East Lyme CT Restaurants: Top-Rated Eateries You Must Try

Looking for a great place to eat? East Lyme, CT, has a restaurant for every taste!

This guide highlights some of the most notable East Lyme, CT restaurants based on awards, reviews, and other unique features that set them apart.

Featured Restaurants

East Lyme and Niantic offer a range of dining options, from upscale comfort food to authentic Mexican cuisine. Here are a couple of local favorites:

374 Restaurant

Located at 374 Main Street in Niantic, 374 Restaurant was named “Best New Restaurant – New London County” in 2024 by CT Magazine. Owned and operated by Cappy Hospitality (a family-owned group led by Paul Formica), 374 offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and even a late-night menu. It’s known for its elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and welcoming community atmosphere. Plus, you can catch live jazz music there on Wednesdays.

Zavala Mexican Bistro

If you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine, check out Zavala Mexican Bistro. They offer catering services for special events like birthdays, parties, and weddings. One happy customer, Leigh C., wrote on Yelp, “Best Mexican food I’d had in awhile… It was delicious!!!”

Exploring East Lyme Dining Options

When you’re trying to decide where to eat, online rankings and reviews can be helpful. Local restaurants are often ranked based on how many page views they get and what people say about them on Tripadvisor.

Restaurants that win a Travelers’ Choice Award are in the top 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor, so that’s another good way to narrow down your choices.

East Lyme restaurants have a wide variety of cuisines, so there’s bound to be something that appeals to you.

Other things to consider are the price range, whether they can accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have, and of course, location and ambiance.

Summary

Whether you’re looking for award-winning fine dining or a taste of authentic cuisine, East Lyme has something to offer.

I encourage you to explore the local culinary scene and find the perfect restaurant to suit your taste and preferences. Be sure to check online reviews, location, and ambiance to make the best choice for your next meal out.