Milford, CT: a shoreline town where finding a parking spot near the beach is half the adventure, but the reward is a surprisingly rich dining scene. You won’t find every flashy new trend here, but you will discover a dozen spots—from cozy delis to waterfront gems—where the service is genuine and the plates are truly memorable. Let’s dive in.
Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant
$ | (203) 877-5901 | WEBSITE
We harbor an abiding love for this Chinese spot that also happens to feature spectacular Cantonese-style food. Bring the family, bring yourself, bring your appetite—just get to this place. The BBQ spareribs are awesome, and you can’t go wrong with any of the classics, like the pork fried rice or wonton soup. Even better is this place has ample parking, so be sure to grab your takeout and enjoy a delightful meal at home or in the car.
Olive Tree
$ | (203) 878-4517 | WEBSITE
Olive Tree is a feast where the falafel is divine and the portions might challenge your belt buckle. This Mediterranean spot feels like a cozy kitchen, complete with warm lighting and a clean dining area where generous wraps are the norm. While the menu is straightforward, the light-and-airy falafel and substantial vegan wrap are the perfect companions to all that friendly service you’ll inevitably enjoy.
Either way, all of the food is appreciated, especially after the home-cooked meal feeling you’ll likely savor at your table.
Athenian Diner III
$ | (203) 878-5680 | WEBSITE
As soon as you finish the first bite—a generous portion of crispy fish and chips with that tangy homemade blue cheese dressing—you’ll know Athenian Diner III is something special. This cozy spot goes all in on hearty comfort food with portions large enough for leftovers, and has also done the seemingly impossible: make classic diner dishes taste fresh and memorable.
From the made-on-premises desserts to the fresh coffee and tasty salads with homemade dressing, Athenian Diner III is a spot you should experience at least once. Be sure to check out their convenient and ample parking, making it an easy recommended stop for any meal.
DiBella’s Subs
$ | (203) 874-0222 | WEBSITE
DiBella’s Subs fulfills Milford’s reliable sub shop quota. There’s excellent sandwiches, including the signature Godfather, and the bread is fresh-baked, to the point that it could be (and probably is) featured in a food magazine. There’s also friendly service, in case you need a quick lunch/get the immediate urge to grab an oatmeal raisin cookie.
Taste of Thai
$$ | (203) 876-2299 | WEBSITE
The inside of this Milford spot feels like a cozy, welcoming home that’s also really into authentic Thai flavors (aromatic spices are everywhere). And after settling into one of their comfortable booths or tables, you’ll want to linger here with one of their refreshing drinks all evening. They also have a straightforward, satisfying menu with a lot of great options, like rich duck curry and fantastic pad Thai, that you should definitely dive into.
Bar 3 Thirty Three
$$ | (203) 693-2637 | WEBSITE
We love the original Bar 3 Thirty Three in Milford, and this spacious restaurant makes food that’s just as good, in a larger space so you’ll have a better chance of getting a table when you walk in with a few friends. The pretzel bites are soft and delicious, and topped with things like beer cheese and mustard. Fill out the table with a few dishes from the slider section, especially the cheesesteak sliders that are in the running for our new favorite small plate.
el barrio
$$ | (203) 283-1748 | WEBSITE
You generally need to show up a few minutes before this place opens (at 6pm) if you don’t feel like waiting for a table, but it’s perfect for grabbing dinner with a small group. This place serves some of the highest quality tapas for the price. Order all the grilled calamari and short rib-stuffed peppers you can handle, and get David’s au gratin potatoes for the group so everyone can take a moment to feel like they’re enjoying a cozy European evening.
Archie Moore’s Bar & Restaurant
$$ | (203) 876-5088 | WEBSITE
This pub tucked in the heart of Milford is serving some of the best bar food in the neighborhood. And everyone knows it, judging by the crowd that fills the booths and barstools almost nightly (prime time is during the game). Ordering the Bison burger is always a smart move, as is honing in on the fajita bowl loaded with portobello mushroom, peppers, and all the fixings. Swing by with friends or family—these pub classics are the ideal pairing for a laid-back evening catching the game.
The Spot
$$ | (203) 884-3985 | WEBSITE
One of the best wing spots in Milford is also in a lovely atmosphere. The Spot does a pretty damn good mango habanero wing, and we like the honey garlic, too. In the evening, skip the drinks and go for the hot lemon pepper wings with a mojito on the side. The space isn’t huge, but there’s a projector in the lounge, so you can also try to catch a game. We love the quiet hours (before 9pm) with extremely well-handled service from friendly waitresses.
McDonald’s
$ | (203) 783-1866 | WEBSITE
In the mood for a quick meal to fuel up for the road? Or maybe you’re with a friend who wants nuggets and fries, before getting into a McFlurry for dessert. Whatever you want, this convenient rest stop spot has something for everyone. You’ll want to keep an eye on the full menu available for quick ordering, like large fries with no salt, and head here on trips when you don’t feel like planning ahead—you can walk-up and usually get your food quickly, or, at least, a seat nearby.
Slices
$ | (203) 878-5097 | WEBSITE
Slices sounds a little like a basic pizza joint for, well, slices. But walk in and you’ll realize this spot is no joke. You’re here for a pie (try the large pizza with classic toppings for around $10), but they’ve also got everything needed for a satisfying meal—or a casual hangout, whichever comes first. Take a seat inside on a busy day to watch the friendly owner chat with regulars who may or may not have a better lunch routine than you.
JC’s Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (203) 924-5821 | WEBSITE
This classic sports bar has been a local favorite for years and feels like it’s been frozen in time, in the most comforting way possible. It’s the kind of place you’d bring your entire crew to watch the big game or just unwind after a long week. And having that many friends along would be smart so you can try all the massive portions on the menu, like the legendary 22-ounce pork chop that could feed you for days.
You’re absolutely going to need doggie bags when you visit this Milford spot, so make sure you’ve got space in your fridge before you head home. The staff treats everyone like family – even your four-legged companions get the warmest welcome – and the wings are as delicious as they are affordable, with drinks that hit just right.
