Fat Tuna was such a great find. It sits right on the water, so the view is gorgeous. The parking lot is big but fills up fast because the place is busy. The staff was super friendly and on top of everything. I came in determined to try the clam fritters after seeing a photo--and wow, totally worth it. They're a special, not on the regular menu, so grab them if you can. A friend and I split the Captain's Salad and the Fisherman's Platter and still had leftovers. Big portions, fresh food, great vibe. I'd go back in a heartbeat. read more

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We've been coming here often since they first opened and have generally always been happy, but something has recently changed food wise and the costs have gotten out of control. The service is always great, so kind and quick, no complaints ever. Even with summer hires they are great! The setting is beautiful, nice outside patio, great raw bar seating, and even in the winter the indoors is comfortable and warm. A few months ago our meal was off and seemed poorly made with lesser quality ingredients, but we let it go as we thought maybe it was just a bad night. We came back again this weekend and it was more of not worse of the same. Our staple go to here has always been the crab cakes with Kimchi. I love it so much that I sometimes order 2 of it as my meal, with extra kimchi on the side! We have also tried many other options though, both kinds of lobster rolls, scallops, ravioli, always 2-3 things from the raw bar, and generally get an entree and drink special too. I'm not sure if staffing/decision making in the kitchen changed or they are cutting costs but something is definitely off. The crab cakes are no longer what they were, they have no signs of the large lump crab, and honestly tasted like a frozen version made with imitation crab. Add to that that they raised the price and I am baffled they thought it was ok to serve. The kimchi is no longer actual kimchi but plain raw cabbage chopped and lightly dusted with what could only be the leftover spices from a poor attempt at kimchi mix. The entire thing was so bad we had to send it back. When I asked about what had changed I was met with a firm denial that it was any different than it had ever been. We have eaten them around 15-20 different times and I honestly couldn't believe they were trying to convince me it was the same. The lobster roll was awful, tasted almost day old. If we had done what we wanted we would have sent our entire meals back and just left. On top of all of this, the prices have been consistently raised and yet the food quality has gone way down. I think if it were not for tourists and the location this place would suffer greatly from the changes and cutbacks they have made. Sadly, we will not be returning. read more

We had a lovely host and waitress here the fisherman's platter was pretty good and pretty large so me and my husband split it - the clam fritters I got because of one of the reviews here on Yelp - but they did not hit the spot for me. They were ok and edible but barely any clam was in one ball. If I ever came back here from NY the cold calamari Campari would be something more my style. This place was happening and very lively and loud. My Arnold Palmer tasted delicious and my husband enjoyed his Bourbon on the Bay. I also ordered a to go order for my teen of Salmon, roast potatoes and veggies and let me tell you that was delicious!!! I guess they don't do a lot of take out at this establishment though because our waitress could not give me any forks for our to go order but managed a spoon. Nice and clean ambiance inside. I liked that our waitress offered if we would like to have dessert. Very cheery place. read more

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Such a good dinner spot! My boyfriend and I walked over from the cottages we were at and this place did not disappoint!! I got the stuffed lobster and my boyfriend got the steak. However, my favorite was our app the mussels! The service was also phenomenal. I was unsure if we should get another drink. My boyfriend persisted. She then came back once he went to the bathroom to make sure we weren't driving and put them in. She was a girls girl! Everything was awesome and I highly recommend if you're in the area! It was a casual and nice dining experience. Also the pricing was not bad at all! read more

Fat Tuna - Stuffed lobster - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

It was so hot in this restaurant - very uncomfortable. When we complained to management they stated "the air conditioning is working". We asked to move tables- there were many open tables - and the refused "too much work to move". They have a take it or leave it attitude as they are on the water. Busy due to tourist season, but heard other tables complaining about the heat in the restaurant. the food was only adequate and the prices were very high. The raw bar was not good - small sizes. read more

Do not sit inside -- it's way too noisy. The menu is small but the food was good. Interesting location near the water

Had a great meal! My first lobster roll since moving to the northeast did not disappoint. Parking was easy in the lot. I was able to get a seat immediately on a Saturday around 5pm. The patio is so large and they have lots of lower seating as well. Really nice on a beautiful day. The views of the river are nice. I ordered a hot lobster roll. It came out so fast! Very quick service! Lobster was great and fries were warm and crisp. Price was fair ~$32. Left very happy and full! read more

Fat Tuna - Hot Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Food and service by Tommy was excellent. Great place to catch a sunset with a cocktail and appetizer. Large crowd made room noisy. Too windy to sit outside read more

This place is a must goto!! Fun tables, great atmosphere, easy parking, great fun cocktails good for kiddos and probably one of the cleanest restaurant I have ever been to. You must have the cold seafood salad. It was as close to Peruvian ceviche as I have had. Spicy ENJOY! read more

Fat Tuna - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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I went back to Fat Tuna after a two year hiatus. My favorite thing about Fat Tuna was their lobster ravioli, which as filling as it is, it had significant less lobster on the top of the dish. The lobster ravioli is relatively expensive $36, so I wish there was more lobster on top. I ordered a cocktail off their special's list, Westside Story, which has tequila and a peach liquor in it. Overall, this restaurant is high scale, provides a good ambiance near the water/has a nice desk, and service was prompt. They also have a huge outdoor bar, which I want to visit at some point. The restaurant is a bit expensive for the portions though! read more

Fat Tuna - Lobster Ravioli - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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A friend recommended that we check out The Fat Tuna while visiting Niantic CT and I'm so glad they did. The restaurant is right on by the drawbridge connecting the sound to the inner costal, with gorgeous views. We sat at the inside bar on very comfortable cushioned stools, the weather was perfect and the bar was open to the outside patio. We actually went twice on our 2 day visit because the first meal was so memorable. Both visits we had freshly shucked oysters and I had hot buttered lobster rolls. The oysters were cold and well shucked leaving the delicious brine. The lobster rolls were packed with lobster in a nicely toasted bun. The fries were crispy. If you like coleslaw with celery seeds then you would enjoy the slaw, I am personally not a fan of celery seeds. My husband had the blackened cod sandwich, I took a bit and the cod was very well cooked and not too over seasoned. The second visit was Italian night (they said it was the first night trying this new theme) and man, I am so glad we happened to show up for their maiden voyage of Italian night. We had the meatball ricotta appetizers, it was heaven in my mouth. 2 moist meatballs in a delicious red sauce and creamy ricotta, I would have loved a slice of crusty Italian bread to sop up the sauce. My husband had the mahi mahi special over homemade linguine with capers and olives, he said it was fantastic. We tried a few cocktails, a strawberry margarita, a delicious coconut martini and one of the best espresso martinis I've had this summer. The staff was so attentive, and offered suggestions, they seemed to really enjoyed being there, which makes a dining experience even better. 11 out of 10 recommend checking this place out. read more

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This lobster roll.....omgggg it is deliciousssss. Heavenly. The amount of butter the raw oysters were very yummy. This was my first time trying raw clams so I can't have too much an opinion on that but they were good. The only thing is that the coleslaw was not my favorite. Not creamy enough. But the fries? So good. Can't go wrong with a good fry! Amazing and fast service. I definitely recommend. Just know that the lobster rolls is a bit pricey read more

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I've only eaten at Fat Tuna as part of a retirement party, so my review is based on that. They offered a nice buffet style menu for the party, with plenty of options for different palates. I tried a little bit of everything and was pleasantly suprised by the quality and taste. The calamari in particular was wonderful, I'd return for that and a cocktail. Overall it was a nice venue for the party and I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking for a spot for something like that. read more

Second time back here. I came by with my Fiancé for a late lunch Friday afternoon. It was not busy at all. As always there was plenty of parking. Angelina took care of us that day. She was attentive and pleasant. She provided feedback about specials and answered my questions on wine. I was very surprised with the Jamaican curry, but also happy I picked it. It had lots of flavors and plenty of seafood. We also had the salad and thought it was so perfect it didn't need anything. The lobster ravioli was a bit too dry and could probably use a bit more lobster but it was very crispy. We had the affogato ice cream drawn in espresso coffee. It was surprisingly good. I will definitely come back. read more

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Great ambience with a bar facing the river. Food and service was good. Seafood and casual fare along with entrees.

We made reservations for our 25th anniversary at 6. We sat outside to see the sun set and the view was the best part of our dining experience! Our server was not friendly and the girl who hovered our table to grab a glass or a plate. It was not relaxing at all!!! Drinks, watered down. The food not worth what we paid for them! Such a disappointment for a chance taken on a new place to dine for our special occasion! Tony D's - they make it special! We were anticipating the same. Walked away very disappointed! read more

As newcomers to the area, we were excited to try a local seafood spot and placed a pickup order yesterday -- and we're so glad we did! The food was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. I ordered the grilled salmon with vegetables and coconut risotto, and it was outstanding. The salmon was perfectly cooked -- tender, flaky, and seasoned just right. The coconut risotto paired beautifully with it and made the dish feel a little extra special. We also ordered the shrimp scampi special over linguini in a wine sauce, and it did not disappoint. The sauce was rich and full of flavor without being too heavy, and the shrimp were cooked perfectly. The restaurant itself is very nice, and I can only imagine how beautiful it must be to sit there on a summer night. The gentleman who took my order over the phone was pleasant and helpful, and I had the pleasure of meeting him when I picked up the food. Excellent customer service from start to finish. Thank you so much for such a great first experience -- I think we've found our new favorite seafood spot! read more

Very small menu but everything was delightful! Half dozen oysters, stuffies and a mango margarita. The waitress was great. View of the bridge and water were also really nice. It's maybe off the beaten track but I enjoyed it. read more

This is a new spot on the Niantic River. The atmosphere is beautiful and creates a great vibe, the inside completely opens to a deck with a river view. It is however very loud and it is difficult to hold a conversation. The food is excellent, with a fairly limited menu that they do well. Be prepared to pay for it. I have had the swordfish which was perfectly cooked and seasoned, it came with saffron risotto which was a little bland and a fresh and flavorful squash combo.My husband had the seafood coop pinto, which he said was very good and was the perfect portion size Both times we went, the server seemed a bit put out by my asks regarding food allergies. Honestly both servers were competent but didn't seem to love their jobs. Full disclosure, while I really enjoyed the food and decor, it won't become a top of the list destination for us due to the noise and the lack of concern by the staff for gluten allergies. read more

Fat Tuna - Seafood Cioppino - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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I have been to this place when it was called Sunset Ribs some years ago. They changed the inside quite a bit and it has a nice seaside ambiance. You can sit inside or out and there's an open bar in the middle. Our server was really nice and recommended really good dishes. My fiancée got the special of the week which was tuna and I ordered the seafood Newburg which we both enjoyed. We got oysters, lobster bisque and clam chowder as apps and they all were solid. We enjoyed our dinner here for sure. read more

Fat Tuna - Seafood Newburg (lobster, scallops, shrimp, sherry wine lobster cream, vul au vent) - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Patience is a virtue. Good things come to those who wait. Their menu had little vodka drink specials, more Gin than anything but they still had Grey Goose and could make a drink that was delicious. Constant shucking going on! Gentleman that was shucking was working it! I ordered a cheese board and the Swordfish. I liked that it was bustling with conversation and with different age groups. Veterans, men, ladies, children and elders. Cheese board was surprisingly good. Sweet and savory. The swordfish. When I ordered it, they didn't ask how I wanted it cooked. I like my fish medium. I don't mind raw fish. Anyway, the bartender was friendly, and quick to take my order and ask how I was doing. Not a bad experience for a first timer... If the restaurant failed, I think the views would help to ease the pain. Loved that there was a place to hook your purse under the bar, plus an outlet for charging your gear. read more

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Amazing food and service! Went here with a large group to celebrate a birthday and had the best experience! Everyone was happy!

1st time going there , we tried sitting out on the deck , there was 6 of us . After waiting 15 minutes for our drink order , we decided to move to the bar when 6 seats opened up . I ordered the fish and chips and substituted the fries for Cole slaw , and I got a small salad . My meal was perfect . But they forgot to put in one of the orders so 5 of us ate while one sat there , then 2 of the same exact meals showed up at the same time. So a little confusion in the kitchen ? He got the Cajun fish sandwich and he said it was good . So no complaints on the quality of the food , service seams a little off with 10 or 12 people I counted working . read more

My husband and I were finally able to dine at Fat Tuna last Friday. Here is my updated review. Pros ~Drinks were awesome and the bartenders were top notch. Angelina is awesome!!!! Constantly moving and serving SO many guests ~Amazing views and vibe ~During happy hour, buck-a-shucks (yay) ~My husband absolutely loved his stuffed lobstah Cons ~Service at the bar was slow, because they were very understaffed. Hoping management noticed and staff is properly for the Summer ~ Mignonette with the oysters needed more flavor but, they get credit for having a mignonette ~ I ordered a side of veggies, which consisted of julienned carrots and squash and was shocked when the bill came and discovered it was $10 for a smallish portion ~ I disliked the Seafood Newburg because the sauce had way too much flour, but my husband thought it was good enough that he finished my dinner Overall, we really loved the vibe, and the proximity to our house, and buck-a-shuck oysters are a definite draw. Everyone was also super friendly. However, just one word of caution, if you decide to visit do not park under the bridge ....because the birds will use your car as a toilet. Lesson learned for us. read more

Fat Tuna - Raw bar options - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

Excellent atmosphere right on the water with perfect sunset views throughout the restaurant. Service was super busy but they made it up to us by comping a round of drinks for the table. We were all very happy with the calimari, oysters, and all the fresh seafood options. Drinks were also delicious. We will definitely visit many more times! read more

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Terrible service all around, the calamari was probably the worst we have ever had the cocktails were dreadful too . The hot lobster roll was excellent but we wouldn't return read more

Awesome food and views or special right on the harbor. The drinks are top notch . !!!!! read more

Fat Tuna - Two amazing drinks - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

I've been here a couple of times and always had a good experience . The views are great, service is friendly and professional and the food has always been above average. I usually wouldn't bother with a review about a salad but my lunch here today demands mention. On the specials menu was a "shrimp & tortellini salad" that sounded nice. What a presentation! Perfectly poached shrimp along with tortellini, fresh mixed greens, artichokes, sun-dried tomato, peppers and topped off with crumbled feta and a wonderful strawberry vinaigrette. Everything perfectly proportioned, artfully arranged and absolutely delicious! What a talented kitchen. Many shoreline restaurants assume that the view is enough and serve up mediocre fare. Not here! I'll be back soon, and often. read more

My grilled salmon was excellent. Service was very good. Nice place with pleasant views.

Highly highly recommend this place!! Located near the Boardwalk with excellent service and a small but delicious selection of menu choices. We had a seat outdoors under an umbrella which was lovely. As we waited for our food we had a view of the drawbridge as well as the fascinating boathouse transport system. The food was amazing and artfully prepared. My Crab Cakes were entirely made of crab! Imagine that! A light coat of breadcrumbs to encapsulate a delicious portion of crab. These were about the size of a scallop but eaten slowly and mindfully they were the perfect amount for me. The accompanying kimchi was also excellent. My husband enjoyed his Little Neck steamers and we shared a fantastic Spiced Apple dessert which was gorgeous as well as delicious! Kudos to the chef here! You can tell immediately they have a passion for what they do! Everything was thoughtfully prepared and presented so the diner has no choice but to linger longingly over each and every bite! We will return each time we come to the Norwich area. Well done. Excellent service too!!!! read more

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Great food , great service and terrific ambiance overlooking the niantic river. Highly recommend this restaurant.

I was a fan when it was Sunset Rib, so we wanted to check it out. However, we were all sorry we did. We sat outside, & the comments from the table were: it was too dark to see the food, they kept the umbrellas open but there were no lights on the table or in the umbrellas, there was nothing to keep the mosquitoes at bay like outside heaters, and the view was obstructed by the trees. None of us were thrilled with the food or finished our meals & It was pricy for the quality of the food. 3 of us had raw oysters, which were priced individually and were good, but the sauces were eh. There was a vinegar w/ red onion, horseradish, & cocktail sauce. I got the tuna special. The tuna itself was very good, but everything else on the plate was actually gross. The mango chutney on the fish was WAY TOO SWEET, it was basically Jam out of a jar, but not good jam, the veg side was indistinguishable and sweet, (it may have been salad shooter zucchini & carrot, but it was too dark to tell and all i tasted was sugar. The risotto was much of the same story, it was made w/ coconut milk and was super sweet! Everything was inedible, and my guests said much of the same. One of my guests ordered the fish & chips, but ate the fish, leaving the batter fries behind, another ordered the lobster roll with fries, but most of his plate went back to the kitchen full as well. Lastly my friend was served the stuffed shrimp w/ the same risotto that i had & her opinion was also much of the same. In her words the shrimp was Meh, and the risotto inedible . None of us will ever return to Fat Tuna. I am sorry, it was way too dark for photos. Save your good earned money. ALL 4 of us were greatly disappointed with this kitchen's sad attempt at elevated cooking. read more

Fat Tuna - outside bottom level is where we sat (not my pic) we were there at night - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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The view is terrific and the wait staff is attentive and friendly. We had the cheese plate as an app which I thought was very good! I had the tuna and my husband had the lobster raviolis and both were delicious. read more

Great restaurant by the water. Very neat and clean. The hostess and waitress were awesome. Attentive to our table at all times. Bread, water and all were brought timely and refilled promptly. Food options were great as well. Loved all of the dishes. The mussels were excellent as well as the lobster ravioli. It wasn't too loud even with a bar next to the tables. I highly recommend this lovely restaurant. read more

Great location Beautiful day Service at the bar was very good Raw Bar was good I enjoyed the calamari read more

Food was delicious but the evening noise levels from the bar were hard to have a conversation from our table across the room, on both occasions we dined there. read more

Our first time here, the restaurant is nice & they have a nice outside sitting area looking out at the water. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. The appetizer we order was the calamari which was awful. they look like onion rings, they were so big and were very chewy. We told the waitress because she said was very popular but it wasn't. I think 18$ for this was Very disappointed. The clam cakes appetizer were excellent. Our main meal was a peppercorn tuna with coconut risotto and mixed vegetables & to our surprise was perfect cooked and delicious. Also blacken swordfish was perfect cooked. For dessert bread pudding with icecream which was delicious. We will comeback but we will never order calamari again. read more

Perfect food, perfect service....not much more you could ask for. Crab cakes were flawless and the lobster ravioli had more lobster than I exoected read more

Fat Tuna - Crab cakes - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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Great location and atmosphere. Has an easy, inviting, and safe vibe. We enjoyed the sitting at the indoor side of the bar so we could enjoy the view of the river, pedestrians, and trains. I had the can cakes and they had to be 95% crab meat- highly recommended! read more

Fat Tuna - Seafood Near Me - Waterford, Connecticut

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Great view and good service. I ordered the buffalo wings from the specials menu. It consisted of 6 small to medium sized wings. No celery. No carrots. $14. Taste was around a 7/10. I left hungry. read more