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.
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.
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.