Harbor Lights is truly one of Norwalk's hidden treasures and a waterfront dining destination that never disappoints. Located directly on the harbor, the restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Long Island Sound that create the perfect backdrop for any meal, whether you're enjoying a relaxing lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration with family and friends. The restaurant is known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood, and diverse menu selections that make it easy for everyone to find something they love. What makes Harbor Lights especially memorable is its warm, family-friendly atmosphere. It is the ideal setting for birthdays, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, family reunions, and all of life's special occasions. Guests can choose between elegant indoor dining with spectacular waterfront views or beautiful outdoor seating where they can enjoy the sea breeze and unforgettable sunsets over Norwalk Harbor. Family-owned and operated for over 25 years, Harbor Lights has become a beloved part of the Norwalk community. Their commitment to exceptional food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere is evident in every visit. Whether arriving by car or even by boat, Harbor Lights delivers a dining experience that combines incredible cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and genuine hospitality. It is, without question, a true Norwalk gem and one of the best waterfront restaurants in Connecticut. read more

Absolutely terrible experience. The entire parking setup felt intentionally ambiguous and predatory -- like it was designed to trap people into getting Barnacled so they could make a quick buck off unsuspecting visitors. There were cones blocking certain spots, but NOT the spot I parked in. A valet/parking employee watched me park, made eye contact with me, and said nothing as I walked away. Naturally, I assumed the spot was okay. I was actually visiting another establishment that was specifically listed as approved for parking in the lot, and even after explaining that, they still refused to remove the Barnacle from my windshield unless I paid. What made the situation even worse was the way it was handled afterward. The owner -- who appeared intoxicated at her own bar -- started lecturing me instead of trying to resolve the situation reasonably or professionally. It was honestly one of the most uncomfortable and unprofessional customer interactions I've had in a long time. This did not feel like legitimate parking enforcement. It felt like a deliberate setup to catch people in confusing circumstances and force them into paying outrageous fees. Be extremely careful parking anywhere around here. I would strongly recommend avoiding this area altogether unless you want to risk dealing with the same scammy situation. read more

Had one of the worst dining and service experiences of my life here last night. Sadly, my fiance and i had come here to check it out as a possible place for our wedding reception, which we had told them beforehand. We ordered drinks and a round of oysters and clams. My fiance bit into a clam that had a long strand of hair in it and was disgusted. We tried to quietly tell our waiter, who said he was so sorry and he would take everything off the bill. We then told waiter we were leaving and left. Later that night, around 10 pm et, we receive a very threatening call from the manager of the restaurant, informing us that they couldn't find any hair in the clams and we skipped out on our bill and they have already alerted the Norwalk police who are on their way to us? what?? Manager would not budge on the bill, continued to claim there was no hair in the clams, and wouldn't even give us two free drinks for the trouble. In the end I paid the manager the full bill minus the clams, and told him we will never be returning to his restaurant. 10/10 would not recommend this place unless you like hair in your food and being threatened with the police read more

Despite having no reservation on the night we went to Harbor Lights were able to be seated right next to a window table when we arrived. The weather was a bit warm out but the breeze coming off the water was beautiful. Our waiter Max was very friendly introducing himself and welcoming us to the restaurant. Despite appearing to be young he also suggested a wonderful bottle that was not on the regular menu and which he appeared to have a great knowledge of even suggesting entrees it would pair well with. We ordered a few appetizers to start, the oysters being the best of them. For our entrees my husband got the Rib-Eye Special which he said paired wonderfully with the wine and I got the tuna special which was a perfect dish on a day that had been a bit hot. We finished by sharing the apple crisp Max recommended for dessert and while it was by no means a traditional apple crisp it was none the less delicious if not a bit different. I highly recommend trying this restaurant out, even more so if you are able to get a table at sunset like we are. read more

If I could give this place negative stars, I would. This restaurant is an absolute disgrace. From the moment I stepped in, I was met with the most appalling rudeness from the staff. They acted as if my presence was a major inconvenience, with snide remarks and dismissive attitudes. The filth in this place is beyond comprehension. The floors were grimy and sticky, tables were covered in crumbs and spills, and it seemed like cleaning is a foreign concept to them. I witnessed rats boldly running across the dining area and cockroaches brazenly crawling on the walls. Absolutely revolting! The bathroom was the worst part. It was a horrifying scene with poop smeared on the walls and floor. The stench was unbearable. How can a place like this remain open? Clearly, they are swimming in health violations. It's an absolute health hazard and I'm shocked they haven't been shut down yet. Do yourself a favor and avoid this cesspool at all costs. This place should be condemned, and the owners should be ashamed. Disgusting, dirty, and utterly disgraceful! read more

Parked in the empty parking lot at the restaurant to quickly grab ice cream next door. Apparently, there was a sign that says you can't park there without a reservation or whatever. But that sign was in an area we're no one could see it. I come back 15 minutes later, and I see a barnacle on my windshield. A guy working there looks through the window and laughs at me and says it can only be removed if I pay 356 dollars! It is illegal for the restaurant themselves to put the thing on my windshield but they probably only do it because no one eats at their restaurant. Be aware that I am a minor who had just gotten their license. And they were mocking me and making fun of me giving me no choice but to pay it. My parents got involved and all the workers did there was laugh at them and basically told them to go f themselves. read more

Harbor Lights is one of my favorite waterfront restaurants in Fairfield County. The setting is absolutely beautiful, with stunning harbor views and sunsets that make every visit special. What I love most is that the menu truly has something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, steak, pasta, salads, or lighter fare, there are plenty of choices to satisfy every guest. The portions are generous, the service is attentive, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant. If you're looking for a restaurant with great food, beautiful water views, and a menu that can accommodate a variety of tastes, Harbor Lights is a wonderful choice. It's the perfect spot for a date night, family dinner, celebration, or simply enjoying a meal by the water. Highly recommended! Georgia W read more

I had an outstanding experience at Harbor Lights. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcome throughout our visit. The food was equally impressive. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in delivering quality meals that exceed expectations. What truly sets Harbor Lights apart is the atmosphere. The views are absolutely breathtaking, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, the ambiance is second to none. Great service, delicious food, and an unbelievable atmosphere make Harbor Lights a restaurant I'll definitely be returning to. Highly recommended! read more

Harbor Lights is one of my absolute favorite places to eat. The food is consistently amazing, and the views are just as incredible. Whether you're sitting out on the deck overlooking the water or enjoying the beautiful dining room inside, it's the kind of place where you instantly feel relaxed. What really makes Harbor Lights special, though, is the people. Every server and staff member goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. They treat everyone like family and somehow make every visit feel a little extra special. It's rare to find a restaurant with great food, beautiful scenery, and genuinely caring service, but Harbor Lights has all three. If you haven't been yet, you're definitely missing out. read more

"This restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic night out, especially when you want to escape the kids. We arrived on a Saturday night and they were able to accommodate us without a reservation since it was last minute for us. We ordered the branzino special and the seafood risotto, along with a few appetizers, and everything was delicious. The fish was particularly fresh and flavorful, and we were fortunate enough to snag a window table with a stunning view. We're looking forward to returning in the summer when the outdoor deck opens as it's basically right on the water. The service was just right, attentive without being overbearing. read more

My husband and I have a very busy life; date night is a very important night. When we walked in the door at Harbor Lights we were greeted by Jimmy the "Greek" bartender. He had such great recommendations for the freshest fish of the day and the wine to go with it! Great Service, Great Food, and the best relaxing atmosphere you can get on the water. Best yet the owner, Chris came over to our table and asked us how our food was and recommended desert. The hot Chocolate molten cake is to die for! If you want to get away from the kids and have a nice relaxing night out with your special someone I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

We went here one night and i ordered the free range chicken with gratin potatoes and green beans. The chicken was flavorful and well cooked. The portions of the sides are generous for what your paying as well. Our food came out promptly and our waitress was attentive, but not overbearing. I ordered the flourless chocolate cake for dessert as well. Not too sweet and very balanced. Overall, good service and good food. The ambience is also very nice, great view of the water, like no restaurant I'd been to before. Would definitely recommend Harbor Lights. read more

I can't believe I have been in the area for so long and haven't found out about this restaurant until recently, I saw the ad on TV and came for the exquisite food and stayed for the amazing ambience and helpful staff. Everyone was knowledgeable and ready to do their job from the hostess who helped us find an amazing table on a busy evening to our amazing waitress who knew the menu inside and out and was extremely attentive. I loved the whole experience and can't wait to go back! read more

Fantastic dining experience. The view of the harbor from any seat in the house is spectacular. The staff was friendly and the food was fantastic. My friends and I went after a long day at work and it was worth it. I had the red snapper and it was one of the best lobsters I've had in a while. You can tell the food is fresh and I would highly recommend eating here to anybody in the area read more

Going to Harbor Lights was an extremely enjoyable experience from when we made the reservations, to them helping with tying up the boat, to the service and the food. The appetizers were great, and the food was very fresh. Everything was great and the ambiance was incredible! Will definitely be returning and bringing friends as well! read more

On Friday the 14th I enjoyed not all the beautiful day and ambience of Harbor Lights on the water but I enjoy the delicious salmon with risotto and asparagus dinner with a nice chilled bottle of DuckHorn Chardonnay. My waiter Harley did an excellent job making sure that my dining experience was the best. read more

Stopped by Harbor Lights with the family celebrating a birthday and everything was on point. The outdoor seating right on the water is hard to beat, especially around sunset which made for an enjoyable experience. Service was attentive without being overbearing. We will be returning. read more

Had dinner here with my girlfriend and loved the place. Very nice and elegant atmosphere and amazing water view. Our waiter was friendly and professional and took his recommendation to try the specials. Delicious food and great presentation. Definitely coming back here again. read more

The most stunning views, amazing service and delicious food! The menu was recently updated to an all day menu with a variety of yummy small plates and lots of Fall inspired dishes to choose from. Try shrimp saganaki and eggplant meatballs to name a few. read more