Living on the Long Island Sound not only provides us with beaches and long days to spend on the water, but it also gives us the opportunity to enjoy coastal living at its finest at any time of day. When summer rolls around, I will always choose to sit outside and eat, and restaurants on the sound provide the best scenery and atmosphere during a warm evening. We have covered countless restaurants in and around our beautiful city of Stamford, but there’s something special about waterfront meals during the dog days of summer, and we are going to give you an inside scoop to our favorite spots to eat incredible meals and listen to the sound of the waves. Here are Staci’s top picks for Summer Spots… and a summer in Stamford is incomplete without a stop at each one!
MEXICUE
In my opinion, there are not many things that can beat a spicy margarita and homemade Mexican food in front of the ocean. Mexicue is one of the flagship restaurants in the Harbor Point neighborhood of Stamford and has made its mark for a reason. Sit outside on the patio or on their rooftop area with 360-degree views of the water. We love the variety of tacos (try the brisket and grilled shrimp), the grilled street corn, and the birria platter. Don’t forget to get one of their staple margaritas and take a shot of their smoky mezcal for us!
Mexicue
15 Harbor Point Road
Stamford, CT 06902
(475) 250-1700
PRIME STEAKHOUSE
If you are looking for a nicer restaurant to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a delicious meal with friends, look no further than Prime in the Shippan neighborhood of Stamford. We have been there more times than we can count, and every table has views of the harbor and the sounds of boats coming to the docks. Not only is their steak to die for (the ribeye makes my mouth water at the thought of it), but they have delectable options like house-made sushi rolls, fish (the branzino is the best), and the best-creamed spinach in the city. You also cannot leave without trying the gnocchi. Believe me!
Prime
78 Southfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 817-0700
FORTINA
Another flagship restaurant in the Harbor Point area, Fortina, has been delivering some of the best Italian food in Fairfield County since its inception. Located just steps away from the sound, the ambiance in Fortina is unbeatable with its soaring ceilings and drop-dead views of the water. Not only is the inside designed perfectly, but their rooftop area offers unbeatable views of the water and the Stamford skyline. You feel like you’re in Manhattan with the highrises and lush foliage on the roof, and the food is just as good. You must try their Queen Bee pizza (ricotta, sausage, and spicy honey), their famous fried meatballs, and the cavatelli with truffle. Fortina is always busy for a reason, so make sure you call ahead and get ready for the feast of a lifetime.
Fortina
120 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 703-9080
THE CRAB SHELL
A Stamford landmark, the Crab Shell has been the go-to spot for the freshest seafood you can find in the area for decades. Built directly over the sound, every seat at the establishment gives you direct views of the waves and the boats passing through, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a multitude of seafood dishes. They have live music, multiple bar areas, and a lively atmosphere that makes it the quintessential summer spot. We are obsessed with the New England clam chowder, the seafood fra diablo with pasta, the fried oysters and clam bellies, and we never leave without having a few raw oysters on the half-shell. You’ll always see someone you know at the Crab Shell, and it’s hard not to be there for dinner every night!
The Crab Shell
46 Southfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 967-7229
THE WHEEL
The final spot on Staci’s Summer Spots has to be given to the Wheel. Not coincidentally, this restaurant is also located directly on the Long Island Sound and is the perfect place to go for a fantastic meal or a fun day with friends and family at the adjacent Cisco Brewery. Started in Nantucket, Cisco Brewers is one of the best places to go in Stamford for live music and amazing beer and drinks. After a day of trying craft New England beverages in the sun, The Wheel will satisfy every craving you have with its take on modern American cuisine. We love the raw oysters (a summer must!), the burrata, the flat iron steak (extra chimichurri sauce, please!), and the mac and cheese is a classic. Their cocktails are also unbeatable, and any meal eaten on the New England waterfront just makes it even better.
The Wheel
4 Star Point Suite 101
Stamford, CT 06902
(475) 270-1300
This post is sponsored by The Staci Zampa Team