The Best Restaurants in Westport [2023]

The best restaurants in Westport have turned our Gold Coast town into a dining destination. From inviting taverns, to outdoor seating with a view, to inventive Japanese cuisines that we dare say rivals the best we’ve had anywhere, Westport’s restaurants offer something (delicious) for everyone.

If you’re looking for the best spots to dine in town, keep reading. Each year, we survey our local community to gather the consensus on the top dining options in town. We get thousands of responses, so we’re confident that our list is the most relevant, up-to-date one you’ll find.

To help you find the best restaurants in Westport for your next date night, sushi craving or family outing, we’ve given each restaurant a superlative. You’ll find the best Italian restaurants, top taco spot, the finest service, and more.

The people of Westport have spoken, and these are their favorite dining destinations.

Best Restaurants in Westport

1. DeTapas

Best Service (TIE), Best Tapas

DeTapas offers an authentic taste of Spain in Westport, with a selection of traditional tapas dishes, encouraging shared dining in an authentic and warm atmosphere. A relative newcomer to town, we bet DeTapas has staying power.

2. Spotted Horse

Best Service (TIE)

Set inside Westport’s historic Sherwood House (1808), Spotted Horse focuses on contemporary American fare, serving dishes made with fresh, local ingredients among a rustic and cozy ambiance. The Spotted Horse is owned by the same restaurateurs behind Grey Goose cafe in Southport, who have a knack for creating a cozy, space that invites lively conversation over expertly crafted cocktails and consistent, quality food.

3. Allium Eatery

Business Lunch + Best New Restaurant

An intimate new spot across from the Westport train station, Allium Eatery offers elevated American food with a French spin, focusing on fresh, organic, and seasonal ingredients.

4. Kawa Ni

Creative Menu
Grab a reservation early, Kawa Ni fills up weeks in advance. This Izakaya-style restaurant is a haven for Japanese food enthusiasts, serving dishes like nigiri, dumplings and don-buri in a modern and intimate atmosphere. In the warmer months, the rooftop lounge is a must.

above: Spicymiso with noodles, tofu, egg and nori.


5. La Plage

Hotel Restaurant

Set inside the Inn at Longshore, La Plage offers a menu centered around local coastal cuisine in a relaxed, seaside-inspired setting. It’s also the only restaurant in Westport on the Sound.

6. bartaco

Outdoor Dining

Much like its other locations, bartaco in Westport offers offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu filled with various taco offerings, tequilas, and refreshing cocktails. All with tops notch outdoor seating and a view of the river and downtown.

7. Little Pub Wilton

Pickup/Delivery Option

The Little Pub makes it easy to feed the whole family whether you dine in or take out. Its menu of casual American comfort food offers something for everyone.

8. Baldanza

Private Dining/Intimate Venue

Baldanza at the Schoolhouse sits inside a small, historic schoolhouse in the Canondale neighborhood of Wilton (the former site of the Schoolhouse at Canondale restaurant), so its definitely cozy. The intimate atmosphere is just right for date night, or hosting a small party, shower, or celebration.

9. The Whelk

Seafood

From chef Bill Taibe (who’s also behind Kawa Ni and Don Memo), The Whelk offers a creative nod to coastal cuisine, showcasing seafood dishes, oysters, and other marine delights, all in an intimate and modern coastal setting.

10. Gabriele’s

Special Occasion/Date Night/Steaks

An upscale establishment, Gabriele’s specializes in Italian fine dining, offering a range of traditional dishes, steaks, and an extensive wine list.

above: Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse creates a memorable experience for any and all special occasions.

11. OKO

Sushi
A modern Japanese eatery, OKO is known for its sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients and artistic presentation. In the warmer months, the patio offers river views, too.

12. Little Barn

American

Little Barn is a must for your bar food cravings. From burgers, to quesadillas, to sandwiches that definitely aren’t dainty, Little Barn is an innovative and elevated take on casual American pub food.

13. Little Kitchen

Chinese

Little Kitchen specializes in Pan Asian cuisine like wonton soup, lo mein, orange chicken, and teriyaki, along with a sushi menu. The lunch specials are popular for takeout, but dining in the globally inspired space is fun, too.

14. Rive Bistro

French

Rive Bistro’s name nods to its spot along the Saugatuck River. Views aside, the restaurant offers an array of classic dishes like duck confit and bouillabaisse in an elegant setting.

15. Layla’s

Greek

A Middle Eastern delight, Layla’s offers traditional dishes like falafel, shawarma, and other regional specialties in a fast-casual setting. It’s a must for any takeout night, too.

16. The Naan

Indian

Catering to Indian cuisine lovers, The Naan provides a vast menu of both North and South Indian dishes, from curries to tandoori specials.

17. Romanacci

Italian

An ode to Italian flavors, Romanacci serves up casual fare like pizzas, paninis, pastas, and other favorites in a comfortable, family-friendly setting.

18. Sakura

Japanese

Sakura has been Westport’s destination for sushi, sashimi, and other traditional dishes since the 1980s. The sushi is fresh and consistent, and the ambience is inviting but not frills.

19. Basso

Mediterraenean

Emphasizing Italian and Mediterranean flavors, Basso offers mix of traditional and modern dishes, complemented by a well-curated wine list.

20. Rainbow Thai

Thai

Rainbow Thai is a serene and simple restaurant perched above the Saugatuck River. Its range of authentic Thai dishes include spicy curries, flavorful noodle dishes and more.

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