We love Nellie's! I've had many delicious dinners here and will keep coming back because they keep freshening the menu with better and better dishes. My current fave is the Tune Poke Bowl, my wife's is the Arugula Salad, and we often try the specials. This week it was a pork belly quesadilla that was phenomenal. We don't care for eating outdoors but their patio is popular and has pretty views. Oh, and the cocktails are awesome too! read more

Cute dining room, nice outdoor area and great water views! We were greeted right away. The guacamole was delicious, and the fish and chips were excellent. I'm not the biggest fan of regular crème brûlée so we had to try the chocolate one. It was delicious. It reminded me more of mousse, but it was yummy! read more

Great food great service. Great location. Aperol Spritz was delicious. Fish and chips was good. read more

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Great location, right on the water. Staff is friendly. A couple of dishes were fantastic, particularly the right oysters and the lobster street corn. Our filet mignon was well done even though we ordered a medium rare. The biggest problem is the lack of staffing and management. The waiters and hostess were working hard, but clearly they were understaffed, and not very experienced. We waited 30 minutes just for a glass of wine, which came after the meal was finished. There was no one around to address the issue of the overcooked steak. There were not even dedicated staff just to bus tables and fill up water glasses, and we sat for a long time hoping to catch somebody's attention just a refill our glasses. Lots of potential for this restaurant if they can get some good management and staff training in place. read more

Surroundings were great, love looking at the boats and water. Food quality was fair. Service was painfully slow.

FANTASTIC!! I'm new-ish to this area and was never able to go to Nellie's because of the renovation and Covid. Went to a local muster yesterday with my parents and we were looking for a new place to go. I suggested fill this because it's on the water (it was so so hot so we sat inside anyways), and the menu looked good. The place is so cute inside. Wood, comfy pillows, small and well lit. The service (Tess) was friendly and attentive. My father's order was put in incorrectly and she apologized, took off his last drink and brought it out as quickly as possible which was appreciated. The food, I didn't give it five stars because it's my preference a bit larger menu (there are Specials but the taco special isn't really a special I'd there's tacos on the menu already)... but other than that, it is DELICIOUS... We had .. Mussels for the table ... fan favorite! We wanted to drink the broth from the bowl and wished we had had toast points or something. Tender, succulent and that sauce... so good. Came with cheesy, fresh cut, truffle fries (which there were more fries) Kale Cesar salad with polenta croutons which were so crispy yet soft and the dressing was spot on (wish I had anchovies). Clam chowder, perfection if It had a bit more salt but when I doctored it up it was bacon-y and soft potato goodness. I had cod tacos .. a bit pricey for only two tacos. They were ok, not the best, but not awful by any means. Mom had the steak taco special and she enjoyed it And dad had the zuppa da clams (red sauce)..which had a DELICIOUS Sauce (Again, we needed something to sop it up with). Everyone was really pleased and we kept talking about how good everything was the whole way home. The drinks were inventive and yummy. I had a tequila drink with rosemary. Mom had a bourbon apricot drink and dad had a gin and tonic. We had s couple more drinks and the bill came to 130.00 All in all... fantastic experience ... So glad we decided to check it out.... We will be here many many more times and look forward to it. Delicious! read more

Unfortunately, this was a terrible dinner. The restaurant itself is situated near the harbor in a cute and peacefully location. Inside the restaurant was modern chick. The restaurant hosts and waiters appeared to be in high school and the place reflected as such - it seemed like someone in charge had left the summer staff to fend for themselves. We waited for 30+ minutes to put in our food order despite being ready. Other tables were served before us who had arrived later with larger parties. Our food was incredibly bland - so bland that I had to ask for salt and pepper, which was not at the table. I was told that the restaurant was "low on salt" and that "some would have to be dug out of the kitchen, somewhere." We waited another 15minutes for salt (no pepper), and none came - had to remind the nice waiter. Once the salt came, the Mahi-Mahi Entree with polenta and broccoli was barely edible (I do not recommend). We went to another restaurant afterwards to cleanse our palette. Only reason for 2 stars is that our drinks were great and the waiter was doing the best he could. Unfortunately, I would recommend you spend your money elsewhere - this is not it. read more

Ordered lobster street corn, bacon cheddar burger and lobster Caesar to go. All so delicious. Good amount of lobster in both salad and corn. Will be back to check out the bar! Yum! read more

Hidden Gem! I went to Nellie's for a work dinner. I didn't have any expectations, but left happily surprised. Cocktails shocked me. They were well crafted, presented with care and delicious. Server was attentive and knowledgeable. I ordered the lobster roll and it did not disappoint (and I have been disappointed many times by subpar lobster rolls). If you are looking for a casual dinner with good drinks, it's a perfect spot. I would definitely recommend it and will be back. read more

Been here several times since it has reopened. Never a disappointment! Such a great place for brunch as it is hard to find brunch options in Branford. Excellent dinner spot as well right on the water. Salmon on Caesar Salad is my favorite, and their drinks are on point. If there is ever a mix up or if an appetezier is forgotten, it is on the house. EXCELLENT customer service. Mistakes happen...it is acknowledging them and making them right which makes this place a true Branford gem! read more

I love the modern renovations and elevated menu they now have. I am a picky eater and sometimes struggle to find a place I enjoy but they have a great burger, they also seriously make the best cocktails around. read more

Great place to visit for the lunch. Fantastic cocktails and food, great service, water views. What more can one ask? I highly recommend the experience! read more

Good food, nice people, on the water. The ambiance is nice. It was a quite night, I imagine it can get quite loud.

If you're looking to have a superior cocktail or two along with a nice view, this is your spot. It's nestled on an inlet next to a marina. For drinks, I recommend the smoked out or maple street mayham! My chicken mediterranean was also very well prepared. I recommend Nellie's wholeheartedly. read more

Amazing food and drinks!!! Our go-to place in town. The margs are delicious and you cant go wrong with any of the food selections

Been coming here to celebrate brithdays or just a casual outdoor lunch. This place is such as hidden gem in Branford, right on the water with gorgeous views of the water. Quiet and service is excellent. Drinks are tasty and food is always being updated which is great for a local like me who keeps coming back ! read more

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Traveling home to MA from OBX, we were all hungry and after some research, decided to give Nellie's a try. It's a little off the beaten path in a boatyard/marina, but once you arrive, you are warmly greeted by everyone. We opted to sit outside after being on the road for hours and the view of the river was lovely. For appetizers we ordered chowder and the street corn lobster. There was plenty of lobster in it! My husband ordered the lobster roll and really enjoyed it. I ordered the mahi tacos and they were equally as tasty. We've started a collection of "Restaurants Off 95" note to remind us of places we've enjoyed while traveling and Nellie's is on the top of the list! read more

I love Free Bird as much as the next guy, but stay away if the guy with the mullet is singing. Food is not bad. But once the music starts this place isn't really about the food. read more

Food was ok. They cheat you on the chips. Twice we asked for chips and they only gave us 8 chips literally for a dip. Service was ok but be forewarned read more

Waited! Slow night and service was terrible. Waited 20 minutes for a drink and the bar had only 4 people. Fried calamari too chewy. Not returning. Not as expected. read more

Fantastic gourmet eatery right on the Branford River. Ive been dining here since the current owners re-opened mid Covid. Never a disappointing meal. The menu is tight and concise. Everything cooked fresh to order. Coconut Shrimp is incredible and the nicely spicy dipping sauce is a perfect accompaniment. Try the Lobster Street Corn for an interesting appetizer change up. Simply unique and delicious! The salmon is always top notch, as is the lobster roll. You really can't go wrong on this menu. And if you are at a crossroads, pick a taco. You will not be disappointed. Outdoor dining on the riverfront deck is always a bonus on a nice summer day. Tess, the mixologist manning the bar is the best! Bon Appetite! ! read more

Placed a take out dinner order, they said it'd be ready for pick up in 10-15 min, but when we got there to pick up over 20 min later, they hadn't even put the order in yet. shrimp twists were a rip off, measly 4 pieces of the smallest shrimp. guac sucked, sandwich were subpar. won't be ordering or eating there again and don't recommend. read more

So delicious!! Love it! Raw oysters were so delicious! Lobster roll just amazing with lots of lobster! Their cocktails are so refreshing!!!

I really love this place! We live nearby and it's a great pop-in spot. The food is really, really good and they have great cocktails. Restaurants on the water often have mediocre food - you pay for the location, not the cuisine. But Nellies has great food with excellent attention to details. If you like looking at boats, you'll love the views. read more

Great atmosphere, staff is very friendly, very clean and inviting. The fried fish tacos were on point, along with the cocktails. Highly recommend read more

We love Nellie's and are so glad it is open this season! Fantastic outdoor space right in the river. Delicious drinks .Great service and food. read more

Great drinks-Tess and Austin are creative and make great drinks. Try the lobster roll or tacos.

Came to Nellies for the first time since it has changed owners. So glad we did!!! It was great. Although we are in the middle of a heat wave, there was a nice breeze off of the water and was really comfortable. Brian was our server. He was great!!! For apps we had the coconut shrimp which was awesome. It was crispy and the sauce was really good. For our other app we had the mahi mahi tacos, they were so good!! For dinner we had the seafood risotto and salmon. Both amazing. Super fresh!! I'm weird about scallops and these were perfectly cooked, along with the shrimp and risotto as well! The salmon was amazing too. It had a really nice crisp on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. It came with fresh vegetables....they were great. The atmosphere was awesome! The inside is really beautiful and the outside has an awesome vibe as well. So glad we came here for a perfect date night! I highly recommend checking this place out. You will not be disappointed!!! Cheers!! read more

Food was good, but I was disappointed as they're right next door to Stony Creek Brewery and didn't have a single beer from them. They had a number of beer selections, but I was looking forward to having a nice cold one from the brewery next door with dinner. The waitress was attentive but must have been new or inexperienced as I had to inquire about the beer selection twice before she just sluffed it off, saying "Oh we do, but only in summer when the taps outside are on." Then when she announced the specials, one of the others at the table said I'll have a bowl of the chowder, and I chimed in and said "I will as well" to which she didn't acknowledge and zoomed off. Then she comes back with only one spoon and 1 bag of soup crackers. When I asked if she forgot me she seemed annoyed and quiped Oh Sorry, I'll be right back. It was fairly pricey compared to other restaurants, but the Chowder was very good as were the Fish and Chips I had. read more