I'm so happy we found this restaurant. It's located within a boat storage etc. idk but we were happy we found it. The restaurant is on the small side. But they have outdoor tables which would be awesome on a good day. We arrived at 3:30 so we had a little bit of a long wait since there was only one waiter. The food was good. We will be returning again. read more

The service was good. The food was amazing! Delicious salad with huge portions of salmon! Lovely view of the water. Would definitely come back! read more

A fun place! We can't wait for the patio to open. A small/medium restaurant with a varied mostly seafood menu. Street corn and lobster appetizer was delicious as were the mussels. Lobster rolls were hot and buttery Just perfect Grilled vegetables made a great side. Service was attentive. Seemed they might have been down one waiter (from the eye of someone with 40+ years of restaurant experience), this did not affect our service. Staff hustled while being polite and answered all questions A great place to enjoy a meal out! read more

Wait staff was very friendly. Food was good- nice selection and gluten free options. The lobster corn appetizer was very tasty. My friends enjoyed their cocktails too. read more

Nellie’s - Seafood Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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While visiting Branford on a beautiful day, we decided to try Nellie's for lunch. We were sat right by the water and really enjoyed the views of the Branford River. I thought their menu had a great variety, full of seafood, pasta dishes, and even a cali burrito, which isn't super common to see around here! Everything was delicious, including the desserts. The server was attentive, but it did take a long time for the desserts to come out, which was kind of surprising. Definitely a low-key spot and the inside of the restaurant was really nice, I would totally visit again next time I'm in the area. read more

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Nice quaint place near the water. Service was great. My wife enjoyed coconut shrimp appetizer. I had a fried chicken sandwich with salad instead of fries. Everything was very tasty. read more

Strong 4 stars for brunch in February. Service was attentive. Food was very good and the view of the water was nice. read more

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I recently met up with some friends at Nellies and all I can say is, what a hidden gem! After some confusion with our reservation, we were seated in the bar area, and our server was Tess. She was friendly, attentive and answered all questions we had about the menu. The restaurant was clean and very nicely decorated. They have a large patio area as well with a bar. As far as the food, I got their lobster Benedict special and it was delicious! Both of my friends got a salad and said they enjoyed them very much. I can't wait to return and try some other dishes on the menu. read more

First time going to Nellie's. A sunday afternoon, fairly busy but we had a reservation for 4 ppl. They would not sit us until the other two ppl were there which I am not a fan of. They had one poor server handling the entire patio outside. He brought us tap water room temp in small glasses while the table next to us got 16 oz water glasses with ice. Strange. Then two drinks were brought out of the 4, about 15 mins later we had to flag the server down to find out where the rest were. One drink was a Huge Spritz which is an across the board same cocktail recipe. It does not ever include rum, this one was made with rum. We ordered the chips and guacamole for $14. I think we each had 5 chips, way overpriced for the amount they give you. The mahi fish tacos were very good. Inside was very clean along with bathrooms. But I dont think we'll be returning any time soon. read more

Off the water, mixed in with the boats, is this hidden gem. Sitting at the bar for lunch - a delicious kale salad with a HUGE piece of grilled salmon. Got a Kiki cocktail. And Tiramisu for dessert. All delicious. Server at the bar is Tess. Very friendly. Really like this restaurant and will come back. read more

Nellie’s - Tiramisu. Bigger looking than in the photo! - Seafood Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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After spending a beautiful day on the water in Branford, my friend and I had worked up an appetite and heard about a new place called Nellie's waterfront bar. We always had good experiences in Branford and wanted to try the new restaurant and hoped it would be worth supporting. Boy oh boy, were we ever mistaken! The outdoor atmosphere was nice and the weather was perfect. The menu was limited and the service was barely satisfactory. Unfortunately, the food was a gigantic disappointment. The Caprese salad had a total of a tablespoon of mozzarella and the lobster corn had a teaspoon of lobster. There was nothing remarkable or even satisfactory about the presentation, the quality or the quantity. Live and learn. read more

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This my first time visiting and it won't be my last. A cute, quaint restaurant nestled in a marina, this restaurant has New England charm written all over it. We were able to get right in on a Saturday night despite the bar being closed for a private event. The food was good, portions were plenty. Everything was spaced out well so we didn't feel rushed. We hope to come back in the spring/ summer time to enjoy a drink outside. The string lights and outdoor seating looks so inviting! read more

We really liked the location. We came in for Sunday brunch and everything was good. They were out of a few things that we wanted, however which was frustrating and the menu is limited for brunch. It was also odd that we were the only ones there. But I would go backin the warmer months and enjoy the outside deck. It looked very inviting. read more

Aside from the view, this place disappointed! Food was Ok. Service was OK. One waitress refused to move an umbrella to shade our table more because she stated the restaurant was just too busy. We told our waitress who said in a minute. I stood up and moved it myself. Also side salad was upcharge which was fine but was never mentioned when we changed from fries. Refills for soda were chargeable which we were never told about. Won't go back! read more

We had a fantastic meal at this waterfront gem. The fish tacos were seasoned to perfection - light - not greasy - really great bites. We had the Cobb salad w shrimp which also was a winner. The food was fresh and the menu was just how I like -- do a few things really well - vs jamming too many options. Fantastic service from our waitress Ella! Sit outside if you can - big difference as your sitting by the water and marina -- saw Osprey sailing by so -- we'll be back. read more

Nellie’s - Branford has some wonderful places on the water. Nellies is a hidden gem. - Seafood Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

Calamari started was best I've had in a decade melt in your mouth. Great unusual choices with excellent wait staff

Nellie's was such a nice spot to get dinner -- a view of the water, beautiful interior design, kind and detail-oriented service, and really good food. I had the chips and guac alongside the vegan mole tacos (with rice and beans). Portion sizes are small with the tacos, but their advice to add the rice and beans is spot on and they were cooked really well. They also offered a mango habanero hot sauce to go with my meal and it was fresh and a welcome addition. As far as the chips and guac -- they were fine to split three ways, the chips were warm and not too salty or oily, and the guac was fresh-tasting and just the right amount of limey. I am vegan, and to find a spot that has a vegan option for every part of the menu is rare and welcome (and even rarer that it's good and not just a basic burger). Their vegan menu options are thoughtful, appealing to a wide audience, and innovative. I got dinner with my parents and their fish dishes also got great reviews. Everyone who works here was so nice, from front of house to servers to bussers. They clearly put heart and pride into their work. Highly recommend. read more

Visiting my sister in New Haven and she took me to this little secret place. So nice! We sat outside on the water and it was a beautiful day. Service great! Started off with the clams casino. Then she got a burger and I got fish tacos. Both excellent. Highly recommend but don't tell too many people haha we don't want it to get too crowded! read more

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Nellie's is a nice spot to have dinner, especially in the summer when we can sit outdoors comfortably, enjoying the views of water. They have a limited menu with some good vegan options. I tried all of it and the vegan crab cakes are my favorite. My family likes the sea food and meat options and they are super impressed too. The vegan mole tacos seem to be of a very unique taste, something that comes from using cocoa beans. I am a big fan of good old bean burger and it's so hard to get a vegan bean burger now since everyone started using the beyond/impossible burgers, the bean burger they have here is delicious. All the entrees come with French fries and their fries are some of the best I had. I am grateful they also have a side of rice and beans which my son loves to have. My family likes their lobster rolls, special chicken quesadillas and fish and chips. Overall, it has become my family's one of the favorite dinner spots. The service here is spot on and the employees are so warm and friendly. The only point I would like them to change is that I just wish they expanded the menu and added a few more options. Nevertheless, this is my favorite vegan friendly place in Connecticut. read more

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Came here on a date and it was so nice! :) For the seating outside you can sit by all the boats, such pretty scenery :) was not a big wait time but also quite a popular place, more middle-aged couples rather than young people, anyway a really nice ambiance. But, beware there were some small gnats flying around outside (so then we moved inside). I got a really cute-looking red fruity cocktail which I loved and drank on the seafront, and then for dinner a tuna steaks main dish which was also delicious!! Lots of fun and a really nice time here, would recommend (or maybe even return someday myself)! read more

We were here for dinner on 5/24/24, party of two. Ambiance - out door seating was fantastic. The service...HORRIBLE...here's why: (1) An appetizer should come out first, not after the entrée (2) When you give the server a list of your allergies, the entrée should not contain an allergen (3) When you have to ask for a condiment FOUR times before you receive it, not good. This place needs to train their staff better or be more selective with who they hire. As for the food, the seafood appetizer was excellent, the wrap and vegan burger nothing to write home about. Not returning to this establishment anytime soon! read more

First things first, Nellie's has -- Hands down -- the best guac I've had in Connecticut! The staff is attentive and nice and all the food was amazing. Let's not forget, this place has an scenic view of the water! Visit Nellie's! You won't be disappointed. read more

Nellie’s - Hands down the best Chips and guacamole! - Seafood Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

The salads are delicious . We really enjoyed being outside on the Branford River, very relaxing! The wait staff is wonderful! read more

Nice coastal environment if you sit outside...can look at all the boats. Very cute inside. Menu had many yummy options and fun appetizers! Got the chicken Caesar wrap...not sure if they forgot the Caesar dressing on mine, or if it's just a very light dressing because I didn't taste any. But besides that, good experience and would go back! read more

Nellie’s - Chicken Caesar wrap (center), Cali burrito (left), chicken tacos (right) - Seafood Near Me - Branford, Connecticut

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What a great little place! Fun/relaxing atmosphere with a cool vibe. Great menu selection, vegan layer dip slightly too spicy for my liking and the vegan burger could use a little more flavor. Vegan crab cakes were amazing! Overall, food was good snd look forward to going back to try some other selections! read more

Anytime we are near water we look for food :) Nellies was easy to find situated between boat storage and the water. Outdoor seating with boats all around you, both in the water, on the blacktop and in the huge brick boat storage facilities that line the opposite side of the parking lot. I had fish and chips. Fries were hand cut and they were hot and crispy. They were seasoned very well (malt vinegar salt). The classic batter used with the cod created a bite of crisp and flaky fish. It was one of the better fish and salad I have had. My wife's burger was great too. Sloppy. Mushrooms, caramalized onions, cheddar cheese and bbq sauce on. Pretzel roll. Can't beat that. Ask what is available for kids, those offerings are not on the menu. read more

I' actually give this place 3 1/2 -4 I find that. It's really hard to find restaurants that are consistently good on every visit you; this might be one of them. The atmosphere outside is fabulous. Their steak is fabulous. Their food is pretty good in general. They should do some updates on menu. Happy hour outside in the summer is great. read more

We love Nellie's! I've had many delicious dinners here and will keep coming back because they keep freshening the menu with better and better dishes. My current fave is the Tune Poke Bowl, my wife's is the Arugula Salad, and we often try the specials. This week it was a pork belly quesadilla that was phenomenal. We don't care for eating outdoors but their patio is popular and has pretty views. Oh, and the cocktails are awesome too! read more

Down a side road, in the boat yard, a fancified clam shack with outdoor tables, bar and umbrellas on the water. We had guacamole, a homemade but unusual variety with lots of lime and no jalapeños. And the lobster rolls, which came with a heap of fries. A pile of buttered claw meat, on a bun. Very tasty! Pleasant waitress also. read more

Cute dining room, nice outdoor area and great water views! We were greeted right away. The guacamole was delicious, and the fish and chips were excellent. I'm not the biggest fan of regular crème brûlée so we had to try the chocolate one. It was delicious. It reminded me more of mousse, but it was yummy! read more

Surroundings were great, love looking at the boats and water. Food quality was fair. Service was painfully slow.

Great food great service. Great location. Aperol Spritz was delicious. Fish and chips was good. read more

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Great location, right on the water. Staff is friendly. A couple of dishes were fantastic, particularly the right oysters and the lobster street corn. Our filet mignon was well done even though we ordered a medium rare. The biggest problem is the lack of staffing and management. The waiters and hostess were working hard, but clearly they were understaffed, and not very experienced. We waited 30 minutes just for a glass of wine, which came after the meal was finished. There was no one around to address the issue of the overcooked steak. There were not even dedicated staff just to bus tables and fill up water glasses, and we sat for a long time hoping to catch somebody's attention just a refill our glasses. Lots of potential for this restaurant if they can get some good management and staff training in place. read more

Unfortunately, this was a terrible dinner. The restaurant itself is situated near the harbor in a cute and peacefully location. Inside the restaurant was modern chick. The restaurant hosts and waiters appeared to be in high school and the place reflected as such - it seemed like someone in charge had left the summer staff to fend for themselves. We waited for 30+ minutes to put in our food order despite being ready. Other tables were served before us who had arrived later with larger parties. Our food was incredibly bland - so bland that I had to ask for salt and pepper, which was not at the table. I was told that the restaurant was "low on salt" and that "some would have to be dug out of the kitchen, somewhere." We waited another 15minutes for salt (no pepper), and none came - had to remind the nice waiter. Once the salt came, the Mahi-Mahi Entree with polenta and broccoli was barely edible (I do not recommend). We went to another restaurant afterwards to cleanse our palette. Only reason for 2 stars is that our drinks were great and the waiter was doing the best he could. Unfortunately, I would recommend you spend your money elsewhere - this is not it. read more

FANTASTIC!! I'm new-ish to this area and was never able to go to Nellie's because of the renovation and Covid. Went to a local muster yesterday with my parents and we were looking for a new place to go. I suggested fill this because it's on the water (it was so so hot so we sat inside anyways), and the menu looked good. The place is so cute inside. Wood, comfy pillows, small and well lit. The service (Tess) was friendly and attentive. My father's order was put in incorrectly and she apologized, took off his last drink and brought it out as quickly as possible which was appreciated. The food, I didn't give it five stars because it's my preference a bit larger menu (there are Specials but the taco special isn't really a special I'd there's tacos on the menu already)... but other than that, it is DELICIOUS... We had .. Mussels for the table ... fan favorite! We wanted to drink the broth from the bowl and wished we had had toast points or something. Tender, succulent and that sauce... so good. Came with cheesy, fresh cut, truffle fries (which there were more fries) Kale Cesar salad with polenta croutons which were so crispy yet soft and the dressing was spot on (wish I had anchovies). Clam chowder, perfection if It had a bit more salt but when I doctored it up it was bacon-y and soft potato goodness. I had cod tacos .. a bit pricey for only two tacos. They were ok, not the best, but not awful by any means. Mom had the steak taco special and she enjoyed it And dad had the zuppa da clams (red sauce)..which had a DELICIOUS Sauce (Again, we needed something to sop it up with). Everyone was really pleased and we kept talking about how good everything was the whole way home. The drinks were inventive and yummy. I had a tequila drink with rosemary. Mom had a bourbon apricot drink and dad had a gin and tonic. We had s couple more drinks and the bill came to 130.00 All in all... fantastic experience ... So glad we decided to check it out.... We will be here many many more times and look forward to it. Delicious! read more

Been here several times since it has reopened. Never a disappointment! Such a great place for brunch as it is hard to find brunch options in Branford. Excellent dinner spot as well right on the water. Salmon on Caesar Salad is my favorite, and their drinks are on point. If there is ever a mix up or if an appetezier is forgotten, it is on the house. EXCELLENT customer service. Mistakes happen...it is acknowledging them and making them right which makes this place a true Branford gem! read more

Ordered lobster street corn, bacon cheddar burger and lobster Caesar to go. All so delicious. Good amount of lobster in both salad and corn. Will be back to check out the bar! Yum! read more

Hidden Gem! I went to Nellie's for a work dinner. I didn't have any expectations, but left happily surprised. Cocktails shocked me. They were well crafted, presented with care and delicious. Server was attentive and knowledgeable. I ordered the lobster roll and it did not disappoint (and I have been disappointed many times by subpar lobster rolls). If you are looking for a casual dinner with good drinks, it's a perfect spot. I would definitely recommend it and will be back. read more

I love the modern renovations and elevated menu they now have. I am a picky eater and sometimes struggle to find a place I enjoy but they have a great burger, they also seriously make the best cocktails around. read more

Good food, nice people, on the water. The ambiance is nice. It was a quite night, I imagine it can get quite loud.