In the fall of 1983, Paul + Donna Formica drove past a tiny one-bedroom home on Chesterfield Road in Flanders, Connecticut + thought,
"that could be a fish market.”
And so it became.
Now, over 40 years later, Flanders Fish Market is Connecticut’s largest full-service fresh fish market, seafood restaurant, bar + catering operation proudly named to the CT Restaurant Association Hospitality Hall of Fame. While Donna passed away in 2009, her family - including three daughters on the leadership team - continue to carry on her legacy of loving, warm service...and great freaking food.
FFM was voted “Best Seafood” in CT Magazine, "Best Lobster Roll" in Southeastern Connecticut + Southern Rhode Island by The Day's readers, featured on the Food Network, in Coastal Living Magazine, The New York Times, and Rachael Ray. Now in the second generation of family leadership and 3rd restaurant in the group, Flanders Fish Restaurant Group added Niantic's 374 Kitchen + Cocktails and the seasonal Crescent Beach Stand powered by Flanders Fish.
With the best team in the game, led by Director of Brand + Business Development, Ali Formica Coleman, Director of Operations, Hannah Formica, Culinary Director Olivia Formica, General Manager, Jennaya Morey + Chef Pat Sullivan, our values of FAMILY, COMMUNITY, QUALITY + SERVICE continue to be paramount.
Whether you'd like to cater your event (on-site in one of our remodeled dining spaces or off-site with our custom clambake wagons), order take-out, place an order for local or national delivery or dine in with us in either of our dining rooms, by the fire pits on our outdoor patio, at our bar, or enjoy an intimate private dining experience at our Chef's Table, we keep it FRESH. Period. 7 days a week.
We're proud to serve locals throughout East Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Waterford, New Haven, Essex, New London, Groton, Niantic, CT, and the surrounding communities.
Connecticut Magazine Best of 1998
Reader's Choice Best Seafood, Value + Family Dining New London County
New York Times
"The village of Flanders is known for the seafood at Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant"
2024 Best Restaurants Connecticut Magazine
Best Seafood New London County + Statewide Finalist
Best Traditional American New London County
Best Cajun Cuisine Statewide + County Winner
2024 Best of Connecticut Magazine
Newsroom Top Restaurant Pick Best Seafood + Best Raw Bar, County Reader's Choice Winner in Best Business Lunch, Statewide Reader's Choice Runner Up + County Winner in Best Seafood
The Chronicle, Boston
This seaside village in Connecticut boasts fresh seafood and stunning gardens
The Day Best of 2024
Best Chef Liv Formica 3 Years Running!!
Best Seafood
Best Specialty Food Store
The Day Best of 2023
Best Chef Liv Formica, Best Fish + Chip, Best Seafood, Best Appetizers
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2023
Reader's Choice Best Seafood, Raw Bar, Lunch + Family Dining New London County
Hospitality Hall of Fame
Awarded by the Connecticut Restaurant Association
2022 Small Business of the Year
Awarded by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2022
Reader's Choice Best Overall Excellence, Seafood, Brunch + Family Dining New London County, Runner-Up Best Fish Market
New London Day Best of 2022
Best Chef Liv Formica, Appetizers, Fish + Chips, Seafood Store
Runner-Up Best Seafood, Brunch, Chowder + Cajun Cuisine
The Day Fish + Chips Madness Winner 2022
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2021
Reader's Choice Best Overall Value, Lunch, Seafood, Runner-Up Best Caterer
The Day Lobster Roll Madness Winner 2021
New London Day Best of 2021
Best Seafood Store, Runner-Up Best Seafood + Chowder
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2020
Finalist Best Caterer, Fish Market, Clam Chowder, Seafood Shack, Soup
New London Day Best of 2020
Best Seafood Store, Cajun Cuisine, Runner-Up Best Caterer, Chowder, Fish + Chips, Seafood
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2018
Reader's Choice Statewide Winner Best Fish Market
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2017
Reader's Choice Statewide Runner-Up Best Seafood
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2012 + 2011
Editor's Choice Best Fish Market
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2010
Reader's Choice Best Seafood New London County, Editor's Choice Best Fish Market
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2009
Editor's Choice Best Fish Market, Reader's Choice Best Seafood New London County,
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2008
Editor's Choice Best Fish Market
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2005
Reader's Choice Best Seafood New London County
Connecticut Magazine Best of 2003
Reader's Choice Best Seafood New London County
Connecticut Magazine Best of 1998
Reader's Choice Best Seafood, Value + Family Dining New London County
New York Times
"The village of Flanders is known for the seafood at Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant"
Inquiries, constructive feedback, compliments, you are why we are in this business and we love hearing from you!
Please email us at EatLobster@FlandersFish.com
FLANDERS FISH MARKET
seafood marketplace,
restaurant, bar + caterer
est. 1983
22 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
860.739.8866
374 KITCHEN + COCKTAILS
elevated comfort food + craft cocktails
est. 2024
374 Main Street
Niantic, CT 06357
860.850.5107
THE CRESCENT BEACH STAND
seaside quickservice breakfast + lunch
est. 2019 (when FFM assumed operation, although The Stand has been a local institution for decades!)
374 Bayview Avenue,
Niantic, CT 06357
(no phone)