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Harbor Lights Reviews List
Harbor Lights
Harbor Lights is the premier seafood house located in East Norwalk, CT. Located on the Norwalk Harbor, it offers well-prepared, attractively presented and sophisticated fare. Open year round, the glassed-in terrace allows for a comfortably heated dining experience in the winter without losing the outside dining experience in the summer.
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62 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 62 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(44)
- special occasion(27)
- romantic(22)
- neighborhood gem(17)
- fit for foodies(16)
- great for lunch(13)
Harbor Lights Reviews List
Review 1 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for a quiet lunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I totally enjoyed the restaurant! It is a great place to have lunch without breaking the bank. The stuffed shrimp was out of this world! The view of the harbor and boats made the lunch all the better. Our waiter was courteous and not overbearing. I recommend this place!!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 2 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I'd give it a 4 out of 5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was very good, I enjoyed the catch of the day which was the stuffed sole. Service however, was not very attentive. Long wait from the time we ordered until the meal arrived and there was no bread or crackers on the table. Had to look for our server several times for drink ref.ills"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
No Need to Expect Much
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's basically an upscale diner on the water. Noise level makes it virtually impossible to have any kind of conversation. Owner/manager indifferent to the fact that you have just dropped a few hundred in his establishment. A simple thank you and good evening would have been nice as we passed him at the exit. Let's just say that was his only opportunity to ever do that."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 4 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Third time at Harbor Lights!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The views of the Sound on a sunny day, or a spring evening, are spectacular. Almost every table has a great view. The food, as usual, is very good; the wine list as well.
We have been here three times, and have always been delighted!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 5 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Unimpressive building but beautiful view , very good service and food.,"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Mother's Day
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was a busy holiday. Told there were many with the same last name. Not at the reservation time. Pre fixe menu. Bad gazpatcho. Pedestrian food. Ran out of Creme Brulee. Very noisy. Caring waiter. Good location. Not on my top ten in Fairfield County. Did not feel we got value for what we paid for."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 7 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great location on the water. Food and service are terrific and it is a wonderful place to meet friends from NJ, NY, CT & RI since it conveniently located right off of I95."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our family took a friend from Europe to dinner on a Satriday night and we all had a great time. The place was packed by 7:30, with folks waiting to get in..
This is a very good and extensive seafood menu for Fairfield county. I can think of only two seafood places that have somewhat better food -- the Whelk in Westport and Rowayton SF, All three are at about the same price point -- you are paying a premium for the waterfrond location.
The wine list is reasonable and matches the food.
There were off menu items for the kids and they were treated very well.
We had a table for 6 next to the bay window, with a great view. The service was prompt and friendly (and our waiter even spoke French to our friend.)"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were very good. Pretty view right on the water."
Dined on 3/30/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 10 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This place has such potential
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has such potential and needs a new chef/kitchen staff! The setting is beautiful - restaurant juts out into the water with large windows that open to catch the breeze - hard wood floors and crisp linens. The food was horrendous - stale bread was brought to the table - we sent it back and got fresh bread, but honestly - why would stale bread come to the table?! The entrees tasted like an entire salt shaker was emptied on the fish - even the waiter tried it and agreed. And after sending that back too - they didn't even adjust our bill and no sign of the manager to apologize. Definitely won't be going back there and telling all my friends not to go. Sure hoping a new owner/chef/kitchen staff will come in as it is a really pretty venu"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
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Review 11 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
good not great!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was good not great. The value was just moderate, although the food was good, it was very pricey and it felt like an overpriced venue with a great view. Although the service was attentive the manager upon gretting us was not welcoming or even pleasant."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 12 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Noisy but nice. The service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Noisy but nice. The service was good;the food was ok ( se but the setting was lovelyveral dishes should have been hotter upon arrival )"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
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Review 13 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
ScottStamford
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a great place and conveniently located just off the highway and on the waterfront. The food and service were excellent and I will definitely plan a return visit."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Thisd is the second time we
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Thisd is the second time we have eaten at Harbor Lights and again, thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. We like the location and being able to look out over the water. The food is excellent. We'll be back."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food and harbor view was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and harbor view was fantastic!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 16 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WONDERFUL view overlooking
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"WONDERFUL view overlooking the harbor. Easter brunch was delightful. Service outstanding."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't Waste Your Money!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They sat us near the bar area, when a table in the main dining area (with a view of the water) was open and sat open the whole time we were there. They ran out of one of 5 appetizers before we arrived (on a fixed menu). They began re-arranging the tables and setting them for the next day WHILE we were eating our entrees. I would NEVER go back and I would NEVER recommend this restaurant. I have been there before many times, and have been neglected, but this is is the worst."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
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Review 18 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First time here. Just picked
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"First time here. Just picked it off of open table. excellent food.......loved all the windows and the harbor view. Our server was outstanding..... His menu recommendations and care of the six of us was so appreciated....I have recommended to friends...We will be back"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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Review 19 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Came on quiet Saturday lunch.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Came on quiet Saturday lunch. Server is attentive and friendly. Food and drink on time and excellently prepared."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic
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Review 20 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
You could consider to close
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"You could consider to close later"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Four friends for dinner on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Four friends for dinner on Presidents Day. It was very quite. The view was outstanding. The food was good as was the service. The Spanish seafood stew was outstanding. I have given up bread but consumed three pieces sopping up the broth. I would return."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2011
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 22 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great location. Very Limited
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great location. Very Limited menu, but some interesting items. Wouldn't probably rush back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 23 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Best in Norwalk w/ Great Views
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Harbor Lights has Great Food/Great Staff/Great Wine/Great Views, its worth every penny, Enjoy"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 24 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
My husband and I have actually
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I have actually eaten here several times. In the past, we loved it, but this time was quite disappointing. The hostess was incredibly rude when we arrived, the waitress was totally unattentive, we had to ask repeatedly for a wine list, utensils, water, and I noticed several other diners were having the same issues. The food was also tasteless and completely unlike the food from our prior experiences. It was not the same restaurant we fell in love with, and therefore, we will never go back. I cannot believe how quickly the quality of this restaurant dropped."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
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Review 25 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great flood, good atmosphere,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great flood, good atmosphere, ok prices"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 26 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing restaurant. Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing restaurant. Great food. Great service."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 27 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
4 out of 5 ain't bad...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"GREAT looking place, food was very well presented. Dishes looked beautiful. AND the food tasted as delicious as it looked. I've seen well prepared dishes but the food didn't have taste, very bland. The service was fair, because he wasn't knowledgeable on the dishes the chef had prepared that evening. When my dinner date asked about a certain dish he wasn't sure what it came with, or how it was prepared. he was very polite and courteous and was very attentive but lacked food knowledge."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 28 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very Special Water Front Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The water view was very nice and the food is always good.
The open and airy feel make this one of my favorites for any meal from Brunch to a romantic dinner."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 29 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Exceptional
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've eaten at Harbor Lights on a few occasions now and they never cease to amaze me. Spectacular food, ambiance and service."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 30 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Upon arriving we were greeted warmly - informed the greeter that we had made reservations thru OpenTable and they checked and we were taken to a table overlooking the water.
I had checked their menu and was looking forward to Swordfish but when I ordered it I was told they had sold out of it at lunch. The waiter then recommended another fish which was fine. We received excellent service.
Will go back but I will call first to find out if there is any swordfish avialable."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
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Review 31 for Harbor Lights
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was my first visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my first visit to Harbor Lights. I found it to be excellent in every way -- the food was delicious and beautifully presented; the service was attentive and responsive; and the view was lovely. Even on a winter day, it was very enjoyable to take in the panoramic view of the harbor. A lovely respite in February! It must be outstanding in the summer."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Harbor Lights
Based on the average of (31) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate