Why Milford Has the Best Restaurant Scene in Coastal CT

What makes Milford's restaurant scene truly special is its remarkable diversity. Unlike many coastal Connecticut towns where one cuisine dominates, Milford offers everything from upscale waterfront dining to quick taco joints that rival any major city. Located steps from the harbor in downtown Milford, you'll find historic establishments, exciting newcomers, and family-run gems that have been perfecting their recipes for decades.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Milford

Stonebridge Restaurant: Upscale Waterfront Dining

Address: 50 Daniel Street, Milford, CT
Price: $$$
Vibe: Upscale casual with romantic waterfall views

When locals think of the best restaurant in Milford for special occasions, Stonebridge Restaurant immediately comes to mind. Established in 1989, this classic New England destination sits on the Wepawaug River with multi-tiered decks and patios overlooking a romantic waterfall.

Stonebridge specializes in fresh seafood, including live lobsters, fresh clams and oysters, and their signature shrimp cocktail. But the menu extends far beyond seafood, with succulent steaks, tender poultry, and incredible homemade pasta specialties. The restaurant features an elegant main dining room with an inviting fireplace, a relaxing pub room with rich mahogany furnishings, and seasonal outdoor dining.

Don't Miss: The lobster roll, crab cakes, and seafood risotto (a combination of lobster, shrimp, and scallops in mushroom parmesan risotto)

The Lazy Lobster: Connecticut's Best Lobster Roll

Address: 6 Broadway, Milford, CT
Price: $$
Vibe: Casual outdoor seating, BYOB-friendly

The Lazy Lobster was officially crowned Connecticut's best lobster roll in 2025, and it's easy to see why. This counter-serve spot near the beach serves up buttery lobster rolls on fresh-baked baguettes (they bake their own bread in-house). The meat from a full one-pound lobster is piled high on each roll, and the result is pure New England perfection.

Beyond the famous lobster roll, The Lazy Lobster is renowned for its "ribby roll" featuring slow-cooked rib meat, 48-hour dry-rubbed baby back ribs, and lobster bisque that CBS News reported as the best in New England. The casual atmosphere and BYOB policy (no corkage fees) make it a perfect stop after a day at Walnut Beach.

Don't Miss: The lobster roll (obviously), ribby roll, roasted onions, and lobster bisque

Pro Tip: It's seasonal and opens in spring, so plan accordingly

Best Pizza in Milford, CT

Milford takes its pizza seriously, and you'll find several styles represented across town.

Colony Grill: Iconic Thin-Crust Bar Pizza

Address: 36 Broad Street (on the Milford Green)
Price: $$
Vibe: Classic pizza parlor, sports bar atmosphere

Colony Grill is a Connecticut institution. Originally opened in Stamford in 1935, their Milford location brings their famous ultra-thin crust bar pizza to downtown. The signature move here is ordering your pie with "hot oil" – a spicy, pepper-infused topping that's become legendary throughout Fairfield County.

Each pizza comes in one size (between a small and medium), and the thin, crispy crust is light enough that you can easily put away a whole pie yourself. The pizza is foldable for slice folders and has just the right amount of grease. They also offer gluten-free options.

Don't Miss: Any pizza with hot oil, the salad pie

GG's Wood Fired Pizza: Artisan Pizza & Italian Specialties

Address: 591 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT
Price: $$
Vibe: Family-friendly, classic pizza parlor feel

GG's uses 00 Caputo flour hand-grown in Campania, Italy, and cooks their pizzas in a wood-fired Mugnaini oven at temperatures up to 1,000 degrees. The result is a thin-crust artisan pizza with a crunchy, airy crust with bits of smoky char. They use certified DOP San Marzano tomatoes grown in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius and age their dough for a minimum of 48 hours.

But GG's is more than just pizza. Their Italian menu features incredible specials like "Carmela's Chicken Parm" (thin, crispy chicken parm over homemade pasta) and "Greg's Meatball Crusher" on house-made Italian bread. The Caesar salad is consistently praised, and their meatball pizza is a fan favorite.

Don't Miss: Caesar salad, Carmela's chicken parm, Greg's meatball crusher, and the wood-fired pizzas

New Haven Pizza Place: Authentic New Haven-Style Pies

Address: 1377 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT
Price: $$
Vibe: No-frills, authentic pizza joint

New Haven Pizza Place brings authentic New Haven-style pizza to Milford, complete with the characteristic charred crust. Their tomato pie is a standout – featuring ripe, tart tomatoes balanced perfectly with pecorino romano and garlic. The thin-crust pizzas are cooked in a brick oven, giving them that signature New Haven char.

With roots dating back over 50 years making pizza in New Haven, the owners know their craft. The restaurant offers a full menu beyond pizza, including stuffed breads, meatball grinders, and wings.

Don't Miss: The original tomato pie, request it "well done" for extra char

Papa's Pizza: Local Favorite

Price: $$
Vibe: Casual, family-friendly

Papa's Pizza is a local favorite known for consistently great pies. Details are limited, but locals swear by their quality.

Best Mexican & Latin Fusion in Milford

Don Rene Taqueria: Creative Tacos & Mexican Fusion

Address: 50 S Broad Street, Milford, CT
Price: $-$$
Vibe: Casual, quick service, BYOB

Don Rene Taqueria is where chef Ulises Jimenez (who formerly worked at Barcelona in Norwalk) showcases his creative approach to Mexican and fusion cuisine. The beef birria is absolutely out of this world – tender short rib braised for hours and served with rich consommé for dipping. But the menu goes far beyond traditional Mexican.

You'll find fusion tacos like the pork belly with kimchi and tamarind glaze, falafel tacos with tzatziki and arbol hot sauce, and ribeye bulgogi with Asian slaw. For vegetarians, try the roasted cauliflower with smoked tomato sauce and pepitas. Everything is made from scratch, including the tortillas.

Don't Miss: Beef birria tacos, pork belly tacos, empanadas, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, and yucca fries

Pro Tip: It's BYOB with no corkage fees, and service is incredibly fast

El Barrio Latin Bar & Kitchen: Upscale Latin Fusion

Address: 17 River Street, Milford, CT
Price: $$$
Vibe: Romantic, upscale, intimate atmosphere

El Barrio is the sophisticated older sibling to Bistro Basque next door. Owner Juan creates an upscale dining experience with authentic Latin flavors and a personal touch (he often checks on every table himself). The menu features elevated Latin American cuisine with dishes like Argentinian steak, paella, and the standout dish: braised short ribs (Costilla) that are perfectly tender and incredibly flavorful.

The restaurant offers both tapas-style small plates and full entrees, making it perfect for sharing. The outdoor patio provides an intimate setting, and the tres leches cake is an absolute must for dessert.

Don't Miss: Braised short ribs, Argentinian steak, paella, bacalao croquetas, and tres leches cake

Best Italian Restaurants in Milford

River Street Restaurant: Authentic Italian, Unbeatable Value

Address: 109 River Street, Milford, CT
Price: $ (Cash or check only)
Vibe: Intimate, BYOB, family-run

River Street Restaurant is Milford's best-kept secret for authentic Italian cuisine at incredibly reasonable prices. This family-run restaurant (Dad cooks, son manages the front) has been serving the community for over 20 years, and it feels like Sunday dinner at an Italian friend's house.

The menu features all the traditional Italian entrees with several local seafood specialties. Portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and everything is made from scratch. The Zuppa di Pesce (Italian seafood stew) has been called the best some have ever had, including compared to restaurants on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and Boston's North End. Best of all, it's BYOB with only a $3 corkage fee.

Don't Miss: Zuppa di Pesce, veal parm, homemade pasta, eggplant rollatini, Limoncello Mascarpone cake

Pro Tip: Reservations are essential – this place fills up quickly. Cash or check only.

Gusto Trattoria: Classic Italian Sit-Down Dining

Price: $$-$$$
Vibe: Upscale casual, sit-down service

Gusto offers traditional Italian in a more upscale setting, perfect for date nights and special occasions.

Fratellis: Traditional Italian Favorites

Price: $$-$$$
Vibe: Family-friendly, classic Italian atmosphere

Fratellis provides reliable Italian-American favorites in a comfortable setting.

Best Sushi in Milford

Momo Sushi: Milford's Top Sushi Spot

Vibe: Contemporary, quality-focused

Locals agree: Momo Sushi serves the best sushi in Milford, hands down. The fish is consistently fresh, the rolls are creative, and the quality never disappoints.

New & Notable: The Blind Rhino Sports Bar

Address: 21 Daniel Street, Milford, CT
Opened: October 2025
Price: $$
Vibe: Sports bar, 53 TVs, family-friendly

The Blind Rhino just opened in October 2025 across from Stonebridge Restaurant, replacing the former Eli's Tavern. This award-winning sports bar (winner of over 37 awards for their wings, including trophies at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY) brings their famous wings to downtown Milford.

Expect creative wing flavors like togarashi brown sugar, plum sriracha (2021 Best in Show Winner), and strawberry jalapeño BBQ (3rd Place Best in Show 2025). The menu also features burgers, the McRhino sandwich, cheesesteak egg rolls, and rotating craft beers.

Don't Miss: The award-winning wings, especially the Togarashi (boneless) wings

Quick Bites & Casual Dining

Pizza Lyfe on the Green: New York-Style Slices

Location: On the Milford Green
Price: $
Vibe: Quick slice joint, takeout-focused

Pizza Lyfe brings authentic New York-style pizza to Milford – the closest thing you'll find to a NYC slice in town. Perfect for a quick lunch, they offer slices, whole pies, and delivery via Uber Eats.

Why Milford is the Best Place to Eat in Connecticut

Milford's restaurant scene stands out because of its incredible variety within walking distance of downtown. Within just a few blocks of the Milford Green and harbor, you can experience:

• Award-winning coastal seafood with waterfall views
• Connecticut's best lobster roll steps from the beach
• Multiple styles of pizza (bar-style, New Haven-style, wood-fired artisan)
• Creative Mexican fusion and upscale Latin cuisine
• Authentic Italian at BYOB prices
• Fresh sushi and innovative sports bar fare

The walkable downtown, proximity to the Metro-North train station, and abundance of parking make restaurant hopping easy. Plus, many restaurants offer BYOB options with minimal corkage fees, making fine dining more affordable.

Tips for Dining in Milford, CT

1. Make Reservations: Popular spots like River Street Restaurant, Stonebridge, and El Barrio fill up quickly, especially on weekends

2. BYOB Opportunities: Several restaurants (River Street, Don Rene, Lazy Lobster) allow you to bring your own wine, significantly reducing your dining costs

3. Seasonal Considerations: The Lazy Lobster is seasonal (opens in spring), and outdoor seating at Stonebridge and other waterfront spots is weather-dependent

4. Downtown Parking: Park in the municipal lots near the Green or use the lot across from Stonebridge. Some restaurants have valet on busy nights

5. Train Access: Stonebridge is right across from the Milford Metro-North station, making it easy to dine car-free from New Haven or Bridgeport

Plan Your Milford Food Tour

Whether you're searching for the best restaurant in Milford for a special occasion, craving the best pizza, or looking for diverse international flavors, Milford delivers. The city's restaurant scene punches well above its weight, offering quality and variety that rivals much larger cities.

From award-winning lobster rolls and championship wings to authentic Italian BYOB gems and creative fusion tacos, the best restaurants in Milford, CT prove that you don't need to travel to New Haven, Stamford, or New York City for an exceptional meal. Start planning your Milford dining adventure today – your taste buds will thank you.

Have a favorite Milford restaurant we should add to this guide? Share your recommendations in the comments below!