What a serendipitous find!! There's quite a few good restaurants in and around Mystic, Connecticut…read moreand Westerly, Rhode Island and this wonderful place must be considered up there with the absolute BEST! The food was high quality, mostly locally sourced and perfectly prepared. Sauces and seasoning couldn't have been tastier. Went there a few days ago for the first time. My first choice was the "Summer Fettuccine" which unfortunately was so popular it had recently sold out. I settled for the more plebeian hanger steak which at any random restaurant can be anywhere from meh (mediocre) to excellent. This was EXCELLENT! Tender and tasty. Loved it. I decided to come backcountry the next morning and sample their breakfast fare. Equally delicious. So satisfying. Had a few things all excellent but the "simple" (not really so simple) "Morning Taco" was outstanding; definitely a cut above. I don't know if my stomach would have had room but my tingling brain was saying I could have had FOUR of those, nothing else and have left happy as a lark, owl, dove...

Owl & Dove is a charming restaurant overlooking the Pawkatuck River. They have a decent menu that…read moreis priced pretty fairly. We tried a few different things but our favorites were the tomato burrata and the chicken schnitzel. We didn't care too much for the Johnny cakes since it didn't have flavor to it. Our server was gracious enough to swap out our drink after sharing I didn't like. They do have a lovely drink menu tho with cocktails and mocktails.

Heading to an event at the United theater next door so we stopped in for dinner at The Cafe. What…read morea cute place! Dim lit. Gold trim. Enormous mirror above the bar. As we entered and did not have a reservation, we were seated at the bar. I can share- they did not fill up! We could easily been seated at a table but the bar was not an issue. Nice guys working the bar. We went very simple: tomato soup that comes with focaccia grilled cheese. The tomato soup was delivered with balsamic drizzle and anice grilled cheese stick. It was a great meal for a rainy day. It was good. We opted to share a dessert: sticky toffee pudding. It was soft and the caramel was sweet and smooth. DELICIOUS! Overall great experience. I would definitely return to The Cafe if in teh area again.

Visited for dinner without reservation after nearby troll trip. Enjoyed the ambience of the…read morerestaurant. It was yakitori night so we started with some chicken and pork belly. Took a while to arrive. The pork belly was exquisitely rendered with beautifully charred skin and tender meat. Lobster roll served warm was very good, the lobster was a little overcooked but still a highlight. Buttermilk Fried Chicken had super crisp skin and was executed and presented perfectly, great tasting together with the accompanied pickled vegetables and hot-honey butter. The best dish of the night. Sticky toffee pudding was as good as advertised: sticky, textured, with interesting mouthfeel offset by lightly whipped cream. Tequila based El Mariachi was tasty and balanced but not memorable.

We were only in town for one night and looked for a wine bar. We came across Dawnlands. It has…read morefantastic ambiance, both inside and on the back patio. The staff and owner were genuinely nice and we spent some time talking to them. I'm so happy we got to go here. I would be a regular if I were local. I cannot recommend this place enough!

Love this spot! Snacks, drinks, beautiful music, art, and wonderful owners. I'm a local and have…read morebeen wishing for a community space like this for a long time. Vibe is welcoming, well lit, and very chill. Hope they stick around for a long while!

We visited Tapped Apple Cider & Winery while spending the weekend in CT. It is just a short ride…read moreinto RI. Lori greeted us and recommended flights as we were first-time visitors. Between 4 of us we were able to sample just about everything on the menu. We also ordered snacks from the large assortment available. We were surprised to find that we had 6 choices from ciders, wines, cocktails, and balsamic vinegars. We were skeptical of those, but Lori assured us that the vinegar combos were favorites. We ended up buying a few ciders and wines. We will be sure to visit again when we are in the area.

Tapped Apple has a lot of charm on paper -- cozy downtown Westerly vibes, friendly staff, and a…read morereputation for being a fun, low‑key spot to sip your way through a flight. And honestly, you can feel the good energy when you walk in. Other reviewers rave about the atmosphere and service, and I get it. The team is warm, the space is inviting, and the whole experience feels very "local gem." But here's where the 3‑star reality sets in: the flavors all start blending together. For a cidery/meadery with such a big menu, I expected more range. Instead, most pours land in the same sweet‑leaning zone, making it tough to distinguish one from the next. After a few sips, everything felt like variations on the same theme. Not bad -- just not memorable. If you're new to cider or prefer sweeter profiles, you'll probably love it. But if you're hoping for bold contrasts, dry options, or something that really stands out, the lineup might feel a little one‑note. Still, the staff is great, the vibe is relaxed, and it's a fun stop if you're already exploring Westerly. With a bit more variety in the flavor profiles, this could easily jump to a 4‑star spot. Cheers

Saltwater Farm is a must visit if you are in the Mystic/Stonington area…read more This was my 1st time here and won't be my last. Very nice, quaint, vinyard tucked away off a local road. The Vinyard is set in a refinished barn that has multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas. Sitting outside has a wonder view of the vineyard while sipping on your wine. Definitely a great place to have a wedding. My friend enjoys wine and she really enjoyed their Sauvignon Blanc they had.

Update: I gave a 5 star review very recently but am now…read moreretracting that review. Customer service is my number 1. We visited yesterday afternoon for the music and pizza truck. We purchased a bottle of wine which we didn't finish so my wife asked about either re corking or sealing the bag due to it will be considered a open container in a vehicle if for any reason being pulled over by law enforcement during transport. The woman behind the bar gave a rude gesture by shrugging her shoulders and said "we dont do that" and then walked away as my wife was still talking to her. The woman then turned around and shrugged her shoulders again as if she didnt care and then disappeared. This type of customer service behavior put a bad taste in our mouths. Since there are other vineyards in the area, we will not be returning for a while, or maybe even never return again. Below is my original review. Our favorite vineyard to visit in the area. Great place with great people. We visit often. The wine is a French style and have a variety of red and white wines that are very flavorful. Saltwater has a wonderful atmosphere and is relaxing. Visit on a evening when they have live music and a food truck. Check their website for dates and times.

Without hesitation this is our favorite restaurant in RI. We have lived here for over 35 years and…read moreit used to be Alforno - always. New Rivers is very good, Little Moss in Dartmouth is great, Vanda is delicious. Ella's is a step above. The flavor pairings on the main menu are exceptional. Don't miss the Vegan Dreaming. Order it with a protein - chicken, duck or scallops - it's un-real good. The veal chop, the venison, the halibut, the scallops, the chicken and grits - all of them - dear god so good. And get dessert from the special menu. I promise whatever the chef has dreamed up will be both delicious and memorable. Don't miss it.

I have been going to Ella's for years and have always recommended them for anyone looking for great…read morefood... however after this last weekend - never again. While the food has remained consistently great- the service and the attitude of the staff has seriously deteriorated. Do not attempt to go without a reservation. You will be met with a quick dismal with no apologies or please try us again. We even attempted to sit at the bar which is usually first come first serve and had 4 empty seats at this particular time but we were sternly told by the owners husband they were reserved and we would have to wait at least 90 minutes for a seat. I am a regular customer for years but there was no recognition or appreciation for my return business. Finally, as we exited the "hostess" who quickly turned us away when we first entered, glared at us - obviously upset we took it upon ourselves to look in the bar area. So if you want good food in an unfriendly atmosphere- this is your place. As for me - I'll pass.

8/1/25: We stopped in Stonington Vineyards after lunch. The roadway going up to the winery was very…read moresmooth, unlike some others. The grounds are very lush with beautiful greenery. The vineyard has indoor and outdoor seating. We started out with a three wine flight ($22 per flight) from the custom wine flight: Seaport White, Sheer Chardonnay and Cab. Franc. The next wine flight was also from the custom wine flight: Riesling, Oak Chardonnay and Pawcatuck River Red. All the wines were very good. Thank heaven, the flights were in glasses. Our favorite was the Sheer Chardonnay. Normally, I don't like Un-Oaked Chardonnay, but this one was excellent. This baby came home with us. The gift shop has some very clever and unique wine related items. In fact, I thought this was the best gift shop in any vineyard I've visited. We purchased a towel, "Let's Drink Wine and Judge People". Customer Service was pretty good. As we were leaving, it appeared that the winery was having a music event on the grounds. Definitely will make a return trip to Stonington Vineyards in Stonington, Ct. Cheers everyone!!!

Such a beautiful vineyard! Open space, picnic style grassy area with some picnic tables and seats…read more They have indoor bathroom and outdoor bathrooms and have live music. I don't know their schedule but definitely check out their website. If you buy 3 bottles to-go you get a box that's easy to transport. The cashier area is quick, and friendly~ bottles are cheaper than the glass~ I would come back because it was so chill~

On our way to Maine to visit relatives, my companion and I thought a stopover in the peaceful…read moreseaside village of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, with dinner at the famous Ocean House, might be the perfect start to our extended weekend. While the hotel offers several dining possibilities, there is no question in my mind that Coast is their culinary chef d'oeuvre. My dining partner and I found their New England-inspired cuisine to be not only beautifully presented but also absolutely delicious. Throw in an award-winning wine list, friendly & personable service, picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean, and a most satisfying evening at table awaits. Be advised, however... What also awaits is a pretty hefty hit on your pocketbook, as our five-course prix-fixe Degustation Menu - with several choices included - was priced at $145.00 per person, plus beverages, tax & gratuity (there is also a similarly priced vegetarian menu). If you want to add the Reserve Wine Pairing, which I did, that will cost you an additional $125.00 per person (Grand Wine Pairing an additional $250.00 per person). Definitely not what you would call a cheap date. That being said, however, in my opinion - and that of my companion as well - dinner here is well worth the expenditure. Our first course was the Ninigret Pond Oyster "Pan Roast." Sourced from a local coastal lagoon that is linked to the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, Ninigret Pond is home to several reliable oyster purveyors. I must confess that I have never been an enthusiastic fan of bivalves in general - and raw oysters in particular. However, the pan-roasted representatives sampled here, smooth & buttery with a touch of sweetness and sprinkled with Royal Belgian Osetra Caviar, were quite good indeed. And the Ruinart Singulier 18th Edition, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Nature, Champagne, (France), proved to be the perfect libationary accompaniment. But even better was the outrageously delicious Bluefin Tuna Tartare. I have tasted this dish on numerous occasions; however, this particular incarnation was in a class all by itself. Gently caressed by avocado and kissed by golden kiwi and a beguiling carrot ginger reduction, the result was a presentation that was pleasing to both eye and palate, and a highlight of our evening. The 2019 Tegernseerhof Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd Wachau (Austria), of course, added immensely to the enjoyment. The next course presented us with a rather interesting conundrum... the choice between two equally appetizing possibilities. My dining companion, of course, went immediately for the Seared Scallops & Foie Gras. I, on the other hand, decided to side entirely with the carnivores... Kuro Farms Wagyu Strip Loin. Companioned by short rib, confit carrot, and Sicilian pistachios, this was a winner all the way... as was the wine selection, the 2020 Aslina "Umsasane," an enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from Stellenbosch, South Africa. The dessert course was especially noteworthy, a Blackberry Sudachi Entremet aided and abetted by white chocolate mousse, lavender, and raw honey sponge. A rather unusual denouement, I must admit, but a lovely presentation and irresistibly scrumptious. And, once again, the wine selection - 2018 Domaine Huet Le Mont Moelleux, a Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, in France's Loire Valley - was right on the money. The Bottom Line: An exceptionally fine dining experience. Pricey, to be sure... but, in my opinion, worth every penny. A restaurant to which my dining companion and I would gladly return. Highly recommended on all counts.

Coast Fails. Coast…read moreno longer is the exquisite dining experience we have enjoyed for many years. It is now overpriced, forced, and mediocre. We started by selecting the 7 course ($245 pp) menu which promised to be a culinary delight chosen by the chef. The first 3 courses were from the cold appetizer menu - they were served all at once (rushed), and had a vinegary, distasteful flavor. We then had 2 courses from the hot appetizer menu - one was 2 small potato buttons (again, with a vinegary flavor) and the other, a piece of very good lobster (served separately which was better). We then had 1 item from the entree menu (wagyu beef) - small, fatty but flavorful, and virtually no sauce and 2 Barbie-size asparagus heads. The dessert was a flavorless jelled chocolate ring - with a dab of forgettable ice cream. We have always been delighted with the extraordinary surprises from the kitchen - this time, it was a total disappointment in every way - presentation, flavor, and portion size. The servers were confused (failing to bring cocktails & wine on time). The bread was the best part but don't ask for more (it's rationed 2 per person)! Their once fun "per dish" wine pairing is reduced to "per course" and not worth it (3 glasses). Additionally, the room location has changed. No longer do you have the refined and ocean-forward experience, now only some guests MAY see some water. Our table was adjacent to their other restaurant, with a curtain separating us and the noise level was not acceptable (we even had difficulty understanding our servers). There was virtually no recognition of a birthday celebration at our table (there's always been something "special" for the guest of honor). The little confections for all were a nice touch, but lackluster. For 5 of us (7 courses each, total of 4 cocktails, and tip) it was $1800.00. We left sad, disenchanted, and hungry (not like the old Coast). We won't be back unfortunately, and don't recommend it to anyone - many better options.

The Farmhouse is a quaint old building with beautiful grounds. It is at Shelter Harbor Inn. The…read moreinterior is old farmhouse with an interesting decor. Our server was a bit unorganized. Not knowing the changes in the menu very well but was very nice. They had a small but nice wine selection which I thought odd because their name has "BAR" in it. The food was very delicious and well presented. My only wish is that the Sea bass plate was small, and they could easily have thrown a couple of fingerling potatoes on the plate and made it perfect. All in all our dinner and experience was very nice and I would definitely recommend it and return myself. I would like to come back and stay in the inn. It is very beautiful there. I would have given 5 stars if the few minor issues mentioned were addressed. This really is a wonderful place the dine!

On our way to a concert in Westerly and had to fit in a dinner within an hour. They were able to…read morehandle our rush request. A cute and charming inn. Good service. We had some cocktails followed by an order of calamari. Entrees were their burger and a chicken dish. Tasty. Worked well. Will come back when we have time to enjoy a leisurely meal. Damages with tip for 2 was $120.

Bogues is a super cute shop on the corner in downtown pawcatuck. A fun little pig statue greets you…read moreas you walk in the door. I had a baby shower to put on and reached out to Bogue's Alley for a sandwich platter. After talking with Amanda I realized that finger sandwiches would be best for our group. We wanted grab and go but delicious. Amanda recommended doing a variety of sandwiches to appease all of our guests. We ordered turkey, roast beef, tuna and chicken salad. The sandwiches came on nice sturdy trays that were all labeled so the kind of sandwich could not be mistaken. Our guests absolutely loved them and they went quickly. These sandwiches were delicious, excellent quality and priced well. Thanks Amanda and Bogue's!

Had the "Bouge" which is a meatloaf sandwich. Partner had a breakfast burrito. Both were amazing!…read more 5 stars.