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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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New American cafe with a raw bar serving local seafood & produce amid collectible-dense decor.
Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 143 Water St, Stonington, CT 06378
Phone: (860) 535-2122
Website: https://waterstcafe.com/
Menu Photos
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Water Street Cafe
The Water Street Cafe is a local institution in the center of the seaside village of Stonington Borough. · The atmosphere is warm and eclectic with comfortable …
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OYSTERS. NINIGRET NECTARS (RI), MYSTICS (CT), WHISKEY SHOALS (RI) ; SHRIMP COCKTAIL ; LITTLENECKS ; NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER ; ESCARGOT POT PIE. garlic butter, puff …
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Water Street Cafe is considered one of the best restaurants in southeastern Connecticut. … 143 Water St, Stonington, CT, United States, 06378. Links.
Reviews
Paul Meijer
There’s something unmistakably comforting about the approach to Water Street Café. Tucked into the heart of Stonington, this cozy spot radiates old-school charm before you even step inside. Once through the door, you’re welcomed not just by a gracious host, but by the subtle hum of a place that knows its rhythm. The layout feels effortless—bar to the right, tables and booths to the left—perfectly intimate without trying too hard.
The meal begins humbly with a bread basket—simple, warm, soft butter on the side. It’s not showy, but it does its job exceptionally well. Think understated rather than underwhelming.
Starters here cover the spectrum. The shrimp cocktail stood out for its zippy horseradish-forward cocktail sauce—classic, but not dull. The Caesar salad arrived crisp, with a satisfying crunch from the croutons, while the beet and peach salad brought in a subtle sweetness that played nicely with the earthiness of the greens. The crispy tofu salad was a surprise hit—light, fresh, and punched up with a wasabi-soy vinaigrette that didn’t shy away from flavor.
Among the mains, the shrimp and scallops fra diavolo was a clear highlight. The seafood was tender, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the chili oil gave the tomato sauce a welcome, slow-building heat. For something more casual, the café burger on brioche was hearty and satisfying, especially with the addition of cheese and bacon. The London broil was classic comfort—tender beef, garlic butter, and crisp fries. If you’re leaning toward poultry, the chicken sandwich delivered crunch and tang, thanks to Creole mustard and a crusty roll.
Dessert brought it home. Two ice cream sundaes—one a straightforward vanilla-chocolate combo, the other a raspberry-drenched dream with a wafer base—both executed with care. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that leave the best impression.
If you go, ask for Andy. His easygoing service tied the whole experience together.
Water Street Café has roots that stretch back to 1994, founded by Walter and Stephanie Houlihan after years in the high-paced world of New York hospitality. Walter, a CIA-trained chef, brought a unique blend of French, Asian, and American influences to this coastal hideaway. Stephanie ensured that the front-of-house runs with genuine warmth, anchoring the café firmly in the heart of the community. Decades on, it’s clear why this spot remains a local favorite. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just making sure it rolls smoothly and tastes great along the way.
… moreThe meal begins humbly with a bread basket—simple, warm, soft butter on the side. It’s not showy, but it does its job exceptionally well. Think understated rather than underwhelming.
Starters here cover the spectrum. The shrimp cocktail stood out for its zippy horseradish-forward cocktail sauce—classic, but not dull. The Caesar salad arrived crisp, with a satisfying crunch from the croutons, while the beet and peach salad brought in a subtle sweetness that played nicely with the earthiness of the greens. The crispy tofu salad was a surprise hit—light, fresh, and punched up with a wasabi-soy vinaigrette that didn’t shy away from flavor.
Among the mains, the shrimp and scallops fra diavolo was a clear highlight. The seafood was tender, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the chili oil gave the tomato sauce a welcome, slow-building heat. For something more casual, the café burger on brioche was hearty and satisfying, especially with the addition of cheese and bacon. The London broil was classic comfort—tender beef, garlic butter, and crisp fries. If you’re leaning toward poultry, the chicken sandwich delivered crunch and tang, thanks to Creole mustard and a crusty roll.
Dessert brought it home. Two ice cream sundaes—one a straightforward vanilla-chocolate combo, the other a raspberry-drenched dream with a wafer base—both executed with care. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that leave the best impression.
If you go, ask for Andy. His easygoing service tied the whole experience together.
Water Street Café has roots that stretch back to 1994, founded by Walter and Stephanie Houlihan after years in the high-paced world of New York hospitality. Walter, a CIA-trained chef, brought a unique blend of French, Asian, and American influences to this coastal hideaway. Stephanie ensured that the front-of-house runs with genuine warmth, anchoring the café firmly in the heart of the community. Decades on, it’s clear why this spot remains a local favorite. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just making sure it rolls smoothly and tastes great along the way.
Erin Kimberly
Came here for dinner while on a quick trip to the ocean. Food was phenomenal! Best salmon I’ve ever had. Drinks were also great, I got the… twist on an old fashioned? I don’t remember what it was called. Excellent though. I will advise that they seem incredibly popular so call in advance to put your name on the list for a table. But I would highly recommend this spot to anyone, great food, drinks and service! If I’m ever back in the area, I will go again!
… morecolin asby
Food was OK, steak tasted fishy??? RI oysters were awesome, cocktail was good,would of liked a few but our waiter was there but not engaging, place is very nice inside and it was very busy, will try again
… moreNicole Sprow
For a Tuesday night the place was packed and they didn’t have enough waitstaff to meet the demand, we sat for almost 30 minutes before someone took our drink order and over an hour before someone came to take our food order. The food was delicious I got the duck and scallops; the duck was so tender I could easily cut it with a butter knife. They were knowledgeable about the menu and used a soy alternative on my dish because of my Celiac Disease.
My girlfriend got the halibut and while I didn’t try it because I wasn’t sure of it’s contents, it cut through like butter.
My girlfriends cocktail was VERY strong. Mine was delicious.
… moreMy girlfriend got the halibut and while I didn’t try it because I wasn’t sure of it’s contents, it cut through like butter.
My girlfriends cocktail was VERY strong. Mine was delicious.
Debbie J
Wow. What a great restaurant. Fabulous food, wonderful service, lovely atmosphere, and live music to boot; a guitar player who set the mood perfectly. Four of us had great meals, including two of us who are Vegans, and the vegan entrée was absolutely delicious. We will definitely eat here again when we are in town. Highly recommended.
… moreJustin Brown
The whole family enjoyed our visit. The food was delicious, the service impeccable, and the atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. We would definitely return
… moreJohn Llewellyn
randomly stopped in here on a road trip. on a cool street in a cute town. the town was a little sleepy around 8pm, but this place was not! what a cool spot, great vibes, friendly people and staff! i could feel old ship captains stumbling in here after a few weeks or days at sea, food was pretty good as well but not fantastic. More of a stop for vibes and libations i think, but would definitely recommend and will come here again
… moreLauryn
Fantastic experience here. Stopped in for the first time for a family member’s birthday and had a great dinner. I had an espresso martini (which was super yummy and so smooth) and then the roasted chicken skillet entree which was nicely cooked and very flavorful. Had some delicious bites of cheesecake to share for dessert. The atmosphere was very cozy and the service was extremely friendly. Can’t wait to come back soon!
… moreRichard Durishin
My other favorite restaurant in Mystic/Stonington. The room management is a mess. The bartender is, quite frankly, one of the best in the business in this area. The service is fun and friendly. And the food is freaking fantastic!
… moreMichael Millan
Best scallops and tuna we have ever eaten. Friendly staff and an overall excellent experience, would definitely suggest to a friend & make a return visit!
… more