Groton, CT, ought to be your next destination if you are a local food connoisseur, searching for your next vacation getaway, or need an excuse to get outside.
Groton is a town in New London County, the Southeastern part of the state, along the Thames River. It is home to the United States Coast Guard Academy and the General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation, which builds submarines for the United States Navy.
With a population of 38,411 residents, c offers a unique blend of military, cultural, and natural attractions such as the Submarine Force Museum, the Hempsted houses, which date back to the early 18th century, and the Bluff Point State park, making it an excellent destination for a vacation.
This city is not only a gateway to a wealth of historical significance but also a camping ground for some of the best dining establishments that are worth visiting.
Are you planning a trip to Groton? Below is a list of the top Restaurants in Groton, CT.
Best Restaurants in Groton
1. Paul’s Pasta Shop
Paul’s Pasta Shop is a family-owned and operated restaurant and they specialize mainly in fresh pasta dishes. With previous restaurant expertise and a passion for serving the neighborhood, Paul Fidrych and his wife, Dorothy, opened this restaurant in 1988.
Due to the fresh, premium quality pasta dishes prepared daily using the most authentic ingredients, Paul’s Pasta Shop has received several honors, including Best Vegetarian, Best Indian, and Best Value restaurant in the Connecticut Magazine.
With a 4.7 star rating on Google, it is no wonder this restaurant continues to top the charts as one of the best places to eat in Groton, CT. If you are in a rush, there are takeout alternatives available. You can also use their cost-effective catering services for your upcoming event.
Here, everyone can find something they like, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Their extensive menu includes meat lasagna, chicken parmigiana with fettuccine Alfredo, garlic bread, spaghetti pie, and manicotti.
They are open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm for takeout and dine-in options.
Address: 223 Thames St, Groton, CT 06340, United States. Phone: +1 860-445-5276.
2. On The Waterfront
On The Waterfront is one of the best restaurants in Groton, CT, owned and operated by Chef Anthony Schiavone and Stash Schiavone. Located on the water, as its name implies, this family-run business features an exotic scenery of the Thames River and is famous for its substantial meals.
On The Waterfront has earned the hearts of the locals and transient visitors to the area. They are committed to providing diners with the finest services through a balance of magnificent vistas and lighthearted splendor.
Featuring a full-service bar, wheelchair-accessible services, live music, spontaneous private events, an outdoor seating area, and a spacious dining section, you can have a satisfactory dining experience.
Every dish served at this establishment, including Maryland crab cakes, meatballs and pasta, wings, lobster bisque, stuffed pork tenderloin, shrimp scampi, and yellowfin tuna are prepared with love and care.
Visit On The Waterfront on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, weekends from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, and Sundays from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Address: 250 Pequot Ave, New London, CT 06320, United States. Phone: +1 860-444-2800.
3. The Fisherman Restaurant
The Fisherman Restaurant should be your go-to spot if you enjoy eating outstanding meals in an unmatched and remarkable waterfront culinary haven. This restaurant has undergone a spectacular refurbishment to establish an exotic dining atmosphere.
They are not only known for their excellent meals, but they also provide customers with majestic and infinite vistas of the magnificent coastal milieu.
With a breathtaking seaside display and an upscale patio where guests can dine al fresco while taking in the salty ocean breeze, The Fisherman Restaurant features a simple, timeless, urban design décor that adds a touch of an enthusiastic and nautical flair to the overall dining experience.
For food options, you can try out their crab cakes, fish tacos, hot lobster rolls, bread pudding, lobster grilled cheese, berry salad, and key lime pie. They believe in sustainable seafood practices and strive to impact the environment positively.
So for your next meal, drop by The Fisherman Restaurant from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm Sundays through Tuesdays, 11:30 am to 9:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 11:30 am to 9:30 pm on weekends.
Address: 937 Groton Long Point Rd, Groton, CT O6340, United States. Phone +1 860-536-1111.
4. Mirch Masala Cuisine of India
The richest, tastiest, and best quality Indian dishes are prepared and served at Mirch Masala using a combination of classic and contemporary processes. If you are an avid lover of Indian delights, you will find this restaurant appealing.
At Mirch Masala, the proper combination of diverse spices and flavors, as well as the highly proficient cooks’ constant effort to create new delights, are what makes their dishes creative masterpieces.
The hardworking servers do everything they can to ensure that visitors have a pleasant eating environment, and this speaks volumes about the establishment’s exceptional customer service. They offer apt delivery services, table service, a full bar, and takeout options.
Their signature dishes include ras malai, shahi kheer, tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, malai kofta, vegetable pulao, and paneer makhani.
They operate Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Address: 156 Kings Hwy, Groton, CT 06340, United States. Phone: +1 860-445-8043.
5. Sneekers Café
Sneekers Café was first launched in 1984 by owners Rhonda and Annie, and since then, this restaurant has been providing beautiful meals in a welcoming setting. As one of the top restaurants in Groton, CT, this boisterous hangout offers nothing short of an exciting moment.
This restaurant provides a range of service options, including an area for watching sports and catering services, by offering a wide selection of alternatives for events of all sizes. The catering menu includes an array of appetizers, entrees, sides, and dessert choices. It is rated one of the top Groton restaurants.
Enjoy meals like French onion soup, chicken wings, shrimp bruschetta, fried Brussels sprouts, veggie quesadilla, turkey BLT, and patty melt.
Operating hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.
Address: 568 Poquonnock Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States. Phone: +1 860-445-1967.
6. Chester’s Barbecue
Chester’s Barbecue aims to give diners an unforgettable experience. This entails enjoying beautiful meals in a laid-back, pleasant setting while sharing fond memories with loved ones.
This restaurant was born out of a passion for local cuisine. After graduating high school, Chester, the owner and operator of Chester’s Barbecue moved away from East Lyme to join the Marine Corps. He immediately became fascinated with the food when he left and relocated to Kansas.
Chester’s Barbecue offers a wide range of options for on-site and carry-out catering, including platters of their signature slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and sides such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Customers can choose from pre-set catering packages or create a custom menu to fit their specific needs and budget. Their prices are affordable and they are rated one of the best Groton restaurants.
It doesn’t matter if it is an entire wheel of ribs or sixteen ounces of brisket; most grilled steaks are carved and placed to order, preserving their succulence. The menu ranges from Chester’s combos, family meals, and sides to sandwiches, ribs, and chicken.
Drop by Chester’s Barbecue from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Address: 943 Poquonnock Rd, Groton, CT 06340, United States. Phone: +1 860-449-6868.
7. Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House
This restaurant is one of the best in the city, and the numerous honors speak for the institution. Established in 1962, Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House have served the neighborhood with first-rate hospitality and tasty meals.
They have developed a solid status as one of Connecticut’s fine dining establishments because of their Haute cuisine and dedication to quality. Famous for seafood, specialty pizzas, and Greek and fine Italian delicacies, Ocean Pizza promises a good time.
Featuring customized gourmet banquets, commitment to reasonable rates, and generous servings, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone looking for a nice meal in a welcoming setting.
The menu is diverse, with options for every dietary preference, including vegetarian and organic dishes. Some popular options include fried clams, seafood platter, lobster rolls, and chicken parmesan.
They are open from 10:30 am to 8:45 pm every day.
Address: 88 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320, United States. Phone: +1 860-443-0870.
8. Recovery Room Restaurant
Experience the taste of Italy in Recovery Room Restaurant! This restaurant is a longtime staple among residents in the region and is situated across Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.
One of the critical elements of the Italian cuisine at this restaurant is that they are known for their bold, zesty flavors and fresh, high-quality ingredients. They offer happy-hour drinks, happy-hour food, curbside pickup, a kids’ menu, small plates, and delivery services.
Enjoy Italian favorites such as tortellini, antipasto salad, cannoli, focaccia bread, chopped pasta salad, shrimp bruschetta, chicken Florentine sandwich, soup du jour, and BBQ bacon burgers.
Recovery Room welcomes guests from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 am to 9:30 pm on weekends. They are closed on Sundays.
Address: 445 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320, United States. Phone: +1 860-443-2619.
Would you want to know more places to eat in Connecticut? Here is a guide on the best restaurants in North Haven worth visiting.
9. Hot Rod Café
Another on the list of the best Groton restaurants and leading dining destination to enjoy fantastic meals, exemplary customer service, and mingle with an intriguing company on the city is Hot Rod Café. This vibrant, quirky restaurant provides 20+ varieties of wings and upbeat live music in a gorgeous setting.
With a range of beverages and meal packages, Hot Rod Café offers special dining sections suitable for accommodating about 30 to 200 guests. One of these sections is the Thames Riverview Roof Bar, which can hold up to 50 people.
As waves crash against the shore and seagulls soar overhead, diners can take advantage of the opportunity to eat outdoors while soaking in the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.
Enjoy meals like hot pretzels with sauce, chicken wings, fried pickles, Philly cheese steak wrap, garlic lemon pepper wings, fried pickles, honey BBQ, and Caribbean burger fried eggs.
They operate on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, weekends from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Address: 114 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, United States. Phone: +1 860-447-2320.
10. Swad Tandoori
Indian cooking’s classic gastronomic feast is something Swad Tandoori is very famous for. This establishment strives to provide customers with a superb Indian gourmet experience that includes pleasant, conscientious hospitality and excellent dishes.
Featuring a classic interior décor and golden accents, Swad Tandoori creates a truly immersive dining experience, transporting you to the heart of India.
There are many different items on the menu, primarily classic favorites such as chicken tikka masala, mango curry chicken, chicken biryani, palak paneer, and lamb vindaloo.
So go ahead and partake in the conventional and unique art of Indian cuisine at Swad Tandoori!
Visit Tandoori Mondays through Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 4:30 am to 9:00 pm, Thursdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 4:30 am to 9:00 pm, and weekends from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Address: 150 State St, New London, CT 06320, United States. Phone: +1 860-439-1809.
11. Pokemoto
The name Pokemoto originated from a Hawaiian cuisine known as poke, which is made up of diced raw fish and various seasonings and toppings.
Thomas Nguyen, the owner of this top Groton establishment, became fond of the traditional dish while residing in Hawaii. So, in an empty lot next to Yale University, he staked money on the restaurant.
Pokemoto has locations in other parts of Connecticut, and it is fast rising as a leading establishment in the state. The setting is very accommodating for families, tourists, and university students.
Pokemoto boasts an extensive menu of Pokemoto tofu, miso salmon, sesame ginger chicken, musubi bowl, sweet and spicy shrimp, and poke burrito.
You can visit Pokemoto any day from 10:45 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 255 CT-12, Groton, CT 06340, United States. Phone: +1 860-440-8651.
12. The Social Bar + Kitchen
The Social Bar + Kitchen, which debuted in 2016, is one of the top Groton restaurants that completely overhauled the dining scene in the city.
They did this by employing a new approach to microbrews, a sophisticated menu inclusive of all dietary restrictions such as vegan and vegetarian alternatives and having the most extensive draft collection of beverages in Southeast Connecticut.
Some of their services include live performances, happy-hour drinks, small plates, quiz night, happy-hour food, free wifi, a bar on site, and wheelchair-accessible options.
Enjoy Brussels sprouts, chicken bites, fish and chips, crispy wings, grilled ribeye, chicken and waffles, shepherd’s pie, tofu bites, and crab cake BLT, all on their menu.
They are open from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Mondays, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 4:00 pm to 12:00 am on Fridays, 11:00 am to 12:00 am on Saturdays, and 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 208 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320, United States. Phone: +1 880-442-6900.
13. The Shack
With about two other locations scattered around Connecticut, this privately owned and managed business was opened in 1989 and had, since then, provided locals and guests of Southeast Connecticut with a plethora of services.
The Shack offers gift cards as a great way to give the gift of delicious foods and drinks to your friends and loved ones. They also provide a variety of merchandise that can make fun and memorable gifts, such as t-shirts and hats.
For dish suggestions that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, you can start your day with a banana walnut waffle – a waffle pastry garnished with walnuts, banana strips, and whipped cream – then go for the chicken quesadilla, and end your food adventure with Rusell’s meatloaf dinner.
Operating hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sundays and from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.
Address: 441 Long Hill Rd, Groton, CT 06340. Phone: +1 860-445-5500.
14. When Pigs Fly
Overly processed cuisines, rude employees, and stagnant food selections are some things Gwen and Sarina McGugan didn’t enjoy about eating out. When they decided to start their restaurant ten years ago, they pledged never to include these shortcomings in their new business.
When Pigs Fly is almost like a second home for Gwen and Sarina. Here, customers are treated like family as they are provided with the best services and the most healthy, delicious meals. This treatment they offer to their customers has made them one of the best restaurants in Groton, CT.
This restaurant attracts diners who eventually become regular patrons thanks to its distinctive menu and welcoming atmosphere.
The Christmas tree decorations on the ceiling is another feature that draws in customers. After being put up at the start of the business, they have become an ever-present feature of interior design.
The meals are the only elements close to the restaurant’s cheerful tone, with pancakes, bacon and cheese omelet, home fries, steak wrap, scrambled eggs, and breakfast quesadilla.
Opening hours are from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm daily. They are closed on Wednesdays.
Address: 97 Rope Ferry Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, United States. Phone: +1 860-444-1110.
15. Olio Restaurant
Olio Restaurant boasts a classy yet casual ambiance accentuated by the backdrop of jazz music and the chatter and laughter of diners.
The lighthearted and elegant décor of this Groton restaurant strikes the perfect balance between playfulness and refinement. It is where you can enjoy a hearty meal in a chic, sophisticated setting and let your hair down and have a good time.
Visitors are first welcomed by shimmering candles, which serve as a guide into the dining area. The walls are painted a soothing shade of black and white, creating a stylish, cohesive look.
Olio has a way of meeting everyone’s needs. From appetizers like littleneck clams and crispy fried calamari to entrees like grilled pork tenderloin and crispy breaded stuffed chicken breast, the menu is a flawless combination of time-honored staples and cutting-edge innovations.
And if you are feeling a tad adventurous, you can sit at the bar and let the expert mixologists create a custom cocktail for you.
Visit Olio Restaurant Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, weekends from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm, and Sundays from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Address: 33 Kings Highway Groton, CT O6340, United States. Phone: +1 860-445-6546.
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Plan a Trip to Groton
No matter where you decide to eat, you should put some of these excellent suggestions of the best places to eat in Groton, CT, into consideration.
If you’re not in for just the food, this charming town’s rich history, culture, and natural scenery promise a lot of fun-filled activities, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
So why not consider taking a trip to Groton on your next vacation? You won’t be disappointed!