Food is one of the most important parts of any trip and Mystic restaurants do not disappoint. Sometimes though, you can find a restaurant with a bit of a story and when you dine there that story becomes part of your vacation. There are restaurants that are Hollywood famous, historically important, and housed in unique locations. All of these restaurants are within a mile-and-a-half of The Taber Inne.
Key Takeaways:
- Mystic Pizza is the “The Pizza That Made the Movie Famous.”
- S&P Oyster is home to a very quirky sculpture.
- The chef at Sift Bake Shop has been featured on Food Network.
- Dining at Mystic Fish Camp brings back the nostalgia of the 1970s.
- The Captain Daniel Packer Inne has been around since 1756.
- Taquerio has transformed an old gas station into a hip taco bar.
1. Mystic Pizza
If you have ever wondered where to eat in Mystic and wanted the most iconic answer possible, look no further than Mystic Pizza. The Zelepos family opened this beloved pizzeria in 1973, building its reputation on hard work, family dedication, and a closely guarded secret recipe that has been drawing hungry crowds from near and far ever since. What truly set Mystic Pizza apart from every other pizzeria in New England, though, was the moment it caught the eye of screenwriter Amy Jones. Jones was spending the summer in the area when she chose Mystic Pizza as the setting for her story about three young waitresses navigating life and love. The 1988 film was shot on location in Mystic and neighboring towns, received two enthusiastic thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert, and launched the career of a then-unknown Julia Roberts. Today, the restaurant proudly carries the title of “The Pizza That Made the Movie Famous,” and every slice comes with a side of cinematic history.
2. S&P Oyster
For more than 30 years, S&P Oyster has been delivering what many consider the most impactful dining experience in Mystic. Perched along the Mystic River with sweeping views of the iconic Bascule Bridge, this is one of the best Mystic restaurants for seafood lovers who want atmosphere to match their meal. The menu blends New England favorites with a South American twist, featuring local oysters, fresh catches, steaks, and signature crafted cocktails. Before you even walk through the door, keep an eye out for the eye-catching fish sculpture out front crafted entirely from dining utensils. It sets the tone for a restaurant that takes its personality as seriously as its food. Insider tip: stop in between 3 and 5 pm for the most relaxed experience, where the view is all yours and walk-ins are warmly welcomed.
3. Sift Bake Shop
If you are searching for the best Mystic restaurants for breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat, Sift Bake Shop is your answer. This family-owned, French-focused bakery is the creation of Pastry Chef Adam Young, who was named “Best Baker in America” on Food Network and has also served as a judge on Chopped Sweets, the popular culinary competition spinoff. Every item on the menu is made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients, from artisanal breads and breakfast pastries to sweet and savory delights that are as beautiful as they are delicious. A full barista bar rounds out the experience with coffees, lattes, and artisanal beverages. With additional locations in Niantic, CT, Watch Hill, RI, and Mohegan Sun, Sift has clearly struck a chord but the Mystic location has its own special charm that makes it worth a dedicated visit.
4. Mystic Fish Camp
Located in the heart of downtown Mystic just steps from the iconic Bascule Bridge, Mystic Fish Camp is one of the most fun Connecticut restaurants you will find anywhere along the shoreline. The concept blends New England coastal charm with the playful nostalgia of a 1970s summer camp, creating a fast-casual atmosphere that is relaxed, joyful, and completely unpretentious. The menu is built around 100% sustainable, locally sourced, wild-caught seafood, and it evolves with the seasons and the environment. Standouts include the crispy hand-cut Mermaid Fries, salt and vinegar onion rings, and fish and chips made daily from locally caught fish. Sit at the counter, join friends in a window seat, or take your meal to go. Mystic Fish Camp delivers big flavor with a heart to match.
5. The Captain Daniel Packer Inne
For a true step back in time, no list of the best Mystic restaurants would be complete without The Captain Daniel Packer Inne. Built on the banks of the Mystic River in 1756 by square-rigger Captain Daniel Packer himself, this storied landmark has been welcoming travelers for well over 250 years. In its early days, weary guests making the journey between New York and Boston would stop here to rest and dine. The property remained in the Packer family and their descendants for generations before being lovingly restored in the 1980s using construction methods that date back to the 1700s, preserving the original fireplaces, mantles, and hand-hewn beams. Today, live music plays every night, and guests can soak in centuries of Mystic history while enjoying a meal that honors the Inne’s legendary hospitality.
6. Taquerio
Rounding out this list of fun Connecticut restaurants is Taquerio, a fast-casual taqueria that has turned a vintage 1950s gas station into one of the hippest spots in downtown Mystic. Open garage doors in the summer create a breezy, welcoming atmosphere, while outdoor games like giant Jenga and Connect Four keep the good times going between rounds of cold margaritas. The menu features handmade, street-style tacos with fresh, bold ingredients and creative combinations. Don’t miss the oyster po boy taco that perfectly captures the spirit of coastal New England with a south-of-the-border twist. Taquerio is fast, fun, and full of personality.
Mystic, CT punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. From Hollywood legends to 18th-century history, sustainable seafood shacks to award-winning bakeries, there is truly something for every appetite and every curiosity. Plan your visit, work up an appetite, and let the stories unfold one bite at a time.