playing favorites
Visitors often ask us for recommendations, so we thought we would just compile our list of favorites here. (last updated: November 2024)
We love to hear about our guest experiences in the surrounding area, so if you have a good (or bad) experience, please let us know via our guestbook or online feedback so we can know your opinion.
Most of our recommendations are in Branford (once you are here, why get back on the highway?) Please check on the open status and menu prior to travelling, since restaurants often change their hours seasonally along the CT shoreline.
RESTAURANTS | BEVERAGES | CELEBRATIONS | EXPLORATION | CONTRACTORS
good eatin'
Stony Creek is a small village with two options for BREAKFAST and LUNCH:
Thimbleberry and Stony Creek Market> (offers pizza on the weekend in summer). Neither shop has a website, so you an look them up on Yelp or Facebook. Thimbleberry operates seasonally so only open in the warm weather months.
american bistro
Lockworks Tavern in the center of Branford occupies an old factory building so it's loaded with fun historical flavor. Open late nights, so it's a great place to gather for a ball game or late night cocktail.
Saltbrick Prime SteakhouseSaltbrick Prime Steakhouse is the sister restaurant to Lockworks Tavern in the same building. Fine dining in a gorgeous setting is wonderful for specia occasion meal, the setting is chic and upscale.
HOME - a young, fun atmosphere with a seasonal menu that changes several times per year to incorporate fresh ingredient availability. Gluten free options and dietary needs are cheerfully accommodated. Large bar and comfy chairs in the front living room make this a cozy hangout.
ELI'S - if you are looking to catch a game (or 5) on multiple TVs and eat yummy bar food, this is the place. Very reasonable prices and easy to find on Branford Hill. They have 1/2 price appetizers before 6:00pm.
Prime on Whitfield is opened in late 2022 in Guilford and has been a smashing success. Prime steaks and a chic menu. In summer, they have expanded outdoor dining in the side alley.
Parthenon Diner - who doesn't love a great Greek-American diner? Easy, inexpensive and a vast satisfying menu for 24-hours/day service.
NEW HAVEN: Prime16
seafood
Dockside Bar and Grill is in Indian Neck and located in a marina, has that light, bright coastal feel. Has open air dining when it's nice. [closes in winter so check for posted hours] Outdoor deck can accomodate dog owners if there isn't a special event going on.
Lenny's is very well known (very casual, rustic) - will have all the typical New England seafood fare and is open year round. Outdoor seating overlooks the marsh and they sometimes have live music.
NEW HAVEN: Shell and Bones - more upscale and a waterview.
italian
Cafe Fiore has become a staple in Branford and is pretty close to our Stony Creek place and very popular for those favoring traditional Italian fare.
Pasta Cosi is on the Branford Green - but you need to get in their early to score a table becuase it's small and popular with locals.
Mi Bella Restaurante - cute and cozy with windows that view Branford's Town Green.
Ross Vino is one of our personal favorites, in the Short Beach section of Branford. It's a little gem that has long been discovered so you may want to call ahead for a reservation since it can get busy on peak nights. Outdoor dining was added during the pandemic, so that's a nice option.
NEW HAVEN: Adriana's | Cafe Bravo | Portofino | Goodfellas
pizza
Marco Pizzeria - their wood oven is so good and gives that great smokiness to the crust!
Indian Neck Pizza - so consistent and fast for takeout - they serve alot of pizza to boaters in the local marina during the summer. (Not a good option to dine in).
Stony Creek Market - their great pizza is offered only on weekend nights in season (after 5:00 PM) and you can sit out on their picnic tables. BYOB.
LoMonaco's - we order from here quite a bit, but it's on the opposite side of Branford from Stony Creek. Good value. Traditional Italian menu in the dining room (they do not serve pizza in their dining room).
Buffalina in Guilford is intimate and very beloved by locals. There isn't much seating inside, so if you plan to visit, call ahead or do take-out.
NEW HAVEN: Modern Apizza | Bar | Pepe's or Sally's are the pizza producers that make our area famous. Be prepared to wait in a long line during peak times.
barbecue
The Stand is a casual barbecue joint in a converted Mobil gas station. I'm sure they can put catering takeout trays together. They frequently have live entertainment and a bar, but the ownership has changed several times, so this may not be open in the winter season.
The Place in Guilford is open during the summer months and is outdoor and very rustic (you may find yourself sitting on a tree stump!).
mexican
Guacamole's - OK, is in Branford's popular Indian Neck neighborhood that is becoming it's own Entertainment District in the Summer. It's a pretty and easy drive down Route 146 to get there.
Jalapeno Heaven - is well established in Branford, and has a takeout menu if you want to grab and go.
irish
Tommy Sullivan's Cafe - the coziness of the interior with the fireplace makes this a fun, casual choice year round if you have a hankering for real, fresh Guinness on tap. Of course, it's the place to be on St. Pat's Day.
NEW HAVEN: Anna Liffey's
french
The Essex Brasserie - Located on the Post Road in central Branford (with a sister restaurant in Old Saybrook), that recently opened (2024). We haven't personally been there yet, but the menu looks delicious - check online reviews for comments.
NEW HAVEN: Union League Cafe
asian
9 East for hibachi and sushi - very chic inside with it's large koi pond.
Ayuthai Restaurant is on the Post Road on the way to Guilford - online ordering and delivery available.
Darbar India offers Indian cuisine with some speciality pizzas! Just a quick ride up Route 146 toward the center of Branford near the Town Green.
Siam Orchids is a little further away on the Branford Hill section of the Post Road.
health conscious
G Cafe - great for lunch and the chance to try whole grain breads baked in the German tradition. Right across the green from Branford's Town Hall.
libations
brewskies & wine
Stony Creek Brewery - The brewery is one of the hottest tourist draws in CT! If you want to try some local craft beer and sit outside - food trucks park there - and it is jammed when the weather is nice. You can also now bring food there to enjoy the view and sample their brews.
Thimble Island Brewing Company has been growing by leaps and bounds in their new facility only about 2.5 miles aways from Stony Creek Depot. We love their Coffee Stout, but they have plenty of other flavors to sample in their tasting room.
1928 Cocktail Club is a speakeasy style bar on the Branford Green. You'll step into the vestibule and be asked for the password (but if you don't get that from their Instagram, I'm sure they'll give you an obvious hint). Small tapas menu and specialty drinks. This place is fun for a starter drink or nightcap, but not for a generous meal.
Pearl Wine Bar is also in Branford's Main Street district. Intimate and a small menu selection and charcuterie boards.
Rose Vineyards and Winery is a brilliant new addition to the scene in the past few years. Sample local wines with a charcuterie menu in their beautiful tasting room and some lovely outdoor seating areas. 
cuppa' joe
Common Grounds is in the center of Branford, and you would think it was the center of the universe the way that the locals gather to talk politics and gossip.
Willoughby's Coffee & Tea is a great place to stock your cupboard, but it may be hard to choose from the wide selection they offer. Close to Stony Creek > 550 East Main Street.
celebrations
private catering
The Other Woman caterer offers the culinary skill one of our favorite private chefs who lives right her in the Stony Creek neighborhood. Chef Lauren Polastri is creative with fresh, local ingredients presented oh, so prettily.
sweet tooth
Take the Cake is heavily recommended by Sue, our shop manager, for delicious quality cakes made onsite with fresh ingredients. Located in Guilford, CT on the Post Road. Offer a wide selection of cakes, cookies, tarts, and other treats.
JCakes _ a gourmet, custom order bakery located in North Branford, CT, and if you go to their website you will be in awe of the artistry of their work.
Cheri's Bakery - on the Post Road (route 1) in Branford Established is family owned and operated offers a wide variety of baked goods such as cakes, donuts, danish, cookies and pies.
BigY Bakery Department- don't overlook the convenience and pretty darn good quality of the bakery inside this supermarket chain. You can call ahead to have something prepared, or they'll do it onsite.
setting the scene
Flowers on the Green in Guilford is owned by Stony Creek resident Christy Baker, who takes obvious pride in her artistry. Her creativity is endless if you want something out of the box. Not only does she sell beautiful arrangements, but she also sells cool vintage pieces in her darling shop.
suitable for framing
Maler Photography - you may spot Marcie Maler using some of Branford's amazing locations for portrait sessions and wedding events. Her family shots are amazing: as a mom herself she has a special talent for capturing infants and children with such beauty. If you are visiting Stony Creek, why not see if she can squeeze in a location session?
explorations
by foot or by boat
Branford Trolley Trail is just footsteps from our corner and is a popular connection over to the Pine Orchard section of Branford. For pedestrians and bicycles only, you will enjoy a little sample of the typical coastal Connecticut ecosystem with raised walkways over tidal marsh and woods. Nesting ospreys on their platforms are visibile in the spring/summer.
Jarvis Creek Trail - This neighborhood scale preserve in the village of Stony Creek on Jarvis Creek and Long Island Sound offers fine views of the Thimble Islands. The preserve contains coastal forest, tidal marsh, a small old field, an old quarry pit and other relics of the area’s quarry industry. Pedestrian only trails (blue rectangular and white circle blazes) access most of the preserve and provide vistas of the creek, marsh and Long Island Sound. access details
Thimble Island Cruise - A nice easy boat ride and close up look at the offshore Thimble Islands is a great way to spend an hour in our little village. We like the Sea Mist and think Captain Mike Infantino is a first-rate guide. The boat runs seasonally and leaves from the town dock every hour (not in inclement weather and not on Tuesdays).
Outer Island - if you feel the urge to walk on a Thimble and you don't know anyone living on one of those wonderful rocks, you can visit the only public island by hopping on the ferry.
Thimble Island Kayak Rental will meet you at the docks with a canoe, kayak or paddle board.
Branford River Paddle Sports operates on the Branford River near the brewery and offers Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboard rentals, camps, lessons, corporate events, private parties and guided tours of the Thimble Islands.
helpful folks.
During our renovation at Stony Creek Depot (and other properties) we worked with a number of very talented tradesmen. We are pleased to share their talents with our friends.
Pet Sitting and Walking | Bridget Wirtz
Baby Furniture/Accessory Rental | MamaBears Consignment Boutique and Rentals
Home Improvement Contractor Claudio Riccitelli
Plumbing | Gary Naylor, PLM.0266634-P2
Electrician | Coughlin Electric, John Coughlin (E-1, License) 203-764-2041
Stone & Tile | Tile America
Flooring | Gunneson Flooring Company | Creative Carpeting
Insulation | Bobby Moniello
Roofing & Siding | Shoreline Roofing, Tim Verillo
Gutters | AB Seamless Gutters Plus | Joe Scala
HVAC | Home Comfort Heating & Cooling Solutions, Stephen Viglione
Landscape Excavation | Fischer Excavation | Nick Fischer