Mystic is a charming New England seaport that has captivated visitors for generations. This picturesque town, with its maritime heritage dating back to the 1600s, rose to fame as a shipbuilding powerhouse and later achieved pop culture status thanks to the 1988 film “Mystic Pizza.” Today, Mystic seamlessly blends its rich history with a thriving culinary scene, making it one of Connecticut’s premier destinations for food lovers. From centuries-old inns serving traditional New England fare to award-winning restaurants helmed by James Beard-recognized chefs, this list showcases historic, Hollywood-famous, and award-winning dining in Mystic, CT.
Key Takeaways:
- Historic dining in Mystic dates back to the 1700s, with several restaurants housed in buildings over 250 years old
- Famous restaurants in Mystic include the iconic Mystic Pizza that inspired the beloved 1988 film
- Award-winning dining in Mystic features two James Beard Award finalists and a Food Network champion
- From waterfront lobster shacks to refined farm-to-table establishments, Mystic’s culinary landscape reflects authentic New England tradition
Historic Restaurants and Buildings
Since 1947, Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough has been serving legendary seafood on the banks of the Mystic River. Food writers worldwide have proclaimed their clam chowder the best of its kind, while their steamers, stuffed clams, and New England seafood feast keep patrons returning year after year. This seasonal waterfront destination operates first-come, first-served, and diners can bring their own wine or beer. Open from late spring until mid-fall, Abbott’s represents the quintessential Connecticut shoreline experience.
Family-owned and operated since 1881, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is a National Historic Landmark and the last steam-powered cider mill in the United States. With 4th, 5th, and 6th generation family members currently operating it, they craft sweet cider and hard ciders using methods perfected over generations, offering 14 apple wines and 8 hard ciders handcrafted on premises. Visitors enjoy cider-making demonstrations, tastings, and renowned cider donuts.
Step back in time at The Captain Daniel Packer Inne, built over 250 years ago on the Mystic River. Square-rigger Captain Daniel Packer completed construction in 1756, and the property remained in the Packer family until the late 1900s. Restored in the 1980s and remaining in the family today, this historic inn invites travelers to experience the fine fare and hospitality of 18th-century New England. The pub features live entertainment and is renowned for good cheer, craft beer, and old New England décor.
Established in 2002 by Irishman Leo Roche, The Harp & Hound occupies one of Mystic’s oldest buildings dating back to the early 1700s, where the Daughters of the Revolution held early meetings. Leo transformed the building to resemble authentic Irish pubs, importing everything from road signs to furniture directly from Ireland. The pub offers happy hour, free trivia Wednesdays, live music on weekends, and Sunday karaoke.
Set inside Mystic’s historic 1931 granite bank building, Cucina Al Pantheon transforms Pantheon-inspired columns into a gathering place where tradition meets celebration. Restaurateur Petrit Marku’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine shines through every dish, from silky handmade pastas to rich, slow-simmered sauces and perfectly seared entrées. Paired with curated wines and handcrafted cocktails, this restaurant envisions itself as Mystic’s living room, a place where locals feel at home and visitors are welcomed like family.
Housed in the beautifully restored Lathrop Marine Engine building with views of the Mystic River, Engine Room celebrates America’s most beloved dish: the burger. This establishment features sixteen craft beers on tap, the area’s largest bourbon selection, and creative American comfort food. Weekly specials include Craft Beer & Burger Monday, Flintstone Friday featuring large format cuts like tomahawk steaks, and Proper Boozy Brunch on Sundays with build-your-own Bloody Marys.
Located in the heart of downtown Mystic, this establishment continues a tradition of ice cream excellence dating back to the 1800s. Beginning with Randall Brown, Jr., the tradition continued through Ebenezer Morgan’s “The Riverside Ice Cream Garden” and John Koulbanis in the mid-20th century. Today, Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream uses the finest ingredients to craft homemade ice cream, maintaining over 100 years of excellence in the same historic location.
A Hollywood Famous Restaurant
No list of famous restaurants in Mystic would be complete without Mystic Pizza. The Zelepos family opened Mystic Pizza in 1973, and their hard work, family effort, and secret recipe created an addictive flavor that drew crowds for decades. When screenwriter Amy Jones summered in the area, she chose Mystic Pizza as the setting for her story about three young waitresses. The 1988 film, shot on location in Mystic, became a hit that even Siskel and Ebert praised with two thumbs up. Today, visitors can taste “the pizza that made the movie famous.”
Award-Winning Chefs
Pastry Chef Adam Young brings Food Network fame to Mystic through his French-focused Sift Bake Shop. Crowned Food Network’s Best Baker in America in 2018, Adam is a guest judge on “Holiday Gingerbread Showdown” and “Chopped Sweets.” The bakery features artisanal breads, breakfast pastries, and sweet and savory delights, all made from scratch in-house with the finest ingredients, making Sift Bake Shop a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the best places to eat in Mystic.
Among award-winning restaurants in Connecticut, The Shipwright’s Daughter stands in a class of its own. Chef DaVid Standridge earned the prestigious 2024 James Beard Chef Award, cementing this establishment’s reputation for culinary excellence. The restaurant’s tide-to-table philosophy emphasizes sustainability and community, with daily changing menus showcasing partnerships with local growers, farmers, and fishermen. Every dish reflects the freshest, responsibly sourced ingredients from New England’s bounty.
Chef and Partner Renee Touponce brings serious credentials to Oyster Club as a James Beard Award Finalist for Outstanding Chef 2024 and Best Chef Northeast 2023. This acclaimed establishment offers both refined dining and casual ambiance through its seasonal Treehouse, an indoor/outdoor treetop oasis above the Mystic River. The Treehouse provides the same exceptional sourcing philosophy and hospitality standards as the main restaurant in a relaxed atmosphere. Chef Touponce also leads the culinary team at their sister restaurant, The Port of Call.