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A Restaurant & Seafood Bar in Saugatuck Located along the Saugatuck River, The Whelk offers an ever-changing menu featuring sustainable seafood and local produce. Private tables, communals, bar and outdoor seating give The Whelk a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available-weather permitting.
Upmarket choice featuring sustainable seafood & local produce in an airy room with outdoor seating.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
Phone: (203) 557-0902
Website: http://www.thewhelkwestport.com/
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The Whelk – A Restaurant & Seafood Bar in Saugatuck
… The Whelk a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available-weather permitting. Instagram · Facebook · 575 RIVERSIDE AVE • WESTPORT, CT · (203) 557- …
Menu – The Whelk
Order Takeout · Make Reservation. Instagram · Facebook · 575 RIVERSIDE AVE • WESTPORT, CT · (203) 557-0902. Also Visit Massi Co (Authentic Neapolitan Pizza + …
The Whelk (@thewhelkwestport) • Instagram photos and videos
Seasonal seafood + veggies by the Saugatuck River. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4:30-9:30. Lunch Friday-Saturday 12-3 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880 …
Reviews
Zoya Dasgupta
The food was WAY better than I expected. It was pure magic. It’s made with so much love and passion, every dish is so flavourful and full of life. Plus the people who work there are beyond just sweet, they’re so hospitable, so nice, so warm. If I could go to this place every day, I WOULD. Special appreciation for chef Mike, he’s AMAZING, he’s talented, his passion for cooking SHOWS. And to not forget Pablo who also works in the kitchen who made us THE BEST grilled Octopus in the whole world! Do visit this place at least once in your whole life.
… moreJoanne Philpott
One of the best meals we have had in Connecticut. The Whelk is a bright, simple and fresh looking restaurant during the day then turns into the most romantic place in the world at night. The staff are helpful and friendly, nothing was a problem for them tonight. We ordered their house special Dirty Martini, the passion that goes into making this classic Martini was evident as it was quite simply the best I’ve had. Smooth, iced cold, complex but yet simple, it was perfect. We had the selection of fresh Oysters 4 different kinds, all of them were fantastic. We ordered their Skate Wing with a side of proper hand cut fries, the wing was zesty, roasted just right yet soft and silky on the inside. My husband had the Seafood Stew, he liked it but felt the tomato base was a little over powering. We finished our meal with the house favorite almond cake, simple and delicious, heated just the right amount to let the aroma come through. We will definitely be back to this wonderful restaurant, make sure you add it to your places to go if your in the area.
… moreTaras Martiniouk
Dining at The Whelk was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Nestled in the heart of Westport with a cozy, nautical charm, this spot is everything you could want in a seafood-focused restaurant. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale — warm lighting, rustic wood accents, and a view of the water that sets the tone for a relaxed yet elevated meal.
The menu is thoughtful, creative, and clearly driven by seasonal, local ingredients. We started with the raw oysters, which were impeccably fresh and served with a perfect mignonette. The smoked trout deviled eggs were a standout — such a unique, flavorful twist on a classic. For our mains, the seared scallops and grilled swordfish were both cooked to perfection, beautifully plated, and bursting with flavor. The sides and sauces complemented the seafood without overpowering it, showcasing a real understanding of balance in every dish.
The cocktail program is equally impressive — inventive, balanced, and made with fresh ingredients. I tried the house gin cocktail and it was one of the best I’ve had in the area. Dessert was just as strong — a rich, not-too-sweet chocolate mousse that rounded out the meal perfectly.
The service was attentive and knowledgeable without ever feeling rushed. Our server offered great wine pairings and menu suggestions, and clearly cared about the experience.
The Whelk is a true culinary gem and I can’t wait to return. A must-visit for food lovers!
… moreThe menu is thoughtful, creative, and clearly driven by seasonal, local ingredients. We started with the raw oysters, which were impeccably fresh and served with a perfect mignonette. The smoked trout deviled eggs were a standout — such a unique, flavorful twist on a classic. For our mains, the seared scallops and grilled swordfish were both cooked to perfection, beautifully plated, and bursting with flavor. The sides and sauces complemented the seafood without overpowering it, showcasing a real understanding of balance in every dish.
The cocktail program is equally impressive — inventive, balanced, and made with fresh ingredients. I tried the house gin cocktail and it was one of the best I’ve had in the area. Dessert was just as strong — a rich, not-too-sweet chocolate mousse that rounded out the meal perfectly.
The service was attentive and knowledgeable without ever feeling rushed. Our server offered great wine pairings and menu suggestions, and clearly cared about the experience.
The Whelk is a true culinary gem and I can’t wait to return. A must-visit for food lovers!
Kathy D
For me this would be a 3.7 if that were possible. I didn’t love this restaurant. The food was decent and the atmosphere was nice, clean and simple. We started with calamari and deviled eggs. The calamari was cooked well, crunchy coating, maybe cornmeal, and the sauce was delicious, slight heat and tang. The deviled eggs were fine, don’t typically order these out, but fried oyster peaked our curiosity. The oyster was delicious, again I think cornmeal crust and plump and juicy but I would have been happy with just the oysters. Having said that the egg was good, creamy green goddess filling but for me there is nothing special about a deviled egg. Seafood stew was our best bite. Very light broth that didn’t overpower the fish and the fregula added some bulk to the dish. Also had fish sticks. Not on the online menu but it sounded like a fun thing to try. This dish was a little disappointing. The fish was battered and deep fried and there was probably a 2 to 1 ratio of batter to fish. The fish was tender and tasty but you needed to peel off some batter to be able to taste the fish. It came with no dipping sauce but I saw it served a few tables down and they had two sauces. Did they ask for it or did they forget to give it to me, I was at the end of my meal when I saw it so didn’t ask. The coleslaw that came with it was very overdressed to the point of not being enjoyable to eat. Again the other table I saw with this meal had coleslaw that looked white and not nearly as saucy as mine.
The bib salad was beautiful but unfortunately I ordered it on a whim and didn’t read the menu closely. I don’t care for truffle oil and this salad had truffle honey so it wasn’t for me. I have never had dubai cake before but i didn’t like it. It was very dry and the only pistachio I tasted were a few nuts on the plate. We knew the whoopi pie would be a modern interpretation and it was. Beautifully presented and the cake was moist and I think soaked in olive oil. The lemon curd was served on the side and absolutely delicious, tart and creamy. The only disappointment was that the cream filling had absolutely no flavor. The dirty martini with house made brine was okay. Nothing special and definitely very light on the dirty. I realize I haven’t said many good things about this restaurant but unfortunately for me it just didn’t hit the mark.
… moreThe bib salad was beautiful but unfortunately I ordered it on a whim and didn’t read the menu closely. I don’t care for truffle oil and this salad had truffle honey so it wasn’t for me. I have never had dubai cake before but i didn’t like it. It was very dry and the only pistachio I tasted were a few nuts on the plate. We knew the whoopi pie would be a modern interpretation and it was. Beautifully presented and the cake was moist and I think soaked in olive oil. The lemon curd was served on the side and absolutely delicious, tart and creamy. The only disappointment was that the cream filling had absolutely no flavor. The dirty martini with house made brine was okay. Nothing special and definitely very light on the dirty. I realize I haven’t said many good things about this restaurant but unfortunately for me it just didn’t hit the mark.
Desiree Caro
I was underwhelmed. The menu online isn’t the most up to date, so I was really disappointed that there werent any muscles available when we arrived. I spent almost 250 on 3 entrees, 2apps, and two drinks which isn’t bad when the experience was great, but it was meh
… moreAllen Huang
Decent spot in Westport, close to the train station. It’s more tailored for adults / date night than family / kids.
It gets energetically loud inside during peak hours so for those soft spoken people, remember to project your volume. Sound dampening is not good.
Also, 20% gratuity is already included, which is fine as long as the service is attentive and above average.
… moreIt gets energetically loud inside during peak hours so for those soft spoken people, remember to project your volume. Sound dampening is not good.
Also, 20% gratuity is already included, which is fine as long as the service is attentive and above average.
Joe B
Unfortunately under it’s current ownership the food is not any better than it was when Bill Taibbi owned it. I know some people rave, but many call tract homes great architecture, and sailboats painted on black velvet art.
Nothing, thank goodness, was bad, in the sense that it was rotten or smelly, but almost everything was disturbingly tasteless, even the oysters. (How do they manage that?) The lobster and the soft-shell both tasted like the brioche rolls they were served on, and of unpleasant sauces and condiments, but of lobster and crab there was nary a whiff and scarcely a sight.
Service? Is that what it’s called these days? To wait half an hour for the wine steward only to be told there is no such person on staff? To be told about dishes that, upon arrival at the table, were not at all as described?
I sent an email to the new owner about my experience. I used to think we shared the same vision of quality and excellence. I thought he got it. In as much as he never replied, I guess I was wrong.
… moreNothing, thank goodness, was bad, in the sense that it was rotten or smelly, but almost everything was disturbingly tasteless, even the oysters. (How do they manage that?) The lobster and the soft-shell both tasted like the brioche rolls they were served on, and of unpleasant sauces and condiments, but of lobster and crab there was nary a whiff and scarcely a sight.
Service? Is that what it’s called these days? To wait half an hour for the wine steward only to be told there is no such person on staff? To be told about dishes that, upon arrival at the table, were not at all as described?
I sent an email to the new owner about my experience. I used to think we shared the same vision of quality and excellence. I thought he got it. In as much as he never replied, I guess I was wrong.
Law Tem
We went here for a Saturday family outing. The food is fine…we started with oysters, fried cod, devil eggs and clam chowder. The starters were fine and served expeditiously. The main course of fish stew and fish and chips were fine. The fried potatoes were massive and to my taste a little too much starch and not enough taste. The sauce was excellent. The fish stew had a pasta ingredient we had not known before called “fregula” it added bulk to the stew. The dessert was chocolate custard and was pleasantly addictive! Unfortunately the restaurant ambiance seemed indeterminate…the decor is sort of Cape Cod modern but not appealing at least to this reviewer. If you are looking for good food and service this is a good place… ambiance is not there… perhaps it was just a late Saturday afternoon and things liven up in the evening.
… moreDeb Stone
I haven’t been here in many years and years ago I would have had a higher rating. I was just slightly disappointed by visit this time.
The positive – when I walked in, the host told me my table was the first one closest to the front door, when he saw my slight hesitation he asked if I would prefer another table and brought me the “the garden room” in the back where it was much quieter and a much better option for the evening. The main room can be kind of loud and hard to talk.
For an appetizer, we ordered the deviled eggs and the tuna tartar. They were both pretty tasty.
For dinner I ordered the stripped bass, the fish was pretty good, it was served in a creamy lemon sauce but there were bits of lemon that had been stewed in the sauce which I ended up accidentally eating twice and it was was kind of gross. The potatoes that were served with the fish were cold.
We did order the French fries on the side, which were delicious – so I ate those instead of the potatoes that came with the fish.
The waitress as sweet and attentive as she was came over to “check” on our table maybe 5 too many times. It got to the point where it started to actually be annoying. I’m glad no one forgot us in the back room but it also felt like we couldn’t eat our meal fast enough.
Lastly, the dessert menu only had 2 options. Which seemed to go along with what I felt was a limited dinner menu as well. We got the chocolate pot, which was very good.
I think I was just slightly disappointed because I had such a fond memory of loving this place many years ago, and felt like it didn’t live up to the standard I remembered.
… moreThe positive – when I walked in, the host told me my table was the first one closest to the front door, when he saw my slight hesitation he asked if I would prefer another table and brought me the “the garden room” in the back where it was much quieter and a much better option for the evening. The main room can be kind of loud and hard to talk.
For an appetizer, we ordered the deviled eggs and the tuna tartar. They were both pretty tasty.
For dinner I ordered the stripped bass, the fish was pretty good, it was served in a creamy lemon sauce but there were bits of lemon that had been stewed in the sauce which I ended up accidentally eating twice and it was was kind of gross. The potatoes that were served with the fish were cold.
We did order the French fries on the side, which were delicious – so I ate those instead of the potatoes that came with the fish.
The waitress as sweet and attentive as she was came over to “check” on our table maybe 5 too many times. It got to the point where it started to actually be annoying. I’m glad no one forgot us in the back room but it also felt like we couldn’t eat our meal fast enough.
Lastly, the dessert menu only had 2 options. Which seemed to go along with what I felt was a limited dinner menu as well. We got the chocolate pot, which was very good.
I think I was just slightly disappointed because I had such a fond memory of loving this place many years ago, and felt like it didn’t live up to the standard I remembered.
Laurie
Excellent dining experience. My daughter discovered this place about a year ago. Was staying at a place nearby and searched for recommendations. As we both love seafood, we decided to give it a try. Best decision we made. We had the oysters to start and also ordered the old bay fries. Oysters were freshly harvested that day, they were delicious. The fries are freshly made from potatoes and cooked just right. When we made our reservation we made it for 4:30 which is the start of their happy hour. Definitely a plus since we had about 4 dozen oysters and 2 drinks each. They only serve the best alcohol , not watered down. The atmosphere was perfect. There were even a few kids there which was nice. They were quieter than the patrons . I would totally recommend A+++
… more