Bridgeport has a lot going for it. We’re right on the water, we have plenty of docks perfect for hiding our fishing boats and lobster traps, and the cost of living in the city is reasonable. That being said, we’re still in New England.
Merritt Canteen
$ | (203) 372-1416 | WEBSITE
Merritt Canteen in Bridgeport is the best version of a classic American diner. Meaning this place is small, with cozy booths and a homey atmosphere. Plus, it has great food, including delicious burgers and perfectly cooked fish and chips. It’s the perfect spot for someone who frequents modern fast-casual chains – they’ll feel like they’ve stepped back in time, and you’ll be entertained by watching the staff take orders by memory and serve everything fresh from the kitchen.
The burgers have improved significantly with better buns and ingredients, and the spicy chili is worth trying. Despite the dated interior, the friendly service and made-to-order food make it a charming little spot that keeps people coming back.
CT NO1 Chinese Restaurant
$ | (203) 373-1813 | WEBSITE
This Bridgeport spot makes classic Chinese dishes like shrimp with lobster sauce into must-orders, and turns reheated leftovers into a clever excuse for enjoying dinner twice. In other words, it elevates everything fresh and flavorful. The less-expensive items (for example, the freebies for regulars) are also great, and overall, we have yet to find something we don’t like. The casual space has lots of helpful energy, and the friendly service is perfect for a small group during any season.
Red Lobster
$$ | (203) 371-4848 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just need to surrender to a sea of butter and garlic. Red Lobster is the place to do this. Go there and order the seafood platter. Fair warning, this place can get busy – there are waits due to staff shortages, not to mention the bustling shopping area outside. But the service is outstanding, with friendly, attentive staff like DM giving excellent recommendations.
Plus, the atmosphere is peaceful, with the team doing a great job at hiding the hustle and bustle of restaurant life, and it feels like a cozy family retreat (if the retreat had convenient parking).
BRYAC Black Rock
$$ | (203) 522-4777 | WEBSITE
For a long time, Bridgeport didn’t have much upscale seafood to compete with what you’d find in Boston or Portland. But for some inexplicable reason, a number of quality spots have opened recently. Of these, the most impressive is BRYAC Black Rock. It’s also the most reasonably priced, at about $35 for a main course. Your $35 gets you some delicious seafood (like the perfectly cooked lobster roll), plus a number of creative specials like the filet mignon.
So if you’re in the market for a casual yet delightful spot, and also want to make your visitors (momentarily) jealous of our seafood scene, book some seats here.
O’Manel Restaurant
$$ | (203) 335-1676 | WEBSITE
O’Manel Restaurant doesn’t serve the only destination-worthy Portuguese food in Bridgeport. We also have this small, intimate dining room with a primarily Portuguese clientele. On first glance, the portions are generous – the Portuguese Steak goes way past the edges of the plate, and seems monstrous. But that’s only because the food has been prepared with care, creating delicious, authentic flavors. Include a glass of Sangria in your order, along with some Bacalhau à Brás.
Not a bad candidate for helping someone finally let go of an obsession with chain seafood restaurants (although realistically, good luck with that).
Chick N Sea
$ | (203) 296-4145 | WEBSITE
This casual spot in Bridgeport makes the list for two reasons. One, it’s an excellent chicken sandwich destination – you can’t go wrong with the generously-sized sandwiches that are reasonably priced and highly regarded. Two, it’s quick and friendly. This is something many of us in Bridgeport take for granted (we have a lot of fast-casual options), but it will probably make your friends from slower-service cities jealous.
East Main Fish & Chips
$ | (203) 366-5561 | WEBSITE
You’re not coming to this East Side gem for delicate seafood towers with micro-herb garnishes and truffle-infused sauces. You’re at East Main Fish & Chips for generous portions of non-greasy fish and chips served fresh to order, with shrimp and seafood combos that could feed a small family. This place has been a Bridgeport favorite for years, and the interior feels like your uncle’s favorite fishing shack.
There’s simple wooden tables, nautical decorations that have seen better days, and a straightforward counter where you place your order. If you’ve ever wanted that classic $12.99 lunch special with portions big enough to justify the trip from nearby towns, you can get it here (it’s called the East Side Steal). Good luck finding parking during peak hours.
Sabor Peruano
$$ | (203) 331-1600 | WEBSITE
Impressing Connecticut seafood lovers with a Peruvian restaurant is hard. But you can take them to Sabor Peruano in Bridgeport with confidence. Every dish here is fantastic – in particular the ceviche de pescado, which is a menu staple. But the non-seafood is great, too (try the lomo or the juicy chicken). It’s the kind of place that might make someone (briefly) stop talking about their favorite spot in New Haven.
Captain’s Cove Seaport (Marina, Restaurant & Bar)
$$ | (203) 335-7104 | WEBSITE
Captain’s Cove Seaport has the best lobster roll in Bridgeport (maybe even the state). This makes it a must-visit for people exploring Connecticut, no matter where they’re from. Just plan on a wait, but assure everyone that it’s worth it. Especially that friend from Boston who already tried to eat the Captain’s Cove lobster roll but was too impatient for the outdoor seating.
Banderas Latin Fusion
$ | (203) 224-0131 | WEBSITE
Your family is visiting from out of town, and you’re looking for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Head to Banderas Latin Fusion. This restaurant serves the type of food that someone who grew up with abuela’s cooking – or at least wishes they had – would crave. Come for the beef and cheese empanadas, the popular steak with tender beef, and Arroz con gandules. In this family-friendly spot, you can even feel the owner’s personal touch throughout.
Just tell your relatives to imagine that the industrial decor is actually their own kitchen.
876 sky level restaurant
$ | (203) 296-1608 | WEBSITE
Your friend who just got back from a trip to Jamaica is craving something authentic. The first thing she did when she got home was drink a Red Stripe, but now she wants something jerk-adjacent for dinner. Put Caribbean-inspired 876 Sky Level Restaurant on the list. There’s a clean, inviting dining space, and a flavorful menu with sweet chilli salmon, tender oxtail, and plenty of fried dumplings. She can always grab a jerk chicken platter with carrots and cucumbers once the beer buzz has worn off.
Ceviche Palace
$$ | (203) 870-4404 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want to impress your friends with a really good restaurant they might not have heard of. When that’s the case, go to Ceviche Palace in Bridgeport. It’s a vibrant Peruvian spot with beautifully incorporated art and culture, and it has some of the best seafood in the city. The focus here is on the fantastic ceviche, but anything that uses their fresh seafood is worth ordering – so get the sudado de pescado and arroz de mariscos as well.
If you’re looking for a wholesome dining experience, sit inside where the attentive staff ensures everything is perfect, while you tell stories about discovering this hidden gem.
Ramirez Restaurant
$ | (203) 362-0583 | WEBSITE
It’s practically mandatory that you bring any newcomer to Bridgeport for authentic Latin American food. And when you’re dealing with someone who’s skeptical about cafeteria-style takeout, you absolutely have to choose the right spot. There are plenty of options around, but Ramirez Restaurant is the one. The food here is classic comfort fare (so you won’t find fancy plating or elaborate presentations), and the highlight is the flavorful rice, beans, and chicken plate.
Bring napkins for when the satisfied sighs inevitably escape from your companion’s lips.
Mr. Crab Seafood & Bar
$$ | (203) 612-7933 | WEBSITE
At some point, a visitor to Bridgeport might get overwhelmed by our heavy food and want a classic – a steady diet of fried fish and chicken tenders can inspire this type of thing, or so we’ve heard. Take care of this with a meal at Mr. Crab. The seafood dishes are delicious and plentiful, and the dining room has enough old-school charm and peace to make your friends feel like they’re at home, where there isn’t quite so much rush.
The standout Lobster Rolls and crab served in a big steam bag with corn on the cob and potatoes are worth the occasional slow service, and the decent portions of large crab legs come with tools for enjoying them properly. While the fried fish and chicken tender meals can be overcooked, and some menu items might be unavailable, the friendly staff and comfortable vibe make it a recommended spot.
Just remember there’s an automatic 15% tip included for dine-in, and ordering directly avoids extra fees.
Mario the Baker
$$ | (203) 372-3335 | WEBSITE
One of the best parts of eating seafood in Bridgeport is that we really are surrounded by the coast. And Mario the Baker is the kind of place where your server will let you know not only how fresh your fish is, but also what time it came in that morning. The menu here is pizza-focused, but there are also appetizers like garlic cheesey bread (which is a must-order).
