The Mariner — Restaurant in Groton

I came here with my son and his mom after visiting the Mystic Aquarium for dinner (highly recommend it). We were greeted and seated almost immediately, and we met our waitress promptly after sitting. We started off with some oysters from the raw bar and some fried calamari, along with two glasses of their Wither Hills New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The oysters were super fresh and absolutely delicious, and the sauces that came with them brought on an amazing flavor combination that we enjoyed. The calamari was also excellent and perfectly friend. The Sauvignon Blanc paired very well with our appetizers.

For our entrees, we got the chicken tenders and fries for my son, the sea scallops for his mom, and the lobster casserole for yours truly. All the foods were prepared wonderfully and tasted absolutely fresh and amazing. None of it was salty, greasy, or over seasoned in anyway. The only complaint I have is that I feel that the portions could be a bit more generous, especially for the cost. My son only had 3 small chicken tenders with his meal, and it wasn't enough so we ended up ordering a second. The scallops were a good amount but I think they could add more in terms of a side. Perhaps something to accompany the broccolini more than just the pea puree. The same goes for the casserole; I feel it was a bit small for what it was.

Afterwards we ordered two desserts: the Tiramisu and another dessert with cream and a biscuit with fresh berries (forgot the name). Funny enough, I loved the biscuit but wasn't a big fan of the tiramisu, while my son and his mom loved the tiramisu, but didn't like the biscuit. So I'll just say that both were very good, and the portions were perfect. Neither were too sweet or overwhelming and they were the perfect end to our dinner.

Outside of the portions of our entrees, everything else was fantastic. The service here was absolutely excellent, and the interior of the restaurant was very clean and had a wonderful ambiance. They have the wines on display near the corridor leading to the bathroom, and even some artwork hanging on the walls. Cost wise, it's a bit pricey, but what you get for that is the excellent customer service and the quality of your food, albeit the relatively small portions for our entrees. I recommend that if you're going to eat here, definitely do a full course meal to be sure that you can try a plethora of foods and also end the night with...

Absolutely outstanding! The Mariner is hands down one of the best spots in the area for anyone who loves top-quality food and a great dining experience. My girlfriend Karina and I stopped in during the afternoon and had an amazing time enjoying their happy hour from 4pm to 6pm—the deals were unbeatable and made everything even better.

We ordered several items off the happy hour menu and were seriously impressed. We each got a smash burger, and they were juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seared with that ideal crust. The fried mozzarella was golden and gooey, and the 6 oysters were super fresh and chilled just right. Every bite hit the mark.

To kick things off, we each had a happy hour drink—I got a vodka soda with a splash of pineapple juice, and Karina had a vodka soda with a splash of blood orange juice. Both were refreshing and perfectly made. Later on, we also tried their specialty cocktails: Karina had the Riverside 75—light, crisp, and elegant—while I went with the Summer Break, which was fruity, smooth, and exactly what I needed to unwind.

We also shared the Prime Rib French Dip entrée, and it was incredible—tender, flavorful meat on a perfectly toasted roll, served with a rich au jus that brought it all together. It was the perfect dish to split and made the afternoon feel even more special.

The local seafood overall was incredibly fresh, the pasta was clearly homemade and full of flavor, and the prime steak we tried was cooked to perfection. You can tell the kitchen takes real pride in what they serve.

The music playing in the background really added to the vibe—it was relaxing and enjoyable without being too loud. It created a great atmosphere that made the whole experience even better.

And a special shoutout to our server, Michelle, who was absolutely perfect. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything went smoothly without ever feeling rushed. She really made us feel welcome.

The whole place had a warm, laid-back energy that made Karina and I want to stay even longer. If you’re looking for a perfect afternoon spot with amazing food, drinks, music, service, and value, The...

Nestled in the picturesque town of Mystic, Connecticut, The Mariner offers a delightful culinary experience that is as charming as its coastal surroundings. Our recent visit showcased a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, from hearty classics to lighter fare.

We began our meal with the Wedge Salad, a fresh and crisp start that set a high bar for the dishes to follow. The iceberg lettuce was perfectly chilled, generously topped with crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and ripe cherry tomatoes. The creamy dressing brought all the flavors together in a balanced harmony.

For the main course, we sampled the Chicken Piccata and the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. The Chicken Piccata was a standout, featuring tender chicken breasts lightly coated and sautéed to perfection. The tangy lemon-caper sauce was a delightful complement, providing a zesty burst that was well-balanced by the savory notes of the dish.

The Chicken Parmesan Sandwich was equally impressive. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, encased in a crispy breading and smothered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Served on a fresh, soft roll, it was a satisfying and hearty option that did not disappoint.

Our young diner enjoyed the Kids Pasta in Butter Sauce, a simple yet well-executed dish. The pasta was cooked to an ideal al dente and generously coated with a buttery sauce that was both comforting and delicious.

Overall, The Mariner offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu that satisfies a range of palates. Whether you're in the mood for a light salad or a hearty sandwich, this charming spot in Mystic delivers quality and flavor with every dish. We look forward to returning to explore more of...