Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Branford

Date spots with seafood

A dinner by the water that feels intimate and special, not just another loud room full of tourists.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Arturo's Restaurant image 1
Arturo's Restaurant image 2
Arturo's Restaurant image 3
View all

Small dining room with intimate seating and Spanish flair creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The space feels warm and inviting, suited for quiet meals or date nights. Tables set for two emphasize a personal, laid-back vibe.

Cozy setting suits a date night well with options for different tastes. The bone-in ribeye steak with blue cheese butter stands out, alongside traditional brunch and flavorful tacos.

Shrimp dishes stand out with shrimp and grits and shrimp scampi cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Fish options include batter-fried Swai in a taco salad and a well-prepared barramundi.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are exceptional for date spots."

"The brunch here is delicious and served hot."

"The shrimp and grits were awesome and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get fully booked.

2

The restaurant offers a unique combination of Mexican and Italian cuisine.

3

The taco salad is no longer available, despite being listed online.

02
Bui Vietnamese Cuisine image 1

Cozy interior with relaxed atmosphere invites quiet dining. Small staff leads to occasional wait times during busy hours. Known for authentic Vietnamese cuisine with fresh, carefully prepared pho and plentiful vegan options.

Crunchy textures stand out, especially in the sweet and sour fish and chicken dishes. Shrimp appears in several items like pho, grilled with noodles, and rice noodle stir fry, paired often with summer rolls and steamed dumplings.

People are saying

"The Tofu Lemongrass Curry is a fantastic, flavorful vegetarian option."

"The owner is an absolute delight and treats you like a regular."

"I loved the hearty shrimp pho with added vegetables."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner to ensure a table.

2

Take-out service has more flexible hours than dine-in.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

03
Little Riggs image 1
Restaurant

Cozy and comfortable space with warm, relaxed atmosphere and clean, bright decor. Music ranges from classic to contemporary, enhancing the elevated yet casual vibe. Known for unique, high-quality food and drinks, it feels like a hidden gem with thoughtful design details.

Coffee here is high quality and suits black coffee drinkers well. Breakfast options like grits are tasty, and the staff creates a warm, date-night vibe even on weekdays.

Shrimp and grits stand out with rich flavor and a creamy texture. The menu also features mole short ribs alongside other dishes like steak frites and beet salad.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and innovative."

"The food here is amazing, especially the breakfast sandwiches."

"The shrimp and grits here are scrumptious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than four.

2

Expect wait times on weekends; check ahead before visiting.

3

Happy hour is on Friday nights with special drink prices.

04
Daiko Jerry San's Sushi Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Compact dining room centers on a stylish sushi bar that creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. The vibe stays cozy and celebratory, attracting those who appreciate fresh, high-quality sushi in a friendly setting.

Warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a solid choice for couples. The owners create a friendly vibe that suits intimate outings well.

Fish comes directly from the source, picked personally to ensure freshness. The quality stands out as some of the freshest fish in the region for sushi and sashimi.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi, it's super fresh."

"The sushi here is authentic, just like in Japan."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh, perfect for sushi."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is celiac-safe with gluten-free soy sauce and careful preparation.

2

They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

3

They have off-street parking.

05
Mi Bella Restaurante image 1

Small space with intimate atmosphere and dim lighting creates a cozy vibe despite occasional crowding. Noise levels stay manageable, allowing easy conversation even when busy. Tables are spaced well, supporting a relaxed dining experience.

Toasting couples celebrating milestones adds a warm, communal vibe. Sharing dishes like chicken parmigiana and fettuccine Alfredo suits a relaxed, enjoyable date night.

Seafood dishes feature super fresh ingredients with well-seasoned flavors. The seafood risotto and shrimp and scallops pappardelle stand out for their rich taste and quality.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and amazing."

"The Date Spots here serve perfectly cooked pork chops and NY strip."

"The seafood dishes were delicious and abundant enough to take home."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Street parking is easily available near the restaurant.

3

Portion sizes are generous, ensuring good value for money.

06
Rosso Vino image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with rustic and intimate atmosphere and great patio dining by the water. The vibe balances casual elegance with a festive, inventive energy, making it easy to hold conversations. Busy and popular spot featuring a nice bar space and lively service.

Perfect for date nights with a cozy vibe and consistently great meals. The mussels stand out as a shared favorite for couples and family alike.

Large shrimp come in a spicy sauce called gambero fra diavlo. Italian seafood dishes feel authentic and excellent, including monk fish and fried oysters.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food and service here are great for Date Spots."

"The seafood here is authentic and excellent, especially the spicy shrimp."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan extra time for finding a spot.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

07
Siam Orchids image 1
Thai restaurant

Dining space feels clean and inviting with a pleasant atmosphere. Menu offers extensive vegetarian options and large portions of Thai dishes. Pricing is affordable, though a credit card surcharge applies.

Chicken pad Thai earns high marks, making it a standout choice. Dinner options include a ginger grilled fish and asparagus shrimp, offering variety for a date night meal.

Seafood dishes include coconut shrimp, Tom Yum Goong soup, and grilled fish options. Meals often pair seafood with flavors like mango, sticky rice, and spicy bamboo.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was amazing and authentic."

"The drunken noodles were average, but the chicken pad Thai was a 10/10."

"I loved the coconut shrimp and the spicy seafood dishes."

Good to know

1

Siam Orchids is handicap accessible for all guests.

2

A 3.99% surcharge applies for credit card payments unless paying cash.

3

Online ordering and pickup are available for convenience.

08
Lockworks Tavern image 1
American restaurant

Renovated old factory space blends historical decor with natural light and trendy comfort. Atmosphere stays relaxed and hip with enjoyable music and multiple TVs for games. Bar area features standing tables and offers a variety of craft cocktails.

Fun atmosphere with a pretty interior sets the tone for a date. Food is phenomenal, and attentive service creates a magical experience for couples.

Fish tacos appear in multiple orders with mixed reviews, ranging from delicious to just okay. Appetizers include bang bang shrimp and Carolina wings, while entrees feature Korean BBQ salmon alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The food here is phenomenal for Date Spots."

"I will definitely be returning for the seafood here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% discounts on wines and select IPAs.

2

Dancing is available on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy nights.

09
Kampai Japanese Restaurant image 1
Japanese steakhouse

Japanese steakhouse offers intimate dining rooms with seating on pillows and entertaining hibachi chefs. Atmosphere stays low key and friendly despite being crowded and cramped. Regulars enjoy fresh sashimi and spicy salmon alongside a crisp plum wine.

Offers a cozy atmosphere suitable for couples and groups. Serves dishes that fit well for date night or casual dinners with friends.

Shrimp dishes include a shrimp flambe and a shrimp appetizer with noodles. Shrimp in fried rice is tossed in rather than served on the side, with about six small pieces per serving. Shrimp is not deveined.

People are saying

"This place has fantastic hibachi dinner spots."

"It's a perfect place for date night."

"You have to try the shrimp flambe; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not guaranteed; expect possible delays even with a booking.

2

Check your bill carefully, as overcharging has been reported.

3

Expect a wait if arriving without a reservation, especially during peak hours.

Discover more

Branford, Connecticut

Area guide
Loading Map...