Really good. Parking is tricky so plan that. Ordering small plates to share is a good idea for sampling all the different fares. Delicious fish soup, shrimp and grits, breads, salads, cheeses and cocktails. Delicious. Nice location as well. read more

The food and service at the Whelk are superb. Everything we were served was superbly prepared and full of interesting flavors. The only part of the experience that was better than the food was the service. A friend I decided to bring is both gluten free and dairy free and the person who waited on us could not have been more accommodating. The waitress spent a tremendous amount of time going through the menu to identify which items were dairy free and gluten free. If she was not sure about a menu item she checked with the Chef, When it can time for dessert there were no selections that were both gluten and dairy free, so she talked to the chef about creating something that was. Great experience form start to finish. read more

It seems people are upset it isn't Le Farm. Well, I haven't been to Le Farm so I cannot compare, but I can tell you The Whelk lunch I had was stellar. The Lobster Crab Roll was substantial and unbelievably delicious, as were the Barbecue Clams to start. As for service, our waitress was amicable, helpful with suggestions, and didn't mind us staying a bit too long to have an extra drink. Oh, and the Cookies and Milk dessert was mind-blowing. read more

Enjoyed the fresh seafood and tasty wine on all three of our most recent visits, but could hardly hear my husband (and I don't have a problem with hearing). SO loud and lots of tables with yelling parties. Seems to always be like this. The business about taking the cc for a res is ridiculous. Also, you can't ever ask for a different bread because the chef apparently doesn't like that. Again, relax a little, we are the customers. This ain't NYC and you are not le Cirque. But the seafood is reliably good and the wait service is very friendly and consistent. We'd go there a lot more often if the chef would chill and they'd do something about the sound issues. read more

Chef Bill Taibie obviously is a talented fellow, and the carefully chosen menu items here all shine. We experienced a very delicious trio of dishes tonight, 8 beautiful oysters, 4 varieties, 2 of each and all plump, succulent and delicious, served with a toasty bun and home made condiments. (grated horseradish, mignonette & cocktail sauce) A dish with the most tender octopus, harissa, fried potatoes and gravy was a hit and lightly smoked (hot smoked) hake came with frisee lettuce, tiny croutons and grainy mustard. All the flavors came together well and there were some pickled onions in there somewhere, but the delicious Austrian white was beginning to cloud my judgement. For dessert a Panna cotta with blood orange and a magic bar with caramel put me over the edge. Good service and it's a nice spot too. Bravo. read more

I've been here twice and have been wowed by how underwhelming this place is both times. This place is always packed so I'd expect something great based on that and the very positive reviews on yelp. Each time I got the opposite of that. The first time was a few months ago and all of the dishes we tried were very bland and under seasoned. I forget exactly what we had but we ended up leaving disappointed. I wrote it off as a bad day on their part and came back after hearing they recently hired a new chef. Unfortunately, the experience was pretty much the same. We tried a variety of dishes and none of them were great. The smoked trout dip was probably the best part, good flavor on it and it was well seasoned but after that it was all downhill. The crab fondue was severely undercrabbed and tasted like a generic fondue. The raw scallop dish lacked any sort of flavor which is surprising considering I've had scallop crudo at LeFarm and really enjoyed it. The cobia fish appetizer was probably the weakest dish as the fish didn't pair well with anything on the plate and again it was all under seasoned. After eating all those appetizers, we were still hungry so we ordered burgers. These were decent, a bit overcooked versus what we asked for which meant they were a bit too dry for my taste. The fries were bland and again under seasoned. The space is cool and hip though which is nice and it seems like a nice place to grab a beer since they have a few beers on tap. It's too bad the food sucks. Two visits, two bland meals, two big bills. I don't get it and I don't think I'll be coming back. read more

Went to The Whelk with a friend on a Tuesday night to find it HOPPING! On Tuesday....in Westport!! Definitely a social scene at the bar and even though the place was packed, I was delighted to find the bartenders and hosts very friendly and inviting. The menu was full of dishes I had never heard of before which was interesting and a bit intimidating. We had the crab fondue (good) and the grilled octopus (YUM!!) Lovely wine list....food was PRICEY. Will definitely come back for the scene at least ;) May suggest they add SOMETHING to the menu that is a bit more conventional. Sorry foodies! I want to be adventurous but it will be a tough sell with some friends. read more

I am not sure why this place is so popular, and busy. I have been here once before, and the food was below average. We came back since I read there is a new chef working here, and I thought I will give this place another chance. The food was once again below average. We ordered crab fondue, smoked trout dip, raw scallop dish, fish appetizer, and 3 beef burgers. The food was bland, and nothing I would order again. We also tried buttermilk panna cotta, and magic bar for desert. They were too sweet, and nothing to rave about either. If the menu changes we may give this place another shot, but for now I have to say it was disappointing that nothing changed even though there is a new chef working there. read more

Not much of a lobster & crab roll for 26 bucks. Badly overpriced. BTW they rarely have whelks, despite their name. Avoid this place!

Had dinner here recently. It was good but slightly underwhelming given all of the accolades I heard it was receiving.

Don't go! We had a reservation & the hostess placed us at a communal table with backless seats. My Mom is 80 years old! We had a freaking reservation for a table, not your after thought communal table! The crab claw dish had no crab in it! The prices were too high. Will not be going back. read more

Great atmosphere. Really enjoyable experience. Loved sitting at the bar. They have an assortment of high end cocktails and the food is pretty tasty! i will be back. The ambiance is dark and homey. I love their Meyers soap in the restroom! Enjoyable appetizers as well. read more

Hands down, the best restaurant in Connecticut and one of the best we have been to anywhere, including some pretty fancy spots. At first blush many months ago, the menu appeared too challenging for me and certainly for my husband who is a very fussy eater. But we loved Le Farm and were drawn in by the vibe of The Whelk so we decided to give it a try. Well, over time and regular weekly visits we have found the food to be nothing short of spectacular. My favorite dishes: The Copps Island raw oysters-locally harvested, fresh, plump and fleshy. I ask for cocktail sauce and horseradish as that is my preference. Do not miss. It will spoil you forever-no oysters will ever compare. Scallops-small plate includes 3 with grain and peas in a spectacular preparation. Mussels-I know it sounds redundant but you will never, ever find any more delicious than these. Plump, not a trace of sand and plentiful. More than enough for a full meal or to share with others as an appetizer. The toast and broth put this dish over the top. Sea Bass and Flounder-preparations change regularly and all that I have tried enhance the freshness of the fish. Portions are always significant and abundant unlike what wen have experienced in some of the "best restaurants" in other places. Burger and fries-brings me back to my food challenged husband. He is addicted to the burger. Although he could clearly manage to enjoy other items in the menu, he now refuses to do so, except on one night when the burger disappeared from the menu and he ordered the chicken sandwich! And I can't say I blame him. I also have succumbed on several occasions to this basic All American standard and admit it is the best burger I have ever had. I take it sans mayo, which is my preference. The fries are thin, crisp and equally addicting. They can also be ordered as an appetizer but beware-the portion is huge so plan on sharing with your dining partners. Unlike many restaurants where dessert is an afterthought or sourced from commercial bakeries, the magic bars and whoopee pies here are great toppers to share if you still have room. As for drinks, I regularly have the Cabernet Sauvignon just because that is where my taste runs. It never disappoints. But the wine list is impressive and appears to be well received. So that's some food highlights, but the thing that makes The Whelk a real treasure is the people who work there. Tanya is as gracious a host as I have ever experienced. Always smiling and inviting, she deftly manages to settle in the crowd that often surrounds the front entrance. Massimo (part owner) is always about with his engaging personality and superb knowledge of food and wine. He is exceedingly helpful and patient when advising on menu items. Lauren is always ebullient and enthusiastic about helping to navigate food choices. The bus staff is quick, efficient and professional. Bill, chef/owner is always milling about except on certain nights when he is at Le Farm. He is very engaging and takes such pride in his creations. We have sat at reserved tables, the bar and the communal tables. If you are chatty like me and enjoy sharing your experience with other foodies, plan to sit at one of the communal tables if you can snag a no reservations policy seat. It is really loads of fun. And ladies-check out the hook under the table for your pocketbook! Very thoughtful. Soon there will be seating outside overlooking the water, which I much prefer to the new pop out venues occupying streets and parking lots. I really could go on and on about this place. We have now been at least 15 times and it's really to the point where it's hard to go anywhere else in town, other than Le Farm, which we really like also despite the fact that it doesn't have those intoxicating french fries! If you are looking for a restaurant with unparalleled food, great buzz, and a professional staff, The Whelk is for you. And make sure to say "hi." I'll be there with the guy gobbling up the burger and fries! read more

Came on a Saturday between lunch and dinner (they're so booked we decided on lunch instead of dinner). First and foremost, the staff treated us like is was 8pm and everyone was attentive and helpful when ordering. Both people helping us were great. The 2 gentlemen sitting next to us almost made the experience tough as they were here to complain about eeevvverrryyytthingg.. But eventually they left and all was perfect again. Oysters amazing! Smoked trout dip, best I've had! Waiter recommended the smoked pork salad and it was probably the best thing we had. Hard to tell with such well thought out menu items. I understand now why we couldn't get dinner reservations. Don't hesitate, book your reservation... The owner knows what he's doing... And owns kawa ni and recently closed Le farm. Literally the best restaurants in Fairfield county. Thanks whelk :) read more

Love this place. Awesome indoor and outdoor ambiance. Friendly bartenders. Scrumptious food. Good wine selection. Not cheap but nice place to go for a special occasion. Next time would pass on the deviled eggs but thumbs up to the rest of the menu. read more

Probably my favorite restaurant in Westport, and that's saying a lot. Extremely inspired and inventive menu blending fresh seafood with a creole/soul flare. Great drinks and a lively bar. I've never had a bad dish here and they continue to mix up the menu bringing new ideas to the table. Bill Taibe is the GOAT read more

Great food. Great service. Really enjoyed. The menu is very creative and lots of choices. I will definitely go back.

1st timer. Discovered the whelk on this site. Visiting from Fla. great discovery. Tapas. Were very good. The lobster was to die for.

This place wishes it were in Manhattan. Only problem, is, its policies represent exactly the opposite: suburbia at its finest. Reservations are required to even sit at the bar, drinks are overpriced, and the staff's pretentious garb and demeanor will send you running for the door after your first drink. At least, that's what we did. Buy a drink from a happy bearded bartender somewhere else. read more

Great food, seafood as fresh as it gets...beautiful space the only downside is the noise, it's very hard to have a conversation above the din, that's not on the service, the food, the ambiance, but it does limit when we'd go there. Still great!! read more

I am completely starstruck. I daydream about the Whelk. We make it a point to stop in every time we're in town, because otherwise, I go into withdrawal. Chef Bill is a culinary genius. Everything we have ever gotten at the Whelk has completely blown our socks off. The food is exciting and unexpected, and totally unpretentious. It's just really excellent, comforting, feel-good food. Shucked oysters are always fresh and the variety is constantly changing. They are served with a beautifully refreshing jalapeno mignonette. Everything from the pork belly to the crudo to the cavatelli to every fish ever is well thought-out, carefully composed, and unbelievably delicious. The desserts are equally composed, and so, so special. I still get happy tingles thinking about the passion fruit mousse on the bread pudding. Massimo is so knowledgeable about the wine, and manages to really simplify and clarify for wine newbies like me. He has consistently picked out lovely pairings for our meals. He has thoroughly ruined me. I can't ever feel like a meal is complete again unless a perfectly paired wine is present. Service was spectacular. Everyone-- the hosts, the servers (we've had Doug and Stefanie, but I'm sure everyone is equally fabulous!), the food runners,the bussers-- was so friendly and made us feel so welcome. They were on point and attentive without being overbearing. The decor is too cute. There are community tables in the middle of the restaurant, and more intimate tables against the wall. Lights are dim and romantic. I love the seashells in baskets. E spent some time checking out the "really cool lightbulbs!" In short, we are completely in love with the Whelk. The food is truly special, but everything else works together to make it an uncontested favorite. read more

It was good, but I gotta say it was OVERKILL with the reservation process. First I made the reservation on their website. I had to enter my credit card which is silly and time consuming- ok, fine, I get it. But Then I had to confirm through the confirmation email that we were coming. Then I got a call from the restaurant with a voicemail asking me to call back to confirm our reservation. After that I got a text asking to confirm once again our reservation. I'm sorry but it was insane and totally unnecessary. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of CT. The cocktail and wine lists are exceptional. The service is friendly and attentive. One of the best places to eat oysters on the east coast. They are always perfectly shucked with plenty of brine remaining in the oyster which is something a lot of places fall short on. Their pork belly is always a staple on the menu but is always changing. Never hesitate to order ANYTHING from this restaurant knowing that the quality and presentation will captivate your senses. read more

Great, creative food. I'm a big fan of unusual/non-traditional flavor combinations and also a lover of seafood. Bill Taibe's new restaurant fits the bill. However, it's extremely busy, especially at peak dinner times. We had to wait an extra 20-30 minutes for our 8 PM reservation...on a Wednesday. Mussels were fantastic, periwinkles on pumpernickel - interesting and delicious. All the salads were arranged nicely and perfectly balanced. read more

Had a great time here with friends. It's in a neat area in case you want to walk around before/after and enjoy the water views, there are other restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors, and shops in the vicinity. Parking isn't too bad to get but you might end up walking a decent distance to get there. The service was excellent the whole time and the servers were well versed on the menu. There are some classic options available but also some craftier stuff in case you're feeling adventurous or funky. There are some "turf" options but it is a heavy seafood-based menu so just make sure your guests review it before you go in case it's not their thing. read more

The roasted chicken is awesome. One of the best things ever eaten. Great bartender Chris read more

The Whelk - Seafood Near Me - Westport, Connecticut

Racist Hostess Alert- The minute my colleague and I entered the establishment with our babies we were greeted by a rude, snobby hostess (claimed her name was Nicole) who looked us up and down in a very unfriendly, unwelcoming way. We asked if a table was available and she responded that there was a 30-40 minute wait while both her and her coworker rolled there eyes at us and looked at each other with smirks as if to ridicule our presence. We agreed on waiting the time frame presented and immediately the hostess added in a condescending tone that it would take closer to 40 min. Once again we reiterated that we agreed on the presented time frame. Unfortunately, the hostess then added that they were booked for the whole night and smirked at her co worker then looked at us and rolled her eyes again. We are both professionals who frequent restaurants in our native Manhattan and it didn't take us long to see that the actions of this hostess where racist and the change of time frames was a purposeful technique used to exclude us from what at the time was an establishment serving an all white clientele. I asked an aunt to call through the phone to confirm if reservations really weren't available. Not to our surprise after leaving a message the hostess returned her call and gave her a time slot for dinner. It is unacceptable for an establishment to support an employee who carries out discriminatory behavior. It is imperative that management make it clear that this ignorant and callus behavior will not be tolerated! We plan on filing a discriminatory formal complaint to ensure all are treated equal and no one especially a child feels excluded because of the color of their skin. read more

Stopped for lunch. Had the razor clams, BBQ clams, salad and the squid ink cavatelli with shrimp and chorizo. Plenty of food for 2 people. Everything was delicious! Looking forward to a return visit. read more

Great atmosphere. Amazing service. Love this place! Get the deviled eggs! And be sure to try something new, the chefs won't disappoint! read more

Always a great restaurant. Food is consistent, service is good and ambience is nice. I love coming to this restaurant and recommend trying it, if you have not already. Good place to meet friends or dine with your family. read more

What can I say about this amazing restaurant? From the overall warmth you feel when you walk in to the restaurant to the servers who are excellent to the menu. Five stars all around! If you are looking for a fun night with excellent service and food that will please everyone, The Whelk is your place. read more

This place is amazing. Every dish, even the Brussels sprouts appetizers, are amazing. Great beer/wine/cocktail selection. My family came from nyc/long island just to come here. So worth it. If you like oysters, get a variety of them. Staff is excellent too. Great use of local organic foods too! read more

I Returned to the Whelk on Saturday 9/20/2014 with two guest and the experience was much MUCH better. The food was superb as it was the first time and the service was significantly improved. The restaurant was crowded and busy but from the moment we walked in the door to the mom we left it was attentive staff. There was a wait to be seated but our wait was well under the 30 minutes that the hostess told us it would be. Servers were professional and prompted and even though the restaurant was crowded we did not get the feel that our server did not have the time to take good car of us. The food was prepared perfectly and both my guests and I LOVE every bit of it. We will be returning to the Whelk again in the near future. read more

wow whelk whamburgers, wonderful salad, great house blend coffee, nice frozen lee kor drinks are summerlishus .highly recommend indoord and outdoors on the great patio for a summer lunch or great dinner experience. read more

Fun atmosphere, great food, fairly limited selection of entrees. Very busy on Saturday nights so expect to wait even with a reservation.

Off to a great start! Passion and energy in thought and execution. After one visit we know we'll be back with friends so we can taste our way through the entire menu. read more

I am a twice a week customer and can not for the life of me figure out why customers have not given Whelk 5 (five) stars. Outstanding atmosphere, engaging staff, and a continuous rotation of food beyond one's dream. Plaudits to Massimo, Chris, Doug, Stephanie and Kendra read more

Terrific restaurant with wonderful artisinal food but expensive drinks ($12-$15 per glass of wine? Yikes!) and portions that are pretty small, even on the "large" plates. I'm not a large eater and wound up leaving a little hungry, even though we had an appetizer and an entree. I looked around and most folks were scraping their plates, I suspect both because the food is delicious AND they were still somewhat hungry. My entree of scallops only had 4 mid sized scallops on it...c'mon, really? The squid ink cavatelli was fantastic but again, didn't have a lot of seafood in it. Ambiance and service were awesome. Overall, will be back, but will probably have a snack first. :) read more

So good! Everything is delicious here- the deviled eggs are a signature appetizer that we love! The mussels and all the fish are yummy too! If you don't have a reservation ask to sit at the shares tables in the middle or on the porch. read more

Get the chicken sandwich and a scotch, you won't have a more enjoyable summer dinner experience. Getting a table can be tough so plan ahead. read more