The tiny Connecticut seaport city of New London and its surrounding towns boast a variety of restaurants that can satisfy any craving. From spots serving up fresh acai bowls to tasty Japanese food, Conn students never run out of exciting food options.
Cafe’s and Breakfast:
From specialty grilled cheeses to both sweet and savory crepes, NV Bakery and Market has something for everyone. An especially popular choice is their creamy, decked out acai bowls. Don’t forget to check out their delicious array of Greek cookies and pastries before you leave!
When you’re craving a classic and comforting breakfast and hot coffee to go along with it, When Pigs Fly is the place to go. Their selection of pancakes, omelets, and french toast never disappoints. Their hot cocoa, piled high with whipped cream, is an especially decadent must-try treat.
Washington Street Coffee House
Located right in downtown New London, Washington Street Coffee House is a great cafe to hang out at whether you’re looking to study solo or hang out with friends. Not only do they have an array of specialty teas and coffees–and baked goods to go along of course–but also a selection of delicious breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and plenty of vegetarian options.
Left: French toast special from When Pigs Fly Cafe (Credit: Facebook @WhenPigsFlyCafe). Right: Duck egg breakfast sandwich from Washington Street Coffee House (Credit: Facebook @WashingtonStreetCoffeeHouse).
Lunch and Quick Bites:
With a menu consisting of a mix of American and Latino flavors, New London Sabor Latino is a great option for a quick bite to eat on the go. Their freshly made pupusas, corn flatbreads filled with melty cheese, are a must-try for obvious reasons. They also serve a selection of American classics like sandwiches, burgers, and fries.
Illiano’s Real Italian Pizzeria
If you’re looking to grab a slice on the go or share a pizza with friends, Illiano’s in Waterford is your best bet . Their delicious array of pastas, panini, and New York style pizzas are the ultimate comfort foods. If their menu doesn’t seem to have enough carb-heavy options, don’t miss out on their generously sized garlic knots. Just don’t forget to bring the mints for afterwards!
Kamp dog is a casual counter-service lunch and breakfast restaurant serving an array of delicious burgers, hot dogs, and homemade sides. Their must-try items include their freshly fried corn dogs and their crispy all-beef hot dogs. After your meal, you’d be missing out if you didn’t grab an order of their drool-worthy fried oreos.
Left: Nachos from New London Sabor Latino (Credit: Owner). Right: Spinach calzone from Illiano’s (Credit: Facebook @Illianoswaterford).
Dinner:
Thai Sawasdee is a simple, quiet Thai cafe perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner with your friends or family. They serve all the classic Thai dishes like curries, pad thai, and more. Grab an order of their pad prik king with a side of comforting rice soup and wash it all down with a sweet thai iced tea or coffee!
Left: Vegetable curry from Thai Sawasdee (Credit: Facebook @thaisawasdeeauthenticthaicuisine). Right: Gnocchi alla mamma from Recovery Room (Credit: Facebook @recoveryroomrestaurant).
Another great spot for bringing your family, Recovery Room serves all of the classic Italian dishes you could hope for. They also serve some more creative items like their Thai chicken pizza. Start your meal out with an order of crispy focaccia then choose from a variety of pastas, pizzas, and salads. Just make sure to save room for their molten chocolate lava cake!
Located just outside of Olde Mystic Village, Peking Tokyo is a great place to grab lunch or dinner after exploring the area. Their menu boasts a wide selection of sushi and other Japanese and Chinese fusion dishes. Their teriyaki, served on a sizzling plate, is always a safe–and not to mention delicious–option. Alternately, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try their sushi pizza!
Sweets and Treats:
Michael’s Dairy serves a wonderful selection of homemade ice creams, shakes, and floats. Their peppermint stick ice cream, full of crunchy candy candy cane bits, is a delicious flavor option to try. After ordering at the counter, customers can eat their ice cream treats outdoors on their grounds or take them to go.
If you’re visiting downtown mystic, plan on stopping by Sift to grab a croissant, coffee, or basically any other sweet and pastry imaginable. If you’re feeling classy, grab one of their macarons or other fancy patisserie desserts. If you’re looking for something savory, they also serve a variety of breads, sandwiches, and savory croissants.
Left: Ice cream from Michael’s Dairy (Credit: https://mitchell.edu/michaels-dairy/). Right: Chocolate croissants from Sift Bake Shop (Credit: Facebook @SiftBakeshopMystic).
