Milford seafood joints often serve up the usual suspects: predictable lobster rolls, overcooked scallops, and a side of seaside kitsch. But your discerning palate deserves better than tourist-trap fare. So when you’re craving something truly exceptional from the Sound, dive into these ten restaurants. They deliver fresh, innovative dishes without making you question your culinary standards.
Ming Feng Chinese Restaurant
$ | (203) 874-4662 | WEBSITE
Ming Feng is where you have Chinese food in abundance. Your friends will be into it, because they probably crave authentic flavors. Grab a table in this space that feels like a cozy neighborhood spot, and settle in for a satisfying meal. If you happen to be in Milford, it’s one of your best options.
The Lazy Lobster
$$ | (475) 327-7020 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving authentic New England seafood and don’t want to drive all the way to the coast, make the trip to Milford. The Lazy Lobster captures that small coastal town vibe perfectly, with a nice outdoor seating area that’s even dog-friendly. The menu features fantastic options like their standout lobster roll on homemade baguette and large crab cakes that keep customers coming from as far as Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
This place is ideal for a casual lunch with friends, but it’s also great for a relaxed dinner after exploring the area—especially since they’ve added that indoor-outdoor bar. The lobster meat is fresh, sweet, and tender, making it the best in the area, and the friendly staff led by owner Angelo ensure the experience stays top-notch.
Bin 100 Restaurant
$$ | (203) 701-8970 | WEBSITE
Bin 100 feels sort of like a quirky dining room, but it’s actually a seafood restaurant. This means that it has both excellent steaks and fried oysters, as well as some gluten-free options and a good number of vegan dishes. So if your diet is too restrictive to enjoy a night out, try this place. It’s calm and comfortable, but still impressive enough that you’ll want to stay for dessert.
There’s also a fixed price menu, so you can always pick at some halibut or rigatoni if you and your friends run out of conversation. Have some pork dinner, chicken special, or a surprisingly good carrot cake.
Founders House Pub & Patio
$$ | (203) 693-2912 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re celebrating an anniversary, or maybe you’re just tired of the same old spots in Fairfield County. If, for whatever reason, you want a special dinner in Milford, know that Founders House Pub & Patio is a reliably good choice. The place feels like a cozy, upscale tavern, and while it’s definitely on the pricier side, you’ll probably prefer it to all the chain restaurants in the area that feel like a combination of fluorescent lighting and generic decor.
I Sushi House
$$ | (203) 283-3311 | WEBSITE
Despite the fact that Milford has plenty of chain restaurants and fast food options, it doesn’t have that many great places for fresh sushi. There is, however, always I Sushi House. At this point, it’s a classic local seafood spot, and it’s still one of the best places to grab quality sushi in town. It’s the kind of place where the presentation is impeccable, although, here, this doesn’t seem pretentious.
You might even be able to enjoy a perfect meal if you stick around after you’ve finished your generous portions.
Seven Seas Restaurant
$$ | (203) 877-7327 | WEBSITE
If you’re exploring Milford’s coastline or celebrating a special occasion, and you decide that you’d just rather be eating seafood, go to Seven Seas. It’s a seafood spot known for its excellent customer service, and, like that reputation suggests, Seven Seas is so cozy and warm that it makes most other restaurants look like a fast-food chain by comparison. The food also happens to be very good, and there are usually several groups celebrating in there at all times.
This place is just a reliable choice for a pleasant dining experience, which happens to be the Land of Good Food.
Citrus Restaurant
$$ | (203) 877-1138 | WEBSITE
There’s a good chance that you’ll, at some point, want to find a reliable seafood spot (and it will probably involve fresh swordfish). For a quick bite or casual dinner, Citrus Restaurant is where you should go. It’s in a hidden gem in Milford, and besides the friendly service, it’s the most efficient thing in the area. As an added bonus, you might even see Manager Megan (or, more likely, a server who keeps the food coming hot and fast). Get there early to be safe.
Lobster Hut
$$ | (203) 631-2162 | WEBSITE
If you love fresh lobster, take a trip here. It’s right off interstate 95, and it’s from the same owners as some of the best seafood spots around. Unlike those fancy places, however, you don’t have to spend over $50 here to have a good time. (Although you definitely can, if that’s what you’re looking to do.) Get a reasonably priced drink and sit at a picnic table on a beautiful day. It’ll remind you of all those summer seafood shacks you visited growing up, but better.
Stonebridge Restaurant
$$ | (203) 874-7947 | WEBSITE
This is a New England seafood spot in Milford, and you’ll need to eat here after your family drags you around the shoreline. There’s a menu with a lot of traditional things to try (lobster, scallops, shrimp pot pie, etc.), and they do over a dozen seafood dishes fresh daily. It’s also pretty lively in here – like the coastal cottage in Maine you don’t own.
Lasse’s Restaurant
$ | (203) 874-9574 | WEBSITE
Why are neighborhood spots generally better for regulars? Mostly, because they don’t get too fancy. They also tend to be more welcoming and less pretentious. Lasse’s Restaurant is the perfect example. It’s a very nice, cozy space with a charming dated interior spread out over a few different rooms. There’s a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and huge portions that keep customers coming back for years.
The roast beef sandwiches are amazing, the whole belly clams are a must-try, and the prime rib dinner is excellent. With super cheap fair prices and staff that goes beyond all expectations, be sure to try everything on the menu.
