closed; Wednesday: 4 pm – 9 pm; Thursday: 4 pm – 2 am; Friday & Saturday: 4 pm – 1 am; Sunday: 4 pm – 9 pm.
Address: 114 Bank St, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-447-2320
6. The Yolk Cafe
Another restaurant that stands out as one of the best places to eat in New London, CT, is The Yolk Cafe.
They offer breakfast, lunch, unique, and catering services. So if you’re looking for a simple breakfast or lunch, visit The Yolk Cafe!
The Yolk Cafe has an extensive menu of egg-related dishes and a kids’ menu. For a quick breakfast, you can order their Stuffed Croissant prepared with lots of scrambled eggs, tomatoes, scallions & cream cheese with smoked salmon.
If you’re out with your kids, they could take their delicious grilled hot dog served on Texas Toast with chips. Meanwhile, their Grilled Portabello Mushroom with fresh veggies and goat cheese, served on a kaiser roll, will go well for lunch!
The Yolk Cafe is open during Winter hours—Thursday thru Friday: 8 am – 2 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 7 am – 2 pm.
Address: 825 Montauk Ave, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-437-0898
7. The Social Bar + Kitchen
The Social Bar + Kitchen is one of the top restaurants in New London, CT, with the best drink collection. This restaurant was founded in 2016 and has since changed New London’s bar and restaurant scene.
The Social Bar + Kitchen has one of the largest selection of craft beers, with 50 selections available.
Their American-style menu incorporates salads, sandwiches, handcrafted burgers, entrees, and more, with various options for vegans and vegetarians.
Whether you’re looking for cocktails, wines, beverages, craft beer, bottles & can drink, you’ll find them all at The Social. Their wine collection features red wines, white wines, and bubbles.
For wines, grab a bottle of Simi Cabernet Sauvignon. This Cabernet pairs well with steak Bomb-lette as brunch.
Besides serving the best dishes & drinks, The Social Bar has other fun events and activities to make your stay worthwhile. They include Trivia Tuesday, Funktion Thursdays, Drag Brunch, and the New London Big Band.
The Social Bar + Kitchen is open Monday from 4:00 pm–8:00 pm, Tuesday – Thursday from 4:00 pm–9:00 pm, Friday from 4:00 pm–11:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am–11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am–8:00 pm.
Address: 208 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-442-6900
8. RD86 Space
RD86 is one of the most diverse places to have fun in Connecticut.
For those who prefer to place orders for pickup, their order list includes Fall vegetable chicken tagine and Moroccan chicken tagine.
They also serve roasted garlic hummus with Zaatar & olive oil, wood-fired roasted eggplant baba ganoush, and mixed green salad with marinated tomato, cucumber & onion.
These dishes come with feta cheese & olives, a side of basmati rice with toasted almonds & caramelized onions, and cocktail Togo.
However, the one we like most is the Moroccan chicken tagine. We think you should try it too.
RD86 Space is open Wednesday & Thursday from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Closed Monday – Tuesday, and Friday – Sunday.
Address: 86 Golden Street, New London, CT. Phone: 860-574-9335
Are you planning a food tour of Connecticut? Here is a guide on restaurants in Hamden, and restaurants in Groton for a fun meal time.
9. La Luna Ristorante
We love this restaurant because it has a lot to offer! La Luna has got you covered, from yummy Italian cuisines to special offers, discounts, and birthday specials!
They have a value-packed menu comprising a wide range of Italian dishes.
On their food list, you’ll find a Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Grilled Chicken or Syracha (spicy), Chicken Quesadilla, Rib eye Tips, and a host of others.
Their Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich served with French Fries and Pickles will leave your taste buds wanting more!
You can also sink your sweet tooth in their spicy Grilled Chicken or Syracha and thank me later.
Insalata Caprese, Insalata Della Casa, and Insalata di Spinaci are some of the most delightful Italian salads you may want to explore at La Luna Ristorante.
A fun fact about this restaurant is that it gives you a free meal for your birthday! Interesting right? Now, hurry down to La Luna Ristorante and make them your favourite eating & relaxing spot.
La Luna Ristorante is open Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am–10:00 pm and Sunday from 6:30–9:30 pm.
Address: 35 Governor Winthrop Blvd, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-326-7258
10. Jasmine Thai
Jasmine Thai, owned by Chanmany Noi, offers relaxation and experience of fine dining, worth more than just delicious food.
What is exceptional for us is the mood and aura you experience during your visit. The warm reception given to you by the staff makes you feel at home.
All these, put together, make your stay at Jasmine Thai worthwhile! Their popular foods range from Jenny Roll to Unaki Don, Pineapple Curry Duck, etc.
For starters, try their spicy kimchee chicken wings—deep-fried chicken wings mixed with three-star hot spicy sauce. Then, tantalize your taste buds with Unaki Don—eel served over sushi rice topped with a brown sesame sauce.
The Pomegranate Martini is also a must-have. It’s among the popular drinks sold at Jasmine Thai.
Jasmine Thai is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am–9:30 pm, Friday from 11:30 am- 10:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm- 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm–9:30 pm.
Address: 470 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-442-9991
11. Cinnamon Grill
If your taste buds are itchy for Asian meals, Cinnamon Grill is the best place to satisfy your taste buds.
It is known for classic dishes and for using top-quality fresh ingredients for its plates.
Cinnamon Grill is your best bet if you want delightful dining, delivery, or takeout!
They serve Kottu Roti or String Hopper Kottu—chopped Roti, carrots, leeks, onion & eggs mixed with gravy. Then their menu consists of a long list of Asian cuisine and a lunch menu which includes lunch specials and lunch rice with curry platter.
Their nicely cooked, spicy, deviled sizzling platter comes with tomato, onion, banana pepper, and a side of yellow rice. It’s something you shouldn’t miss eating at Cinnamon Grill!
Cinnamon Grill’s opening hours are Monday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm; Tuesday: closed; Wednesday & Thursday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm; Friday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm; Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm; Sunday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Address: 385 Bank St, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-574-9414
12. Pizzarama Drive-in
Pizzarama Drive-in has been the landmark of pizzas for more than 60 years. It has been family-owned and operated since 1962.
This restaurant is your one-stop spot for various flavorful pizza specialities and grinders for pizza lovers! Their menu comprises apps, soups & salads, pizzas, subs, calzones, dinners, and desserts.
Pizzarama has an endless list of pizza recipes. However, you can sink teeth in these mouth-watering pizzas—salami, anchovy, chicken cutlet, jalapeno, and the Mediterranean.
Rest assured, they’ll bring back your taste buds to life! Another exciting thing about Pizzarama is hosting weekly events to spice up your fun while dining.
Pizzarama Drive-in is open Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm; Friday & Saturday: 10:30 am -10:00 pm
Address: 625 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-442-1738
13. Noodles and Rice Bistro
This Thai restaurant is known for Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls, Chicken Curry Puff, Chef’s Noodle, Fresh Spring Roll, and lots more!
For starters, you can order Steamed Edamame or noodle soup. Their beef stew, double-braised duck, and chicken thigh stew will make you come back for more!
The Noodles and Rice Bistro is open Monday & Tuesday: 12 pm – 3 pm; Wednesday: closed; Thursday & Friday: 12 pm – 3 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm.
Address: 165 Bank Street, New London, CT. Phone: 860-443-4444
14. Selfish Restaurant
SellFish Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
From Apps to the raw bar, classics, salads, Signature Pasta, Platters, Saute’ N Grill, and Sides, SellFish has every delicacy to give you a memorable experience!
Their lobster grilled cheese on a toasted New England roll with coleslaw served with fries is among the foods people love. It’s cool if you try it out!
In addition, SellFish Restaurant hosts an event tagged Happy Hour, where they serve Douglas hill wine, mixed healthy drinks, and bottles of Coors lite/bud/bud lite/miller lite.
The selfish restaurant is open Monday-Sunday from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Address: 260 Pequot Avenue, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-574-9645
15. Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen
Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen is among the best Jamaican restaurants in New London, CT. Do you want to try some Jamaican dishes? You’ll get them all at Tony’s place!
They serve seafood, including Escovish fish (red snapper), Jerk Salmon, steam fish (porgies), Cajon shrimp, and more!
Also, you can catch up with lunch and dinner with their curry chicken, stew chicken, pepper steak, jerk chicken, or oxtail.
Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen is open Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm; Sunday – closed.
Address: 90 Truman Street, New London, CT 06320. Phone: 860-443-0750
Map of the Best Restaurants in New London, CT
To get around during your trip to New London, here is a map of the best restaurants in New London with markers of the top places to eat in New London, CT.
Do well to also check also out our guide on things to do in Old Saybrook for an amazing experience in Connecticut.
Plan a Trip to New London
New London restaurants have the most creative and innovative chefs. The restaurants mentioned above will not disappoint you.
Their flavorful foods will make you come back for more, not to mention their beautiful scenery. You surely need to experience it yourself!
A fun trip awaits you!