Water Street Cafe
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Water Street Cafe
Water Street Cafe, with our beautiful mahogany bar-built by frenchman Oliver LeBras-our casual and eclectic atmosphere and warm staff, is a favorite spot among locals. Nestled in the center of the seaside village of Stonington Borough, we are known for our succulent Oyster Bar, fresh seafood and daily menu that includes Stonington fisherman's catch of the day and fresh seasonal produce from local and organic farmers.

To make a reservation please call after 4PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday. We will see you on Thursday!. WATER ST CAESAR SALAD romaine hearts, parmesan, house dressing & croutons 9/5 add chicken breasts 8. We are not only the favorite restaurant among locals but are also highly rated by the New York Times, Zagats, Connecticut Magazine and local newspapers throughout Connecticut.
Services
Our simple and fresh New American menu is created with Stonington fresh-caught seafood, local farm-grown produce and quality meats. We also offer gluten-free and vegetarian choices. We serve local classics like Stonington Oysters and Ninigret Nectars and fantastic oysters from the northern waters of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, as well as some delicate and refreshing oysters from the pacific Northwest.
Reviews (23)
Janet C.
Janet C.
Jan 09, 2022
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What a find! Staying in Stonington during a very cold weekend, looking to find a place for dinner. Had a lovely, but cold walk to this restaurant. We are still being super careful (socially distancing, etc) and the sweet hostess helped us find a table where we would feel comfortable. Everyone there is very accommodating and friendly. Our dinners were delicious, burger and fries, and salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach. It was such a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend. Thank you Water Street Cafe for making us comfortable!
Alex P. T.
Alex P. T.
Dec 22, 2021
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Coconut Walnut Wafer Cake. There, I said it. We often dream of starting a meal with dessert and most of the time we don't. Ok. I didn't do it either, but I am starting this review off with it because if you are ever going to do it, this is the one you should do it for. Like really- did you ever dream there would be such a delicious treat called Coconut lanut Wafer Cake? Ok. Me neither, but now I do and so should you. 5 stars all the way.

Water Street Cafe has a beautiful mahogany bar in the center of the seaside village of Stonington Borough. We had gone to check out the new Lobster
Bob K.
Bob K.
Nov 12, 2021
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The food was delicious. Due to our late reservations, they were running out of some items. Would recommend making reservations for earlier in the evening if you can get them.
Philip Hardebeck
Philip Hardebeck
Nov 03, 2021
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Food and cocktails were fantastic, service was ... leisurely. Probably short staffed, just like everywhere else. Anyway, my three dinner companions loved the dozen oysters (3 varieties), and we all loved our entrees: Skillet Chicken; Halibut; Crispy Duck; and Duck Breast Salad. The fish and fowl were cooked to perfection; tender and flavorful. The cocktails were tasty and had quite a bit of alcohol. Overall, well worth the $200 bill (excluding tip).
Jen
Jen
Oct 30, 2021
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We were here on a Friday night like the out of towners we are. But let me tell you that I'm so upset that I can't remember the bartenders name. She made me a margarita like I haven't had in years!!!! It was fresh light and perfectly strong. The hubby had an old fashioned and as soon as we saw her preparation method we knew she would deliver us one hell of a drink. And. She. Did. Not. Disappoint. Plus the oysters were heavenly... Definitely a 10/10
Lissie Brooks
Lissie Brooks
Oct 21, 2021
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We drove nearly 2 hours to celebrate a special occasion here. It was worth every minute. A wonderful atmosphere and delicious dinner!
Steve Aylward
Steve Aylward
Oct 12, 2021
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Came from the York to visit some family in the area found this nice little place I have to admit might be the best food in the best service I’ve had in many years I never like restaurants anymore except for this one no server Cecelia was the best you have to try this place
Joshua DeJesus
Joshua DeJesus
Sep 21, 2021
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Very homie and cozy. Great wine selection the food is superior. Great people in the kitchen, and behind the bar. The service is prompt. Highly recommended
Ayana K. D.
Ayana K. D.
Jun 22, 2021
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I'm so glad my husband and I found this place. We were on a day trip in Westerly, RI when we decided to have dinner at this local spot.

The customer service was fantastic from the moment we walked in. We were seated at an high top table and serviced by Andy the entire time.

The food was delicious -from presentation to flavor. There was nothing to take home.

We highly recommend Water Street Cafe. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks again Andy for providing top notch service.
Timothy Lim
Timothy Lim
May 17, 2021
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Fantastic service from the moment you walk in the door to finish. Been here previously and it had been a 3 star rating and was never really blown out the water until now.. The new chefs were fantastic and explained in detail every entree and catered to my needs and likings perfectly. Would definitely come back here and/or recommend to all my friends. The quality is unmatched in the area. The new chefs really know what they’re doing.
Tom Zanarini
Tom Zanarini
May 01, 2021
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Love the atmosphere and the food is excellent. A good mix of favorites that don't leave the menu (duck & scallops) and new dishes daily. It's an easy decision to go there.
Richard Z.
Richard Z.
Jan 09, 2021
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My husband and I went to Water Street cafe, one of our favorite restaurants last night. It was the first time we have dined inside a restaurant since the pandemic started. As always the food and service was impeccable. We ordered the duck and scallops which was perfectly done. We felt completely safe with the measures they put in place for social distancing. Happy to support a local, small business and planning to go back soon.
August P.
August P.
Aug 22, 2020
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On our way back from Boston we decided to stop in and have diner. What a Great find. The food was Fabulous and the waitress was delightful.I had there signature dish Duck with Scallops and it was divine.
Dalia I.
Dalia I.
Aug 20, 2020
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Best place in Stonington by far! Corner table was comfy cozy. Our server was Angela C., she was very friendly and efficient. Escargot pot pie, oysters, shrimp and salmon was amazing. They even were able to serve me my favorite dessert of Creme Brule even though it wasn't on the menu! Will definitely go back!
Avery K.
Avery K.
Aug 15, 2020
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It doesn't get any better than water street cafe! Always delicious, period. I'm so grateful to have such a delicious restaurant in my home town. I would take a dinner at water street over any top restaurant in Boston or other cities I've lived in.
Norman M.
Norman M.
Sep 08, 2019
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Absolutely the most unorganized cafe I ever went to. My wife and I who are locals decided to give them another chance to redeem themselves from the last time we went. When we got there they quoted us a 35-40 min wait.... which since it was a nice night we decided give it a shot. After an hour we asked the hostess how much longer and she said I don't know it's really hard to seat couples and it is way easier to seat parties of 3+.... Absolutely ridiculous.... just to let you know it's been about 3 hours and we still haven't got a call.... I will never step foot in that place
Michael F.
Michael F.
Aug 22, 2019
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My wife and I were in town for a couple of nights and the Inn that we were staying at highly recommended this restaurant for dinner. We visited on a Monday evening and we were lucky to score a table when we did because the place was suddenly at capacity. The restaurant was located in the old downtown area of Stonington. The restaurant was quite charming, cozy, and romantic. There was a nice bar area to enjoy a drink if you didn't plan on eating.

My wife and I began with the local seasonal green salad with the balsamic mustard vinaigrette. Fantastic. Very generous portion that consisted
Angie G.
Angie G.
Nov 13, 2018
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Great service and food. Really enjoyed our stay in Connecticut and this little hometown cafe hit the spot!
Tom B.
Tom B.
Nov 09, 2018
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My wife and I stopped for lunch last weekend and we were very disappointed. I had the squash soup which tasted no better than chicken broth thickened with some orange coloring. My wife's Taco salad was awful. The shell was stale and had an old smell to it. The ingredients were minimal at best. It was advertised as having Chile but had only an occasional kidney bean.

We will not be back.
James O.
James O.
Jul 10, 2018
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Have to knock this place down. Such a difference from two years ago. Can you imagine waiting a half an hour for your drink and dinner order? And dealing with a confusing menu (fusion asian and something)?

Complained to hostess about an hour and a half into the order about our long wait time, our waitress not being responsive, etc, and not once did the manager or waitress come by and at least say sorry. Also, nothing was comped, adding insult to injury.

The food was ok. It would have been 100x better if we actually had good service!

Avoid the place. Hoping it's a one off
Chris B.
Chris B.
May 02, 2018
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Pretty average, the decor was the most interesting part of my meal. I started with the lobster spring rolls, which were mostly wonton wrapper and tasted more of cooking oil than lobster. The only thing "spicy" about the dipping sauce was my sass after shelling out $15 for such an underwhelming appetizer. For dinner I ordered the steak frites, which came soaked in garlic (a positive) but the meat itself had little flavor. I did enjoy that the cut had minimal fat, which often is not the case with these bargain steaks where you might as well be munching on a piece of beef-flavored bubble
Phyllis L.
Phyllis L.
Jul 01, 2017
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Despite the food being excellent, we were appalled at the hostess.
Me and my three friends, two of us being 21 and one 24, when we asked to be seated were immediately IDed. This was weird because we were not here for the bar or to order drinks. The hostess took our IDs, and disappeared with them for 5 minutes, then came back and told us that we would not be served alcohol that night and would have to wait a while for a table. This felt very unprofessional and judgmental since we are all of age and had legal IDs that were clearly ours. We respect a restaurants right to refuse drinks to whoever,
G. B.
G. B.
Aug 09, 2014
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Can't go wrong! Drinks excellent! Salads Excellent! Oysters crisp and delicious. Hanger steak cooked to perfection. Lamb was served with potatoes and Garlicky green beans. Filet Mignone with Julian sweet potatoes.

Also had fresh made mozzarella with tomatoes. Good wine selection.

Not cheap but certainly worth the money.

Great meal (4 of us all loved it)