Photographs: bartaco by Manny Vargas; LaPlage by Garvin Burke; all the rest Alexandro Loayza & contributed
above: Dining Al fresco is a worthwhile treat at The Whelk on the Saugatuck
The month of June means it’s time to start seeking out the best outdoor dining in Westport. The marriage of fresh air and fresh flavors is the rejuvenation we all need as we come out of our winter hibernation. Lunches become a little longer, maybe the laughs are louder at dinner. Westport seemingly has more outdoor dining options than ever and just as you were sprucing up your own patios and decks over the past few years, our local restaurants did, too.
“When dining outside, we love feeling physically comfortable, immersed in atmosphere and connected to our surroundings in a fun way,” says Patrick Jean, co-owner of Nomade on Main Street. “When elements are involved you never get the same exact experience twice! It really is about triggering the senses through local and organic connection.”
Come join us at some of the best outdoor tables in town for the patio-dining season.
Best Outdoor Dining in Westport
Arezzo
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Arezzo and its backyard space are perfect for a large group. Enjoy a round of Aperol Spritzes and enjoy the view of downtown Westport while enjoying Italian bites. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
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.
Casa Me
Casa Me’s mission is to immediately transport diners to the Italian holiday they’ve dreamed of. The address reads Sconset Square, but the flavors are from another world: arancini with a bit of heat from spicy sausage, homemade pastas (Spaghetti Frutti di Mare to keep the vacation fantasy alive!) and patatine– French fries with truffle oil and Parmesan.
The space is designed as an “outdoor square,” says Pina Ferlisi, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Mario Fontana. “Surrounded by European cafe tables, umbrellas, herb gardens, music and candles in a ‘dolce far niente’ way, we hope to transport our guests to a moment where they can lose track of time and place and dream about the sweetness of doing nothing on a warm summer’s day.”
NÔMADE
Culinary exploration continues at Nomade, the former Tavern on Main space that simultaneously modernized its look and feel with custom-made touches while warming up its welcome. Inspired by a true melting pot of favorite places, the menu reflects flavors from North Africa, Spain, France, Greece and other Mediterranean locales–and the space, with its indoor-turns-outdoor terrance, aims to enhance the overall sensory experience.
“You hear the singing of birds, a spring rain shower or the sounds of a summer breeze as you enjoy the terrace. It always brings a smile to everyone when they see it for the first time. Add our music from Ibiza, cuisine from around the world and handcrafted artisanal creations from Morocco and beyond and you’ve got something to keep you coming back again and again for a completely new experience,” Jean says.
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-Sunday.
Studio Cafe
As Westport’s unofficial “drinkery,” brunch is even better outside on Studio Cafe’s terrace. Ifyou 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-cafeSconset Square 15 Myrtle Avenue, Westport CT(203) 349-5174
Terrain
Terrain, meanwhile, blurs the line between an outdoor oasis and a dining space. Borrowing from its greenhouse-like house-and-garden retail space, the restaurant reflects an appreciation for nature, forging partnerships with several local growers. Its dishes are seasonally inspired and carefully curated with products from Gilbertie’s Farm, Holbrook Farm and Arethusa Dairy Farm, among others.
One of the best spots to enjoy Westport’s waterfront–and that’s why we love it, right?–is La Plage on the ground of Longshore Club Park. This newest incarnation of a local legendary spot creates a perfect-but-not-precious vibe. Enjoy locally harvested seafood, including oysters, along with fresh produce and sustainable meats, in a space that turns any meal into a full-on beach day.
LaPlage
One of the best spots to enjoy Westport’s waterfront–and that’s why we love it, right?–is La Plage on the ground of Longshore Club Park. This newest incarnation of a local legendary spot creates a perfect-but-not-precious vibe. Enjoy locally harvested seafood, including oysters, along with fresh produce and sustainable meats, in a space that turns any meal into a full-on beach day.
The Cottage
The Cottage, though, is appointment dining. It’s everything you want for a thoughtful, creative experience that you know has the best interest of area artisan farmers and growers at heart. The tables that spill out onto its patio carry through the cozy intimate feel and gracious hospitality of the restaurant that boasts hand-cut pastas and outstanding seafood.
The Whelk
The Whelk also boasts a waterfront view, this time of the Saugatuck River. When the sun streams onto the patio, every bite of seafood stew or salt-and-pepper squid from James Beard Award-nominated chef and owner Bill Taibe is that much more special. Like many of our favorite outdoor spots, the menu features as many sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients as it can.
The Boathouse Restaurant
at Saugatuck Rowing Club
A stone’s throw away sits The Boathouse Restaurant at Saugatuck Rowing Club, where longtime favorites (think crab cakes and lobster rolls!) are as fresh as the catch of the day. Diners are reminded here that Westport is a coastal community and can hold its own in the company of New England’s best waterfront towns. And the river-front setting is picture perfect, which is why it’s one of our favorite spots for outdoor dining in Westport: there’s officially a reason to share a staycation photo on social.
Don Memo
Don Memo has a unique window into all of Westport from its front-lawn tables in the heart of town. Another Taibe creation with his right hand, Chef Anthony Kostelis, this home–and it really does mimic the friendly, convivial experience of gathering at the home of someone you know–for creative Mexican food is inspired by travels around Mexico. Dishes such as tuna crudo and countless variations of tacos and tamales filled with fresh ingredients come alive with vibrancy and sometimes a dash of heat.
Kawa Ni
The ultimate “if you know, you know” location, Kawa Ni’s not-so-secret rooftop has become aprivate 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
bartaco
A festive spirit comes alive at Bartaco, a friendly, casual neighborhood spot that just happens to have a panoramic view of the river AND downtown. If the tacos–and the signature margarita–didn’t have as many fans as they do, one could imagine spending the day here, dreaming of wanderlust adventures with a side of guacamole.
Oko
The last but definitely not least is our very own Oko, the best worst-kept secret Westport has to offer. Also from Brian Lewis of The Cottage, diners enjoy an innovative take on traditional Japanese recipes from this outdoor hideaway behind the historic Vigilant Hose Company Firehouse. The fresh and truly fabulous sushi–and let’s do justice for the sashimi and OKOnomiyaki (suckling pork belly with egg, mayu mayo, nori and scallion)- fills the craving for light and bright on a summer’s night.
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.
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).