The Whelk

- 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880

The Whelk stands as a true culinary landmark in Westport, Connecticut, and a premier destination for those seeking exceptional, creatively prepared seafood and American cuisine. Situated in the picturesque Saugatuck area, this restaurant distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to sustainable seafood and ever-changing menus built around the freshest local produce and seasonal availability. It is a refined yet inviting space that strikes a unique and celebrated balance between an upscale environment and a cozy, nautical charm, creating a dining experience that feels both elevated and relaxed.

More than just a seafood spot, The Whelk is a full-service bar and renowned Oyster Bar restaurant. Its menu is designed to be thoughtful and adventurous, featuring a range of small plates and mains that showcase the purity of the ingredients. The restaurant's reputation is built on staples like impeccably fresh raw oysters and inventive appetizers such as Deviled Eggs w/ Fried Oysters and the famously addictive Smoked Trout Dip. Whether you are craving light bites, fresh oysters and happy hour drinks, or a full, sophisticated dinner of Whole Trout or Squid Ink Cavatelli, The Whelk offers a unique, must-visit experience for Connecticut food lovers.

Known for its attentive and knowledgeable service, The Whelk is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, making it a sophisticated gathering point for groups and tourists exploring Fairfield County's vibrant culinary scene. The ambiance, with warm lighting and rustic wood accents, along with its waterfront location, sets a truly romantic and trendy tone for any meal.

Location and Accessibility

The Whelk boasts a highly desirable and scenic location that significantly contributes to its overall charm and appeal.

It is situated at 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880, positioning it right along the beautiful Saugatuck River. This waterfront setting provides a gorgeous backdrop, especially for patrons who opt for the highly sought-after outdoor seating—a feature that transforms a meal into a relaxed, elevated waterside experience, particularly on a warm Connecticut evening. The restaurant is located near other Saugatuck dining and shopping options, making it a central point in the local community.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility for all guests:

• The venue is fully Wheelchair accessible, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating areas.
• Guests benefit from readily available parking options, including a Free parking lot and convenient Free street parking in the surrounding area.

Services Offered

The Whelk provides a comprehensive range of services, blending traditional dining with modern convenience and an exceptional bar program.

• Dine-in Service: Full table service is offered in the upscale, cozy dining room or at the prominent white marble bar area.
• Reservations: As the restaurant is extremely popular and often has a wait, Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner to secure seating.
• Outdoor Seating: Offers attractive seating options by the Saugatuck River, weather permitting, which is a major highlight.
• Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Convenient services are available for those who wish to enjoy the Whelk's culinary creations at home.
• Bar and Drinks: Features an impressive selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and a renowned Wine list. The cocktail program, with inventive house drinks like Amelie's Lily and The Whelk Martini, is a particular highlight.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: The menu includes a thoughtful "Free Spirited" section with non-alcoholic cocktails (e.g., No-Groni) and non-alcoholic beers from Athletic Brewing Co., catering to all preferences.
• Happy Hour: Offers attractive Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials, which often include discounted fresh oysters.
• Dining Availability: The restaurant serves Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with table service provided throughout.
• Amenities: Includes a Bar onsite, Gender-neutral restroom, Restroom, and Wi-Fi.
• Children's Amenities: The venue is Good for kids and provides High chairs.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets The Whelk apart in the Fairfield County dining scene is its uncompromising dedication to quality and creativity, earning it recognition and consistent praise from the Connecticut community.

• Unmatched Freshness and Sustainability: The Whelk operates with an ever-changing menu featuring sustainable seafood and produce sourced from local purveyors and farmers. This commitment ensures the highest quality and supports the local specialty food network.
• The Oyster Bar Experience: Celebrated for serving meticulously sourced raw oysters, including local favorites like Copp's Island Oysters, and inventive roasted versions, often with unique flavor twists like kimchi butter.
• Standout Appetizers and Small Plates: The restaurant is famous for its Smoked Trout Dip, described as addictive and served with sourdough toast, and the Deviled Eggs w/ Fried Oysters, a unique and flavorful twist on a classic.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: Recognized for a Great beer selection, a Great wine list, and an especially lauded Great cocktails menu featuring balanced and inventive house concoctions.
• Creative Culinary Approach: The menu moves beyond simple seafood, offering creative American dishes like Squid Ink Cavatelli, Shrimp & Grits, the highly-regarded Dry Aged Beef Burger, and the celebrated LeFarm's Roast Chicken.
• Upscale Casual Waterfront Ambiance: The atmosphere is intentionally designed to be Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale, with warm lighting and a cozy, nautical charm that perfectly complements its Saugatuck River setting.
• Acclaimed Dessert Menu: Desserts like the rich Chocolate Pot De Creme and the moist Olive Oil Cake receive high marks, ensuring a strong finish to the meal.

Contact Information

To experience the exceptional dining at The Whelk, guests should use the following contact details, remembering that reservations are highly recommended.

• Address: 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880
• Phone: (203) 557-0902

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing The Whelk means selecting a superior seafood dining experience that is deeply woven into the culinary fabric of Connecticut. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with the local Fairfield County diner.

Firstly, the restaurant’s dedication to freshness and sustainability is non-negotiable, ensuring that every piece of fish, from the Whole Trout to the raw oysters, is of the highest possible quality. This focus elevates simple dishes and allows the natural flavor of the seafood to shine, a principle highly valued by the area's discerning clientele.

Secondly, the experience is worth it for the creative starters and small plates. The Smoked Trout Dip is a local icon, and the pairing of Deviled Eggs with Fried Oysters showcases the kitchen's flair for balancing flavor and texture. Furthermore, the Seafood Stew, praised for its light broth that enhances rather than overpowers the fish, offers a perfect example of their thoughtful approach. Even non-seafood options, such as the Dry Aged Beef Burger and LeFarm's Roast Chicken, are treated with the same culinary respect, offering excellent choices for the "landlubbers" in a group.

Finally, The Whelk is an ideal choice for its all-around social experience. The setting—romantic, upscale, and offering outdoor seating by the water—is perfect for dates or sophisticated group gatherings. Coupled with a cocktail program that is "inventive, balanced, and made with fresh ingredients," and a staff that is consistently described as attentive and knowledgeable, The Whelk offers a complete and memorable culinary outing. It is a true Connecticut gem where the ambiance is as compelling as the meticulously crafted food.

The Whelk

575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880, USA