above: Look out across the Sound while dining at La Plage
Photography by Garvin Burke
Allium Eatery
Vegetable-forward dishes sourced from local favorites like Sport Hill Farm in Easton are the star on the menu, along with their classic proteins like their rotisserie chicken. Albeit hard to secure their patio is perfect in summer.
Arezzo
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Arezzo and its backyard space are perfect for a large group. Enjoy a round of Aperol Spritzes and the stunning view of downtown Westport and nosh on Italian bites. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
arezzowestport.com
5 Riverside Ave, Westport CT
203-557-9375
Baldanza at the Schoolhouse
Wilton’s hidden gem, located on the Norwalk River, has a charming patio where you can order off the full menu. Enjoy a glass of champagne or a Monkey 47 martini and marvel in the understated elegance of Connecticut’s countryside. Open for brunch and dinner, Wednesday through Sunday.
baldanzarestaurants.com
34 Cannon Rd, Wilton CT
203-309-5777
Boathouse at Saugatuck
Open to the public, the Boathouse is more than just an event space. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, it has several outdoor options to enjoy your Eggs Benedict and Lobster Roll. Closed Mondays and Tuesday. Sundays, brunch only.
boathouseatsaugatuck.com
521 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT
203-227-339
Casa Me
The patio is ideal for experiencing Casa Me’s spritz menu. Pair your favorite one with their delicious fritto misto and you can almost pretend you’re on the Italian Riviera. (Tip: The Sbagliato is a must-try if you enjoy an Aperol Spritz!) Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays.
casamecafe.com
7 Sconset Square, Westport CT
203-571-3230
Don Memo
Don Memo has the perfect large outdoor area to experience its Happy Hour on Tuesday – Friday, from 4:30-6 pm. Meet up with friends and neighbors for Palomas, Margaritas and their awesome tacos. Closed Sunday and Monday.
donmemowestport.com
90 Post Rd E, Westport CT
203-557-6198
Hudson Malone
Westport’s outpost of this NYC-based “culinary saloon” has outdoor seating to best partake in its bold cocktail menu, complete with new classics like the Paper Plane and New York Sour. Enjoy your Pat Lafreida burger knowing you don’t have to clean the grill tonight. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
hudsonmalone.com
323 Main Street, Westport CT
203-635-7400
Kawa Ni
The ultimate “if you know, you know” location, Kawa Ni’s not-so-secret rooftop has become a private event space as of Summer 2024 and is currently the only rooftop in Westport. Work with them to customize your menu. Then you and your guests can enjoy your own view of the Saugatuck River. Closed Mondays.
kawaniwestport.com
19A Bridge Square, Westport CT
203-557-8775
La Plage
The Delamar Hotels are known for their restaurants that always prioritize the vibe and an experience along with menus that match their settings. Set overlooking the Saugatuck the open air balcony dining at La Plage is the reservation you want to score this summer while eating lobster rolls on a seaweed bun and their abundant selection of oysters.
laplagewestport.com
260 Compo Road South, Westport CT
203-684-6232
Nômade
If people watching on Main Street is your thing, order one of Nômade’s new mocktails or a glass of super cool orange wine and hang out here for the ultimate table downtown. Open daily for lunch/brunch and dinner.
nomadewestport.com
150 Main St, Westport CT
203-557-9577
Rive Bistro
Dining al fresco in Westport doesn’t get better than this classic spot on the Saugatuck River. Order a Lillet Spritz or glass of Sancerre, and enjoy a meal of oysters and steak frites before you head home to book your next trip to France. Open daily for lunch and dinner (brunch weekends only).
rivebistro.com
299 Riverside Ave, Westport CT
203-557-8049
Studio Café
As Westport’s unofficial “drinkery,” brunch is even better outside on Studio Cafe’s terrace. If you have yet to explore their beverage menu, now is the time to try their extensive selection of elixirs and tonics. Closed Mondays.
thetailoredhomect.com/studio-cafe
Sconset Square 15 Myrtle Avenue, Westport CT
203-349-5174
Terrain Cafe
Friends from afar love coming to Westport for many reasons, one of which is Terrain Cafe. A notable destination for homewares and plants, Terrain’s cafe really shines when its outdoor dining opens. Mushroom soup, chicken pot pie and a robust wine list help balance all those Harvest bowls. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 4 – 6 p.m.
shopterrain.com/westport-restaurant
561 Post Road East, Westport CT
203-226-2732
The Whelk
The Whelk’s menu is updated daily to have the freshest seafood, which can be enjoyed al fresco overlooking the Saugatuck River. Great cocktails and even better people watching. (Tip: Walk across the courtyard to try ice cream from the new Momu, which opened in May!) Closed Mondays. Open for lunch Fri-Sun.
thewhelkwestport.com
575 Riverside Ave, Westport CT
203-557-0902
Photographs: courtesy of restaurants; Boathouse courtesy of their instagram account.