Harbor Lights Awards

Harbor Lights Restaurant Review:

Harbor Lights, housed in a century-old New England-style stone building overlooking the Connecticut waterfront, is a rare welcome port of call for year-round dining. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a panoramic view of Norwalk harbor, complemented by the cruise ship setting, decked out with polished hardwood floors and soft lighting. Appetizers include a tender grilled octopus marinated in lemon, extra virgin olive oil and garden herbs and succulent black seared sea scallops served over a mango pineapple chutney and drizzled with sweet soy glaze. Although the fish and seafood are the draw --- think an indulgent lobster Santorini, 1.5-pound lobster stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp served with lightly gratinéed seasonal vegetables and veggie risotto --- there are noteworthy land-dwelling options, as well, including a classically prepared filet mignon served with gratin potatoes and asparagus in a Port wine demiglaze. Among the broad selection of wines on hand, the Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for the seafood starters and the lobster, while Simi Cabernet Sauvignon works well with the filet mignon. For dessert, consider the creative banana spring roll and sorbets in a range of flavors, from passion fruit and mango to lemon.